Ranked number 1 on Travel & Leisure’s World’s Best Cities list in 2019, Hoi An in Vietnam is no stranger to avid travelers 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 still want to come back. There are dozens of useful 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 things to do in Hoi An. There’s even a list of things you can get in Hoi An for just $10, which you can check out to plan a fun and affordable trip here.
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 6 tips to enjoy Hoi An at its best for first-time (or even x-time) travelers to Hoi An. Yes, that’s you! Read on to find out.
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!
✔ 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.
✔ 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.
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.
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 savor. 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.
Check out a list of Hoi An street food and experiences here.
6. Explore award-winning beaches in Hoi An
Have you heard of these 6 stunning beaches Hoi An has to offer? Some of them have even been voted among the best beaches in Asia and the world.
After wandering around Hoi An Ancient Old Town, I’d highly recommend visiting one or more of these beaches in Hoi An for a totally different experience. There are beach activities galore ideal for the whole family or groups of friends. You can also get to taste the freshest and yummiest local seafood dishes, some of which can only be found in this region.
Summary: How to enjoy Hoi An at its best
Have you been to Hoi An? If yes, how many times have you visited this lovely town? 😀
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 traveling!
Discover other lovely towns in Central Vietnam:
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I really want to go back to Hoi An. I loved it when I was there. So pretty.
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!
Absolutely stunning – it really looks like so much fun and a cool city!
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 😉
At least you’ve already visited it once and had a good time trying lots of delicacies here 🙂 I hope you’ll have the chance to come back to this lovely town soon.
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.
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. 🙂
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.
Yes you should come here 🙂 I’m now based in Vietnam so don’t hesitate to contact me once you’ve got here!
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 Huế, so I know firsthand how delicious food in Central Vietnam can be!
Yes, all the more reason to go back! I hope you’ll have the opportunity to visit Hoi An soon! 🙂
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.
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!
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?
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!
Yes if you come to Vietnam, Hoi An should definitely be on your list 🙂
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.
Love this post! Hoi An is one of my favourite cities in Vietnam, it’s been about 5 years since I’ve been there and this post just makes me want to book a flight ticket back right now!
I missed the Memories show! We were supposed to go there on our last night in Hoi An but then I was too tired after walking around the old town all day so we decided to stay home. What a pity! I’d definitely come to see the show next time.
Oh that’s such a pity! Yes you should definitely come back and watch this show!
I really want to visit Vietnam, and especially Hoi An! I love your tip to sightsee early in the morning and think that’s a great tip for all locations.
I’ve been to Hoi An and am planning to go back soon – will definitely be dropping by Faifo Coffee shop, it looks so cute! Thanks for sharing
It looks so pretty and tranquil! Plus the food looks amazing!!
I love this guide. The food looks so yum! And I definitely want to go to that tea ceremony.
Hoi An is a beautiful place and these are some of the best tips to enjoy while there. I cannot wait to head there next year!
I’ve never been to any parts of Asia but I want to change that! The chicken rice you mention sounds delicious too!
I really badly want to visit Vietnam. That Hoi An memories show looks so awesome.
Hoi An looks so beautiful and peaceful! I would love wandering those streets and trying all those delicious foods!
Love this guide! Hoi An is stunning. I loved all the tailors there for the custom made your clothes! Your tip about getting a pic from the rooftop is great!
I’ve been to Vietnam but never to Hoi An. It’s definitely on my list for next time, I’ll save this post for when I go! 😁
Such a cute town, huh!? I loved just cycling around it. I can see why you’ve been there more than once for sure!
Ahh Hoi An! I was supposed to be there in March this year but couldn’t go because of obvious reasons. It looks so beautiful and your post makes me want to book a ticket as soon as things are settled.
Such a pity! Hope this situation will get over soon so that you can visit Hoi An this year.
#jealous you have been in Hoi-An twice 🙂 It is one of my favorite cities, I absolutely loved it and I am planning to go back again. Saving your post as I love how simple the tips you are sharing to make the most of an incredible visit. Thank you!
Hoi an has been on my list for so long! I have only visited north vietnam but need to head to central and south
Ahh, I wish I had this when I was in Hoi An a few months ago! Oh well, I guess I’ll have to visit again 😉
Hoi An has been on the top of my bucket list for a while! Thanks for such a detailed post! Looking forward to visiting one day 🙂
This is so great!! I’ve been once but this guide will come in handy when I visit again this winter <3
Great article Fiona! Hoi An has been on my list forver!
The pictures tell-all, how beautiful this place is. I haven’t been to Vietnam, but once everything’s calmed down, I can plan for next year.
Hoi An has been under my radar on the top places to visit in Vietnam! Hopefully when this pandemic dies down, I’ll be booking a flight to this gorgeous little town.
Amazing! I know nothing about traveling all over the country, what a wonderful looking place to explore.
Vietnam is such a beautiful country and I cannot wait to explore it. Hoi an has been on my list since forever. Thanks for the detailed post.