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Hoi An Travel Guide
Hoi An Trishaw (Cyclo) Riding – Things to Do in Hoi An Old Town
Trishaw (cyclo, rickshaw, xich lo) is a light three-wheeled vehicle with a pedal that was invented by French people while they colonized Vietnam. Today, it is banned in most cities across the country, and only seen in touristy places, such
Hoi An Banana Pancake – Best Street Food in Hoi An, Vietnam
The banana pancake is one of the best street foods in Hoi An Vietnam. It’s often seen in night markets or on pedestrian streets of Hoi An’s Old Town. Many visitors choose it for their dessert because it’s yummy, after
Official Hoi An Travel Guide for First Time Visitors – Visit Hoi An
Hoi An is a famous tourist city in central Vietnam. It’s widely known as a well-preserved historic trading port characterized by yellow buildings lining small roads and a peaceful river. At night, it becomes so sparkling and atmospheric thanks to
Sweet Black Sesame Soup – Best Street Food in Hoi An, Vietnam
Sweet black sesame soup (xi ma, chi ma phu, che me den) is one of Hoi An’s specialty dishes, and is specific to the Hoi An Old Town. It’s a kind of dessert introduced by Chinese Cantonese people who migrated
Mango Cake (Banh Xoai) – Best Street Foods in Hoi An, Vietnam
Mango Cake (Banh Xoai) is one of the foods that can’t be found anywhere else in Vietnam, except Hoi An. Unlike its name, no mango is used to make it or it doesn’t taste like a mango. However, it’s still
Banh Bot Loc (Tapioca Dumplings) in Hoi An & Da Nang, Vietnam
Banh Bot Loc (tapioca dumping) is a small, clear-looking, chewy dumpling originating from Hue city, central Vietnam. It’s also popular in nearby Da Nang and Hoi An cities. It’s made with tapioca flavor, and pork belly, shrimp as a filling.
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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.
