The Must-Visit Highlights of Hoi An

Vietnam, a diverse tropical environment in the Indochinese peninsula, is blessed with awe inspiring landscapes, intriguing culture and ancient history. Hugely popular with travellers, the country offers a warm welcome into the local life and natural beauty of South East Asia, coupled with an exciting insight into famous legends. Amidst dominating mountains and dense forest lies the exciting coastal village of Hoi An, which has a major trading port for international goods, the World Heritage Site, known to the locals as ‘the peaceful meeting place’, is a goldmine for curious visitors, eager to discover its undisturbed history, magnificent culture and grand temples.

Tasty tradition

A trip to this historical village would be wasted without sampling the flavoursome Vietnamese delicacies. Cao Lau, a Hoi An favourite, is an authentic pork noodle dish with a difference, full of the cultured tastes of its trading port past. While the water is drawn only from the local Ba Le well, the dish features thick noodles akin to Japanese udon, with the won-ton crackers and pork being a clear Chinese touch. Sample this dish, along with tasty street food at Morning Glory, a beautiful restaurant housed in an old colonial building in the centre of the district.

Festival spirit

To experience the true culture and heritage of Vietnamese life, you must attend one of Hoi An’s famous Full Moon Festivals. Throughout the year, on every 14th day of the lunar month, Hoi An Old Town transforms into a colourful lantern filled wonderland, free from the daily noise of traffic. Instead, swarms of locals and visitors flock to the area, serving as a centre stage to relive the golden age of prosperity and to honour and respect their ancestors.

Market madness

For a shopping trip to remember, explore the hustle and bustle of Hoi An’s busy trade at the Central Market, located on the banks of the Thu Bon River. Browse through a colourful collection of local handicraft and souvenirs, choose your favourite silk and have clothing handmade by Hoi An’s famous tailors, all under one roof. While enjoying the market scene, it’s hard to ignore the beautiful aromas filtering in from the food hall. A vast selection of family recipe meals, exotic fresh fruit and local spices are on display by friendly sellers, eager to give you an authentic taste of Southeast Asia.

Tour the temples

Famed for its ancient history and religious landmarks, Hoi An will not disappoint the temple loving traveller. About two kilometres outside the centre lies the oldest Buddhist temple in Hoi An, Chuc Thanh Pagoda. Founded in 1454 by Minh Hai, a Chinese monk, the ancient pagoda displays a combination of Chinese and Vietnamese inspired architecture with a collection of religious artefacts thought to be over 200 years old. To explore a slice of Hoi An’s history, visit Quan Cong temple, a series of houses entwined by elaborate, detailed statues and traditional artwork, dedicated to the respected Chinese General.

With a wealth of diverse attractions to please even the most seasoned traveller, Hoi An’s thriving coastal settlement is the perfect holiday destination to return to again and again.