I’ve been hearing stories about how Hoi An is a place not to miss and that it may very well become one of my favourite spots in Vietnam. Being wary of hype, I take all of these claims with a pinch of salt, but I think they may have been right about Hoi An.

The first thing you need to do when coming to this town is to change your mindset… This isn’t a town where you have to run around and sightsee. In fact, if that’s what you want to do, maybe Hoi An isn’t the place for you. There certainly are things to see but these aren’t what makes it special. 

One of the market-lined streets in the ancient town.

Instead, Hoi An is an ‘enjoy’ place. You’ll spend a number of hours aimlessly wandering down lantern-clad streets and alleyways, bargaining at one of the better night markets I’ve been to, or trying a host of different street foods at another day market. 

Lanterns are big business here!

I had a great time here, aided by meeting up with an old school mate, Michael, and his girlfriend who now live in Danang, maybe 30 kilometers from Hoi An. This town also happens to be one of their favourites. The world is small!

If you do head here, and I think you should, do not miss the markets, make sure to try all the different street food, and find yourself in a local cafe to make the most of the Vietnamese coffee (best I’ve ever had). There is a nice beach maybe 7 minutes away on a bicycle from the town.

Produce for sale at one of the markets

If you want to have a few drinks, make sure to find yourself at Dive Bar. It’s awesome. 

If you’re on a budget, stay in a home stay. I stayed in a really cool one and the family went out of their way to make my time there as pleasant as possible. 

Transport around the town is dead easy- motorbike taxis will hunt YOU down and there are normal taxis everywhere else.