Overview
Hoi An was the best stop of our Vietnam trip. After Hanoi, it felt like the classic tourist-friendly Asian town we had wanted: beautiful, active, and somehow cheaper despite being more touristy.
We met almost nobody who knew much about Türkiye. At Ba Na Hills an Afghan traveler was the only person who immediately recognized it and claimed many Turks visit. Perhaps selective perception was doing the work; we saw none.
UNESCO describes the Old Town as an exceptionally well-preserved trading port whose buildings and street plan blend local, Chinese, Japanese, and later European influences. That history is visible without turning the place into a dead museum.
Practical Notes
Exchange rates in town were excellent during our visit, sometimes even better than the rate shown by Google that day. That was a trip-specific snapshot, not a promise for future visitors.
Bargaining is normal. Many first prices fell by half, and aiming for two-thirds of the opening price was usually reasonable.
Massage shops were abundant, inexpensive, clean, and good. We had no mosquito or safety problem. Laundry services were everywhere, making Hoi An a sensible reset point on a long trip.
What to Do
The Old Town is larger and more detailed than it looks on a map. Do not remain on the main streets. The alleys and the edges of the historic core are just as enjoyable.
For a river trip, ignore the random "boat" offers and buy the fixed-price ticket from an official-looking stand. We paid 170,000 VND. The atmosphere was excellent, although competing music from riverside venues sometimes became painful.
The coconut-basket boat tour cost 300,000 VND with hotel transfer and was ridiculous fun for the money. Our boatman spun the basket, sang, and turned the whole hour into a show. They supplied hats, added small activities, and finished with a fishing stop. Mangroves, tiny crabs, and birds made the setting more than a gimmick.
The Fujian Assembly Hall was beautiful, but staff began closing around 5:45 p.m. despite a stated 6 p.m. time. The Japanese Covered Bridge, Cantonese Assembly Hall, and Ba Mu Temple Gate are also worth seeing.
The night market adds little unless you want street food because much of the city already feels like a market.
An Bang Beach was windy and wavy on our day, but the water warmed during the afternoon. Beer was around 40,000 to 50,000 VND and meals roughly 150,000 to 200,000 VND. Huge tanks of live seafood make it feel like a seafood theme park.
Where We Ate and Stayed
Little Riverside Hoi An was an excellent hotel: comfortable, attractive, with good food and adequate breakfasts.
Coconut Coffee Hoi An served excellent coconut coffee and coconut water. 7 Bridges Hoi An Craft Beer Taproom made great beer.
Thirty3 Eatery is a solid Western alternative to Vietnamese food. Traders Waterfront did good pumpkin soup, a mango-and-seafood roll, and a vegetarian roll. Cỏ Smoothies had live music and a pleasant evening atmosphere.
We did not try the Hoi An branches of MẸT, but our Hanoi meal was good enough that I would still recommend them.
Verdict
Hoi An was our favorite place in Vietnam. Combined with Da Nang, it makes an active holiday with beaches, food, history, and plenty to do. We will return. 9/10.