For starters, it’s not super easy to get to. Don’t get me wrong… you don’t need to ride a elephant from the airport buuuut it is about a 40 minute taxi ride away from the closest airport which is in Da Nang (DAD- that’s the airport code. Not sure why but the first time I saw this, I lost it laughing so hard… yeah go figure 😀 ). Da Nang is only about an hour and a half long flight from Ho Chi Minh City which makes adding Hội An into your Vietnam itinerary very doable.
And this is what happens when you arrive in Hội An. This city is so quaint and cute that you’ll get distracted by it all when you’re getting your photo taken. #SorryNotSorry 😀
Stay: Almanity Hoi An Wellness Resort – The resort is a quick walk from the Ancient Town but also away from the hustle and bustle providing a relaxing oasis in the middle of Hội An. The complimentary breakfast was one of the best I’ve had- especially the fruit selection and juices. Before you ask, I don’t remember what that bright blue juice was… but I do remember it was delicious. 10/10 would drink again.
Every stay comes with a free 1 hour body massage! After 10 days on the road it was amazing to break out the robe and walk over to the spa and get completely pampered! What a relaxing experience topped off by 20 minutes in a beautiful sauna. I never thought I would enjoy a sauna on this trip (since all of Vietnam is essentially one big sauna) but this was a great way to end a beautiful day walking around Hội An .
I stayed in the My Spirit Superior room and really enjoyed the loft layout of the room as it was something unique that I haven’t seen in other hotels before. My room was facing the pool so the view was quite enjoyable as well. It’s seriously hard to believe that the hotel is in the middle of the city because it’s so relaxing and serene. Perfect place to unwind!
Food: Hoi An has so many cute places to eat that had good food. For me, each city usually has that one meal that I remember it by (and literally still drool over just thinking about it) and for Hoi An it’s hands down Miss Ly Cafe.
For starters, make sure to get the White Rose Dumplings (banh bao). Actually no- just go ahead and get two orders of those because as soon as we were done with the first plate, we ordered the 2nd round. They are SO GOOD that it’s indescribable but if you’re dying to know what they are… in the menu, white rose is listed as steamed shrimp in rice dumplings with onion, lemon and chili. Also- it’s going to be hot… a round of Vietnamese iced coffees is a must.
The other dish to have is Fried Wontons (Hoanh Thanh Chien). Yes yes… I know what you’re thinking- she went all that way to Vietnam to have fried wontons as if the Chinese place down the street doesn’t have any. 😑 Well I thought so too but this was a GAME CHANGER. The waiter brought the plant and wait a minute… this fried wontons look like tacos! These fried wontons were stuffed with sautéed meat and topped with tomato, shrimp, onion and magical sauce. Again- take my advice and consider a 2nd round of these as well.
Other restaurants worth mentioning are:
- Morning Glory – very close to the Japanese bridge. Great selection of Western dishes and Vietnamese traditional ones
- Brother’s Cafe – right on the Thu Bon River. It has an inside dining area and an elegant open garden overlooking the river – super romantic and great place to watch the sunset over a drink
- The Chef – you’ll be able to spot the lantern tree from far away (that’s how we found it!). Amazing view of the city and a chill place to grab a drink
Beach: An Bang Beach
- Shuttle from hotel – Almanity Hoi An Wellness Resort runs a complimentary shuttle to An Bang beach and provided reserved beach beds for their guests. If you’re a beach lover, this is definitely a must and a fun way to spend the day. Most people spend their day at the beach in one place… but we on the other hand walked almost 15miles that day! (So next time I say I like long walks on the beach, maybe you’ll know that I’m not kidding?) Also every morning the resort also has yoga classes and tai chi classes in the afternoon- great alternative if you’re tired of sightseeing and want to spend a day relaxing in the resort.
Activities:
- Night Market – Hội An’s market area is located right when you cross the bridge but in reality, all of this town is one big market. This city is FULL (hold on to your wallets before you spend it all FULL) of cute boutiques and coffee shops. From silk lanterns to woven handbags, you will find it all and then some.
- See the bridge and boats – If you have already fallen in love with Hội An- perfect. Go ahead and book your airfare 😀 But I’m here to tell you that this city gets even more beautiful at night (not sure how that’s even possible). Around dusk, make your way over to the river and experience something magical. You’ll find hundreds of colorful paper lanterns (with a candle at the bottom of each) floating down the river and tourists in little boats trying to get that amazing photo. I opted out to spectate from the river bank but it was still a beautiful tradition to see.
To be honest- I went from being skeptical about Hội An to ABSOLUTELY loving it! I highly recommend including it on your Vietnam itinerary simply because this UNESCO- listed town has a bit of everything: culture, beach, beautiful architecture, lots of lanterns and those dumplings (don’t forget them!)
I was welcomed as a guest by Almanity Hoi An Wellness Resort. As always all opinions are my own.
PS. the dress is from Indigo Rose – a cute boutique in Ithaca, NY!
Wow! Hoi An looks really nice. I am very jealous of your breakfast and body massage inclusive stay! Also I love your dress you are wearing in the evening 🙂
I’ve never felt so pampered before! and thank you! it’s from a local boutique in Ithaca, NY. I’ll add a link to it in the post!
Hoi An looks amazing. I missed this place on my visit to Vietnam. After reading this, I felt really bad not to find time to visit Hoi An that time. Next time, I am going there first.
Glad to hear I was able to sell you on visiting this town!
Hoi An is such a beautiful place. I live in Ho Chi Minh so i get to speak to travellers a lot and they all say that Hoi An is their favourite place. It is not hard to see why, the lanterns and cute streets create such a romantic atmosphere. The resort you stayed at looks amazing too! I will make sure to remember this for my next visit to Hoi An.
Yes! I’d highly recommend staying there for sure. I stayed in HCMC for one night and was pleasantly surprised how clean and modern it is!
Loved the city of Hoi An. The lanterns make it so magical and charming indeed!
It really does during the day and nighttime!
I was most impressed by the art galleries in Hoi An. Next time I am ready to decorate, it is worth it to fly over here and get some original artwork sent home.
I’d have to agree! that’d be a fun trip to go on- just to decorate your apt back home
Wow! Hoi An looks so vibrant and colourful. The quaint streets and shops are so fascinating. Almanity Hoi An Wellness Resort looks amazing. I love the pool facing room and of course the fruits and massage makes it more luxurious experience. I would love to try those Fried Wontons and White Rose Dumplings. They look delicious.!
Let me tell you – I’ve never felt so pampered before like during the stay at Almanity Hoi An Wellness Resort! Such a great hotel!
We went to Hoi An at the start of the year and we had a great time too! The weather was a bit too cool for the water but we stayed seaside anytway. The Old Town is charming isn’t it! So much to see and do. Love just meadering the streets eating and shopping:) Next time we’ll stay near An Bang.
An Bang beach was beautiful but after spending 4 days in Phu Quoc, I was more interested in soaking in the culture. Glad to hear that you enjoyed Hoi An as well!
Hoi An is a beautiful place and the Almanity Hoi An Wellness Resort looks lovely. I can see how much fun you had and the guide on stay/food/things to do is quite comprehensive. I love the quaint cafe and the lovely beaches. The floating lanterns and the market is breathtaking !
I’m sooo glad I included it on my itinerary and hope that those who are considering going will too!