Hoi An: what to do in Vietnam's most charming old city?

Hoi An is the soul of Vietnam – a city full of color, light, and charm. Explore its historic streets, sail on a round coconut boat, have an outfit tailored to your needs, and savor delicious local dishes like Cao Lau and coconut coffee.

A city full of stories and charm

During our trip to Vietnam, we flew from Hanoi to Danang . Some travelers stay here for a few days, but we chose to continue on to picturesque Hoi An , just a 45-minute drive away. This former trading town on the Thu Bon River captivates from the very first moment.

In the 16th century, Hoi An was a prosperous port city, where Chinese, Japanese, and European traders converged. Today, Hoi An's Ancient Town is a living museum and a UNESCO World Heritage Site —a place where history, culture, and romance merge.

Strolling through the old town

We wander through narrow streets with yellow facades, wooden balconies, and blooming bougainvilleas . The scent of incense and street food mingles with the soft clinking of bicycles.

One of the city's icons is the Japanese Covered Bridge (Chùa Cầu) , built in the 16th century by Japanese merchants. Inside, incense sticks burn, and outside, children play – life and spirituality flow effortlessly together here.

Not far away lies one of the city's most beautiful temples: the Hoi Quan Phuoc Kien Temple , also known as the Fujian Assembly Hall . This impressive Chinese temple was built in the 17th century by Fujian traders who settled in Hoi An. As soon as you step through the dragon gate, you are surrounded by colorful mosaics, incense coils slowly curling in the air, and altars overflowing with flowers, fruit, and offerings. The atmosphere is both mystical and serene. According to legend, the temple is dedicated to Thiên Hậu , the goddess of the sea, who protects fishermen and sailors. Today, families still come here to pray for good luck and prosperity. It is a place that invites you to pause for a moment of silence and feel the ancient energy of Hoi An.

As evening falls, Hoi An transforms into a fairytale. Thousands of colorful lanterns illuminate the streets and reflect in the river. We board a small bamboo boat and drift gently along the Thu Bon River , amid floating lanterns and soft zither music. It feels like a scene from a dreamy Asian fairytale.

Tasting Hoi An – from banh mi to coconut coffee

Hoi An is a foodie's paradise. At the Central Market, we rediscovered the joy of simplicity: a banh mi from an elderly woman who has been running the same stall for forty years. The bread is crispy, the filling spicy—a perfect balance of flavors.

We also try the local dish Cao Lau , exclusive to this region. It consists of thick rice noodles, pork, bean sprouts, and fresh herbs, all in a light broth. The noodles are made with water from an ancient well, which explains their unique texture.

And then there's the famous coconut coffee – a creamy combination of strong Vietnamese coffee and coconut cream. Sweet, intense, and refreshing all at once.

Made to measure: the magic of Hoi An tailors in Vietnam

Hoi An is world-renowned for its tailor shops . There are reportedly over 400 in the city! On the recommendation of our American friends, we pop into Bi Hanh – a charming shop where hospitality is a given.

We choose fabrics, colors, and styles, while being refreshed with a bottle of water. Within half an hour, our measurements are taken. Less than eight hours later, the suit is ready for us to try on – and it fits perfectly. The quality of the fabrics and the attention to detail are impressive.

The next day we can collect the suit – a timeless memento of Hoi An's charm and craftsmanship.

Between city and sea: relaxation on the beach

After two nights in the city center, we'll spend another six days at the Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort just outside Hoi An. There's a convenient shuttle service that runs back and forth to the city several times a day.

But you can also take the free hotel shuttle from our hotel in Hoi An to An Bang Beach . The atmosphere is relaxed, the sea warm, and the view breathtaking. Perfect for a brief escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Cycling between the rice fields

One of the highlights of our stay is the bike ride through the rice paddies surrounding Hoi An . With a local guide, we explore the countryside, where life is still tangible in its purest form.

We cycle along narrow paths between green rice terraces and palm groves. Along the way, we stop at small farms where local farmers tell us about the process of planting and harvesting rice. We even get to sample some of the fresh herbs and berries that grow abundantly here – from lemongrass to tamarind berries.

The journey gives us a glimpse into rural Vietnam: smiling people, slow-moving buffalo, and children waving by the side of the road. An authentic and heartwarming experience that brings us even closer to the Vietnamese soul.

My Son: The Sacred Forest That Whispers

From Hoi An, we'll take a day trip to My Son , a temple complex hidden in the jungle. The drive there takes us through rice paddies and villages where water buffalo rest in mud pools.

Dating from the 4th to the 14th centuries , the ruins of My Son were once the religious heart of the Cham kingdom . The red-brick temples, dedicated to the god Shiva , are in various states of disrepair—some restored, others overgrown with roots. Yet, the site exudes a serene, spiritual tranquility.

A guide explains how My Son is called the "Angkor Wat of Vietnam," but smaller and more intimate. As the incense rises between the trees, you sense the soul of a vanished civilization.

Practical tips for Hoi An and surroundings

• 🕰️ Best time to travel: February to May – dry and sunny, but not too hot. Avoid September-October (rainy season).

• 🏨 Recommendation: The Saga Hoi An Hotel – centrally located with a shuttle to An Bang Beach.

  Possibly in combination with Bliss Hoi an Beach Resort & Wellness

  

  

  

• 🍜 Dishes not to be missed: Cao Lau , Bánh mì , White Rose Dumplings and of course coconut coffee .

• 🚲 Activity tip: Book a guided bike tour through the rice paddies around Hoi An – perfect for learning about local agriculture and herbs. Book your bike tour here .

• 🛍️ Souvenir tip: have an outfit custom-made by a local tailor – fast, high-quality and affordable.

• 🏯 Day Trip: My Son Sanctuary , a 1-hour drive from Hoi An – book with a guide to fully experience its historical story.