With a charming old town and some of the best food being local to the region, it’s no wonder that the beautiful town of Hoi An is at the top of many peoples travel lists.
What began as a trading port in the 15th – 19th century has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999 and is exceptionally well-preserved.
The prized old town is made up of markets, alleyways and lantern clad streets which are easy to walk or cycle through. The ban of cars during certain hours adds to the city’s charm and will make draw you back for a 2nd and 3rd visit.
After 2 visits (so far!), here are the top 5 reasons I LOVE Hoi An:
1. Banh Mi
Hoi an is the home of Banh Mi – a quintessentially Vietnamese dish! A warmed baguette filled with pate (thanks to the French influence), delicious pork, pickled vegetables, chilli sauce and herbs.
These sandwiches are rich, spicy and just incredible! Don’t be afraid to order a second, my record is 3.5 over 24hours.
When it comes on where you should dine, there are two front runners:
Bánh Mì Phượng. My score: 7/10
Rising to fame after being featured on television series “No Reservations” by the late Anthony Bourdain, there is always a line out the door here.
Serving the traditional banh mi along with several variations, you should expect to enjoy this tasty roll on a table shared with backpackers and other travellers.
Madam Khanh – The Banh Mi Queen. My score: 9.5/10
Being dubbed the “Queen” is a pretty good hint that these sandwiches are going to be good!
Madam Khanh has been selling street food for almost 50 years, with 30 of those at her Banh Mi store front. It’s a family affair here with her husband, daughter, granddaughter and sister in law all involved in the day to day workings of the business.
She’s a street food icon and welcomes the attention that comes with it! You’ll find the gracious Queen more than happy to pose for a photo, lovingly holding her sandwich.
Letters from previous travellers are displayed in a glass case behind her work station and help to create a much more humble feeling than the previously mentioned shop.
The menu is also a lot simpler here with only two options: traditional or vegetarian. With the addition of a fried egg standard in her sandwich, this is a great spot for brunch matched with a delicious iced coffee!
Other famous Hoi An dishes include “White Rose” (prawn dumplings) and “Cao Lau” (pork noodles).
2. Tailors
If you want any item of clothing (including shoes) made, Hoi An is your place!
With 400+ tailors it can seem quite overwhelming. They vary from high end boutiques with air conditioning, complimentary bottled water and comfortable seating to talk over your fabric choices, to an undercover market stall where you get changed behind a sheet!
Unsurprisingly, prices are charged accordingly.
Clothes are ready for their first fitting the following day, and if you’re on a tight schedule, you may even get a scooter ride back to your hotel!
3. Lanterns
Beautiful coloured lanterns are strung up high throughout the old town, zigzagging their way down the already picturesque streets.
But, it gets better!
After the sun sets, the temperate drops slightly and it’s time to prepare to be wowed by the river side! Vendors line the banks selling floating lanterns ready to join the hundreds already released – it is simply a beautiful sight.
Lantern shops come to life displaying their wares, and a simple stroll through the old town is instantly enthralling.
4. Cooking schools
With so many fantastic dishes to sample here, a visit to a cooking school to learn how to make them at home is a fantastic activity!
Classes start with a guided tour of the local market where you’re encouraged to ask questions, taste and take photos. This itself is an eye opening experience!
Once back in the classroom, traditional dishes such as rice paper rolls, papaya salad, grilled pork and prawn pancakes are created and eaten all together as a feast with your fellow chefs!
5. Bicycles
As the old town is closed to motorcycles and cars for the majority of the day, bicycles are the best way to get around! Not just practical, they’re also what create such a refreshingly relaxed feel in the town.
No hustle and bustle here!
Cycling tours are readily available and provide a great opportunity to explore the near by countryside with rice fields, farms and fishing ports.
Bikes are available for hire from most hotels in Hoi An, but if you’re not in the mood for a light work out, a cyclo taxi will is the perfect (and fun) alternative!
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