Hoi An is a charming town located in the central part of Vietnam at the Quang Nam province. This UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its beautifully preserved ancient old buildings dating back to the 15th century. Thousands of tourists would flock to this beautiful town each year to admire its unique beauty. The streets of Hoi An are adorned with colorful lanterns and ancient old shop houses. It has a truly romantic vibe, making it the best place to visit for lovers and couples on honeymoon. If you need more reasons why you should visit this beautiful town, then check these out.

Do You Need a Vietnam Visa?

Tourist queue to pick up visa on arrival at Da Nang Int’l Airport, Vietnam

When visiting Hoi An or any places in Vietnam, one of the most important things that you need to think of is your visa. Most tourists need a visa to Vietnam but the good news is that you can now apply for your visa online. Websites like Evisa-vietnam.com, will process your visa for you for a minimal fee. The best thing about using the website is that it’s so easy and saves you a lot of time. You simply need to fill out the form with your name and other important details.

After Evisa-vietnam.com, processes your visa, you’ll receive a pre-approval letter on your email. Print this letter and make sure to bring it with you on your trip to Vietnam. Once you arrive at the airport, present the letter at the Immigration, and you’ll be good to go!

Once you have your visa, you can start planning for your trip to Hoi An. So here are some of the best reasons why you should include this town in your Vietnam itinerary:

1. Wander Along the Ancient Old Town

People walking on the streets of old town Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An’s ancient old town is truly beautiful that it was given a UNESCO status. That alone should be enough reason why you should visit this place. Wandering along the cobblestone streets that are lined with colorful lanterns, you’ll be passing by candy-colored buildings that date back to the 15th Century. Be sure to grab a map and visit the various attractions, such as the 17th-century Tan Ky House, the beautiful Japanese Bridge at Tran Phu Street, the various museums, and more! Wandering along the beautiful town of Hoi An is a truly wonderful experience and that’s reason enough to visit this place.

2. Enjoy a Romantic Stroll at the Riverside

Walking along the Hoi An Riverside during sunset is such a romantic experience especially if you have your loved one beside you. The riverside is popular among locals and tourists especially in the evening when riverside bistros and lively bars start opening. You can also charter a local boat at the docks and cruise along the tranquil river to enjoy a more scenic view of the town. If you happen to visit during the annual festivities, you’ll find the wooden bridges beautifully illuminated and intricately designed lanterns are hanged along the verandas and windows of the shop houses that are beside the river.

3. Check out the Nearby Beaches

Woman relaxing at the beach in Hoi An Vietnam

One of the reasons why you may want to visit Hoi An is its close proximity to some of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam. For instance, the Cua Dai beach is only 5 km away from the town. Most tourists who are visiting Hoi An would usually come to this beach for a day trip by renting a motorbike that only costs $10 – $15 per day. Another option is to hire a taxi. Just make sure you negotiate the price well and ask the driver to wait for you if you’re going back to the town on the same day. There are also some hotels that offer a free shuttle to the beach.

4. Indulge In Delicious and Cheap Vietnamese Foods

Vietnam is known for its delicious foods and the best way to indulge in Vietnamese cuisines is in Hoi An, where foods are incredibly cheap compared to the big cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. Along the streets, you’ll find various food stalls selling a wide range of local dishes, such as the famous Pho, Banh Mi, and more! There are also fresh fruits being peddled on the streets. In the morning, you’ll smell the piping hot Vietnamese coffee being served at some of the best coffee shops in town. Indeed, Hoi An is one of the best places for foodies.

5. Explore the Beautiful Temples, Shrines, and Pagodas

Ong Pagoda in Hoi An

Along with the ancient old shop houses, the streets of Hoi An are also lined with beautiful temples, pagodas, and shrines. Some of these were built in as early as 17th century. Be sure to check out the Ong Pagoda, a beautifully restored and preserved religious building with intricate designs. The Fukian Assembly Hall is another beautiful building that’s worth checking out. This is a Chinese style temple with ornate designs that was built in 1692.