Having started exploring in the north, experiencing the attraction and crowd of Hanoi, stunning view of Halong Bay from cruise, the charming landscape of Sapa, we next travelled towards Hoi An. Hoi An city is a beautifully and timeless preserved historic place and now it is known as a UNESCO world heritage site that you must not miss while travelling to Vietnam.

It is simply fun to discover Hoi An's old quarter by just walking anytime, especially at night, and its rustic yellow blushed architectures are Vietnam’s Heritage, those are picture perfect to capture on your lens. There is something in this old town for every traveler, a quaint, perfect for strolling, ancient shophouses for shopping, lovely food corners, uncharted alleys, awesome beaches, to be explored by bicycle or you can hire a cab through Grab taxi app (like Uber), at very reasonable costs.

We spent three days here and wish if we could spend more than a week in Hoi an, Vietnam. Here is our complete guide for 3 days itinerary.

Watch the old town at night –

Once the sun goes down, the city looks more magical with vibrant colorful lanterns, and it truly creates a romantic ambience that you can enjoy with your partner. Discovering the ancient town at night will bring you an unforgettable memory.

Beautiful local made Silk & Bamboo stick Lanterns

If you wish to add Hoi An colors to your home décor, you can purchase those silk lanterns available at shops along the streets.

A perfect Romantic Dine out with your Loved one!

On the 14th day of each lunar month, lantern festival is celebrated. This is the time when the old street appears lively and illuminated by hundreds of colorful lanterns, traditional music, and frenetic activity.

Beautiful local made Silk & Bamboo stick Lanterns

Tranquility by the Thu Bon Riverside

The flower shaped lanterns are sold throughtout the streets during lantern festival.

A happy face with the flower shaped Lanterns made of paper

The local myth amongst the Vietnamese is that the floating those flower shaped lanterns on the river can bring the good fortune, health and happiness.

Exploring old houses (Phung Hung and Tan Ky Houses) –

Built in 1780, Phung Hung is an ancient house with a perfect fusion of Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese architecture. The old house was titled as “National Historical and Cultural Site’ in 1993 and the house has preserved many old facts about the architecture, culture, art, lifestyle related to the business sphere of the heritage city. The house is built of two storied in a flexible way with a finely decorated wooden framework, carved doors and windows, and rare antiques. The house is also recognized as a world heritage site. Opening hours: Monday – Sunday (8.30 am – 6 pm).

An easy afternoon with Laid back Environment beside the ancient Yellow

The old Tan Ky house was built in 1741 for trading agricultural goods. The beautiful home of 7th generation of the Le family is designed with the unique blend of Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese architectural style. This UNESCO world heritage site still preserves many beautiful paintings, artefacts, and precious antiques, and many good memories of 18th century.

So it's just like you said it would be! Life goes easy on me....

Inside of the Hoi An Art Gallery

Japanese covered bridge –

This iconic bridge was constructed by skilled Japanese merchants in Hoi An, dates back to 17th century.The bridge looks much prettier if you capture it from outside. The spot attracts thousands of travellers from all over the world every year, thanks to its beauty and exclusive architecture style in Hoi An city.

Hoi An's stunning bridge with a Temple atop

For the eastern locals, Japanese Bridge has been become a figure with its cultural significance ever since its existence. The Bridge was being made first consisting of a small temple and the animal-shaped statues mainly dogs and monkeys are the godly animals that symbolize protection and safety, according to the local myths. The perfect combination of Japanese, Vietnamese and Chinese architecture still retain its notable features.

Get Custom-tailored suit –

Where else in the world can you get a custom-suit at a very affordable cost? It’s something we suggest exploring if you love to indulge yourself in shopping.

A customized tailoring shop

This 18th century port town is known as a fashion hub as well where you get hundreds of shops in the old quarter lanes to get customized and tailored suits, T-shirts, and dresses, and fashion accessories also.

An Bang beach & strolling the central market at night –

After exploring the heritage site and the old city, if you want to spend some time in a soothing way, this coastal town has gorgeous beaches to take your breath away. We had an awesome day relaxing on the beach, enjoying local seafood, cheap local beer brands like Saigon, Tiger, Hanoi, 333 etc. near the seafront. With its soft white sand, stunning picturesque, and serenity of the place makes it an excellent spot for sunbathing. This hidden beach was located 4 km away from our homestay.

An escape from the cacophony of City

In the evening, we went back to the ancient town and explored the night market to get the city’s real flavor. Strolling the market at night is a must-do experience, it may be chaotic but here only you will get to see the lifeblood of Hoi An. Walking is the best idea to discover this multifaceted market.

A vendor is waiting for her luck!

Behind every Masks there are faces with untold stories, somewhere in the old city

If you wish to buy any souvenir, want to try any local dishes, there are so many street shops & hawkers to choose from. Vendors are more friendly here but bargain over price is a must.

Chilling at Thu Bon riverside –

Once the sun sets, this is the perfect place to get yourself cool sitting at any restaurants/bars, beside the canal and gazing at the charming beauty of this ancient town. The place has its own tranquility that attracts travelers mostly in the evening to watch the lively Hoi An city.

The Rikshaw is like a Ferrari in the chaotic market lane!

The yummy cuisine is about to be made!

An Evening with full of Content & Happiness

My Son –

My Son means ‘The Beauty of Mountain’ is one of the best destinations of Hindu architecture in Southeast Asia, constructed by Champa Kingdom (3rd Century). The temples were built dedicated to the Hindu god Lord Shiva. The spot is full of lush greenery, surrounded by peaceful mountains and marked as a World Heritage Site. During the Vietnam war, the holy place was bombarded. Sadly, only 17 structures out of the 71 survived the bombing. This is certainly the most amazing religious place with incredible beauty that we have ever visited in Hoi An Vietnam.

The ancient My Son Architecture

We travelled to My Son by bus from our homestay in Hoi an and a boat back to Hoi An. The boat will drop you off at Thu Bon riverbank. It was a half day tour, and I enjoyed the boat ride while returning to the old town.

An ancient statue amidst My Son Temple area

There is one more thing to discover in this city besides just exploring its culture, historical site, riverside fun, and shopping, and that is special local Vietnamese cuisine. The ancient town is also renowned as Food Capital. You can try Banh Trang Tron and Che dessert that are very popular as local street food in Hoi An. We recommend tasting the Italian and Beef

Coziness in Vietnam style

steak from Good Morning Vietnam restaurant. The food is excellent here.

Located in the heart of the city, Areca Homestay is the best option for someone, if they want to opt for a homestay. It was a cozy stay and offered delicious breakfast in the morning. This beautiful homestay is close to the ancient town, riverside location and An bang beach.

We flew by Vietnam airline from Noi Bai international airport in Hanoi to Da Nang and then we took a Grab taxi to reach the hotel in Hoi An, which was just 30 mins drive away from the airport.