Hoi An is such a quaint, beautiful and historic city characterised by its unique blend of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and French architecture.
It’s a city that seems to have remained untouched by modern life and architecture, which transports you back to another time entirely in Vietnam’s history. Hoi An offers the best of beach life, rural countryside and historical culture within the city’s UNESCO-designated Ancient Town.
It was my favourite place across the entirety of Vietnam and often a highlight must-see destination for all travelers when advising on where to go in Vietnam.
It reminded me of Disney’s Tangled, with all the lights and lanterns at night time, Hoi An has an almost magical feel to it.
Navigate the place on foot, through the streets with no cars or pay a Cyclo Taxi (Three wheeled taxi bicycle) to tour you around.
Hoi An – 7 Must See’s Attractions
Things to do in Hoi An Vietnam
Exploring Hoi An Ancient Town
Hoi An’s Ancient Town buildings are picture-perfect pastel colours, linked with strings of complimenting lanterns, floral metal street signs and candlelit inspired street lights to make you feel like you are in a storybook.
Japanese Covered Bridge
The bridge was built by the Japanese community that lived in Hoi An. You can only cross it on foot and it’s a famous spot for tourists and a good photo opportunity. Try to go early in the morning when it is quieter for the best shots.
Fujian Assembly Hall
The Fujian (Phuc Kien) assembly hall was built and dedicated for residents from Fujian in China. It is a place where they could meet up and socialise whilst living or visiting Hoi An.
Built around 1690 with the main gate added much later, the assembly hall is also a World Cultural Heritage site. There is an entrance fee to visit. However, you can easily sneak into the courtyard to grab a quick photo without notice.
Hoi An Shops
Hoi An Ancient Town has some amazing shops. From modern house decor shops like Sunday (A great Instagram spot), real leather bag and shoe shops, homemade trinket shops and so much more. Hoi An covers all your shopping needs.
Hoi An Market and Tailors
When you are backpacking, putting on the same clothes day after day becomes very boring. We were ready for the famous Hoi An and its Incredible world-renowned tailors.
Hoi An has probably more Tailors than any other shop available. You can also get anything made, at the highest quality for the cheapest price. The options are endless and we went a little bit mad whilst here.
If you are going to get clothes made, make sure to allow for enough time for fittings. Especially as the items are being hand made. You also need to factor your decision to ship them home (suits etc) or take them with you!
It took a total of two days from when we first entered DeeDee’s in the old market to the south of the Ancient Town (by the hospital) to receive our clothes, completed.
A full three-piece suit in Hoi An can cost you around USD 70. We opted for silk wrap skirts and cotton camisole tops for a total of USD 30.
My friend Sophie got a two-piece matching Co-Ord set (see below) for USD $30. You can show the amazing tailors a photo and away they go. Charlie opted for a copy of his swimming shorts, but for normal day wear.
Hoi An Night Market
Hoi An comes alive at night, lit by thousands of colourful lanterns lighting up the night sky. It is a sight to see! Head across the Hoi An Bridge, look below to see the boats on the river, floating dots of colourful lights reflecting off the water.
The Night Market is a great place to buy souvenirs and grab a bite to eat, from crepes, Bahn Mi and more.
Cycle Tour
Make sure to check out the freecycle tours operated by Vietnamese students wishing to improve their English.
You can find these freecycle tours in the Old Town, or set off by yourself. You will cycle through rice fields, see farmers and their buffalo’s.
Get to learn how they make some local food and you will visit the outer parts of Hoi An. With VBH, our cycle tour was linked with our Basket Boat Tour for around $15 per person.
Basket Boats
A highlight of Hoi An! The baskets boats are a combination of bamboo wood, leaves and buffalo poo (its years old and doesn’t smell!). Locally the boats are named the “Thung Chai”. They originate from Vietnam and are considered very valuable for the owners which are mainly used by fisherman in Central Vietnam.
We had a great group of us that made the most of the tour. Our Vietnamese boat guides had a great time spinning us around in all directions. Including making us the most beautiful bamboo leaf jewellery and showing us the best photo spots; not to forget a full-on jungle photoshoot in the coconut forest.
They took us bucket crabbing and stopped in the middle of the river to have a Gangnam style boat party. The boat masters also took the time with music blaring to show us their standing spinning skills, its a miracle they weren’t sick or fell out.
100% A must-do tour when in Hoi An.
Where To Stay In Hoi An
For a complete guide on what to expect with complete travel tips for Hostels, click here!
Vietnam Backpackers Hoi An
Within Vietnam, it is easy when backpacking / travelling to get sucked into the VBH (Vietnam Backpacker Hostel) bubble. We had friends staying at the VBH in Hoi An, so opted to stay here for this city.
Previously, we had experienced a few bad moments whilst staying further down South in VBH’S. So usually we opted to try different hostels to get a different experience in Vietnam beyond VBH and all it has to offer.
VBH Hoi An is located outside of the Old City, where most of the tourist spots and places to visit are located. You can get taxi’s easily or it is around a 20-minute cycle ride into the Old Town (Rented through VBH).
It’s a beautiful modern hostel with five floors, great rooms varying from private to 12-bed dorms. Large communal area’s including a bar and outdoor swimming pool, movie room and more.
All local excursions can be booked within the hostel. Alongside arranging travel to your next destination, North or South. Free breakfast is included, alongside Air Con and WIFI in all areas and rooms.
Hoi An is also a beach city, VBH has a pool club right on the beach that is free to use for VBH Residents. Pool parties and events across both hostel and beach bars are held regularly with travel between the two venues covered with a free minibus.
Price PP PN: $11AUD/ 6GBP.
Tribee Hostel’s
There are two Tribes Hostels within Hoi An, one located within the Old City, one outside. These are good for backpackers and offer a smaller more intimate backpacker experience than VBH.
Paddy’s Hostel & Bar Hoi An
Another lively hostel on par with VBH and Hoi An, located closer to the beach than the above hostels.
All hostels, Hotels & homestays can be found and price compared on websites such as Hostel World & Booking.com. With ratings and feedback readily available, you can make informed choices on what accommodation best suits your needs when visiting the beautiful city of Hoi An.
