Discover Vietnam’s Lantern-Lit Heritage and Tailoring Capital
Hoi An, a mesmerizing town where history, culture, and craftsmanship converge, is the crown jewel of Vietnam’s central coast. Picture this: lantern festivals casting a warm glow over the Thu Bon River, where life unfolds amidst a backdrop of over 1,000 meticulously preserved traditional wooden houses. These structures, a harmonious blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and European influences, tell the story of a town that has embraced its diverse heritage. No wonder Hoi An has earned its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it an essential stop on any Vietnam itinerary.
Beyond its architectural splendor, Hoi An has gained fame as the "tailoring capital of Southeast Asia." Imagine having a custom suit made in just a few days—a reality here. We eagerly put this reputation to the test by visiting YALY, a renowned tailoring shop. The process was seamless: choosing fabrics, selecting designs, and getting measured—all before we even checked into our hotel. By the third day, our perfectly tailored garments were ready, delivered right to our hotel. The pricing? Fixed and fair, especially compared to other tailoring hubs like Bangkok and Hong Kong.
As night falls, Hoi An comes alive. The Ancient Town, free of vehicles except for the occasional bicycle rickshaw, becomes a pedestrian’s paradise. Thousands of lanterns illuminate the streets, and the sight of them reflecting off the river is nothing short of magical. For a small fee, you can light a wish lantern and release it onto the river, creating a moment that feels both personal and shared amidst the glowing spectacle.
Venturing beyond the ancient town, the countryside reveals the heart of Vietnam’s culture. We explored it on the back of a Vespa and by bicycle, meeting shipbuilders, weavers, and farmers along the way. The pride of the Vietnamese people in their craft is palpable, their heritage woven into every task.
How to get to Hoi AN
The closest airport is Da Nang, 30km north of Hoi An and a 45min drive.
Where to Stay
Anantara Hoi An Resort - a 5* colonial-style resort on the Thu Bon river, close to Ancient Town in a less touristy area. Rooms/Suites are spacious and well appointed. Breakfast is varied and delicious. Come early to snag a table on the balcony facing the river. The outdoor pool is heated and foot massages conveniently can be serviced here.
Where to Shop
Duong Phan Boi Chau Street - between Anantara Resort and Ancient Town, there are local designers for fashion and home accessories that have small stores/workshops and unique merchandise. You’ll find that in Ancient Town as well as the Night Market, most of the products tend to look alike.
Where to Eat
MORNING GLORY ORIGINAL, 106 Nguyễn Thái Họ - Located in Ancient Town, reservations are a must as this has become the not-to-be-missed restaurant. Does it live up to its hype? You bet it does. We loved our dinner so much we contemplated coming back for lunch the day after. Do order white rose dumplings, a Hoi An speciality.
CAVALRY COFFEE, Duy Thành - Duy Nghĩa - One of the best coffee roasters in town, try their coffee tasting menu.
SONG THANH RIVERSIDE RESTAURANT, 67 Trần Quang Khải - Simple, authentic and delicious Vietnamese fare by the riverside. Very close to Anantara Resort too!
VY’S MARKET, 3 Nguyễn Hoàng - Upscale street food in a vibey food hall setting and a MUST to go for lunch or dinner. After all Ms. Vy, Hoi An’s superstar aka Queen of Food, got her start selling street food. We even got the chance to meet her! Expert tip: book a cooking class at this outpost!
MI QUANG ONG HAI, 6A Truong Minh Luong - on a side street around the corder from the Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum, this was recommended to us as a local favorite for the best Cao Lau, the signature Hoi An noodle dish. For only 40,000 VND or USD $1.60 an order of Cao Lau, you can easily afford to treat everyone for lunch.
Hoi An is not just a destination; it’s an experience that lingers long after you’ve left. From the charm of its lantern-lit nights to the skill of its tailors, every aspect of this town tells a story of resilience, creativity, and cultural pride. Whether you’re wandering through its ancient streets, savoring its culinary delights, or immersing yourself in the vibrant local life, Hoi An promises a journey that will leave you enchanted, enriched, and yearning for more.
Photo Credits: Michael Girman & Tesa Totengco, Contributor: Ryan Girman