Some places in the world make you pause. Hoi An, nestled on the central coast of Vietnam, is one such place. Once a bustling trading port, today it stands as a living museum of Vietnamese heritage and charm. Cobblestone streets, ochre-colored facades, glowing lanterns, and the rhythmic echo of footsteps at dusk—Hoi An doesn’t just invite you to visit, it begs you to stay.
It’s no wonder that for anyone planning a Vietnam tour 10 days, Hoi An consistently emerges as a top highlight. But what makes it so unforgettable? Let’s uncover the magic.
📜 A Living Canvas of History
Wandering through Hoi An Ancient Town is like flipping through centuries-old pages of a historical novel. It was once a major trading port from the 15th to 19th centuries, frequented by Chinese, Japanese, and European merchants. Today, its preserved architecture tells that tale.
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Japanese Covered Bridge: An icon of Hoi An, built in the 1590s to link two merchant communities.
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Tan Ky Old House: Seven generations of merchants have lived in this historic home, its walls a mosaic of Chinese calligraphy, Vietnamese ceramics, and Japanese woodworking.
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Fujian Assembly Hall: A blend of Chinese culture and spiritual reverence, dedicated to the goddess of the sea.
The UNESCO World Heritage designation isn’t just a title—it’s a recognition of how seamlessly Hoi An blends global influence and local identity.
🏮 The Lantern City – Beauty in Every Glow
At twilight, Hoi An undergoes a transformation. Lanterns begin to glow softly from doorways, street stalls, riverside cafes, and bridges. Hoi An lanterns aren’t just decorative—they’re cultural. Handmade with bamboo frames and colorful silk, each one reflects centuries of craftsmanship.
During the full moon lantern festival, the town switches off electric lights. Locals and visitors float paper lanterns on the Thu Bon River, each carrying a whispered wish. The scene—ripples of color on water, glowing streets—is pure poetry.
🍲 A Culinary Treasure Trove
Hoi An is where flavors speak louder than landmarks. The town’s unique food heritage is born from centuries of cultural exchange.
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Cao lầu: A noodle dish unique to Hoi An, made with water drawn from the Ba Le well and lye from local trees. Topped with pork and herbs—it’s both crunchy and soft, smoky and fresh.
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White Rose Dumplings (Banh Bao Vac): Delicate rice paper dumplings filled with shrimp, arranged like a blooming flower.
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Banh Mi Phuong: A fusion sandwich so flavorful it earned praise from Anthony Bourdain himself.
Whether you’re sampling dishes in a back-alley stall or cooking them in a hands-on class, Hoi An is a dream for every food lover on a Vietnam 10 day food itinerary.
🧵 Tailor Capital of Southeast Asia
There’s an art to tailoring, and Hoi An masters it. In no other place will you find such an abundance of shops where suits, dresses, shoes—even leather bags—can be custom-made in 24–48 hours.
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Be Be Tailor, Yaly Couture, and countless others offer curated fabric choices, guided fittings, and quick turnarounds.
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It’s not just about fashion—it’s about taking a piece of Hoi An with you.
This makes Hoi An not just a stop but a place where travelers become part of the story.
🚴♂️ Tranquil Villages, Lush Rice Fields & Eco Adventures
Beyond the ancient town, Hoi An opens to an eco-conscious countryside. Just a short cycle away are verdant rice paddies, bamboo bridges, and quiet hamlets.
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Tra Que Vegetable Village: Visit herb gardens and join farmers in preparing the land using traditional methods.
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Cam Thanh Coconut Village: Spin in a basket boat as local guides demonstrate how they fish with nets.
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An Bang Beach: Golden sand, gentle waves, and no tourist crowd—perfect for a rest day.
Hoi An isn’t a place you just view; it’s one you touch, taste, and ride through.
🎨 Art, Handicrafts, and Creative Soul
From silversmiths to painters, Hoi An is where Vietnam’s artisans gather. You can explore:
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Reaching Out Tea House: A peaceful, deaf-owned café where silence enhances your senses.
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Silk weaving workshops: Learn how traditional garments are woven from cocoon to cloth.
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Calligraphy studios: Commission a personalized scroll as a poetic souvenir.
There’s something deeply soulful about this place. It encourages slow travel and intentional experience, two things modern wanderers crave.
👨👩👧👦 Ideal for Every Kind of Traveler
Whether you’re a solo backpacker, couple on honeymoon, or traveling with children, Hoi An fits your journey.
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Safe, walkable streets make it ideal for families.
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Cultural experiences offer depth for adult travelers.
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Budget and luxury accommodations cater to all styles.
This versatility is why it’s a cornerstone of any well-balanced Vietnam itinerary.
✅ FAQs – People Also Ask
Q: How many days do I need in Hoi An?
A: 2–3 days are ideal. Enough to explore Ancient Town, visit the countryside, and take a cooking class.
Q: What is Hoi An famous for?
A: Tailoring, lanterns, ancient architecture, and unique cuisine like Cao Lầu.
Q: Is Hoi An safe to visit at night?
A: Absolutely. It’s one of Vietnam’s safest cities, especially within the Ancient Town area.
Q: What’s the best time to visit Hoi An?
A: February to April for mild weather and fewer crowds; full moon for the lantern festival.
Q: Can I swim in Hoi An?
A: Yes! Head to An Bang Beach, just 10–15 minutes by bike or taxi.
Some cities impress you; others embrace you. Hoi An does both.
It speaks to the romantic, the historian, the foodie, and the adventurer.
It’s where every corner is a photo, every meal a memory, and every light a story.
So, why is Hoi An a top highlight in Vietnam?
Because it shows you what happens when time slows down, and travel becomes art.
Add Hoi An to your Vietnam itinerary and let its colors, flavors, and stories turn your journey into a lifelong memory. Begin your 10-day adventure with meaning—Hoi An is waiting.
