Thai LifeStyle Asia: The best things to do when in Hoi An, Vietnam

28/03/2024
Writer Vichayuth Chantan of LifeStyle Asia Magazine stated: The beautiful city of Hoi An has a bit of everything, and should be on travellers’ radar.

Compared to Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang, Hoi An are also attractive destinations for international tourists. Vichayuth Chantan wrote that Hoi An is a charming city that offers historical beauty and interesting architecture. This is also one of the destinations where visitors will always feel comfortable with the poolside space or walking around the impressive old town.

These best things to do in Hoi An listed down here will surely travellers’ cup of Vietnamese coffee.

Take a stroll through the Hoi An Old Town

Photo: Collection


According to Vichayuth Chantan, Hoi An is also a historical destination. In fact, the city has been recognized as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1999. When strolling around the old town, visitors will have an interesting experience with the charm of the city's historical architecture and the convergence of many cultures.

Chinese-style wooden temples and shops adorn the street, and French colonial buildings with colourful exteriors are worth admiring.

When passing through the small branch of the Thu Bon river that cuts through the city, you will also see the Japanese Bridge (or Bridge-Pagoda). The small branch divides the old town in two. The branch is also a place where tourists can take boats on the river.

Furthermore, the shops along the canal also offer a variety of foods at affordable prices. Cao Lau noodle bowls are a typical dish of the city and are perfectly combined with cold beer.

Take part in the monthly Hoi An Lantern Festival

Photo: Vinpearl

On weekdays, the Ancient Town and Thu Bon River are decorated everywhere with colourful handmade lanterns. However, once a month, the number of those lanterns will triple and the city shines in the moonlit night. This is a celebration of light, colour and tradition as locals and tourists alike tour the city on light boats, enjoying all the festivities along the river.

Visitors will have the opportunity to sample many street foods, buy souvenirs to take home and enjoy the cultural diversity of the Ancient Town.

Hoi An Lantern Festival is held on the 14th day of the lunar month when the moon shines the brightest on those days.

Learn about the region’s history through museums

The museums in Hoi An will be the perfect destination for history lovers or those who want to know more about the lives of local people in the area.

The Precious Heritage Museum and Art Gallery has collected works by French photographer Réhahn over the past 10 years as he continuously collected and displayed collections of photos and artefacts while exploring Vietnam.

The Sa Huynh Cultural Museum is considered by many to be home to some of the most unique collections of Sa Huynh artefacts in Vietnam. Sa Huynh culture is closely associated with the people of Hoi An Ancient Town and the museum currently contains more than 200 artefacts about them.

Hoi An Museum of Trade Ceramics introduces Hoi An as a historical trading port of Southeast Asia, displaying items from around the world since ancient times when it was a place to trade items from Thailand to Persia.

Hoi An Museum of Folklore owns artefacts related to the daily life of Hoi An people such as traditional craft villages, performing arts and related artefacts.

Hoi An Museum of History and Culture is like a film recording the historical periods of the heritage land. This is the place to display more than 350 original artefacts and valuable documents made of ceramic, porcelain, bronze, iron, paper, wood... reflecting the development stages of the urban - commercial port of Hoi An from the Sa Huynh culture period to the Champa culture period and Dai Viet culture. Visiting Hoi An Museum of History and Culture, visitors will get an overview of the historical process as well as the cultural richness of the ancient city.

Additionally, Vichayuth Chantan also suggested visitors to spend an afternoon (or two) at NOX Beach Club enjoying the music, cocktails and its diverse menu dishes of Pho, Banh mi,... or stay and relax by the gorgeous pool at the resort. Vichayuth Chantan also gave out her compliments to the charming hospitality of local people in Hoi An.

https://vietnamtourism.gov.vn/en/post/19775

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