Happy TravellerWelcome to Hội An, a charming city located in Vietnam’s Quảng Nam Province and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. With a population of approximately 120,000, Hội An is a city that boasts a rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and mouthwatering local cuisine. Join us as we uncover the many treasures of Hội An and reveal why this enchanting destination should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
Hội An’s Old Town, the city’s historic district, is recognized as an exceptionally well-preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. Its buildings and street plan reflect a blend of indigenous and foreign influences. Prominent in the city’s old town is its covered Temple Bridge, dating to the 16th–17th century. The city’s heritage is also reflected in its museums, including the Museum of History and Culture, the Hoi An Folklore Museum, the Museum of Trade Ceramics, and the Museum of Sa Huỳnh Culture.
Hội An’s regional cuisine is a must-try for any foodie. The city offers a distinctive regional cuisine that blends centuries of cultural influences from East and Southeast Asia. Hội An hosts a number of cooking classes where tourists can learn to make cao lầu or braised spiced pork noodle, a signature dish of the city. Other regional specialties include mi quang noodles, banh bao banh vac, hoanh thanh, com ga (chicken with rice), bánh xèo, sweet corn soup, and baby clam salad. They make a local chili sauce, Ớt Tương Triều Phát, widely popular throughout Vietnam. According to CNN, Hoi An is the banh mi capital of Vietnam. Banh Mi is a type of Vietnamese sandwich, consisting of a baguette, pâté, meats, and fresh herbs.
Hội An’s weather is tropical, with two main seasons during the year: rainy and dry seasons, with a warm average temperature of 29 °C during the year. The hottest period is from June to August when the highest temperature can reach 38°C during the day time. November to January are the coldest months, with an average temperature of 20 °C. The rainy season lasts from September to January with heavy rains which can cause floods and affect tourism. The city’s dry season is between February and May, when the weather becomes very mild with moderate temperature and less humid. Calm mild weather is now limited to the season of May/June – end of August when the seas are calm and wind changes direction and comes from the South. The remainder of the year the weather is intermittent between rain & cold and hot & mild. Activities such as visiting the offshore Cù lao Chàm islands are only guaranteed to be likely during the short season of the of May to the end of August, which is the high season for domestic tourism.
Hội An is a tourist attraction because of its history, traditional architecture, and crafts such as textiles and ceramics. Many bars, hotels, and resorts have been constructed both in Hội An and the surrounding area. The port mouth and boats are still used for both fishing and tourism. Another attraction is the Hoi An Lantern Full Moon Festival taking place every full moon cycle. The celebrations honor the ancestors. People exchange flowers, lanterns, candles, and fruits for prosperity and good fortune. The Faifo Coffee house has an open-air rooftop that has become a particularly popular location for Asian tourists to stop for well-dressed selfies and posed photos.
In 2019, Hoi An was listed as one of Vietnam’s key culture-based tourist areas where rampant tourism growth threatens sustainability. Excessive tourism in the past has also damaged the eco-system of Chàm Islands-Hội An Marine Protected Area. However, there are challenges for stakeholders to protect the heritage from tourism. Owing to the increased number of tourists visiting Hoi An, a variety of activities are emerging that allow guests to get out of the old quarter and explore by motorbike, bicycle, kayak, or motorboat. The Thu Bon River is still essential to the region more than 500 years after António de Faria first navigated it, and it remains an essential form of food production and transport. As such, kayak and motorboat rides are becoming an increasingly common tourist activity.
Come and experience the magic of Hội An for yourself. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine, this enchanting destination is sure to leave a lasting impression on any traveler.
