Hội An

Overview

Hội An's Ancient Town earned its UNESCO status honestly: centuries as a trading port left it with a mix of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architecture that's survived almost untouched. It's small enough to see on foot in a couple of days, but the pace here rewards staying longer — get a suit tailored, rent a bike to the beach, eat well.

Getting There

Fly into Da Nang International (DAD), about 45 minutes north by taxi or the increasingly common Grab app. There's no airport in Hội An itself, which is part of why the old town has stayed so quiet.

Top Experiences

• Walk the Ancient Town at dusk, when the paper lanterns come on and cars are banned from the core streets
• Get a custom suit or dress made by one of the town's tailors — allow at least two fittings over two days
• Cycle 15 minutes to An Bang Beach for sunset and fresh seafood shacks right on the sand
• Take a basket-boat ride through the coconut palm forest in Cẩm Thanh, just outside town

Local tip: Order tailoring on your first day, not your last — quality suits need at least one fitting adjustment, and rushing it shows.

Food to Try

Hội An has its own regional specialties worth seeking out: cao lầu noodles (only made properly with local well water, according to locals), bánh mì from the famous Phượng stall, and white rose dumplings, a dish unique to this town.

Practical Info

• Currency: Vietnamese Đồng (VND)
• Getting around: Rent a bicycle — the old town and nearby beach are both flat and close
• Old Town ticket: A small entry ticket funds several historic buildings and a cultural show
• Bargaining: Common in the market, less so in fixed-price tailor shops