Hoi An is an ancient city located in Quang Nam Province in Vietnam. Owing to its strategic location on the South China Sea, the city was the center of spice trade for over four centuries. Due to its long history and influences of different cultures, Hoi An was named World Heritage Site by UNESCO. As a result of the city’s well-preservation and its peacefulness, nowadays it attracts tourists from all around the world.
If you are planning a trip to Vietnam, you must be wondering what to do in Hoi An and here are our suggestions.
The Ancient Temple of My Son
By visiting The Ancient Temple of My Son, you’ll travel through time to the 14th century. These temples are dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. They are positioned in a beautiful valley near a jungle, so not only will you learn about Vietnamese history, but also you will get a chance to explore the wilderness. Interestingly, most of the inscriptions on the temples’ remains are still not translated. Thus they are still holding a great mystery. Unfortunately, most of the temples were ruined in the war; however to this day; they remain one of the most popular sites for tourist in Vietnam.
An Bang Beach
If you are looking for a peaceful place to relax after your expedition to The Ancient Temples, An Bang Beach is the perfect place for you. It is no surprise that this beach is named one of the 50 most beautiful beaches in the world. Apart from enjoying the white sand and crystal clear water, here you can also paddle-board and surf. If you don’t know how to surf and are ready to learn, you can simply sign up for a surfing class.
Hoai River
You can enjoy beautiful sights of Hoi An by going on a boat ride on Hoai River. This river is the symbol of this city. You will experience the life of locals in an entirely different manner by watching their daily routine. The boats are not motor equipped but are steered by local ferrymen, so your journey will be peaceful. Also, during your tour, local ferrymen will tell you interesting facts about the city, thus providing you a whole new experience. If you are visiting Hoi An during a lunar month, take the boat tour at night, because on the 1st and the 15th of the month you will have an opportunity to participate in the lantern night. You can buy a small lantern anywhere and released it in the river during your tour.
Cycling around Hoi An and its surroundings
If you want to tour the larger area of the province, you can rent a bike. Beside old town, tourists usually visit Assembly Hall of Guangdong and Chua Cau or the Japanese bridge which represents the mixture of Vietnamese and Japanese architecture. You can also visit Tra Que vegetable village where basil, lettuce and cilantro are grown naturally. Here you can take a walk through the village, see rice fields first hand and you can also enjoy a cooking class with locals. When visiting Hoi An, Tra Que village is an absolute must see.
What to eat and drink in Hoi An
Hoi An is thought to be a homeland of the best Banh Mi sandwich which is made of fresh ingratiates from Tra Que village. Even though you will have to wait in line to buy this sandwich, once you taste it, you will realize it was worth the time. Vietnam is one of the largest producers of coffee in the world so there’s no point in visiting this country if you don’t taste Vietnamese Iced Coffee. However, if you want to sample some other national drinks, you can savor Sugar Cane Juice, Bubble Tea or Passion Fruit Tea.
As you can see Hoi An has so many different things to offer you. Before you start your journey and exploration of the beautiful sights, make a plan to organize your trip and experience as many things as you can.
