Hoi An Holidays

It’ll be no surprise that the top thing to do in Hoi An is to go on a boat trip or river cruise. As the city’s star attraction, there’s plenty of different experiences to choose from, too. Early-risers can set off on a sunrise cruise to visit a traditional fish market. Or, you can drift down the river at sunset, and marvel at the glowing lanterns along the water.

The famous Thanh Ha Pottery Village is a must-visit during your stay in Hoi An. Learn all about how the terracotta is collected from the local riverbeds and transformed into beautiful artwork. Then, you can have a go at throwing your own pot. Afterwards, you can head back to the Ancient Town, just in time for Hoi An’s bustling Night Market.

No trip to Hoi An is complete without a tour around the Ancient Town. One of the area’s most important monuments, the Japanese Covered Bridge should be the first stop on your itinerary. Shrouded in legend, the story behind this bridge is that it was built to control a thunderous monster, Namazu. Marvel at the dragon designs on the terraced roof, or pay a visit to the nearby temple.

If you’re a fan of architecture, Phung Hung Old House is worth a visit. Influenced by a mix of Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese design, it’s one of the most impressive buildings in Hoi An.
Finish your day of sightseeing at Fujian Assembly Hall. Dating back to 1690, the pink-toned bricks and detailed archways are nothing short of picture-worthy.

Wherever you travel to in Vietnam, you’ll never be far from some mouth-watering food. Hoi An is no exception, with a strong collection of street food available for you to try at the Night Market. A crispy Vietnamese pancake stuffed with prawn, pork and beansprouts, bánh xèo is always a crowd-pleaser. The baguette-based bánh mì is equally as delicious, with flavours of pickled carrot, chilli and coriander

Alternatively, if you fancy a sit-down meal, there are loads of fantastic restaurants to choose from in Hoi An. A dish that’s unique to the area, Cao Lau consists of pork and green vegetables served over noodles made with wood ash. And, for an appetiser, shrimp and lemongrass dumplings, known as bánh bao bánh vac, are a great option to choose.

Hoi An is great to visit all year round. But, it’s worth keeping in mind that the region’s dry season runs between March and September. So, if you want the best chance of avoiding any showers, this is the time to go. June, July and August are the hottest months, so if you’re planning a trip to the beach during your Vietnam holiday, the hotter temperatures might appeal.

Lunar New Year is a big celebration in Hoi An. Although the exact date changes every year, it usually takes place in January or February. Whilst you might experience more rainfall, the firework displays and boat races are sure to make up for it. But, with lantern and new moon festivals every month, you won’t miss out if you’re planning a summer holiday.