Ranked number 1 on Travel & Leisure’s World’s Best Cities list in 2019, Hoi An is no stranger to avid travellers from around the world. I even know a Japanese girl who had been to Hoi An 4 times and was still awaiting her next trip there by the time we last spoke. Absolutely incredible!
To be honest, having been to this charming town thrice, I also still want to come back. There are dozens of cool Hoi An travel guides out there with just a click on Google, so perhaps I don’t need to elaborate more on where to stay or what to do in Hoi An.
However, after concluding my third Hoi An trip with a picturesque photo of this old town from above, I thought I’d really need to share these 5 tips to enjoy Hoi An at its best for first-time (or even x-time) travellers to Hoi An. Yes, that’s you!
1. Wake up early and enjoy a tranquil morning in Hoi An
As more and more people know about Hoi An, the city has recently become quite packed with tourists and visitors from all over the world. Isn’t it annoying that every Instagramable corner in Hoi An is now full of people?
Nonetheless, there is still one secret to help you enjoy Hoi An in peace. You’re going to hate this if you’re not a morning person, but trust me, this town looks best in the early morning.
During our recent trip to Hoi An, the five of us got up at 5 am. As we were staying in an Airbnb apartment in Da Nang, we had to take a one-hour bus to Hoi An and arrived at around 6:30. (If your accommodation is somewhere near Hoi An’s old town, there’s certainly no need to wake up as early as we did).
After breakfast, we took a stroll around Hoi An and surprisingly had this beautiful old town all to ourselves. It was not until 8 am that the tourists started arriving in large crowds. We looked at them and felt like the champions!
2. Don’t miss Hoi An Memories Show
While watching the trailer of Hoi An Memories gave me an overwhelming urge to see more of it, sitting right there on the show was an extraordinary experience that no word could describe. For the whole time, Hoi An Memories appealed to all my senses and gently let me immerse into its captivating story.
You can book tickets to the show via Klook. They will send the e-ticket to your email.
The Hoi An Memories show is performed inside Hoi An Impression Theme Park, where you can play some traditional games and watch mini martial arts shows as well. To be honest, the park was kinda lame when I visited it at the beginning of this year. Perhaps because part of it was still under construction. I hope it has improved much more now.
Hoi An Memories Show | Operating hours: Mondays, Wednesday-Sunday: 7:30 pm – 8:45 pm
3. Experience peace and tranquility at Reaching Out Tea House
I had to pause for a second the moment we stepped into Reaching Out Tea House. How pleasantly silent it was!
β Described as “a tranquil oasis in the center of bustling Hoi An”, this special Tea House employs speech and hearing-impaired staff who serve you delectable locally-made tea, coffee and snacks. You can communicate with the staff through those small cubes as shown in the photo below.
β The ambiance at Reaching Out is peaceful beyond words. Their place is an ancient house with a lush garden at the back. Such a hidden gem in a timeless charming town.
Home-made cookies at Reaching Out Tea House 
You communicate with the staff at Reaching Out Tea House by writing or by showing these cubes 
A peaceful tea experience amid Hoi An 
Reaching Out Tea House Hoi An 
Reaching Out Tea House Hoi An
4. Take a photo of Hoi An from above
Faifo Coffee on Tran Phu Street is the place to go for that charming photo of Hoi An from above. Get your camera ready!
Sitting inside this coffee shop, or actually most coffee shops in Hoi An, is also a nice experience. They all seem like places where you can either have a memorable conversation or ponder over big questions in your life.
Sometimes the best coffee shops are tucked in small alleys 
Sometimes the best coffee shops are tucked in small alleys
5. Eat as much as you can
The more you eat in Hoi An, the more you’ll realize there’s still so much to eat. In fact, some of Hoi An’s famous Banh mi street counters can see long queues of hungry tourists all day.
Hoi An’s chicken rice is also not to be missed. Some popular names are Ba Bui and Ba Nga, whose secret recipes for those mouth-watering chicken dishes have won thousands of people’s hearts from around the world. Besides, dozens of vegetarian and vegan options are also widely available, featuring fresh vegetables and unique local recipes.
