Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An is an ancient town on Vietnam’s central coast in Quang Nam Province known for its well-preserved Ancient Town, cut through with canals of Thu Bon River and about 30 kms far from Da Nang Airport

 

Area: 61.4 sq km

Population: 121,712
Dialing Code : 0510

 

The lovely old town Hoi An has never lost its attraction with charming ancient architecture lying besides the poetic Thu Bon River. Once in the full moon night, the glistening lanterns harmonized with the mysterious incense fragrance on the Japanese and Chinese houses will bring you to the very long memories ago.

GEOGRAPHY
Located on the banks of Thu Bon River in Quang Nam Province and about 25 kms from Da Nang Airport. The average elevation is 13 metres  above sea level, Bordering with Dien Ban District to the North West, Duy Xuyen District to the South West and the East Sea to the East. Hoi An is about 800kms from Hanoi and 850 kms from Ho Chi Minh City. This used to be  a major Southeast Asian trading port in the 16th and 17th centuries.

WEATHER AND CLIMATE

Hoi An has two main seasons during the year: rainy and dry seasons. The rainy season lasts from September to January with heavy rains which can cause floods the highest precipitation is in October with the average of 680mm. The dry season is between February and May when the weather becomes very mild with moderate temperature and less humid. The hottest period is from June to August when the highest temperature can reach 40°C during day time. November to January will be the coldest months with an average temperature of 20 °C, the lowest temprature is about 16°C.
Calm mild weather is now limited to the season of May/June - end of August when the seas are calm and wind changes direction and comes from the South. The remainder of the year the weather is intermittent between rain & cold and hot & mild.

TRANSPORTATION
By Air : Hoi An Ancient Town is 25 kms far from Da Nang International Airport and 80 kms from Chu Lai Airport so It's easy to get to Hoi An by Air from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or some other Cities in Vietnam and International Airport : Singapore, Siem Reap, Bangkok...
Railways: Hoi An is in the center of Vietnam and also closed to Da Nang Railway Station ( 30kms) and Tam Ky Railway Station ( 60km)  so It's very easy to catch Vietnam Union Trains from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City and vice versa, they stop in these train stations everyday.
Buses: Hoi an is 9kms from the Highway No1 connecting Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City, so there are many buses every day with high quality sitting buses or sleeping buses. At the bus stops, you can catch a taxi or grab bike to Hoi An. There are also Shuttle buses from Da Nang or other provinces go directly to Hoi An Center.

SEE and DOs

Ancient Town: The town itself has an antique attraction with very old houses and structures, among them are the Japanese covered bridge, Tan Ky house, Tran family chapel, Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese congregation, Phuoc Lam pagoda, Tran Duong house. Many buildings in the Old Town were constructed over a century ago and feature strong Chinese influences stemming from merchants from Guangzhou, Fujian, Chiu Chow and Hainan. Some of the wooden signboards bearing the company names are carved and gilded in Chinese characters, reflecting the strong presence of the Chinese in Hoi An ever since its prosperous times.
Walking streets at every night from 18h00-22h00 will be best choice for your to explore the ancient town.

Hoi An Night Market
: Located in Nguyen Hoang Street, closed to Thu Bon River, open from 19h00 to 23h00 selling street foods, souvenir and clothing with cheap prices.

                    Rowing boat in Thu Bon River
Rowing boat in Hoai River :
Hoai river is a branch of Thu Bon River runs through Hoi An Ancient Town. Take a boat trip during day time or night time to enjoy the beauty of Hoi An Ancient Town must be a good experience for the tourists.
 

My Son Holy Land: My Son is about 45kms from Hoi An Center. It was the capital and religious center of Cham Kingdom from 7th to 13th Century, now remaining with red brick towers and sanctuaries. My Son, considered being in the same league as some of Southeast Asia's greatest archaeological sites, including Angkor in Cambodia, Bagan in Myanmar, Ayutthaya in Thailand and Borobudur in Indonesia. These towers and sanctuaries were built from the 7 to 13 centuries.

Cua Dai Beach: Only 5kms from Hoi An town, Cua Dai beach is a ravishing small beach with white smooth sand and cleanly emerald water. This is also home for numerous luxury resorts and hotels. An ideal place for your relaxation. but Now Cua Dai beach is suffer from tide so the beach is not so beautiful anymore.

