Hoian

Hoian is famous for the rows of ancient saffron-colored houses, the river shimmering with lanterns at night, and delicious dishes at affordable prices. It is undoubtedly true that this city is one of the most picturesque locations in Vietnam. Known as the "city of titles," Hoian has been recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site since 1999.

Furthermore, the media and many prestigious international awards regularly announce names to honor this unique heritage, such as the top 25 best tourist cities in the world in 2020 (Travel + Leisure), the top 15 great cities in the world, and Asia's Leading Cultural City Destination by the World Travel Awards in 2021. However, beyond its accolades and picture-perfect looks, there are more exciting things for travelers to discover in Hoian. If you are planning a Hoian City Tour or Hoian is simply on your mind for the next holiday, let’s come and join Asia Private Travels to glance at this city and its attractions that will blow your mind! 

Hoian overview

The 400-year-old Hoian historic town is constantly impressed by its quiet and antique beauty, with the image of rows of old buildings with mossy tile roofs and lovely yellow-whitewashed walls by the peaceful Hoai River down to the sea. Over hundreds of years, Hoian has almost retained the silhouette of a busy ancient commercial port on the harbor under the boat, as well as over 1,000 exquisite monuments from the streets, residences, assembly halls, and so on. Let's collect some information that must be known before setting foot in the heritage land!

In your Hoian day tour, the first destination you should start with is Chua Cau (Japanese Covered Bridge). With its peaceful surroundings, the Japanese Covered Bridge is regarded as a highlight of Hoian tourism. It has experienced several historical events and transformations that witnessed Southeast and East Asia's cultural interference. Because of its Japanese-style design, this location offers a striking first impression. Especially if you are already in Vietnam for a vacation, take a look at the banknotes in your wallet! Maybe you’ll find a 20,000 VND banknote with the Japanese Covered Bridge image on it! Perhaps this is why this location has become a popular stopover for thousands of travelers each year in the ancient town.

Chua Cau (Japanese Covered Bridge) in Hoian

Wandering around Hoian ancient street, visitors can also be surprised by many fabric and custom-made clothing shops because Hoian is a hotspot for travelers wanting quality items tailor-made. Here, at more than 50 kiosks piled high with fabrics of different types and colors, vendors entice passersby to buy their goods. And if you're looking for silk, you can also go to the Hoian Silk Village.

Besides, Sa Huynh Culture Museum is another attractive tourist destination in Hoian, especially for visitors who love archaeology and history. This location preserves Sa Huynh inhabitant relics that evince the over 2000-year-old prehistoric culture of the Pho Hoi region. When visiting each exhibition area, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the social life, customs, and aesthetic perception of the ancient residents living in Hoian in each development period. Thereby, tourists can see the relationship and cultural exchange between countries, laying the premise for the development of the economy and culture of Central Vietnam in the future.

Sa Huynh Culture Museum in Hoian

Continue your Hoian daily tour with more exciting activities at Cua Dai Beach. This well-known Hoian location was selected by Tripadvisor as one of the best 25 beaches in Asia in 2013.  Only 5 kilometers away from Hoian, Cua Dai is a beach that spans many tens of hectares with beautiful white sand, crystal-clear water, and gentle waves. Visitors may hire a boat and go floating with fishermen, spend hours lying on the sand while sunbathing, listen to the waves smash, or go fishing close to the coast.

Cua Dai Beach in Hoi An 

In addition, if you are passionate about exploring unspoiled nature, you cannot ignore Cu Lao Cham, which is about 20 kilometers from the town of Hoian. Cu Lao Cham is a 15-kilometer-long archipelago comprising one significant island and eight surrounding minor islands. With its unspoiled beauty and unique flora and wildlife, Cu Lao Cham is designated by UNESCO as a major world biosphere reserve. When visiting Cu Lao Cham, diving to observe the coral is an exciting experience you should not miss-images of aquatic animals that you can only see on television now with your own eyes. This will undoubtedly be a memory that visitors will never forget.

Cu Lao Cham in Hoian

Moreover, for some souls that love romance and peace, the Hoai River is an ideal sightseeing location to immerse your soul in what is dreamy and carefree. Visitors may take a boat to enjoy the landscape on both sides of the river, especially in the evening when the lights are bright with colorful lanterns and the whole old town appears to be lit up. The scenery on both sides of the river is reflected in the river, giving the painting of Pho Hoi a more romantic and mysterious feel. Coming to Hoian on the occasion of the full moon, visitors also have the opportunity to sit on boats, softly drop the candle-lit lanterns, and make a wish of their own. This is an enjoyable experience to end the very first day of your Hoian Day trip.

The Hoai River in Hoian

Hoian Weather

Hoian's climate is mixed between the South and the North, with distinct rainy and dry seasons. Each season of the old town has its beauty. The rainy season in Hoian lasts from September to January next year. With very gentle and extremely romantic scenes, this is the perfect time of year to visit Hoian if you enjoy tranquil, uncrowded travel.

