Joanna James
Set on Vietnam's central coast is a city still stuck in the glorious past, bathed in breathtaking old-world charm. Venture out in the charming seaside city and tour the fascinating wonders that define Hoi An. Enjoy a blissful experience packed with history, culture and spectacular sightseeing.
A UNESCO World Heritage site and arguably the biggest draw of Hoi An that puts the city on the map for most tourists—the Ancient Town in Hoi An takes you back in time to a paradisiacal world that's still stuck in the days of yore. Covering a whopping 30 hectares, the enchanting old-world quarter is chock-full of striking ancient architecture, with a maze of canals adding to the scene. Stroll the laid-back vehicle-only streets and let yourself lose in the atmospheric setting.
The Japanese influence on Hoi An was pretty heavy back in the day, and the incredible Japanese Covered Bridge—or Chùa Cầu, as it is known locally—is the most prominent artefact that represents the Eastern Asian nation's significance in the ancient city. The 18-metre bridge dates back to the 18th Century AD and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Hoi An, popular for its striking architectural magnificence. It's a bridge with a roof on top, which also has an ancient temple sitting on top of it, making the iconic landmark even more impressive.
As the sun goes down and the darkness descends upon you, Nguyen Hoang Street in the heart of Hoi An gets lively with hordes of buzzing vendors lining the street with stalls. Make your way to the 300-metre-long street that stretches overlooking the Thu Bon River—grab a bite to eat from one of the many streetside stalls, pick up a few pieces of authentic clothing, jewellery, or souvenirs to take back home or simply stroll through the bustling marketplace and take in the atmospheric scene.
The charming city of Hoi An on Vietnam's central coast is bordered by a string of picture-postcard beaches and An Bang Beach is arguably the most stunning of the bunch. Palm-fringed pristine white sand, kissed by turquoise blue waters with the sight of Cham Islands in the wide-open seas—if this doesn't blow your mind away, nothing will. Lounge under swaying palms, bask in the soothing sun and gaze into the horizon as you immerse yourself in the idyllic seaside aura.
Visiting the Hoi An Museum—also known as the Museum of History and Culture—is without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Hoi An. After indulging in a dose of fascinating Vietnamese history, retreat to one of the finest hotels in the city, including the likes of Anantara Hoi An Resort.
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