What Makes Hoi An a Must-Visit Destination for Travellers? - Attractions You Cannot Miss!
Central Vietnam is home to several tourist hotspots. Among them is Hoi An, brimming with tales of the past. Those who visit, especially history buffs, are in for a treat! Natural beauty laces the city with greenery and scenic rivers. The cuisine, on the other hand, is a food lover’s dream. All of this makes Hoi An a must-visit destination. This article guides you through the treasured gems of this city.
Image via Anantara Hoi An Resort
Stunning Lantern Displays
As the day turns to night, Hoi An lights up with beautiful lanterns. The streets come to life with lanterns of all sizes and shapes. For the best experience, visit during the lunar month, specifically on the 14th, because that’s when the Lantern Festival takes place. During the festival, the town turns off the electric lights and is completely illuminated by lanterns. As you can imagine, it creates a true spectacle. Scattered around the town are several lantern workshops where you can try your hand at lantern making. To locals, these lanterns are not frivolous decorations; they symbolise prosperity and good luck.
The Ancient Town
Hoi An’s Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and for good reason. Its narrow streets are lined with historical tokens you don’t want to miss. The town sports a beautiful blend of architecture, including Chinese, Japanese, and European styles. The city features a breathtaking backdrop, with temples, old bridges, and wooden houses that speak of a time gone by. The Japanese Covered Bridge is one of the highlights. A known symbol of Hoi An, the bridge was built in the 16th century, making it both a scenic and historical attraction. With stunning designs and a spacious courtyard, the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation also stands out as a highlight of the Ancient Town. Give yourself enough time to explore every inch of the city—from art galleries to antique shops, there’s a lot to see. Want to stay at a place close to the Old Town? Good thinking! Your options include Anantara Hoi An Resort.
Delicious Food
Sampling the delights of the local cuisine is one of the best things to do in Hoi An. Why? Well, the food here is delicious! One of the must-try dishes is Cao Lau, a noodle dish that originated in Hoi An itself. It’s made with local herbs, pork, and croutons. Banh Mi is another must-try. Filled with meats, veggies, and all kinds of sauces, it’s Vietnam’s answer to baguettes. There’s also an exciting street food scene here. You can find street food stalls selling all sorts, including grilled corn, spring rolls, and sweet items. Want to take the taste of Hoi An home and put your culinary skills to the test? Take a cooking class!
Boat Rides
Hoi An is a town of spectacular natural beauty, and the Thu Bon River is part of it. Snaking through the town, it surely adds to the town’s scenic beauty. Why should you visit the river? Taking in the beautiful scenery is one reason. Another is the boat rides, which offer the chance to view the town from a different perspective. Take a traditional sampan boat, which will take you past the waterfront lined with old buildings and colourful boats. Come sunset, the river scenery turns up a notch, with the setting sun painting the sky in vivid orange hues. It’s the perfect time for a stroll along the river. You can also pop into one of the riverside cafes and enjoy a refreshing drink while soaking up all the beautiful scenery.
Culture and Traditions
Hoi An wouldn’t be the famous travel destination that it is today without its age-old culture and traditions. Locals are immensely proud of their heritage, which is clear from the way they lead their lives. Lantern making, pottery, and weaving take centre stage in Hoi An’s culture, and are still practised and cherished. What’s more, the town plays host to several festivals throughout the year, including the Mid-Autumn Festival, Lunar New Year, and the Full Moon Festival—all celebrated with gusto!