What makes Hoi An so appealing to both domestic and international visitors? It's the ancient charm of the houses, the gentle rivers, the serene nights illuminated by lanterns. Hoi An also tantalizes tourists with its uniquely delicious cuisine. If you're planning a trip to Hoi An and wondering what the ancient town has to offer, this article is here to guide you.
Exploring Hoi An: Must-Visit Destinations
Japanese Covered Bridge
Constructed around the late 16th century, the Japanese Covered Bridge, also known as Cau Pagoda, features a small temple dedicated to the god of weather, Tran Vo Bac De. This bridge attracts visitors with its unique arched architecture, blending Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese, and Western influences. Every tourist visiting Hoi An makes a stop at the Japanese Covered Bridge for souvenir photos. The bridge is particularly beautiful in autumn when the light from lanterns and incense illuminates the surroundings, creating a mystical atmosphere.
The Japanese Covered Bridge - A must-visit spot in Hoi An. (Photo: Internet)
An Bang Beach
What does Hoi An tourism offer for relaxation? The answer lies in the azure sea and white sands of An Bang Beach. Located about 2km from the Old Town, An Bang Beach is peaceful and clean, perfect for activities like watching the sunrise and sunset, kite flying, and canoeing. There are numerous cafes and restaurants around An Bang Beach with beautiful designs where you can enjoy food, take photos, and admire the beach scenery.
An Bang Beach is picturesque and tranquil. (Photo: Internet)
Vinpearl Land Hoi An
This is a new entertainment destination in Hoi An offering various services such as sightseeing, outdoor and indoor activities, water games, traditional village, resort accommodation, and restaurants. At Vinpearl Hoi An, you can relax and enjoy a wide range of activities in a spacious area with European-style architecture.
Vinpearl Land Hoi An - An ideal recreational area for friends and family. (Photo: Internet)
Bay Mau Coconut Forest
What does Hoi An tourism offer for nature enthusiasts? Look no further than the Bay Mau Coconut Forest in Cam Thanh, about 5km from Hoi An Ancient Town. When visiting the coconut forest, you can take a boat ride along the waterways surrounded by endless coconut groves, providing refreshing shade. Apart from exploring the coconut forest, there is also an eco-tourism area with floating huts serving delicious and affordable meals, along with activities such as boat racing and paddling.
Paddling to admire the scenery of Bay Mau Coconut Forest - an unforgettable experience. (Photo: Internet)
Cham Island
From Hoi An, take a car to Cua Dai Beach, then hop on a canoe to Cham Island to witness its pristine and serene beauty. Cham Island captivates visitors with its untouched, peaceful, and vibrant charm. Besides admiring the island scenery and taking photos, you can also partake in various sea activities like marveling at the colorful coral reefs and playful schools of fish underwater. Another enjoyable experience not to be missed is cycling around the island to breathe in the fresh air. If you've traveled to Hoi An, you must allocate time to visit the gem of the East Sea, Cham Island.
Cham Island - The crystalline beauty of the paradise with blue sea and white sand. (Photo: Internet)
Stroll along the Old Town
Hoi An charms visitors day and night with its different enchanting sceneries. While Hoi An shines in the morning with the pink hues of bougainvillea flowers and the distinct beauty of ancient houses, it sparkles at night with lantern lights and the lively sounds of traditional games. Taking a leisurely stroll along the Old Town, capturing memorable photos, will surely be immensely enjoyable.
When strolling around Hoi An Ancient Town, don't forget to visit the lantern-lit streets. (Photo: Internet)
Unforgettable Flavorful Dishes
Ba Buoi Chicken Rice
- Ba Buoi Chicken Rice: 22 Phan Chu Trinh, Hoi An
- Ba Buoi Chicken Rice 2: 18 Dao Duy Tu, Cam Pho, Hoi An
What culinary delights does Hoi An tourism offer? The first dish that comes to mind is the famous Ba Buoi Chicken Rice dating back to the 1950s. Along with the development of Hoi An, Ba Buoi Chicken Rice has increasingly solidified its reputation and is one of the most renowned eateries. The chicken rice here attracts long queues of customers due to the high quality of chicken and rice. The chicken is free-range, neither too tough nor too tender, served with golden, fragrant, and fluffy rice grains. Ba Buoi Chicken Rice menu offers a variety of options: shredded chicken rice, boiled chicken rice, roasted chicken rice, chicken giblet rice, priced from 35,000 VND per serving.
