Five things to see and do in Hoi An…

As Vietnam’s premier beach destination and one of the country’s three UNESCO World Heritage sites, Hoi An is increasingly gaining popularity as a tourist destination. There is plenty to see and do around the city – but if you’re short on time then don’t miss these five fantastic attractions.

1. Chua Cau:

The Japanese Covered Bridge (Chua Cau) is one of Hoi An’s most famous landmarks. It dates back to the late 16th century, but was renovated with great skill and sensitivity in 1986. Located on Tran Phu Stree, it links the Chinese and Japanese quarters of the city.

2. Hoi An Museum of History and Culture:

If you’re keen to hear the story that underlies Hoi An’s historical streets and quaint wooden houses then visit the Museum of History and Culture. The exhibitions include black and white photos of the city taken early in the 20th century, as well as a collection of ancient ceramics and building materials from the 9th century. The nearby Museum of Say Huynh is also worth a look for its 1st century urns and adjoining war hero exhibition.

3. Cooking lessons:

Hoi An is almost as famous for its food as for its culture, and many of the local restaurants offer cooking lessons to visitors. If you’re keen to make cuisine the centre of your Vietnamese experience, there are also organised cooking tours and cruises which run from the city year round.

4. An Bang Beach:

Quieter than the more established tourist beach of Cua Dai, An Bang Beach is the destination favoured by the locals. It lies approximately three kilometers from Hoi An’s old town, and facilities include more than a dozen Vietnamese seafood restaurants as well as a number of ‘Western’ food outlets. A great place to lie back, relax, and enjoy the sunshine.

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5. Full Moon Festival:

Held on the 14th of each lunar month, Hoi An’s Full Moon Festival begins in the early evening and continues on into the small hours. It’s a not-to-be-missed event, made vibrant by hanging lanterns, dancing, and general all-round celebration. Other great events to pencil into your calendar include the Fisherman’s Festival, held on the 16th of the February lunar month, and the Mid-Autumn Festival in August.

Hoi An can be tricky to get to from the UK, but keen tourists can reach the city by flying into Bangkok (try DialAFlight for cheap flights to Thailand) and then catching a further flight onto Danang. Hoi An is only a thirty-minute drive from Danang Airport.
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