The Elsewhere Guide
Hoi An, Vietnam
Lantern-lit old town, tailors, and the best bánh mì on earth
Hoi An, an ancient port city on the central coast of Vietnam, exudes a timeless allure with its lantern-lit streets and storied history. Within its enchanting UNESCO-listed Old Town, the whispers of past trade routes are palpable, and the vibrant tapestry of cultures invites exploration. Here, the discerning traveler finds a harmonious blend of exquisite dining, opulent stays, and bespoke experiences that redefine luxury.
The best time to visit Hoi An is from February to April when the weather is mild and the skies are clear, perfect for exploring the city's cultural treasures and enjoying its beaches without the crowds.
Where to Stay
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An
Ha My Beach
A sanctuary of elegance, the resort's villas and private pools are set amidst lush gardens overlooking the pristine Ha My Beach.
Why we love it: The perfect fusion of luxury and tranquility, offering an unparalleled beachfront experience.
Anantara Hoi An Resort
Riverside
Situated along the Thu Bon River, this colonial-style retreat offers spacious suites with river views and a blend of Vietnamese and French influences.
Why we love it: Its riverside location provides a serene escape with easy access to Hoi An's vibrant culture.
Hotel Royal Hoi An - MGallery
Old Town
This boutique hotel combines Art Nouveau charm with Japanese and Vietnamese influences, offering a unique stay in the heart of the city.
Why we love it: The rooftop pool offers breathtaking views of the city and the Thu Bon River.
Seven Days in Hoi An
Arrival and Old Town Charm
Breakfast at The Nam Hai's Cafe Nam Hai
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An
💡 Try the local pho with a view of the ocean.
Private walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town
Hoi An Ancient Town
💡 Book a local historian for deeper insights into the town's history.
Lunch at Morning Glory Original
106 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street
💡 The white rose dumplings are a must-try.
Tailor a bespoke outfit at Yaly Couture
47 Tran Phu Street
💡 Opt for silk for a luxurious feel and fit.
Dinner at The Field Restaurant & Bar
Tran Nhan Tong Street
💡 Request a table by the water for a magical sunset view.
Immerse yourself in the historic charm of Hoi An's ancient town, blending cultural discovery with culinary delights.
Culinary Delights and Artisan Crafts
Breakfast at Anantara's Lanterns Restaurant
Anantara Hoi An Resort
💡 Enjoy the freshly baked pastries with a cup of Vietnamese coffee.
Private cooking class at Red Bridge Cooking School
Thon 4, Cam Thanh
💡 Visit the local market with the chef for a true farm-to-table experience.
Enjoy your culinary creations
Red Bridge Cooking School
Visit Reaching Out Tea House
131 Tran Phu Street
💡 Support the hearing-impaired staff by purchasing their handcrafted goods.
Dinner at Mango Mango
45 Nguyen Phuc Chu Street
💡 The fusion dishes here are inspired by global travels and local ingredients.
A day dedicated to indulging your culinary senses and appreciating local craftsmanship.
Beachfront Bliss and Spa Indulgence
Breakfast at Hotel Royal's Faifo Cafe
Hotel Royal Hoi An - MGallery
💡 The breakfast buffet includes a wide array of local delicacies.
Relax on the private beach
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An
💡 Order a fresh coconut drink from the beach bar.
Lunch at La Sen Restaurant
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An
💡 The seafood platter is a perfect choice for a light yet lavish meal.
Spa treatment at The Heart of the Earth Spa
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An
💡 Try the Nam Hai Earth Song treatment for ultimate relaxation.
Dinner at The Deck Hoi An
Vinh Hung Riverside Resort & Spa
💡 Book a table on the terrace for panoramic river views.
A day of relaxation and rejuvenation, from the serene beach to the soothing spa.
Cultural Immersion and Riverside Romance
Breakfast at The Market Restaurant
Anantara Hoi An Resort
💡 Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese breakfast with a modern twist.
Visit the My Son Sanctuary with a private guide
My Son Sanctuary
💡 Arrive early to avoid the heat and crowds.
Lunch at Cargo Club Cafe & Restaurant
107-109 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street
💡 The terrace offers a lovely view of the Thu Bon River.
