One of Vietnam’s most popular tourist spots, Hoi An allows visitors a glimpse into 18th-century port life in Vietnam. The cities of Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi are much larger and more urban than Hoi An. Hoi An, in the Quang Nam Province of central Vietnam, is a historic town that served as a major port for trade with Southeast Asia in the past. The majority of the city’s foreign traders hail from Japan, China, and the West, so the city’s architecture reflects those cultures. Hoi An is well-known not only for its stunning buildings but also for its excellent street food. Here are ten things to know before visiting Hoi An, a town with a lot to offer tourists.
Bicycling is the best and cheapest way to get around Hoi An, especially for sightseeing in the historic district. Roads are closed to cars, taxis, and motorcycles between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. and again between the hours of 15:00 p.m. and 21:30 p.m. Many of the area’s hotels feature bicycle rental services, but if you can’t find one at your chosen lodging, you can always look around town at the many independent bike shops. The rice paddies, fishing villages, Buffalo fields, and other rural areas can all be explored on a bicycle with a guided tour.
One dollar gets you a day of bike rental.
The daily rate to rent a motorcycle is $5.
Eating in Hoi An
Visitors can find shops and eateries on nearly every street corner. Given that the signs at these stands are written entirely in Vietnamese, it’s a good idea to do some advance research into the foods sold there and perhaps even jot down the names of the dishes to bring with you. When night falls, the Central Market and the Japanese bridge have the best selection of cheap street food.
The average cost of street food is 20,000 VND ($2).
Trying to find some delicious food? You could try out some restaurants closer to the heart of things, but keep in mind that many of them don’t offer particularly sizable portions, so you might need to order two or more to feel completely satisfied. These restaurants serve both Western and traditional Vietnamese fare, so keep in mind that they will likely be more expensive than eating on the street.
The average cost of a Vietnamese meal is 50,000 VND.
Approximately 100,000-120,000 VND is the going rate for the Western fare.
Cao Lau Noodles
Cao Lau is a delicious dish that no one should miss out on because it is cooked with croutons, rice noodles, Chinese barbequed pork slices, and fresh herbs. Since the chefs prepare the noodles using the ancient Cham wells, and the locals source the greens from Tra Que Vegetable Village, this dish is a true Hoi An specialty. This dish is available at any of Hoi An’s authentic Vietnamese restaurants. Rice crackers, lime, peanuts, and chili jam are just some of the extras that some eateries opt to put in.
Currencies Exchanges
Gold and Jewelry shops are the perfect places to exchange currency once in Hoi An as they give the most favorable rates. It’s true that banks have competitive interest rates, but jewelry stores typically have lower prices. It is possible to exchange currency at hotels and restaurants, but the rates are not as good. After landing, one can also change money at the airport. Exchange only a small amount at the airport; take the rest to a jewelry store.
Ticket to visit Hoi An ancient town
To see at least five of the fascinating sites in Hoi An’s Ancient Town, visitors should spend about USD $5 on a ticket. In order to keep track of who is visiting which attractions, authorities remove a “coupon” from visitors’ passes at regular intervals. Keep the ticket even after using the coupons; you’ll need it later. It is possible to walk around the streets, though showing the tickets at the town square is likely to be required.
Pay A visit to Hoi An Central Market
The Central Market in Hoi An is a must-see for anyone traveling to the area. Central Market, which is located on the banks of the Thu Bon River, is a great place to get a taste of real-life in Vietnam. Vegetables and fruits, handicrafts, spices, and street snacks are just some of the items that tourists and locals trade at this daylong market. Moreover, this area is well-known for its reasonably priced silk tailoring services.
Specifically, the intersection of Nguyen Hue and Tran Phu Streets in Hoi An, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam
Every day, from 5:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Best Time to Visit Hoi An town
The weather in Hoi An is cool and splendid from February to April, making this the best time to explore the ancient town. Since the South is hot and the North is cold, a trip just before the Lunar New Year could be ideal. Beach lovers can enjoy their time in Hoi An during the hot season, between May and July. Sunbathing along the beaches like Cua Dai and diving to enjoy the view of the coral reefs are some of the most impressive activities at this time of the year.