Ancient Hoi An offers a unique treasure of history and cultures on Thu Bon River and estuary. Even more, Hoi An’s Old Quarter is a creative vortex with many artisans, spectacular shopping, silk products, cooking classes, international restaurants, and Vietnamese coffee shops. Also, Hoi An’s night markets is the most popular one in all of Vietnam. Read on to learn more about Hoi An tour for a wonderful itinerary in both day and nighttime.
History of Hoi An’s Old Quarter
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Hoi An Old Quarter setting is an opportunity to go back in time and relive the well-preserved trading post as it was 200 years ago. It was the commercial capital of the Cham Empire (civilization that predated Vietnamese people) in the 16th and 17th centuries. Also, they specialized in ceramics and textiles.
Its foreign influences include Chinese, Japanese, Dutch, French, Portuguese a long with the indigenous Cham cultures. Because its location as a trading center abruptly ended in the 18th century (replaced by Da Nang), it remains mostly unchanged from 200 years ago. Therefore, visitors experience car-free streets with transportation by boat along the river.
Walking along the quaint streets is a leisurely way to shop at your own pace. A highlight of Hoi An’s charm is the abundant, colorful silk lanterns, strewn above you throughout the streets and shops. Being there at night is an opportunity to experience these lights at their brightest.
Hoi An Vietnam Day Tour
& Night Market Highlights
Walk on Symbolic Japanese Covered Bridge
The beautiful Japanese covered bridge has become the symbol of Hoi An, bridging many cultures in one community. Its wooden pagoda roof has ornate dragon motifs, as a picturesque opportunity for a nice photo. On the north side of the bridge is the temple dedicated to the Taoist Weather God. There’s also a large bridge connecting the 2 main riverside streets, where you can catch a boat ride to experience Hoi An along the river.
Cafe-Hopping & Vietnamese Coffee
There are numerous coffee shops to explore the unique and strong Vietnamese coffee in Hoi An. I tried my first egg coffee in Hoi An, known for its Tiramisu-like taste. This exquisite coffee is topped with egg yolk whipped with condensed milk and chocolate. Other interesting Vietnamese coffee options include making it with yogurt, coconut cream or avocado. Also, unique to Vietnam is the cultural norm to serve cut chon meaning civet cat dung coffee.
Related: Vietnam Coffee Culture Travel for a Foodie Adventure
Shopping and Customized Fitting
Hoi An is known for its rich tailoring tradition. They offer fast customized shopping and fitting for your own personal style. Its shopping offers traditional apparel and exquisite silk products for reasonable prices. Alterations with quick customized fits, can have you taking home Vietnamese tunics or Chinese dresses within 2 hours.
Visit a Temple or Pagoda
The Quan Cong Temple was built by the Chinese community in the 17th century. It is one of the oldest and holiest temples in Hoi An. I visited this temple honoring General Quan Cong, a symbol of loyalty. Its facade, altars and ornate carvings are all vibrant and colorful. Its door has a painting of two dragons fighting the sun.
Another holy site is the Chuc Thanh Pagoda founded in the 15th century. It’s the oldest Buddhist site in Hoi An. It blends Chinese and Vietnamese styles. The marble Guan Yin statue is a marvel with lacquered columns and detailed motifs with 16 tomb towers.
Cooking Classes
Many restaurants offer cooking classes, especially for the famous local dish, “Cao Lau,” or braised spiced pork noodles. There are many variations of cooking classes with Vietnamese seafood, herbs, spices, coffee and dishes.
Silk Farming Tours and Products
In Hoi An there are tours of sericulture or silk farming for exquisite silk products. I visited and learned a lot about this process, originated in China. The silkworm larvae spread on mulberry leaves, with racks of cocoons on display. The silk threads come from cocoons, produced by the larvae’s salivary glands. I observed the end process of workers spinning the silk threads from the cocoons. It is estimated that 1 pound of silk needs 2000 cocoons.
Mahatma Gandhi protested silk farming, as the larvae are killed to harvest the cocoons. PETA, also, publicized their moral criticisms regarding silk production, as the larvae are boiled alive. From the Silk Road to modern times, this precious end product provides so many beautiful things, at a cost that many would argue is unethical. For thousands of years, China held secret to the art of silk farming and production. Interestingly, in Traditional Chinese Medicine the silkworm dissolves phlegm and relieve spasms.
Night River Boat Ride with Lanterns
One of the most romantic things to do in Hoi An is to take a boat ride on Thu Bon River at night. The boats are lit up at night with the lanterns. The sparkling light and colors is a beautiful and serene sight.
Along the riverside there are numerous bistros, pubs, shops, and live music with many open as late as 3:00 am. The night life is a whole other side of Hoi An, not to be missed. All the colorful silk lanterns light up the streets. It’s breathtakingly romantic to see all the sparkling spectrum of lights on the water and land, enlivened with music, creating an upbeat ambiance for all the senses.
Hoi An Night Market
Hoi An’s Night Market is one of the most popular in Vietnam. I loved this market and highly recommend for anyone not to miss the nightlife and market as it is a one of a kind. This night market lights up with fun, unique foods, music and souvenirs.
The silk lanterns light up for sale, displaying the full spectrum of colors and design. My friend bought a necklace with her name inscribed on a grain of rice. I delighted to discover ice cream rolls, laid out in a smear, then cut and rolled up into thin layers of ice cream. It was refreshingly delicate and delicious as a unique way to enjoy my ice cream.
I saw intricately clever and colorful pop-up boxes, with Vietnamese women on bikes with flower baskets. In addition, there was Vietnamese pizza made with a very thin, rice crust that looked delicious. Altogether, there are many things to get your attention, dazzling all the senses.
Enjoy Hoi An!
Hoi An is such a delightful place with something for everyone. I find that all people light up, just like the silk lanterns, when they mention their experiences in Hoi An. It’s one of those places that cheers everyone up, with its colorful and cozy ambiance, as a community that brings everyone together to celebrate life, reliving the past at this World Heritage Site here and now.
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