HOI AN, THE UNFORGETTABLE
Explore the timeless charms of Hoi An, Quangnam's ancient riverside city in the heart of Vietnam
Explore the timeless charms of Hoi An, Quangnam's ancient riverside city in the heart of Vietnam
Two Vietnamese delicacies: Mi Quang and Banh mi.
Without a doubt, Vietnam has introduced itself to many by way of the taste bud. Vietnamese cuisine, characterized by pure flavors, and the profuse use of fresh greens and piquant herbs, had me spellbound from the beginning of my culinary exploits, and way before I even set foot in the country. My appetite has long been enamored with banh mi and pho, but I was sure there was more to Vietnam beyond a crunchy baguette and a comforting bowl of hot noodle soup. True enough, I discovered a plethora of delights when we packed our bags and headed to the heart of this fascinating country—the province of Quang Nam.
From Danang, Ms. Doan Thi Anh Thu, an official of Quang Nam Tourist Support Center, took us to the different attractions of Hoi An, one of Quang Nam’s prized attractions. Talking about Quang Nam, Mr. Van Ba Son, Deputy Director of the Quang Nam Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism stated, “It could be said that Quang Nam is a rare province in Vietnam that possesses an abundance of cultural heritage resources, both tangible and intangible.” He added, “As it is described in many travel magazines, this is the land of peace, hospitality and hidden charm that can be easily accessible by air, by road, by rail and by sea. This is the only province in Vietnam that is home to two world-known heritage assets, namely My Son Sanctuary and Hoi An Ancient Town.”
Incense rings inside Phuc Kien Assembly Hall
With the help of Ms. Huynh Thi Minh Tam, Vice Director of Quang Nam Tourism Promotion and Information Center, we set out to explore the hidden gem of Hoi An, a city nestled in the heart of Vietnam that exudes an aura of ancient mystique. Hoi An was once a vital trading hub that connected Vietnam with the rest of Southeast Asia, China, India, and the Middle East, dating back to the Champa Kingdom. To get a glimpse of this impressive city’s past, we took the road to the Ancient City.
As we walked through the streets lined with traditional Vietnamese architecture—with obvious influences of Chinese, Japanese, and European styles—I saw a glimpse of the Southeast Asian trading port from centuries ago, immaculately preserved in the buildings that date back to the 15th and 19th centuries.
Hoi Quan Phuc Kien (Phuc Kien Assembly Hall) is one of the Ancient City's most picturesque assembly halls, where pilgrims come from far and wide to pay homage and hang lighted incense rings above the ceiling. The joss sticks burn before intricately designed altars of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva and the Heaven Mother, with the replicas of the six Fujian generals at the back and an altar dedicated to the life-giving deity, Ba Chua Sinh Thai, on the right. The fragrance of sandalwood and cinnamon filled the hall with a mystical atmosphere.
Boats wait for passengers on the Thu Bon River.
We then headed to the river, crossing through the renowned Japanese covered bridge, also known as Chua Cau Pagoda, and is a well-known attraction in Hoi An. The bridge's arched roof resembles a Japanese pagoda, while the ornamental carvings on the sides are styled after those commonly found in Vietnam. Statues of dogs and monkeys stand at either end, representing the years of its construction.
On the other side of the river stands the 200-year-old Phung Hung Ancient House, a National Historical and Cultural Site that boasts a unique design with high wooden logs, spacious corridors, Chinese-inspired balconies and door systems, and a Japanese-style “Four Sea” roof.
Another element that brings back the past whimsically are Hoi An's colorful and vibrant lanterns, which date back to the 17th and 18th centuries when the town was a bustling trading port. At night, the lanterns light up, creating a magical atmosphere throughout the town, including the boats ferrying passengers across the Thu Bon River adorned with colorful lanterns, making for a truly festive spectacle.
At the Lune Center in Hoi An, the first and only bamboo theater in Vietnam, visitors will experience the essence of local culture. Surrounded by the charming scenery of the ancient town, the theater showcases the world-renowned Vietnamese Bamboo Circus. In the cozy auditorium, we were amazed by the exotic tale of Teh Dar, meaning “going in circle.” The show feature the story of different tribes in the central highland of Vietnam, brought to life through the captivating medium of storytelling circus, accompanied by live music and bamboo props.
