05 Things to Know About Hoi An as a Traveller – A Captivating City Worth Exploring

Before planning a visit, you should keep in mind that there are two main seasons namely the dry and wet seasons. The dry season which runs from February to July is generally the best time to visit Hoi An since it is characterised by mild temperatures, sunny weather, lower humidity and minimal rainfall. That said, the prices and rates will be higher too! The wet season is usually from August to January and is known for higher temperatures and of course, more rain though you will find periods of sunshine too.

The city's Ancient Town (or Old Town) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the key attractions here. It is amongst Southeast Asia's best-preserved trading ports and those exploring the area will come across traditional 15th century shophouses, Chinese temples, Confucian family shrines and French-colonial structures. Nearby properties the likes of Anantara Hoi An Resort even offer guided tours of this historical quarter where you can also visit the well-known Japanese Bridge and even enjoy some traditional noodles or Vietnamese coffee.

When it comes to exploring Hoi An, things to do after the sun has set should definitely include heading to its colourful night market. This popular site can be found on An Hoi Islet near the Ancient Town and is usually open from 5:00pm to 10:00pm. There are over 50 vendors set up along the street each offering various items and products to catch your eye; these include handicrafts, shoes, bags, coffee, souvenirs, silk, jewellery, local snacks, toys, trinkets and much more. You can even get your name written on a grain of rice!

In Hoi An, countryside tours are also popular since they provide an ideal way to see a whole other side of Vietnam. On your adventures, you can come across everything from farmers working in paddy fields to fishermen engaged in their traditional likelihood, not forgetting the idyllic landscapes that add to the experience. While you can do some exploring on a bicycle, some resorts will also offer various types of excursions too; these can include travelling in sidecars or open jeeps or embarking on Thu Bon River cruises.

Dining in Hoi An is something that foodies can eagerly look forward to since there's such a wide range of local dishes to savour. Those visiting the Ancient Town can try a pork noodle dish called "cao lau" or shrimp dumplings known as "white rose". Not to be missed is a chance to sample the fare on offer at the main night market; a chicken rice dish known as "com ga Hoi An" and a noodle dish called "mi quang" are worth trying along with grilled banana sticky rice and various grilled meat be it chicken, octopus, pork or frog!