Hội An: where you want to stay for a longer time!

Hi An is the city that UNESCO has listed as a world heritage site. After visiting this gorgeous city, I can definitely see why people say things like, "I could stay here for a few more days!" You can read here about the things you can do while you're there, but you have to see them for yourself to understand why you'd want to stay longer.

Staying in Hội An

As you may want to go to the beach in the summer, many people opt for lodging close to the beach. You can then take a taxi or rent a bicycle to get from the beach to the city center. However, if you visit between December and January it is best to stay near the center, as it is frequently rainy and freezing. Backhome Hostel & Bar, where I stayed, is highly recommended! Zelf verbleef ik bij , absoluut een aanrader!

Old town

You may easily spend a few hours in the historic town of Hi An with its yellow-colored houses and structures. Although it isn't large, the variety of stores, pubs, and restaurants allows you to keep busy while gazing around and having fun.

 

Moreover, the following can be done in the old town:

  • Boattrip

Make a wish candle in the river while on a boat trip. As a result of the initial price frequently being too high, you can negotiate well. Given how low it is already, negotiating may seem aggressive, but you can always bring it down by about 25%.

 

We were asked for 250K (€ 10)  when three other people and I wanted to go on a boat tour, but we quickly got it to 150K (€6). You can always negotiate, as this example demonstrates. Go this at night to get the most out of the colorful lanterns that light up the town.

        • Visit the Cau Temple

          The pedestrian bridge that is depicted on the 20,000 notes is situated close to the river. The bridge occasionally floods throughout the winter due to heavy rain. A larger complex of neighboring temples surrounds the bridge.

        • Street food

          Especially in the evening, the street food in Hội An comes to life. By the river, there are many vendors selling items like fruit cups and bánh mi sandwiches throughout the day. Nevertheless, in the evening, you can also sample other regional specialties like rice pancakes. Indeed, the bánh mi sold at street food stands cannot be compared to the one and only bánh mi phuong, which is the most well-known location for the regional sandwich in Vietnam. See more about that at the conclusion of this piece.

        • Shopping

        Hội An is a fashionista's dream come true. There are so many unique stores, and you even have the option of having items made to order. Men typically say a suit, but women frequently cite dresses. I didn't go any further because I hardly ever wear a suit myself. I've heard a lot of people say that BeBe Tailor is a great store.

        Other activities

        Rent a scooter: Hai Van Pass

        Once you leave the city center, you'll quickly find yourself in Hoi An's countryside. The green rice paddies can be seen here in the appropriate time of year. Early January is primarily just a lot of mud, so it's a shame I was there at the wrong time. You can also go to Thanh Ha pottery to view the type of clay artwork they produce.

         

        Nonetheless, traveling the Hai Van Pass between Hue and Hoi An is the major reason to rent a scooter. The Hai Van Pass is a must-see whether you're going from Hoi An to Hue or the other way around. A path through the mountains with views of the sea is added as the cherry on top of a 160 km route that passes through several noteworthy locations.

        Style Motorbikes

        I rented the scooter from Style Motorbikes. They have various locations in Vietnam: Ha Giang, Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, and Saigon. You can rent a scooter/motorbike here and return it to one of the other locations at a later agreed-upon time.  Perfect if you wish to ride a motorcycle in Vietnam. You only need one day for the Hai Van Pass, and a Suzuki Impulse (Automatic - 125cc) costs about €22.00, which also includes the transportation of your bag.

         

        We were two hours early, so ask in advance what time your luggage will arrive. Since the branch is not far from the core of Hoi An, you can wait there. Please be aware that scooters are not permitted in the historic district. Naturally, you'll come upon the sign.

        A cooking class!

        Hội An is perhaps the most famous place in Vietnam to take a cooking class. There is a large, diverse range of cooking classes on Thuan Tinh Island. Therefore, the choice is yours as for what you would like to make. For myself, this was the noodle soup pho bo, which not every cooking school offered. That's why I chose Bay Mau Eco Cooking. Highly recommended!

         

        Very organized recipe book to take home, a great explanation, and it's interesting to watch how they shop in the market. Vegetarians can attend the lesson as well; they will receive the same cuisine minus the meat or fish.

        The program (08:00 – 13:00)

        By 8:00 in the morning, a driver will take you up from your hotel.

        • Visit the market to purchase a variety of ingredients.
        • A short boat trip in the basket boats, includes entertainment!
        • Find out more about how rice and rice flour are produced.
        • Put on your apron and begin preparing the following four dishes:

          • Goi Cuon: Vietnamese spring rolls. Rice paper with tofu / shrimp and a creamy peanut / hoisin sauce.
          • Banh Xeo:Vietnamese rice pancake filled with shrimp and various vegetables, served with fish sauce.

          • Bún bò Nam Bộ: Noodles with various vegetables, 1-minute ('smoked') fried beef, and a beef broth with fish sauce/pepper.

          • Phở bò Hà Nội: My favorite! Noodle soup with beef, chives, baby lime juice, and a small pepper. The broth usually takes about 10-12 hours to prepare for the best taste. So even in this bowl that I like to eat in the morning, there is quite a bit of preparation!
        • After the tour, you will receive a hardcopy recipe book to get started at home, after that you'll be dropped off at your hotel or in the center.

         

        Do not have too big of a breakfast, because after preparing each dish, you eat it right away. Since you start cooking fairly early, it's not convenient to have a hearty breakfast in the morning.

        A daytrip to My Son Cultural Heritage

        I've seen this one a lot, but I skipped it because it's similar to the Angkor Wat temple complex. Since Angkor Wat is on my itinerary for my trip to Cambodia, I skipped this tour. You could also go there on your own with a scooter.

        Culinary delights in Hội An

        In addition to enjoying your own cooking skills, it's also important to enjoy the cooking skills of local chefs. 

        Hội An is known for serving the world's most delicious bánh mi, at least according to Michelin-starred chef Anthony Bourdain. Where to score this sandwich? At Bánh mi Phuong, located in the center. You can sit outside, downstairs, or upstairs. It looks like a true sandwich factory, but I can attest that it's by far the best bánh mi sandwich I've eaten in Vietnam.

         

        Mi Quang

        Hội An is located in the Quang province, which is known for having its own type of noodle: the Mi Quang. A recommendation for this is Mi quang muoi.

        How many nights in Hội An?

        At least 3, since it's a really nice city. If you drive the Hai Van Pass, you'll arrive in the late afternoon, giving you 2 full days to explore the city and surrounding area. If you want to have a piece of tailored clothing, you may need an additional day.

        Next up: Hue or Da Lat?

        • Hue: 3 hours 
        • Da Lat: 15 hours