Ba Buoi Chicken Rice - The most famous specialty restaurant in Hoi An. (Photo: Internet)
Cao Lau
Cao Lau stands out with its distinctive thick yellow noodles made from water filtered through Cua Cham Island ash mixed with rice, chewier and crunchier than noodles or Quang-style noodles. The noodles are served with shrimp, meat, fresh herbs, and rice crackers. Hoi An's Cao Lau street has many vendors, but Ba Be's Cao Lau right at Hoi An Market takes the top spot for its delicious taste and affordable price. Despite being just a sidewalk stall at the beginning of the market, it attracts many tourists. A bowl of Cao Lau ranges from 20,000 to 25,000 VND.
Don't forget to savor Cao Lau when visiting Hoi An. (Photo: Internet)
White Rose Dumplings
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White Rose Restaurant: 533 Hai Ba Trung, Hoi An
White Rose Dumplings are a must-try item on the menu of any eatery in Hoi An. Made from meticulously filtered rice flour multiple times, the finer the rice flour, the tastier and chewier the dumplings. The filling is typically made from shrimp, meat, and wood ear mushrooms. The dumplings are served with sweet and sour fish sauce and crispy fried shallots.
White Rose Dumplings - a humble dish but irresistibly delicious. (Photo: Internet)
Smashed Clam Pancakes
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Location: Cross Nam Bridge, Hoi An, about 100m ahead you will find the area for smashed clam pancakes with over 10 specialized stalls selling these two dishes.
Smashed clam pancakes combine the softness of rice cakes with the crispiness of rice paper. Enjoy them with a portion of stir-fried clams seasoned with salty flavors and fragrant spices, and you'll find yourself indulging in the irresistible taste of this rustic dish.
Smashed clam pancakes - fragrant, delicious, and crispy. (Photo: Internet)
Phuong's Banh Mi
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Address: 2B Phan Chau Trinh Street, Hoi An
The distinctive feature of Phuong's Banh Mi is its thin bread, kept warm in a wooden cabinet placed on a charcoal stove before preparation. All ingredients for the banh mi are processed naturally, without the use of frozen items, resulting in an unforgettable flavor. A complete banh mi includes meat, sausage, pate, flavorful sauce, and fresh vegetables. If you're in Hoi An, you must try Phuong's Banh Mi to fully experience the culinary beauty of this charming ancient town.
Phuong's Banh Mi - A renowned dish of Hoi An. (Photo: Internet)
Grilled Meat Rolled in Wet Rice Paper
- Address: Near Hoai River, Hoi An
On a Hoi An tour during cold days, grilled meat rolled in wet rice paper is surely a top choice. Sitting down to enjoy the fragrant aroma of grilled meat on a charcoal stove might just make you feel warmer. Along the Hoai River, it's not difficult to find a stall selling grilled meat rolled in wet rice paper. A plate of enticing grilled meat rolled in wet rice paper consists of soft rice paper, flavorful grilled meat, fresh vegetables, and dipping sauce. This dish will surely fill your hungry stomach during your exploration of Hoi An.
Fragrant and irresistible grilled meat rolled in wet rice paper. (Photo: Internet)
Water Fern Cake
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Address: Water Fern Cake – Mrs. Bay's Water Fern Cake – 02 Hoang Van Thu, Hoi An
Water fern cake is a long-standing local dish in Hoi An and is considered a favorite breakfast choice among locals. The highlight of water fern cake lies in the crispy fried fat meat, served with spicy dipping sauce. A small bowl of water fern cake costs only 2,000 VND but will leave you with an unforgettable taste experience.
Water Fern Cake - A longstanding local delicacy in Hoi An. (Photo: Internet)
Mót Water Drink Hoi An
Address: 10 Tran Phu, Hoi An
What to drink when in Hoi An? Besides the vintage coffee shops with many Instagrammable corners, Mót Water Drink Hoi An is also a beverage that most visitors to Hoi An stop by for a cup.
Mót Water Hoi An is essentially a type of herbal water specially favored here. The shop has a small space, decorated in a vintage style, but still very crowded, mainly with customers buying to take away. The shop is eye-catching from the outside with the herbal pitcher decorated with ancient artifacts such as porcelain bowls, oil lamps. All of this makes this herbal water not only attractive in taste but also visually appealing, carrying a nostalgic charm.
A refreshing glass of Mót water made from various nutritious herbs. (Photo: Internet)
Embark on your discovery journey and experience what Hoi An tourism has to offer right away! If you're still unsure about how to plan your specific itinerary, you can contact Mytour via hotline 1900 636 167, to book tours, flights, and hotels in Hoi An. We are always ready to assist you. Wish you have a wonderful experience in Hoi An!