Once a Southeast Asian trading port, this city’s well-preserved architecture is reflective of its past colonial history – and worthy of its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Eat + Drink
A ubiquitous food item in Hoi An is banh mi, described by the late Anthony Bourdain as “a symphony in a sandwich”. Of the many street stalls selling the popular hoagie, Madam Khanh – The Banh Mi Queen is known for offering possibly the best-tasting one. For a true gastronomic experience in a resto, grab a bowl of cao lau, Hoi An’s version of noodles served with pork at Cao Lau Khong Gian Xanh Restaurant. (115 Tran Cao Van; 687 Hai Ba Trưng)
Do
Start your day in the city’s Ancient Town and explore its notable canals and heritage buildings with Chinese, French and Japanese influences either on bicycle, foot or in style on a rickshaw tour. Then, marvel at Hoi An’s iconic landmark, the ornate, centuries-old Japanese Covered Bridge.
Or, get peddling on a bicycle and explore the rice paddy fields through the countryside on a self-guided tour with Jack Tran Tours for a view into traditional Vietnamese farming life. (Quang Nam; Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, 564010, Quang Nam)
Shop
While there’s plenty to shop around at the city’s Ancient Town, Hoi An Night Market serves up a range of traditional apparel, lanterns and silk products, illuminated by the rows of lanterns lining its streets. (Nguyen Hoang, Quang Nam)
Stay
Sleep away from the city at the luxurious Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa (from $135 a night), located by Cua Dai Beach. Or, spend a night on the banks of Thu Bon River at Vinh Hung Emerald Resort (from $58 a night).
Getting There + Around
Though Hoi An doesn’t have an international airport, getting to the city is fairly easy. Book a direct flight to Da Nang via Scoot or Singapore Airlines, then flag a cab or rent a private car to get you to your hotel. Prefer to ride a motorbike down the coast? That works too!
By Melodi Ghui, The Finder Issue 301, December 2019
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