                              An Bang Beach
An Bang Beach:
This tranquil and lovely beach lies quietly 5kms away from Hoi An centre and 3 kms from Cua Dai Beach. This is favorite rendezvous for both local and expats, an ideal place to relax or take a siesta.

Cham Island: The pretty island has its history dated back from 2500 years ago yet only came to be widely known  after the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Cu Lao Cham - Hoi An was created in May 2009. The attractive place for ecotourism diving and snorkeling. However, the changeable weather is also a challenge to approach the island.
 

Hoi An cooking class: One of the most fascinating things to do in Hoi An is to join a cooking class to learn how to make some Vietnamese specialities. Try the feeling of doing everything from choosing ingredients, making food to cooking it by yourselves and have an unforgettable moment in your holiday.

"Cooking class with Red Bridge School": Thon 4 Cam Thanh, Hoi An, Vietnam

"Morning Glory restaurant": 106 Nguyen Thai Hoc str., Hoi An, Vietnam

"Tra Que Water Wheel": Tra Que village, Hoi An, Vietnam
 

Hoi An Tailors: It is a pity to leave Hoi An without having any outfit made. Since the notable silk trading continues to thrive today, the tailor’s in Hoi An utilize their magic to produce excellent quality clothes at bargain prices for the seemingly endless passing trade.
Yaly Couture : 358 Nguyen Duy Hieu str, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An
Thu Thuy Silk : 60 Le Loi Str, Minh An Ward, Hoi An
A Dong Silk - Bespoke Suite : 40 Le Loi Str, Minh An Ward, Hoi An
Mr Xe Tailor : 71 Nguyen Thai Hoc str, Minh An ward, Hoi An

Phuong Nam Tailor: 15 Tran Phu str., Hoi An

Hoang Kim Tailor: 57 Nguyen Thai Hoc str., Hoi An

Blue Eyes Tailor: 48 Nguyen Thai Hoc str., Hoi An
B'Lan Silk : 23 Tran Phu str, Hoi An
Bao Khanh Silk : 101 Tran Hung Dao str, Hoi An
 

Hoi An Eco tour: Enjoy the friendly environment activities with soft eco tour highlights on fishing and farming procedure and gain some hands-on experience. You can join farming tours to Tra Que vegetable village or fishing tours to Bay Mau Water coconut forest....

             Tra Que Vegetable Village
Hoi An central market: The city market is right on the waterfront and is a wonderful place to stroll around and have a snack, local handy crafts or look for a good bargain. You can also find most of Hoi An specialities in food courts in this market with very cheap prices.

Add: Tran Quy Cap str., Hoi An, by Thu Bon river


EAT & DRINK   
We must say Hoi An  is the best place for the street food and specialities. Hereunder We list the feature food those you should not miss.

Com Ga (chicken rice): This is one of the most famous foods in Hoi An That everyone will try in their Hoi An trip,a dish of sticky rice cooked with boiled chicken warer, turmeric, fragrant leaves and mixed with torn-off boiled chicken, herbs. Perfected with one kind of special sauce.
Com ga ba Buoi:  22 Phan Chu Trinh
Com ga ba Nga : 8 Phan Chu Trinh str, Hoi An
Com ga ba Huong: 48 Le Loi str, Hoi An
Com ga Long : 53/18 Phan Chu Trinh str, Hoi An
Com ga Tho : 190 Ly Thuong Kiet str, Hoi An
Com ga ba Thuan : 17/4 Hai Ba Trung str, Hoi An
Com ga Xi : 47/2 Hai Ba Trung str, Hoi An
Com ga ba Lam : 21 Phan Chu Trinh str, Hoi An

Noodle Soup ( Pho): Vietnam is very famous for Pho, many people think that Pho Ha Noi is the best, but if you try Pho Hoi An, you will have different thinking about Pho. Pho Hoi An has different taste to other Pho in Vietnam with bean and galic in the soup, pickled onions ...
Pho Tung : 51/7 Phan Chu Trinh str, Hoi An
Pho Lien: 2B La Hoi str and 165 Le Hong Phong str, Hoi An
Pho Tien : 133 Tran Hung Dao str, Hoi An
Pho Muoi: 363 Cua Dai str and 46 Huynh Thuc Khang str, Hoi An
Pho Dong Lien: 482 Cua Dai str, Hoi An

Banh Mi Hoi An (Baguette): There is no doubt, Banh Mi Hoi An is one  of the best food in the World, you can find it in many famous newspaper such as CNN, ABCnews...It's also the favourite food of Mr Anthony Bourdain and Mr President Obama When visiting Hoi An. people called it the best sandwiches, best breakfast... Banh mi Hoi An is a mixture of a crispy, light, fluffy bread, usually filled with cold cuts of meat, pate, pickled carrots, daikon and coriander.

