Hoi An

Hoi An is a remarkably well-preserved ancient trading port on the central coast of Vietnam, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. Situated in Quang Nam Province about 30 kilometres south of Da Nang, the town flourished as an international commercial hub between the 15th and 19th centuries, welcoming merchants from China, Japan, Portugal, and the Netherlands. Today its historic core retains much of that multicultural heritage — Japanese Covered Bridge, Chinese clan houses, French colonial facades, and Vietnamese tube houses line the narrow riverside streets.

The Ancient Town is best explored on foot or by bicycle. The Thu Bon River curves through the southern edge of the old quarter, and at night the streets glow with hundreds of silk lanterns that give Hoi An its signature look. On the 14th of each lunar month the town holds the Full Moon Lantern Festival, when electricity is switched off and the old quarter is lit entirely by candles and floating lanterns on the river.

Hoi An's beaches lie within easy reach. Cua Dai Beach is roughly four kilometres from the old town, while An Bang Beach — a quieter, less developed stretch — sits about five kilometres away and has become popular with long-stay visitors. Offshore, Cu Lao Cham Marine Park protects a cluster of islands accessible by boat from Cua Dai pier, offering snorkelling in clear coastal waters.

The food scene is one of the town's greatest draws. Cao Lau — thick rice noodles with pork and crispy croutons prepared using water drawn from a specific local well — is eaten almost exclusively in Hoi An. White rose dumplings and banh mi from the street carts of Phuong are other local staples. The town is also well known for bespoke tailoring; dozens of shops offer custom-made clothing turned around in 24 to 48 hours.

Excursions from Hoi An are plentiful. My Son Sanctuary, a group of Cham Hindu temples built between the 4th and 14th centuries, lies about 40 kilometres to the southwest. The Marble Mountains rise on the outskirts of Da Nang, and the ancient city of Hue can be reached in under three hours. The surrounding countryside offers cycling routes through rice paddies, vegetable farms at Tra Que village, and basket-boat rides through the Cam Thanh coconut forest.