Indeed, Hoi An remains Vietnam's spectacular cultural epicenter, brimming with traditional markets, craft villages, and new attractions.
The members of the Vietnamese Bamboo Circus
The remains of the beautiful temples at My Son Sanctuary
On our third day in Hoi An, we drove west to one of the most remarkable architectural ensembles in Southeast Asia: My Son Sanctuary. In the bosom of a valley covered in lush jungle, tower temples, constructed over ten centuries of continuous development rose. This was the religious center of the Champa Kingdom for most of its existence, and it owed its spiritual origins to the Hinduism of the Indian subcontinent.
As we explored the site, I was struck by the intricate and elaborate iconography and symbolism of the tower-temples. Sandstone bas-reliefs depicted scenes from Hindu mythology, including Makara (the mythical beast with long spout and sharp fangs), Apsara dancer, lion, elephant, Garuda bird, and prayer man statue, gave insight into the content and evolution of Cham religious and political thought. The technological sophistication of the structures was also evidence of Cham engineering skills, and it was clear that these monuments were the most important constructions of the My Son civilization.
Unfortunately, parts of the sanctuary were destroyed during the Vietnam War. Despite that, My Son Sanctuary presented a vivid picture of spiritual and political life in an important phase of the history of Vietnam and the rest of Southeast Asia. As I stood among the tower temples, I felt a connection to the ancient culture that had once flourished here, owed its spiritual origins to Hinduism, and left behind such a remarkable architectural legacy.
Hoi An's traditional handicrafts are another jewel in its crown, with silk weaving, pottery, and lantern making among its most popular offerings. The Hoi An Silk Village is a traditional craft village dedicated to the production of silk—from the cultivation of silkworms to the weaving of silk fabric. Visitors can watch skilled artisans at work, as they use traditional wooden looms to weave silk fabric. Those who wish to bring home a keepsake from the Silk Village can purchase handmade silk products, such as scarves, shawls, and clothing.
Pottery is another craft that Hoi An has become famous for. At Thanh Ha Pottery Village terracotta lamps hanging from posts along the main street will captivate visitors. As we strolled through the narrow village alleys, we came across red brick kilns built in the backyards of simple riverfront homes, a testament to Thanh Ha's deep-seated pottery heritage. And if you're looking for an immersive experience, the village offers a plethora of activities, including pottery-making workshops where you can get your hands dirty and create your very own masterpiece.
One of the most distinctive features of Hoi An is the abundance of tailor shops that line the streets of the old town—proof of the city's rich history as an important trading center. Some of these shops that have earned a loyal following is Yaly Couture, A Dong Silk, and Blue Gecko.
The entire town of Hoi An is alive with the spirit of traditional craftsmanship. It's not just a livelihood, but a way of life that is deeply rooted in the customs and practices of their forefathers.
Tourist learn vegetable farming at Tra Que Vegetable Village
Women selling herbs and vegetables at a wet market in Hoi An
But to truly experience the essence of Hoi An, we must indulge in the local cuisine, and our food adventure started at the heart of Hoi An's culinary scene: Tra Que Vegetable Village.
For over 400 years, the village has been cultivating fresh produce. Among the vibrant patches of lettuce and cabbages, we met with Farmer Len, a 65-year-old local who had been working in the field since dawn. He was born in the village and has worked in the fields his whole life. He says he’s happiest when working on the farm, tending to the land that has sustained his family for generations.
Tra Que Vegetable Village has a unique farming system that involves burying seaweed from the De Vong River beneath the ground. This, disclosed Farmer Len, “infuses the soil with nutritious minerals and grows vegetables with their own distinct flavor.” Like him, farmers here specialize in cultivating an assortment of vegetables and herbs like mint, basil, coriander, fragrant knotweed, and many more edible greens endemic to the region. Thanks to their special flavor, Tra Que vegetables have contributed to the popularity of cuisine in Hoi An.
