Situated along the south central coast of Vietnam, Hoi An is an outstanding example of a well-preserved an-cient town that has been designated a World Heritage Site. Known as Faifo in the past, it was a major port town that boasted multi-cultural influences from the 16th – 18th centuries. Today, it is a quaint and pictur-esque town that can be easily explored on foot.

Where to go in Hoi An?

Hoi An’s tailors are renowned for their high workman-ship, so be sure to shop for tailor-made clothes. Do also shop for interesting souvenirs such as silk lanterns and custom made jewelry. Head to the Old Town where his-torical sights await. There, you can cross the Japanese covered bridge, stroll through the cultural halls, enjoy a traditional music performance, and explore the layout of an ancient house.

Just a few kilometers out of town, Cua Dai Beach’s golden sands provide a nice place to unwind over fresh seafood. Explore the small villages on a bicycle and dis-cover artisans crafting pottery in the narrow streets. For day trips out of Hue, opt for the historical Cham stat-ues at My Son or to the Marble Mountain where caves, temples and magnificent views await at the summit.

Where to stay in Hoi An?

Situated close to the old town, the Ha An Hotel offers a pleasant stay amid its shophouse-style property and manicured gardens. For a luxurious resort stay, it has to be The Nam Hai which sits on a tranquil stretch of palm-lined beach facing China Sea. Overlooking the scenic Do River and lush paddy fields, the gorgeous Life Resort is highly favored for its proximity to Cua Dai beach and the old quarter.

Where to eat in Hoi An?

In Hoi An, do not miss the local specialty Cao Lau which is a dry noodle dish with a tantalizing touch. Other deli-cacies include Hoa Hong (white ‘rose‘ dumplings) and Mi Quang (noodle soup with a foray of ingredients). With only 6 tables, the seafood specialty restaurant Hoi An Hai San features a cozy and intimate atmosphere but pre-booking is required if you want guaranteed seats. The funky Mango Rooms serves fusion food at its best – delectable dishes with great visual appeal. If you are eager to learn local culinary recipes, be sure to join in the cooking classes at Tra Que Organic Vegetable Vil-lage which produces the country’s finest organic food. For an original culinary experience in Hoi An, indulge in a private picnic on a deserted beach on the Cham Island (accessible by speedboat).

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