Joanna James
Graceful and delightful, Hoi An is easily one of the most atmospheric towns in Vietnam. For those visiting the ancient port town, here are a couple of things to keep in mind.
Depending on whom you ask, they will say the night markets are one of the most colourful parts of the town or one of the most annoying places. Whoever you believe, a visit to the night markets is mandatory to every visitor. With a wide range of items for sale, most often for dirt cheap prices, the night markets in Hoi An also offer varieties of street food and other delightful items. In addition to all of that you can find live music and street performers who keep up the atmosphere as you shop through these markets to find souvenirs to take back home. Regardless of whether you are in town or at a far away Hoi An river resort, the likes of Anantara Hoi An Resort, a visit here is mandatory!
Bargaining is expected at most places in Hoi An. Unless the price is set, you should generally be able to bargain and lower the price. Rather than getting confrontational, opt for a calmer mode and you will be able to reduce the price down to two-thirds of the original price. Pavement vendors tend to be more flexible with the prices than vendors in retail stores. Of course, if the price does not work for you, do not hesitate to walk out and try elsewhere.
Hoi An is home to some of the most tantalising dishes in the country and there is no better way to dive into the town's cuisine than learning to make the dishes on your own. There are plenty of locations where you can sign up for private classes. Not only will you learn new recipes, you can also get the hang of some of the many spices used by the locals. Consider visiting the local market where you can find the exotic ingredients used by the locals.
Although twenty minutes away by bicycle, the Hoi An beach is a lovely sight that is well worth the effort it takes to get there. The water is calm enough for a quick swim while the fishing boats around give a reminder about the city's ancient past. Another plus point is that the ride to the beach will take you through areas that you will likely miss out on another day. Although you can get a car or taxi, you should consider getting a bicycle to best experience the culture of Hoi An at its finest. Bicycles are easy to rent and a wide number of operators can be found in all parts of the town. They are also much better at going around the town considering some roads are too narrow for cars.
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