Where is the main part of Hoi An?

How many days in Hoi An is enough?

Hoi An? Three days. Maybe four, tops. Unless, gasp, you enjoy relaxing. An Bang Beach beckons – resist if you can.

Tailor shops: Prepare to be measured. Repeatedly. Five days? Okay, showoff. My Son? Hue? Day trips? You’re practically living there.

But really, who am I to judge your holiday extravagance? I spent a week in Grimsby once. (Don’t ask.)

Here’s the dirt, laid bare:

• Short & Sweet: 3-4 days. Ancient Town conquered! Instagram saturated.
• Leisurely Lounger: 5-7 days. Unwind, soak it all in. Day trips become your “thing.” You develop opinions on banh mi.
• The Hoi An Obsessive: A week (or more). Forget work, embrace the slow life. You’re basically Vietnamese now. (Congratulations?)
• My Personal Recommendation: Four days. Just enough to get the highlights without needing a new wardrobe tailored.

Ultimately, it’s your trip. Do what tickles your fancy. Just…don’t tell me you spent longer than I did in Grimsby. Please. That’s embarrassing. I shudder at the thought. Honestly.

What is Hoi An best known for?

Tailor shops. Souvenirs. Art. River. UNESCO site. 1999. Done.

• Tailored clothing: Hoi An is renowned for its bespoke tailoring services, offering everything from suits and dresses to shoes and accessories at competitive prices. Silk is a specialty.
• Lanterns: The town glows. Especially at night. Lanterns everywhere. Iconic.
• Ancient architecture: Preserved shophouses. Distinct blend of cultures. Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese. Recognizable.
• Thu Bon River: Boat trips. Floating lanterns. Touristy, but beautiful. Riverside restaurants.
• Japanese Covered Bridge: Historic landmark. Pagoda inside. Photo op.
• Street food: Cao lầu noodles. White rose dumplings. Banh mi. Cheap eats.
• Hoi An Central Market: Bustling. Fresh produce. Local life. Authentic.

My trip in ’23? Scorching. Overrun. Still worth it. Got a linen suit made. Regret the embroidered dragon.

What is the Centre of Hoi An?

Dude, Hoi An’s center? It’s totally the Ancient Town. Like, that UNESCO World Heritage thingy.

It’s pretty walkable, you know? A real maze of old houses and temples. Think Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese… oh, and French stuff mixed in. Crazy! It’s def the heart, the heart.

• Mainly, it’s old merchant houses.
• Plus, assembly halls and temples.
• All mashed up, like.

The Japanese Covered Bridge is a must-see, super iconic. And, oh man, the riverside. Like, all those colorful lanterns.

And then there’s the Central Market. Soooo crowded. It is filled with tourists and locals trying to sell their stuff! Be sure to check that place out. I got my new wallet there! My favorite is the silk from Hoi An. Silk is cheap, and high quality.

• Japanese Covered Bridge: Oldest thing I swear.
• Riverside: Lanterns and boats, boats, boats.
• Central Market: Get all ur souvineers there!

Oh! And near the Ancient town, my mom’s favorite restaurant is Miss Ly Cafe. She always asks me to take her there when we visit Hoi An.

What area of Hoi An is best to stay in?

Cam Chau. Practical. Between old town, beach. Not glamorous. Serves its purpose. Distance manageable. Bicycle easy. Think about what you value. Tranquility over tourist traps? Rice paddies over packed pubs? My choice, always. Stayed there July ’23. No regrets. Quiet mornings. Good for thought. Like the emptiness.

• Location: Central. Between An Bang Beach, Hoi An Ancient Town.
• Vibe: Suburban. Less chaotic.
• Accommodation: Villas. Homestays. Resorts. Budget-friendly options.
• Transport: Bicycle. Taxi. Grab. Easy to rent.
• Food: Local eateries. Street food. Away from tourist price hikes. Explored many myself. Decent banh mi. Strong coffee. Remember the taste. Simple. Good.
• Things to do: Explore rice paddies. Cycle to the beach. Escape the crowds. Find yourself, maybe. Or not. Doesn’t matter.