Joanna James
The unmissable destination on every Vietnam itinerary—Hoi An on the charming central coast takes you back in time to the Vietnam of centuries past. Authenticity abounds in the idyllic city, offering a plethora of exciting activities that treat you to the traditional Vietnam experience.
The undisputed crown jewel of the charming city, Hoi An’s Old Town, is one not to be missed. After all, it is what single-handedly put Hoi An on the map for almost all its tourists. The UNESCO-listed, 15th-century trading port invites you to a lovely old-world quarter, where yellow-bathed French Colonial architecture, atmospheric streets, a serene riverfront promenade, and scores of colourful lanterns set the scene. Sights to be admired and experiences to be had in the Ancient Town are absolutely plentiful, but the picturesque Japanese Bridge sure does grab the spotlight, thanks to its undeniable architectural magnificence.
The beaches of Hoi An may not be talked about as much, but it definitely would be a pity not to indulge yourself in a slice of sun, sand, and sea in the beautiful coastal city. Cua Dai and An Bang are virtually the only beach options for tourists to Hoi An; while the former is the closest, the latter is the most favoured among tourists and locals alike.
Fun, exciting, and fascinating things to do in Hoi An may be plentiful, but your holiday wouldn’t be complete without getting a taste of authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Embark on an exploration of local cuisine, indulging in mouth-watering traditional dishes at one of the finest hotels or resorts the likes of Anantara Hoi An Resort, and let your taste buds revel in the blend of traditional flavours to unleash the true foodie in you.
Traditional shopping experiences make a classic element of any holiday, and Hoi An is certainly no exception. As the sun goes down and the darkness descends on the lovely city, make your way to the vibrant Hoi An Night Market for a slice of traditional Vietnamese shopping and oodles of authentic nightlife experiences. Browse through the merchandise galore, pick up a traditional souvenir or two, or grab a bite to eat from the host of streetside food stalls.
A short boat ride off the coast of Hoi An, the 8-island archipelago of Cham Islands is a favoured destination among tourists to the city for snorkelling and scuba diving. Hon Lao is the largest as well as the most popular in the archipelago. It is one of the most popular attractions on the island is its long, white beach, which is eagerly awaited by many visitors.
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