HOI AN

HOI AN – The Beauty Of Time

Hoi An which was recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1999 its an ancient town in Vietnam’s Quang Nam province . Before the 19 century Hoi An used to be a busy international trading port that gave Hoi An a chance to develop differently from other towns in Vietnam. The most significant change was in the architecture,which will impress tourists the most. In 2019, Hoi An got the award “the best city in the world” according to Travel and Leisure magazine voted by visitors.

1. Why visitors love Hoi An?

– Less Traffic (the fear of many foreign tourist when they come to Vietnam):

The roads were built in the old style, they are small and don’t have much room for motor vehicles, most roads in the town prohibit cars. They also have many pedestrian-only and non motor vehicle streets.

(some recommend that you should rent a bike (or maybe a vespa) to go around and enjoy the calm, ancient atmosphere).

– Diversified food (Hoi An has the most influential cuisine in the region):

Kings in the old regime built their palaces near Hoi An as a result it forced dishes in this region to be more diverse,sophisticated and striking from colour to taste.

One of thousand reasons that keep tourists coming back to Hoi An is the vegetarian and vegan foods. A visitor said that “The food in Hoi An was the best in Vietnam. Amazing vegetarian and vegan options such as Hoi An exclusive white rose.”

Foods in Hoi An are cheap and easy to find. Food vendors fill every inch of the street from alleys sidewalks to storefronts.

– Specific and interest goods/ souvenir (many interesting things you can only find in Hoi An:

– Friendly and beautiful (the last reason but it’s the most important one):

2. How can you get there?

Hoi An is just a small town of Quang Nam province, so it does not have its own airport or train station. However, it stays next to Da Nang city which has the busiest international airport and train station of Vietnam.

When you arrive Da Nang, there are 3 options to get to Hoi An:

– By taxi (20 ~ 25 CAD): It will take you 45 to 55 minutes, this is the most convenient option. (tips: you should ask the driver about the cost before you go,or you can download the app ” Grab” to book a car or a bike, this app use like “Uber” and “Lylf” but it can be paid by cash, usually it’s cheaper than taxi and harder to be cheated).

-By bus (1,7 CAD): It will take you 70 to 80 minutes, from 5:30am to 6pm, one bus after each 20 minutes. (tips: watch your bag carefully!!!).

– Rent a motorbike (like vespa) (5 ~ 20 CAD/ per day):  you should rent for 2,3 days and use its for your trip. (tips: you should ask for a contract and make sure the cost of whole trip, and check your motorbike and brake carefully).

3. How to enjoy the perfect Hoi An trip ?

– Discover ancient architecture (the heart of Hoi An) :

Old houses which you can go inside and explore. ( An old house recommended to visit: old house of Phung Hung, old house of Tan Ky,…).

Japanese covered bridge is the most popular architecture in Hoi An which is also printed on Vietnamese money.

The pagoda in Hoi An is not only beautiful but also an interesting cultural experience.( recommended visit: Fujian Assembly Hall, Cantonese Assembly Hall,…).

Discovery Hoi An alley:

– Food (besides white rose mentioned on the top, these are some dishes which you can ignore) :

Cao lau and Quang’s noodle or my Quang, these two dishes are not only Quang Nam’s special dishes but also Hoi An’s, they looks quite similar , even Vietnamese many people still confused between them , but they are totally different. However, they are really tasty, so you should spend time to try both of them.

Mót- Hoi An traditional herbal drink.

Com Ga Hoi An – Hoi An’s Chicken Rice which is really close with Vietnamese people.

Banh Beo is a typical dish of Vietnamese Middle region.

Banh Xeo (Vietnamese pancake) is different from the Sound to the North, so let’s try Banh Xeo from the Middle.

Banh My, If you know and like this Vietnamese dish, you should try it in Hoi An. Hoi An’s banh my will surprise you with different taste.

Hoi An Grill Meat, the taste you can’t find elsewhere.

Wide range of sweet soup.

Some dessert you can find along Hoi An street:

– Hoi An at night (at night is the most beautiful time to walk around under the lantern lit streets):

Bai choi is a traditional game appeared more than 400 years ago.

Night market where you walk around, buy all kind of foods and souvenirs.

Dropping flower post in Hoai river is the main activity when people visit Hoi An, the best time for travel to Hoi An is during the full moon days and mid-autumn festival when the flower post festival is held.