Hoi An

Being designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999 speaks a lot about this old-world gem. From Vietnam’s most important port and trading post of the 16th century, Hoi An has transformed into quaint old town with about 844 historical landmarks. The fusion of Chinese and Japanese culture left by traders passing by Hoi An is reflected in these said structures.

Getting Around

Hoi An is so small that it would be laughable to explore it via automobiles. The way to go is on foot or on motorbikes. This is also a great way to visit the outer regions of the city. Motorbikes cost only $3 to 5$ a day.

Things to See

There are a lot of good nooks and crannies scattered around Hoi An. Just wander around the streets and you’ll come across historic homes and temples. In between, you can lounge in open air cafes or test the strength of your taste buds (and stomach at that!) by trying some exotic food.

For a more leisurely tour, you can take a sampan ride down the river.

If you happen to be visiting Hoi An on a full moon, a delightful sight will welcome you at night when local shop owners turn off the electricity and hang lanterns bearing their shop’s name. Later on, a candlelight procession takes places where few small floats glide through the Old Town.

Where to Stay

With a small area like Hoi An’s, there aren’t many dwelling options. But lack of those grandiose hotels actually helps retain the town’s charm. Accommodations are usually cozy and quaint. If you plan to make shopping a major part of your itinerary, choose a place to stay by the river on the southeast side of the city. Here, you will find endless stalls of exotic food and a big shed for silk tailoring.