For a taste of Europe in Vietnam, we headed to the Avenue of Dreams inside VinWonders theme park, and went inside a restaurant housed in a traditional Dutch-style building. Here, we had a set menu that tantalized our taste buds. We relished the Cu Lao Cham seafood salad, shredded chicken with herbs, ribs with fish sauce, and the crunchy stir-fried bamboo shoots with garlic.
If you want to experience authentic local cuisine, a visit to Hoi An Silk Village is a must. Amid the gleaming dark wood pillars of the restaurant and the lush gardens, we indulged the appetite in cao lau, a famous Hoi An noodle dish; the crispy fried spring roll called cha gio; the tasty com ga (chicken rice); and mi quang with pork belly and shrimps over thick rice noodles. We even got to witness a woman make banh xeo hoi, a savory pancake with meat and bean sprouts.
Vin Wonders Amusement Park
Mango Salad
Finally, our trip wouldn't be complete without a visit to Casamia Calm in Dong Na Village. Here, we discovered Bep Tre, a massive restaurant made entirely of bamboo and designed by talented architect Vo Trong Nghia. The restaurant offers iconic dishes from the North, Central, and South regions of Vietnam. The creative chef treated us to a feast fit for kings, including canh tom mong toi (rice paddy shrimp soup with Malabar spinach), goi xoai tom (mango salad with prawn), ga nuong on tre (grilled chicken in bamboo), and bo nuong kieu Bep Tre (“Bep Tre” style grilled beef). Then, we had a sweet soup with longans and lotus seeds (che hat sen long nan)—an extraordinary dessert to cap the exotic lunch.
Learning how to cook Vietnamese cuisine at Sabirama.
When in Hoi An, experiencing real local cuisine doesn’t end by simply partaking of homegrown culinary concoctions. The delight that Vietnamese food provides also comes from learning how to cook popular Vietnamese fare. At Sabirama Cooking Tours & Restaurant, the cooking class proved to be a unique culinary experience that started with a visit to the local market to learn about the ingredients used in Vietnamese cooking. Then, we boarded a boat and traveled along the Thu Bon River to Cam Thanh Village, where we transferred to a basket boat, called a thung chai or thuyen thung, and witnessed boatmen maneuvered the circular boat to give passengers a thrilling ride. Upon arrival, we were treated to a relaxing massage before diving into a hands-on cooking class, where we learned to create four traditional Vietnamese dishes. The experience concluded with a feast of the delicious dishes we have cooked ourselves.
If you‘re short on time but still want to experience the rich history and culture of Hoi An, you must definitely go on an outing to Hoi An Memories Island—a small island in the middle of Hoai River. The charming little island is a complex of three main subdivisions: the world-class outdoor visual art performance of Hoi An Memories, the Hoi An Impression theme cultural park, and the Hoi An Memories Resort & Spa. At the mesmerizing Hoi An Impression theme park, we were immersed in many mini-shows, recreating the culture and history of Hoi An. On this small island, we experienced traditional Vietnamese dishes and a lot of souvenirs with typical cultural characteristics of Central Vietnam. But the thing that attracted us the most was the beautiful scene show called Memories of Hoi An. The show was performed by 500 actors on a beautiful stage. The audience was captivated by the spectacular scene and the whole show was truly unforgettable.
For a memorable entertainment experience, VinWonders Nam Hoi An is the go-to park. A stroll down the charming Riverside Old Town transported us to the magical atmosphere of Hoi An with its mesmerizing lantern-lit streets and historic houses by the tranquil river. The sights and sounds of the River Safari will leave visitors of all ages in awe of the diverse wildlife from around the globe. At the Island of Folk Culture, we delved into the authentic architecture of Vietnam’s ethnic minorities, while the Craft Village Street showcased the incredible artistry of Vietnamese artisans. At sunset, the stunning 3D Mapping Show on the Heritage River projected Vietnamese myths and legends onto the awe-inspiring representation of the Co Loa Citadel.
