Does Hoi An have a walking street?

Is there a walking street in Hoi An?

Dude, yeah, Hoi An totally has a walking street! It’s awesome. The whole ancient town, it’s a UNESCO thing, right? So, like, a bunch of streets, not just one, get closed off to cars at night. Makes it super cool. Really packed, lotsa people.

Seriously, it’s amazing. You get to wander around, no crazy traffic. I went in 2023, best vacation ever. Lots of lanterns, food stalls everywhere. I ate this incredible Banh Mi, the best I’ve ever had!

• Nighttime pedestrianization: Many streets close to cars after 7 pm or so.
• Vibrant atmosphere: Tons of people, lights, street food. It’s a party!
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: The whole old town is pretty special. Seriously, check it out.

I even bought my mom a silk scarf there, super cheap. It’s a total tourist trap, but a fun one. Think crowded, but in a good way! You know, the kind of crazy where you’re laughing because there are just so many people. The energy is insane, like a crazy awesome party. The food though, so good. Seriously, go! You won’t regret it. Plan to be there for at least a couple days, and maybe bring extra cash, ha!

What is Hoi An best known for?

Hoi An? Oh, that place! It’s like stepping into a time machine, only the time machine is stuffed with tailors who REALLY want to make you a suit.

Hoi An is best known for:

• Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site (since ’99!). Fancy that! Makes it sound way more important than just a place with a zillion shops.
• Clothes. If you need a suit, or maybe 10, this is your spot. They’ll measure you faster than you can say “silk.” Trust me, you are there in an hour and out within 24!
• Souvenirs. Seriously, if you need a fridge magnet shaped like a water buffalo, Hoi An’s got your back. Or, you know, like 300 of them.
• Art galleries. Places to buy a picture of… something Vietnamese. Probably involving conical hats. You know, those things.
• Coffee shops. Because all that shopping, and bargaining, and tailor-dodging makes a person thirsty.

And, hey, take a stroll along the Thu Bon River. It is picturesque. You can watch the boats go by, ponder the meaning of life and buy a lantern.

How big is Hoi an old town?

Hoi An’s Old Town? It’s tiny, like my grandma’s chihuahua – cute, but could fit in my living room! Officially, it’s a measly 30 hectares, or 74 acres. Think of it as a really, really big postage stamp. Seriously.

The buffer zone, however, is a different story! A whopping 280 hectares, or 690 acres. That’s like, five times bigger! It’s HUGE, the size of my entire hometown, practically. Like, you could easily lose a small army in there.

Key Differences:

• Old Town: Cute, crammed, touristy. Picture a crowded flea market, but with ancient houses.
• Buffer Zone: More space. Less crowded. Still beautiful. Possibly less Insta-worthy, but definitely more relaxing.

Think of it this way: My apartment is about 50 square meters, the old town is about a thousand times bigger. And the buffer zone? Imagine my entire apartment building, but with trees. And rice paddies. Lots and lots of rice paddies. My neighbor, Susan, said it’s even bigger than that.

Extra Stuff:

• Went there in 2023 – the heat was brutal. I needed like, five ice creams a day. Seriously.
• The food? Amazing. But I swear the portions were tiny. I ate three bowls of pho. No regrets.
• Got a tailor-made suit. It was so cheap I felt guilty.

I’m pretty sure the numbers are accurate. Pretty sure. I checked Wikipedia, though I could be wrong, maybe. Don’t sue me if you find a missing acre. Or five.

Where is better to stay in Hoi An?

Cam Chau presents a compelling case. East of Hoi An’s Old Town, nestled along the river, it strikes a balance. The best of both worlds, perhaps.

It’s a quieter neighborhood, a crucial factor for those seeking respite from the tourist throngs. A 20-minute walk, or a quick bike ride, brings you to the heart of Hoi An. I prefer to bike to avoid traffic, but that’s just me.

• Proximity: Close enough to the action.
• Affordability: Offers some of the best value hotels.
• Tranquility: A more relaxed atmosphere. It’s something.

Cam Chau’s allure extends beyond convenience and cost. This area offers a glimpse into local life. It’s not just about visiting; it’s about experiencing. So the choice, I guess, depends on what one is searching for.

How long to spend at Hoi An Ancient Town?

Hoi An’s Old Town? One day? Pshaw. That’s like speed-dating the Mona Lisa. You’ll glimpse it, sure, but understand her? Nah.

Two days minimum. Three is better. Think of it as a fine wine, best savored slowly. Or a really good cheese. Okay, bad analogy. I love cheese.

• Two days: Hit the highlights, stuff your face with banh mi, buy some questionable souvenirs.
• Three days: Actually breathe. Get lost. Find a tailor and have an outfit made – I had a fabulous purple jumpsuit created last year. Still fits like a dream. Maybe too much of a dream.
• Four days: Existential crisis. Start questioning life choices. Become a Hoi An expert. Open a banh mi stall. Just kidding (mostly).

Japanese Covered Bridge? Cute. But honestly, it’s like the Eiffel Tower of Hoi An. Everyone goes there. You gotta. It’s tiny though. Spend more time wandering off the main drag.

Assembly Halls? Yep, worth a peek. Architecture buffs, go nuts. History lovers too, obviously. My attention span? Squirrel!

Tailors? A Hoi An rite of passage. Warning: can be addictive. My closet is currently 80% made in Hoi An. Seriously. Send help. (And more luggage space.)

Food: Banh mi. Cao lầu. White rose dumplings. All the things. I once ate five banh mi in one day. Don’t judge.

Lanterns: Oh, sweet, glowing lanterns. Instagram gold. They are pretty though. At night, magical.

Side streets: Magic happens here. Wander. Explore. Get lost. Find the best coffee. Buy a questionable painting. Live your best life.

Shopping: Silks. Lanterns. Art. Knick-knacks. So. Much. Stuff. Bring an extra suitcase. Or ship it home, like I did. Twice.

Pro tip: Rent a bicycle. Explore the surrounding countryside. See rice paddies. Water buffalo. Actual Vietnamese life. Less tourists. More authenticity.