Explore the Hoi An Museum of History & Culture
7 Nguyen Hue Street
💡 Hire a local guide to gain deeper insights into the exhibits.
Private sunset cruise on the Thu Bon River
Hoi An River
💡 Bring a camera to capture the stunning sunset over the river.
Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Hoi An, capped off with a romantic river cruise.
Nature and Tranquility
Breakfast at The Nam Hai's Cafe Nam Hai
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An
💡 The tropical fruit platter is a refreshing start to the day.
Cycling tour of Cam Thanh Village
Cam Thanh Village
💡 Visit a local family to learn about traditional Vietnamese farming.
Lunch at Baby Mustard
Tra Que Vegetable Village
💡 The fresh herbs from the garden add an aromatic touch to every dish.
Relax at the hotel's pool
Anantara Hoi An Resort
💡 Order a signature cocktail from the poolside bar.
Dinner at Nu Eatery
10A Nguyen Thi Minh Khai
💡 Try the crispy pork belly, a local favorite.
Enjoy a day of natural beauty and relaxation, exploring the countryside and savoring local cuisine.
Artisan Discoveries and Lantern Magic
Breakfast at Faifo Cafe
Hotel Royal Hoi An - MGallery
💡 Don't miss the Vietnamese pancakes.
Visit Thanh Ha Pottery Village
Thanh Ha Village
💡 Try your hand at pottery-making with a local artisan.
Lunch at The Red Dragon
55 Tran Cao Van
💡 The local grilled fish is a standout dish.
Explore the Lantern Market
Nguyen Hoang Street
💡 Purchase a handmade lantern as a beautiful keepsake.
Dinner at Secret Garden
60 Le Loi Street
💡 Enjoy the live traditional music while dining.
Discover the artisanal side of Hoi An, from pottery to lanterns, and end the day with a magical dining experience.
Farewell to Hoi An
Breakfast at The Market Restaurant
Anantara Hoi An Resort
💡 Savor the freshly prepared banh mi sandwiches.
Shopping at Hoi An Silk Village
28 Nguyen Tat Thanh
💡 Have a silk expert guide you through the process of silk-making.
Lunch at Market Bar
Anantara Hoi An Resort
💡 The Vietnamese tapas are perfect for a light meal.
Leisure time at hotel or last-minute shopping
Hoi An
💡 Pick up any last-minute gifts or souvenirs.
Private transfer to Da Nang International Airport
Hoi An
💡 Arrange for a luxury vehicle for a comfortable ride.
Bid farewell to Hoi An with a morning of shopping and a final taste of local cuisine.
The Table
Restaurants that define the destination.
Morning Glory Original
A beloved institution for authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a charming setting.
Mango Mango
Known for its innovative fusion dishes and vibrant atmosphere.
The Field Restaurant & Bar
Offers a unique dining experience with stunning views of the rice fields.
Nu Eatery
A hidden gem offering creative takes on Vietnamese classics.
Secret Garden
Combines excellent food with live traditional music in a lush setting.
Cargo Club Cafe & Restaurant
Famous for its pastries and riverside views.
Make It Extraordinary
Experiences beyond the obvious.
Private walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site with a knowledgeable local guide, uncovering the rich history and cultural tapestry of Hoi An.
Cooking class at Red Bridge Cooking School
Learn to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes with fresh ingredients sourced from the local market, guided by expert chefs.
Visit My Son Sanctuary
Discover the ancient Hindu temple complex with a private guide, learning about the Cham civilization's history and architecture.
Cycling tour of Cam Thanh Village
Cycle through the picturesque countryside, visiting local farms and experiencing traditional Vietnamese rural life.
Private sunset cruise on the Thu Bon River
Enjoy a tranquil cruise along the river, witnessing the breathtaking sunset over Hoi An's picturesque landscape.
Hoi An is a destination that captivates with its rich history, cultural depth, and luxurious offerings. From bespoke tailoring to world-class cuisine, it invites you to indulge your senses and discover a Vietnam that is both timeless and contemporary. As you leave, the memories of its lantern-lit streets and warm hospitality will linger long after your journey ends.
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