Whereas the dry season in Hoian starts from February to August, the dry and sunny weather will be very suitable for an excursion. From April to August is the beach tourism season in Danang, so tourists often combine to visit Hoian. This is the peak time of year for tourists in Hoian.

Hoian Weather in Hoian

Hoian Transport

Unlike Danang, Hoian currently does not have an airport or railway station, so many tourists frequently wonder what the means of transportation to Hoian should be and how to travel here. Therefore, you can contact Asia Private Travels to kick off your Hoian tours!

The fastest method to get to Hoian is by aircraft. You may purchase a ticket to Danang Airport from Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi and then start your day trips from Hoian by bus or taxi. Bus lines connect Ho Chi Minh City to Hoian, with prices ranging from 320,000 to 480,000 VND for each trip.

Besides airplanes, means of transport to Hoian are quite diverse. The first one is by train, Hoian self-sufficient travel itinerary by train departs from Ho Chi Minh City/Hanoi and stops at Danang or Tra Kieu station (Quang Nam). Travel time takes about 15 - 20 hours with ticket prices from 230,000 - 2,224,000 VND per way, depending on the itinerary and seat type. 

Furthermore, if you're a genuine backpacker or reside in one of Hoian's nearby provinces, such as Danang, Hue, or Quang Ngai, personal vehicles (automobiles and motorcycles) are an intriguing option to discover more tourist attractions along the way in Hoian tour from Danang or a tour from Hoian to Hue.

Danang Airport 

Hoian accommodation

For ease of access, how should travelers book a hotel close to the old town when visiting Hoian? A lot of individuals likely ask themselves this question frequently. There are numerous hotels to select from on your Hoi An Full Day Tour because Hoian's tourism industry is expanding. Let’s Asia Private Travels offer some affordable lodging options in Hoian near the ancient town!

• Pho Hoi Riverside Resort: Located closest to the core of Hoian Ancient Town, its unique position is especially ideal for individuals who appreciate both the charms and the rare antiquity of this place. 
• The Koi Hotel in Hoian: An excellent choice for people seeking a tranquil retreat beside the picturesque Thu Bon River. The hotel is built to resemble Hoian's architecture, with rows of antique cottages near the river.
• Muong Thanh Holiday Hoian: A spot just a few minutes walk from Cua Dai Beach that meets international 4-star standards, providing tourists with the most convenience and relaxation in the fresh and cool air. The hotel also offers shuttle buses, complimentary breakfast, bilingual usage, soothing spa services in Hoian, and so on.
• Riverside Oasis Villa Hoian: It takes approximately 15-20 minutes to go to Hoian Ancient Town, Thanh Ha Pottery Village, and Hoian Night Market from this favorable hotel. Every corner of Riverside Oasis Villa is surrounded by the cool green of trees, mixed with vibrant flowers, thanks to a design aesthetic that blends in with the surrounding greenery.

Cuisine in Hoian

Each city and area has its own distinct culinary characteristics, and Hoian is no exception. Because of its richness and distinctiveness, Hoian cuisine is regarded as one of the elements attracting tourists from all over the world. Despite their diversity, they all share distinct traits of Vietnam's central area. 

When talking about Hoian cuisine, Cao Lau is the first name that should be stated. This is considered the pride of Hoian culinary culture. It originates from China but is transformed by the people here to become its specialty. Although it appears to be noodles at first sight, closer inspection reveals something else. Cao Lau fiber is brilliant yellow in color because ash wood is added to the powder to give it a distinctive taste. 

Cao Lau - Hoian specialties

Com Ga Hoian (chicken rice) is another dish that "thousands of people love" in Hoian. Even though this meal is now available everywhere, only in Hoian can it deliver an unforgettable taste. From the aromatic, chewy, robust, and savory shredded chicken to the rice cooked in golden, fragrant chicken broth, numerous factors make this specialty exceptional.

Com Ga Hoian (chicken rice) - Hoian specialties

Besides countless delicious dishes for you to enjoy, Hoian still has many suitable items to buy as presents. Banh Dau Xanh Hoian (mung cake) is one dish that is frequently brought home as gifts by visitors. In the past, this cake was used to be offered to kings and mandarins. But today, it has been widely sold on the streets so that everyone who comes to the old town can enjoy and purchase it.

Banh Dau Xanh Hoian (mung cake) - Hoian specialties

Impressive culture, poetic and ancient scenery, as well as diverse cuisine have made Hoian more and more attractive in the eyes of tourists. Hopefully, with the information about Hoian that Asia Private Travels tells you, you will have the most wonderful Hoian City Tour Full Day. Don't be afraid to contact us to discover the charming ancient beauty of this peaceful Hoian town!