A short, cheap flight from Hanoi to Da Nang puts you just a 40-minute drive from Hoi An, a charming, historical in coastal, central Vietnam. Famous for its tailors and custom clothing makers, it has historical significance as a trading center and is a cultural heritage site today. It’s a beautiful town, very touristy but much more relaxed than Hanoi. Hoi A would be a great introduction to Vietnam for someone who has not traveled much in Asia before. I really enjoyed my three days there, and want to go back someday to have a custom wardrobe made.
While far from comprehensive, here’s a list of things to do and places to eat when you’re exploring Hoi An!
Things to Do in Hoi An
Coffee Making Class at Tri Long
Vietnam’s coffee game is elite. Apart from Australia, I don’t think I’ve ever visited such a coffee-centric culture, where every coffee is a delicious journey into history and important daily significance. Coconut coffee. Egg coffee. cà phê sữa đá, coffee made with sweetened condensed milk. Salt coffee. The options are truly endless in Vietnam and each cup can be enjoyed hot or iced.
To learn how to make various coffees, taking the classes offered at Tri Long Coffee Shop in Hoi An is a fantastic way to start.
Shopping & Custom Clothing in Hoi An
If you’ve been wanting the perfect dress, a custom suit, a new bag, or any other article of clothing or accessory, Hoi An is a a fantastic place to go to get it made. They have some of the best tailors, who offer incredible services with fast turnaround times. Because I work from home, I wasn’t really searching for professional clothing, but I wanted to get something made. I settled on a new purse, a new overnight bag, and custom leather sandals from Kha Thi leather goods shop in Hoi An. It was a fabulous experience, their clerk was super friendly and not pushy at all. The total cost for all three items was less than $170, too, a true deal.
If you’re going to Hoi An to get clothes made – come prepared with examples and samples. It can quickly get overwhelming, and you don’t want to be talked into something you might not want in the end.
Lantern Boat Rides
Every night at sunset in Hoi An, dozens of wooden boats, adorned with the iconic Hoi A paper lantern, is a blend of historical traditions and is a unique tourist experience. While we did not get lucky with the weather, as it was quite overcast and rainy every day, it was still awesome to see the lighted boats take over the river in the historic area of the city. You can see the boats from shore or enjoy a ride for a relatively cheap price, about $12 per boat.
Eating & Drinking in Hoi An — Restaurants & Bars
Get a Drink at the Mr. Bean Bar
Want to grab a drink and have a laugh? The Mr. Bean themed bar in Hoi An is a must stop. It is a hilarious tourist trap, but perfect for a beer or cocktail when getting into the nightlife in the city. The music is loud, the vibes are definitely party-forward, and it’s sure to be a funny time, especially if you’re traveling with an avid Mr. Bean fan. Don’t forget to buy a shirt, and for the more adventurous, try a funky ball.
Eat Cao Lau from a Street Vendor
No trip to Hoi An is complete without slurping down a bowl of Cao Lau, an iconic regional dish. Pork, noodles, fresh veggies, and delicious aromatics define this specialty from the Da Nang region of Vietnam. There are many great street vendors who sell it – just be aware that the top-rated ones will sell out earlier in the day! We were more than happy with this meal, which cost less than $2 and was served at a little cafe out of someone’s home in Hoi An. It’s also on many restaurant menus, but I think. it’s a really lovely experience to eat a bowl of it in a casual, street front spot.
Enjoy a Banh Mi from Banh Mi Queen, Madam Khanh
A must-try for a quick lunch, the mixed Banh Mi from Madam Khanh in Hoi An is a delicious sandwich that was the best banh mi I ate while exploring Vietnam. Crusty, crunchy fresh French bread, spread with a thin layer of pate, topped with pickled veggies, pork, special sauce, and fresh herbs. Service is quick, they are slapping together sandwiches in a fury to meet the demands of the line, and it’s 100% worth a stop.
Secret Garden Hoi An
This restaurant was incredible – a plant-filled, serene escape from the city. The courtyard offers multiple water features and beautiful lighting, while the food and service were also top-notch. I stopped here to enjoy another top dish in Hoi An – Com Ga, a fragrant, chicken and rice dish, served with a tropical iced tea. Secret Garden is a beautiful atmosphere for a special night out in Hoi An, I would highly recommend it for small groups or on a date. They also have cooking classes!
Thom’s Sourdough
Craving some classic, western cafe food? If you’ve been traveling in Asia for a while and are in the mood for a more “traditional” western breakfast or lunch, Thom’s Sourdough in Hoi An is a great stop. They make delicious sourdough bread in-house, tasty coffee, and serve the “white girl” brunch classics like avocado toast and full English breakfasts. The owner is fabulous, a true sourdough queen. No commercial yeast is used in any of the baked goods, it’s all 100% sourdough!
Where to Stay in Hoi An — Luxury on a Budget
La Charm Hoi An
Another spot I stayed in for just one night in Hoi An, La Charm is a boutique hotel offering a comfortable stay right near the ancient town. They have friendly staff and a great spa on site, I got a massage here my last night and it was the perfect way to unwind before the long flight journey back to the States.
Cozy Savvy Hoi An
This was a lovely hotel with a rooftop pool, comfortable beds, and friendly staff. The breakfast is served on the top floor and is an extensive buffet with a mix of Asian and western options. Cozy Savvy is a great, budget-friendly stay right near the heart of Hoi An. There’s even a simple gym in the basement, which I did take advantage of during my time in the city.
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