Joanna James
Hoi An can be an amazing place to visit while in Vietnam, the ancient city has many sites to enthral any traveller. Located in between the green fields of paddy, gorgeous beaches, palm-treed canals, and quaint boutique shops the city of Hoi An is the perfect destination for some girly time away from all of the life stresses.
One of the first things to do after checking in is to head off to the beach for some refreshing time in the sea, cool off and get settled in. Hoi An was once a tranquil fishing village. However, now you can encounter several beachfront hideaways and cafes and many hotels like Anantara Hoi An Resort.
An Bang, in particular, has become quite popular, varying from small cafes serving delicious coconut coffee to trendy clubs with pools and cabanas. Grab a sunbed close to the water, and snack on some fresh spring rolls, crisp calamari, and take in the sun, surf and everything in between.
Once the sun descends it is the perfect time to explore the Ancient Town decked with lanterns. Take a stroll under Hoi An’s luminous lanterns. When hungry, go to Mai Fish Restaurant, to feast on some delicate white rose dumplings and deliciously grilled fish overlooking a flower-strewn courtyard fronting the Thu Bon River.
After dinner, continue to explore the Ancient Town, as there is much to see, evening ambience is beautiful and magical. Shopping is also another option; you can find some top tailors such as Bebe or Mr Xe. As well as encounter some lovely jewellery in shops like Lotus Jewellery located on Tran Phu St. Before ending your night, take a group selfie by the Japanese Bridge before heading back to your accommodation.
Utilize the early morning hours to explore the culture of Hoi An. If interested, you can book an authentic cooking class, go on a cycling tour or attend a handicraft workshop. The activities will, of course, depend on everyone's interests. A cycling session with the girls is also a great way to spend the morning. You can tour around Hoi An unaccompanied and discover the place together, or sign up for a guided tour, with operators such as Grasshopper Adventures, or Heaven and Earth. For cooking classes have a look at My Grandma’s Home Cooking, Red Bridge Cooking School, or Tra Que Water Wheel.
Once the morning’s discoveries conclude, relax and de-stress the afternoon. Find organic body treatments such as scrubs, 60-minute aroma massage, facial treatments, manicures and pedicures.
For personalised therapy, try a session at Luminary Life, where professional and competent therapists address problems with healing techniques such as reiki, sound baths and osteopathy. Thereafter, relax with a cup of tea and a moment of serenity in the evening at a teahouse such as Reaching Out Teahouse.
One of the things to do in Hoi An is to conclude your day on the Thu Bon River, you can book a cruise or just go down to the water around the Central Market and get a good deal on a boat ride. Typically, a 30-minute ride will cost from 200,000 to 300,000 VND, you may have to haggle out a bit to secure the best bargains. Once the sun sets, the chilly breezes and surroundings of Hoi An’s lantern-lit banks are a magical sight.
Before departing, don’t forget to get a glimpse of Hoi An’s Ancient Town devoid of crowds early in the morning ideally before 9 am! Have a coffee and take in the atmosphere of the enchanting streets in perfect solitude or with your best girlfriends.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