                          Banh Mi Phuong
Banh Mi Phuong: 2B  Phan Chu Trinh str, Cam Chau ward, Hoi An
Banh Mi Madam Khanh: 115 Tran Cao Van str, Hoi An
Banh Mi Lanh: 430 Cua Dai str, Hoi An
Banh Mi Bich: 51 Phan Chu Trinh str, Hoi An

Cao Lau: means " high floor" Why this name? in the past Hoi An was a big trading port of South Easst of Asia the businessmen used to sit on the high floor to eat this dish to take care of the goods in the port. Cao Lau is in a dish of rice noodles which is refered to "Pho" but alike pasta. However, the sauce is totally different. The noodles are topped with slices of roast pork, dough fritters, and lots of fresh herbs and veggies. It has different tastes to other kinds of foods in Vietnam.
Cao lau Thanh : 26 Thai Phien str, Hoi An
Cao lau Lien: 21B Thai Phien str, Hoi An
Cao lau Ba Be: 19 Tran Phu str, Hoi An
Cao lau Khong Gian Xanh : 687 Hai Ba Trung str, Hoi An
Cao lau Trung Bac : 87 Tran Phu str, Hoi An
Cao lau Ong Ty: 71 Phan Chu Trinh str, Hoi An
Add: Ba Be restaurant, Van Loc restaurant, Tran Phu str., Hoi An

Banh bao vac: a type of shrimp dumpling made from translucent white dough bunched up to look like a rose.
White Rose: 533D Hai Ba Trung str, Hoi An
Trong com restaurant: 92 Bach Dang str, Hoi An
Trung Bac restaurant : 97 Tran Phu str, Hoi An

Wonton dumplings ("Hoanh Thanh"): Wontons are a type of Chinese dumpling. Hoanh Thanh is the Vietnamese equivalent and they are made primarily out of ground pork.There are many ways to cook wontons. They can be steamed, boiled, pan-fried, deep-fried or a combination of these techniques (pan-fried first then add a little bit of water to steam with a covered lid), much like pot stickers.
Nguyen Loi : 78 Tran Hung Dao str, Hoi An
Hoang Ky : 67 Tran Phu str, Hoi An
Anh Dung : 14 Ba Trieu str, Hoi An
Van Loc restaurant : 27 Tran Phu str, Hoi An

Gieng Ba Le ( Ba Le Well): is a very famous local restaurant which specializes in serving many local typical dishes of Quang Nam province such as banh xeo, grilled spam, grilled meat, spring rolls.With a spacious outdoor garden which is very airy and clean and good prices
Add: 45/51 Tran Hung Dao str, Hoi An

For restaurants please click this link for the list of restaurants in Hoi An

HOI AN NIGHTLIFE - BARS AND CAFE

Though Hoi An is famous for turning its lights off early, there are still plenty of things to do when the lanterns are on.

   

A lot of Bars and cafes with live music in walking streets, especially in Nguyen Phu Chu street, on the banks of Thu Bon River. you can easily find one that is suitable for you. Besides, you can also find alot of good ones in the town.

Mango Mango:
Located next to Hoi An’s famous Japanese Covered Bridge, funky Mango Mango is a stylish place to share a bottle of wine. Relaxing and chic, the red lacquer bar is smartly accompanied by cocktail tables and an extensive choice of drinks. Latin-inspired music adds to the ambience and there is also a selection of succulent food on offer.