In Hoi An, tourists will never run out of choices in accommodation. Those on a strict budget can stay in inns and hostels, and many private residences also offer homestays and villas. But if you wish to experience total comfort amid relaxing surroundings, Hoi An doesn’t lack in opulent, well-appointed resort hotels. Rising along the coast or old town of Hoi An are spanking modern resorts by distinguished international hospitality brands, giving tourists more options.
The elegant lobby of Shilla Monogram Quangnam Danang
We first immersed ourselves in the luxurious paradise that is Shilla Monogram Quangnam Danang. Located along the pristine Non Nuoc beach, this modern lifestyle hotel boasts stunning neutral tones and earthy textures, creating a serene ambiance. Here, the contemporary local art throughout the resort, including a bespoke collection by Vietnamese painter Ha Manh Thang, lend the hotel a sophisticated atmosphere.
With 309 rooms, Shilla Monogram Quangnam Danang offers a range of guest room and suite categories, each featuring modern amenities and charming simple designs that complement the contemporary elegance of the resort. Guests can choose from a cozy space or a spacious guestroom, both of which offer a relaxing atmosphere with stunning views of the coastline or Son Tra peninsula.
But the indulgence doesn’t end there — Shilla Monogram Quangnam Danang is a food lover's paradise, serving organic local produce cooked in a sophisticated manner. The four F&B outlets offer a blend of authentic Vietnamese, Korean, and Western cuisine, including the signature restaurant, Dining M, Bistro M, the Pool Bar, and Bar M. We experienced the ultimate luxury getaway at Shilla Monogram Quangnam Danang, where contemporary elegance meets tranquil serenity and gastronomic delights await.
Also along the coast, Hoiana is a haven of local hospitality, world-class service, and magnificent accommodations. Hoiana Hotel & Suites is a luxurious haven of contemporary sophistication in the heart of the Hoiana integrated resort. With 141 stunning suites featuring panoramic ocean and resort views, top-notch service from dedicated butlers, and exciting on-site entertainment, you'll find everything you need for the ultimate indulgent getaway.
Foodies, rejoice! Gourmands can indulge the appetite at Hoiana Hotel & Suites’ restaurants, including The Terrace for Western and Asian à la carte dishes, and The Edge for breakfast al fresco and 24/7 à la carte options. Or head to the rooftop bar for casual dining and vibrant nightlife.
Also on site is New World Hoiana Hotel, featuring 476 light-filled guestrooms with spacious balconies and sleek furnishings, plus a range of dining options from a pool bar and grill to a Mediterranean café. One can simply relax by the enchanting free-form swimming pool or play a round of golf at Hoiana Shores Golf Club, designed by environmental golf course guru Robert Trent Jones Jr. The elegant clubhouse and changing rooms have an old-school charm with modern conveniences.
Looking for a city center stay that offers a twist of cultural heritage and modernity? Almanity Hoi An Resort & Spa has got you covered. With 139 rooms and suite of six different types, you’ll surely find one that fits your preferences and vacation style. The rooms are designed to be minimalist yet elegant, with in-room amenities that are convenient and simple. But what sets this resort apart is its philosophy of openness and connection, which can be seen in its fenceless facade and closetless rooms.
At Almanity Hoi An, guests can embark on a wellness journey that’s inclusive and life-enhancing. My Chi Spa, the largest on the Central Coast of Vietnam, offers daily spa treatments, yoga classes, Tai Chi exercises, and other wellness activities. Plus, the resort has recently implemented sustainability programs to make it eco-friendlier and more comfortable. All in all, Almanity Hoi An Wellness Resort is an ideal choice for art lovers and vacationers alike.
Quangnam has so much more to offer. There’s Cham Island with crystal-clear waters and coral reefs. The Tam Thanh Mural Village which features colorful murals painted by artists from around the world. Phu Ninh Lake is surrounded by scenic mountains and forests, popular for fishing, boating, and other water sports. And Dong Giang Heaven's Gate which is a natural wonder of limestone cliffs and caves, cradled by mountains and rivers. But for now, we have wonderful memories of Hoi An and My Son to keep and remember with fondness—like an irresistible invitation to return and discover the other wonders of beautiful Quangnam in the heart of Vietnam.
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