To top it off…
Have you been to Hoi An? If yes, how many times have you visited this lovely town? π
Do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions or if you want to share other tips to enjoy Hoi An at its best. Happy travelling!
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Bloss Eatts
December 12, 2019 — 12:28 am
I really want to go back to Hoi An. I loved it when I was there. So pretty.
Miranda
December 12, 2019 — 5:13 am
This looks like an amazing destination! I visited Vietnam a few years ago and only made it to Hanoi. I hear great things about Hoi An though!
Claire
December 12, 2019 — 9:59 am
Absolutely stunning – it really looks like so much fun and a cool city!
Sophie
December 13, 2019 — 11:08 pm
I’m so jealous you’ve been to Hoi An three times! I’ve only been once, but absolutely loved it. I didn’t do any of the things on your list though, except eat everything in sight. So I’ll definitely have to go back soon and try your tips π
Fiona Mai
December 17, 2019 — 2:10 pm
At least you’ve already visited it once and had a good time trying lots of delicacies here π I hope you’ll have the chance to come back to this lovely town soon.
Jen
December 13, 2019 — 11:29 pm
The Memories Show looks amazing! Hoi An is somewhere on my bucket list. I think it looks amazing, the food delicious and I’d love to experience the local culture.
Anita
December 14, 2019 — 2:40 am
I remember visiting Hoi An 3 years ago. It’s a shame I didn’t reach a tea house while in there, as I am a crazy fan of tea. I also didn’t reach Memories show but it sounds super interesting. Well, I guess as you were there trice, I should also come again and experience what I haven’t. π
Kasia |TravelingArrows
December 15, 2019 — 7:04 pm
Every post about Viet Nam makes me want to visit that country even more! Hoi An seems to be a really amazing destination, I would love to see the Hoi An Memories show and enjoy the delicious food.
Fiona Mai
December 17, 2019 — 2:09 pm
Yes you should come here π I’m now based in Vietnam so don’t hesitate to contact me once you’ve got here!
Kevin | Caffeinated Excursions
December 16, 2019 — 6:50 am
I lived in Vietnam for the past 9 months and am quite sad that I didn’t make it to Hoi An during that time! All the more reason to go back, I guess! The old town looks so picturesque, and I’m sure the food there was amazing. I loved trying various delicacies in somewhat nearby HuαΊΏ, so I know firsthand how delicious food in Central Vietnam can be!
Fiona Mai
December 17, 2019 — 2:08 pm
Yes, all the more reason to go back! I hope you’ll have the opportunity to visit Hoi An soon! π
Christopher Mitchell
December 16, 2019 — 11:12 am
Oh I totally agree with you here about waking up early to appreciate the city before things get going. It can be a really busy and hot place in the mid day but there is a quiet beauty to it in the morning.
Medha Verma
December 16, 2019 — 6:49 pm
I just returned from Hoi An last week and totally fell in love with it too so I completely understand why you feel the way you do about the charming city. The lanterns just add to its magic and charm and the cozy tea houses are awesome. Also, the food is to die for. What I missed out on because I didn’t know about it and wish I had stumbled upon your post earlier is the Hoi An Memories show, it looks incredible!
Fiona Mai
December 17, 2019 — 2:07 pm
Oh it’s a pity you didn’t know about the show. Anyway, I’m glad that you still had the chance to experience other things in Hoi An. It’s such a lovely city, isn’t it?
Ana
December 17, 2019 — 11:46 pm
Would love to attend that Memories Show and the food scene in Hoi An looks absolutely amazing! I haven’t got a chance to visit Vietnam yet but planning next year and would definitely be adding Hoi An in my bucket list!
Fiona Mai
December 19, 2019 — 1:40 pm
Yes if you come to Vietnam, Hoi An should definitely be on your list π
Amy Dodd
December 28, 2019 — 2:55 pm
Great advice! I love the views from above of Hoi An. I will have to check it out during my next trip out! Also, the Reaching Out Tea House looks amazing and supports such a great cause too.