Vietnam and Cambodia: 6 Things To Do In Hoi An

Cau Dai Beach - Hoi An

© Photographer: Duckingforks | Agency: Dreamstime.com

Hoi An Fish Markets

Located on the Thu Bon River, behind the main market area, the local Hoi An fish market is a real photographers delight. As with most markets in Asia, the best time to visit around 6 – 7am each morning when it’s at it’s busiest.

Cooking Classes

If cooking is your thing or even if it’s not, Hoi An is a great place to do a cooking class. Many cafes and restaurants around town now offer classes. Try the ones that run over lunch, meaning you miss the heat of the day, others are also offered in the evening. One of the best in town is at Hai’s Scout Cafe (98 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street).

Cultural Sites

Hoi An is well known for it’s historical sites which include Chinese Assembly Halls, Pagoda’s, Japanese Covered Bridge, 300 year old homes and much more. You need to visit one of the ticket offices around town to purchase your ticket which cost 75,000VND. Each ticket enables you to visit up to 5 sites.

Shopping

Hoi An is one the shopping Mecca’s of Vietnam! Here you can buy sandals, lanterns, ceramics, tailor made clothing, bags, art work, crappy t-shirts, wood carvings, novels, bad looking hats and so much more!

Beach

Cau Dai Beach is located about 4km from the main part of town. A great way to get there is by bicycle. It’s an easy, flat ride which should take the slowest person around 30 minutes. On the beach you’ll find a stack of cafes, all selling cold drinks and fresh seafood! My favorite cafe there is called “Hon” Cafe and they do the best Crab in Tamarind Sauce. The swimming is good as well!

Note – Despite popular believe, you do not have to pay for deck chairs. If you order a drink or eat something, chairs should be included!

Hire a Bicycle

Hoi An being flat and not so busy with traffic, makes it a great place to hire a bike to get around and visit all those great places. Bikes cost around 15,000VND or $1USD per day and can be hired from just about anywhere. My advice: pick a road (or lane) and just go. You’ll see some great sites and get some amazing photos!