Add: 45 Nguyen Phuc Chu, Hoi An

Why Note Club Bar Hoi An: Why not bar club belongs to Project Q based in Hoi An, Vietnam and established in 2023. Although newly opened but this has become one of the best bars in Hoi An for night life
Add: 55 Nguyen Phuc Chu Str, Hoi An

New Club 92
is in the middle of the prosperous Old Town, the city with the rich development of culture and art, various types of entertainment, especially the nightlife model. New 92 Club pioneers and leads the trend to bring a classy and effective playground with luxurious space, the most modern lighting technologies promise to bring great emotions to all customers.
Add: Bo Ho 1 Str, Cam Ha Ward, Hoi An

Double Cat Bar:
Opened in June 2019 . Known for its friendly staff and fun atmosphere. Double Cat serves home made foods ( Dumplings, Wonton Soups, Salads…), accompanied by a wide range of cocktails, spirits, wines etc. We are currently open everyday from 11am until late. “ An Bang Beach is Awesome BUT the First Our Cocktails.
113A Phan Van Vinh Str, An Bang Beach, Hoi An

Barconcú Classic Bar: A chill and cozy classic bar for all locals and travelers when you come to visit our amazing Hoi An ancient town 🎨 Paint & Sip Thursday Night 🎸 Live Music Saturday Night ❤️Cocktail Hours: 17.00 - 19.00
Add: 121 Ba Trieu Str, Minh An Ward, Hoi An

Shore Club, An Bang Beach: A private beach side oasis steps from the hustle and bustle of An Bang Beach. Experience our world-class cocktails, vast selection of beer and wines and outstanding local and international cuisine served up with our signature style of warm, welcoming hospitality and service. Relax in one of our private cabanas with the kids, grab a day bad overlooking the ocean or indulge in a VIP cabanas to lounge the day away.
Add: An Bang Beach, Hoi An

Heliport Nightclub - Hoi An:
Expext the best vibes and music at heliport nightclub! DJ's from all over the world playing some great techno/house/ urban. Let's rave till sunrise.
Add: 27 Le Quy Don Str, Cam Pho Ward, Hoi An

The Deck Hoi An:
Located on the Top floor of Royal Hoi An Hotel, this is the highest rooftop bar in Hoi An with sweeping views overlooking Hoi An and Thu Bon river. Just 5 -10 minute walk along Thu Bon river to the ancient town
Add: 39 Dao Duy Tu Street, Hoi An

Velvet Club was opened in July 2022 and soon become the best night clubs in Hoi An for youngsters. The club is well equiped with modern and super sound and light systems, famous DJs and excellents drinks.
Add: 15 Thoai Ngoc Hau Str, Minh An Ward, Hoi An

Tam Tam cafe:
The mainstay of Hoi An nightlife during the nineties when Hoi An's first new wave of travellers began arriving. These days it’s a decidedly quiet affair but it’s still a beautiful building and a pleasant spot for a drink and a chat.

Add: 110 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Hoi An

Woop Woop Bar :
 Just a friendly bar with the feel of you being around a friends house with mates.foods and drinks at good prices
Add: 114/3 Thai Phien str, Hoi An



                               The Shamrock
The Shamrock Irish Pub Hoi An:
The first and only pub in Vietnam serving Guinness Draught. The Shamrock is a true Irish Pub located on the beautiful riverside in Hoi An Ancient Town. Due to COVID-19 we have temporarily shortened our  opening hours. Daily Happy Hour from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Live music every night, big screen live sports, proper pub food and kitchen open till late.
Add: 21 Nguyen Phuc Chu str, Hoi An

King Tiger Tiger Bar: is the backpacker bar of choice. It’s invariably packed while other bars nearby sit abandoned and forlorn. Why? Once you get past the al fresco setting by the street you’re in a full-on dance club that plays music the under-30s really want to hear and move to. It’s that simple. Check out our full guide to Tiger Tiger in Hoi An below.
Add: 65 Nguyen Phuc Chu str, Hoi An


The DeckHouse An Bang Beach:
is the perfect place to spend the whole day, enjoying meals with friends, relaxing on the sun lounges and sipping cocktails on the terrace overlooking the beach.
Add: An Bang Beach, Hoi An

Salt Pub & Restaurant: Add to your Beachside experience with a visit to Salt Pub & Restaurant. This ocean view bar is part of Beachside Boutique Resort and is situated just across the road from the resort. Expect to find beautiful views, top class service, delectable dishes and unique selection of Gin, Rum, spirits and craft beers. Order a ice bucket of beers from our garden or beach lounges and enjoy the finer things in life in true Beachside style.
Add: 32 Nguyen Phan Vinh, An Bang Beach, Hoi An