Cart is empty Well, it’s Friday again, not really but every day feels like Friday.
So I packed my backpack and off to my next adventure, this time to Hoi An, Vietnam. Hoi An is a combo of tradition and modern, foreign and local, bold yet reserved. If you are confused with what I just said, then don’t worry because I was confused with Hoi An too. The more I explored, the more I got beguiled. Hoi An is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in an effort to preserve the typical architecture reminiscent of the bygone era, I couldn’t have resisted coming to this place while being in Vietnam.
Hoi An – Living Museum of Architecture and Urban Lifestyle
The city revels in its ancient charm along the Thu Bon River, with distinct architectural gumbo borrowed from traders of Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, French and British origin. Vibes of Champa Dynasty and associated cultural richness is palpable in the everyday life at Hoi An – be it the yellow houses flaunting bougainvillea, shops adorned with colorful silk lanterns or fishing community with their boats and loads of fish. Lam Ap, Faifo and then Hoi An, the city changed with changing names transforming itself into a major tourist destination.
Things to See and Do – A Quick Checklist
The city offers a lot for those on the backpacker trail and a good 2-3 days can be easily spent exploring the gems hidden here. May to August is a good time to visit when the seas are calm and weather is mild and pleasant. Entry to different attractions is via Coupon System. The following things can be included in your Hoi An itinerary to make sure you have wholesome fun. Remember, everyday is Firday.
Take a picture at the Japanese Covered Bridge – Understated design and solid structure define this beautiful and dainty bridge built by the Japanese community. This symbolic icon of Hoi An doesn’t require any fee for viewing.
Take the Museum Swirl – Visit the four major museums in old town that give you insight into the Vietnamese folk culture, dresses, rural life, Ceramics, black and white historic pictures. Entry to the museums is through Hoi An Entrance Ticket.
Soak in the glory of Old Houses and Congregation Halls – Home to numerous assembly halls, you can visit Fujian and Cantonese halls that give you flavor of the Chinese structures. Among the Old Houses, Tan Ky House is quite famous with visitors. It has a marvelous mix of Japanese and Chinese designs and preserved with lots of care and love by eight generations.
Shop till you drop – Buy unique souvenirs, handicrafts, bags, shoes, clothes, vibrant lanterns and tourist favorite custom made suits. While bevy of tailoring outfits will promise delivery under 24 hours, if possible give good enough time for perfect fittings and don’t mind spending a tad extra for quality and finesse.
Relax and revel with beaches, village gardens and spa – Beaches to the east of old town like Cua Dai are very famous to just lie around or play along. Tre Que Village that houses the famous Vietnamese herbs and vegetables is good to experience the local life of farmer. Kim Bong Carpentry Village, My Son Sanctuary and Cham Islands are also worth visiting while you are in the city. Ginger Spa and Na Spa are perfect if you want to detoxify with quality massage.
Hunger Zone – Tickle your taste buds
Hoi An is a culinary mecca not only for foreigners but also for the locals. Great taste, at par rates and service coupled with serene and peaceful dining experience attracts tourists and residents of adjoining cities who want to escape the hectic hustle bustle of their hometowns. Fans of Bacon can have swell time trying different preparations, while one cannot absolutely miss the native pick called “Cao Lau” which is rice noodles topped with meat, herbs and veggies. Other hot favorites include ‘White Rose’ (Shrimp dumpling bunched up like rose) and ‘Wonton Dumplings’ (served with soup or deep fried) and Hoi An Chicken Rice.
For those who like their drinks first, try the casual open-air bars lit up with colorful lanterns and thumping pop music. Try the local Vietnamese beer, which is dirt-cheap and tastes decent. For the teetotalers, a sip of the ice-cold white coffee with ‘Vinamilk’ is a must.
How to get here?
Hoi An has no airport or train station of its own. The nearest city which connects Hoi An to Air and Rail is Da Nang, which has Vietnam airlines and Vietjet flights from all major cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Hue. The fare from Hanoi to Da Nang cost me $30. You can then hire a taxi from this neighboring city to reach Hoi An. The ride is about 45 minutes and costs $15 to $22. If your budget is tight, then take the bus but remember to have the correct change.
Quick Tips:
- Keep local currency handy, as it will give you upper hand when bargaining. If you give dollars, forget any change that has to come your way.
- Prices at almost all shops are inflated by 30-50%. So remember to negotiate in midst of going berserk over the variety and comparatively low rates of goods.
- While buying bespoke suits, prepay as little as possible, ask for receipt, show samples and don’t be afraid to ask for rework if not satisfied with the quality and stitching.