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Hoi An Travel Guide
Buddha’s Birthday (Vesak Day) – Festivals in Hoi An Vietnam
Known locally as Phat Dan, Buddha’s Birthday in Vietnam falls on the 15th day of the fourth lunar month and serves as a major time for spiritual reflection and acts of charity. Devotees across the country honor this day by
Le Hoi Vegan Banh Mi – Best Banh Mi in Hoi An Old Town Vietnam
Le Hoi Banh Mì Chay is a celebrated street-side stall in Hoi An that crafts flavorful plant-based sandwiches using seasoned tofu, mushrooms, and savory mock meats. Each baguette is finished with a signature sauce and fresh local herbs, offering a
Bougainvillea in Hoi An Old Town – Hoi An in March, April & May
Vibrant bougainvillea vines cascade over the iconic yellow walls of the Ancient Town, creating a striking contrast against the teal shutters and dark wooden architecture. These blooming paper-flowers often frame quiet alleyways and riverside cafes, offering some of the most
Madam Khanh (Banh Mi Queen) – Best Banh Mi in Hoi An Old Town
Madam Khanh, famously known as the “Banh Mi Queen,” serves legendary Vietnamese sandwiches featuring a rich combination of homemade pâté, char siu, and secret sauce. This iconic stall in Hoi An is widely considered a rival to Banh Mi Phuong,
Hoi An Central Market’s Food Hall – Things to Do in Hoi An Old Town
Hoi An Central Market’s Food Hall is a bustling indoor space where dozens of local vendors serve traditional Vietnamese specialties from compact stalls. It offers an affordable way to sample regional staples in a vibrant, communal atmosphere. In this article,
Banh Mi Phuong (Anthony Bourdain Banh Mi), Hoi An Old Town
Banh Mi Phuong is a world-renowned sandwich shop in Hoi An, famously catapulted to international stardom after being hailed by the late Anthony Bourdain as the “best in the world.” The stall is celebrated for its complex layers of pâté,
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Hoi An Basket Boat Ride: Location, Time, Cost, Tours & More
[Updated in November 2024] ‘Basket boat’ is a small round bamboo boat used by fishermen in central Vietnam, including Hoi An. Here, locals use it to carry visitors to explore the water coconut forests and participate in fascinating activities on
Hoi An Self Guided Walking Tour: The Best Old Town Itinerary
The Hoi An Old Town is a Unesco heritage site in Vietnam. The best way to explore it is walking and in many hours of the day, its main streets are just for pedestrians. The best attractions and historical sites
Hoi An’s Countryside – Non-Touristy Things to Do in Hoi An
Hoi An’s countryside is as stunning as Hoi An’s Old Town. It’s part of the Thu Bon River Delta that stretches around an area of 450,000 km2. Here, visitors can see peaceful villages, vast green or yellow rice fields, calm
Hoi An Lantern Boat Ride: Location, Timing, Prices, Tours & More
[Updated in November 2024] When the sun goes down, the boat ride on the Hoai River is one of things not to miss in Hoi An. It’s popularly known as ‘Hoi An lantern boat ride’ because people will release paper
My Son Sanctuary Travel Guide – World Heritage Site in Vietnam
My Son Sanctuary is a complex of ancient Hindu temples and ruins, a Unesco world heritage site, and a popular tourist attraction in Da Nang/Hoi An. It served as the holy land for Cham kings to worship Shiva God, from
Hoi An Old Town Travel Guide – World Heritage Site in Vietnam
[Updated in November 2024] The Hoi An Old Town (or Hoi An Ancient Town) is the most famous tourist attraction in Hoi An city, Vietnam. It’s a well-preserved trading port dating back from the 15th to 19th centuries, with yellow
Quick facts about Hoi An
Area | Population | Time zone | Currency |
60 km2 | 152,160 | GMT +07:00 | Vietnam dong (VND) |
Official languages | Best time to visit | Days to stay | Tour operator |
Vietnamese | March-August | 3 | HOIAN DAY TRIP Limited Company |
Hoi An on Map
JAPANESE BRIDGE - SYMBOL OF HOI AN
The Japanese Covered Bridge stands as the definitive architectural and historical symbol of Hoi An. Originally constructed in the early 17th century by Japanese merchants, this iconic stone and wooden structure gracefully spans a small canal in the heart of the Ancient Town. It features a unique integration of a functional bridge and a Buddhist temple, adorned with elaborate carvings and protective animal statues. Reflecting a beautiful blend of Japanese, Vietnamese, and Chinese craftsmanship, the bridge serves as a timeless monument to Hoi An’s rich heritage as a peaceful, multicultural trading port.
CHAM ISLANDS - WORLD BIOSPHERE RESERVE
The Cham Islands (Cù Lao Chàm) constitute a stunning archipelago recognized as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Located just 15 kilometers off the coast of Hoi An, this cluster of eight pristine islands is celebrated for its exceptional marine biodiversity and lush tropical landscapes. The surrounding waters protect thriving coral reefs, extensive seagrass beds, and hundreds of marine species, making it a premier sanctuary for eco-tourism, snorkeling, and scuba diving. The islands perfectly illustrate a successful balance between environmental conservation and traditional fishing community life, offering an idyllic, protected escape into nature’s raw beauty.
CAO LAU - CULINARY SYMBOL OF HOI AN
Cao Lau reigns as the ultimate culinary symbol of Hoi An, a legendary noodle dish woven into the town’s history. True authenticity relies on strict local secrets: the thick, chewy rice noodles must be mixed with ash from trees on the nearby Cham Islands and cooked using water drawn exclusively from the ancient Ba Le Well. This labor-intensive process gives the noodles their signature texture and smoky, yellowish hue. Topped with tender slices of barbecue pork (xa xiu), crisp local greens, fresh herbs, and crunchy rice crackers, Cao Lau delivers an irreplaceable taste of local heritage.
