Travel guide in Hội An or Fai-Fo in Quảng Na, Vietnam, with tips on how to get there, accommodation, tourist attractions, guided tours, where to eat and practical information.
Hội An, also known as Fai-Fo, is a charming town in the central coast of Vietnam. It is famous for its well-preserved ancient architecture, colorful lanterns, and rich cultural heritage. Hội An was once a major trading port that attracted merchants from China, Japan, India, and Europe. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts millions of visitors every year.
If you are looking for a place to experience the authentic and diverse beauty of Vietnam, Hội An is a perfect destination for you.
Be sure the read our travel guide about What to do in Hanoi, Vietnam – Best Attractions and Travel Tips.
Brief History of Hội An or Fai-Fo in Quảng Na, Vietnam
Hội An’s history dates back to the 2nd century BC, when it was part of the Champa Kingdom. The Cham people were skilled seafarers who traded with other countries in Southeast Asia and beyond. They built many temples and monuments in the city, some of which still remain today. In the 15th century, Hội An became a busy port under the Vietnamese Nguyen Dynasty playing a pivotal role in the spice trade network.
During this period, Hội An became a melting pot of various cultures, with Chinese, Japanese, Dutch, and Indian merchants contributing to its cosmopolitan atmosphere. The town’s unique blend of architectural styles reflects this cultural diversity, with well-preserved buildings showcasing influences from different parts of the world.
In the 19th century, it’s importance as a trading port declined, as nearby Đà Nẵng emerged as a more significant hub. This decline, however, contributed to the preservation of the town’s historical architecture, as it avoided the modernization and development seen in other urban centers. In 1999, Hội An was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved Ancient Town, a designation that has helped to protect its cultural and architectural heritage.
Today, Hội An is a popular tourist destination known for its atmospheric streets, lantern-lit evenings, and a wealth of historical sites, including ancient temples, assembly halls, and traditional wooden houses. The town’s rich history, combined with its vibrant cultural scene and picturesque setting along the Thu Bồn River, continues to attract visitors from around the world.
Where is Hội An in Quảng Na, Vietnam
Hội An is located in Quảng Nam Province, Vietnam. It is situated on the central coast of the country, along the Thu Bồn River. Quảng Nam Province is in the central region of Vietnam, and Hội An is approximately 30 kilometers (18 miles) south of the city of Đà Nẵng, the third largest city in Vietnam.
How to go to Hội An in Quảng Na, Vietnam
The easiest way to go to Hội An is by flying to Da Nang International Airport, which has direct flights from many domestic and international destinations. From the airport, you can take a taxi, a shuttle bus, or a private car to the city. The journey takes about 45 minutes and costs around $15-$20 USD.
Another option is to take a train to Da Nang Railway Station, which is connected to other major cities in Vietnam by the North-South Railway. From the station, you can take a taxi or a bus to Hội An. The trip takes about an hour and costs around $10-$15 USD.
You can also take a bus to Hội An from Da Nang or other nearby cities such as Hue or Nha Trang. There are many bus companies that offer comfortable and affordable services. The bus ride takes about an hour and costs around $5-$10 USD.
Local Transportation:
Once you arrive in Hội An, you can explore the town on foot or by bicycle. The Ancient Town is compact and pedestrian-friendly, allowing you to leisurely wander through its charming streets.
Always check the latest travel information, and consider the most convenient mode of transportation based on your location and preferences. Additionally, keep in mind that transportation options and routes may evolve, so it’s a good idea to verify details closer to your travel date.
Services that can help with your transfer and visit:
What are the best times to visit Hội An in Quảng Na, Vietnam
Hội An has a tropical climate with two main seasons: dry and rainy. The dry season lasts from February to July and is the best time to visit Hội An. The weather is sunny and warm, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C. The rainy season lasts from August to January and is the worst time to visit. The weather is humid and wet, with frequent typhoons and floods. The average temperatures range from 20°C to 25°C.
Hội An also has some special events and festivals that you may want to catch during your visit. The most famous one is the Lantern Festival, which takes place on the 14th day of every lunar month. On this night, the town turns off its electric lights and illuminates itself with thousands of colorful lanterns. You can join the locals and tourists in releasing paper lanterns into the river and making wishes for good luck and happiness.
Another popular event is the Tet Festival, which celebrates the Vietnamese New Year in late January or early February. This is a time when Hội An becomes lively and festive with traditional activities such as lion dances, dragon dances, fireworks, and street food.
Where to stay in Hội An in Quảng Na, Vietnam – Best Areas and Region (Best Resort, hotel, hostel and Bed & Breakfast)
Hội An has a wide range of accommodation options for every budget and preference. You can choose from luxury resorts, boutique hotels, cozy hostels, and charming bed & breakfasts.
Here are some of the best areas and regions to stay in Hội An:
- The Old Town: This is the heart and soul of Hội An, where you can find the most historic and cultural attractions. The Old Town is a pedestrian zone, so you can walk or bike around the narrow streets and admire the ancient buildings. You can also enjoy the nightlife and shopping in the Old Town, as there are many bars, restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops. The Old Town has many hotels and guesthouses that offer a rustic and authentic experience. However, they may not have all the modern amenities and facilities that you may need. Some of the best hotels in the Old Town are:
- The Beach: This is the best area to stay in Hội An if you want to enjoy some sun and sand. There are two main beaches: An Bang Beach and Cua Dai Beach. Both beaches are about 5 km away from the Old Town and have white sand, blue water, and palm trees. You can relax on the beach, swim in the sea, or try some water sports such as surfing, kayaking, or snorkeling. You can also find many seafood restaurants, bars, and cafes along the beach. The beach has many resorts, hotels, and villas that offer a luxurious and relaxing stay. Some of the best hotels on the beach are:
- The Countryside: This is the best area to stay in Hội An if you want to explore the rural and natural beauty of Vietnam. The city is surrounded by lush green fields, rice paddies, and waterways. You can enjoy the scenery by cycling or walking around the countryside. You can also visit some of the nearby attractions such as the Tra Que Vegetable Village,
the Thanh Ha Pottery Village, or the Cam Thanh Coconut Forest. The countryside has many homestays, farm stays, and eco lodges that offer a peaceful and comfortable stay. Some of the best hotels in the countryside are:
Hội An or Fai-Fo in Quảng Na, Vietnam has a variety of accommodation options for different budgets and preferences. If you are on a tight budget, you can also find some cheap and cheerful hostels and guesthouses. Some suggestions are Hoi An Pho Library Hotel, Sunflower Hostel, and Backhome Hostel & Bar.
There are also some other accommodation options in hotels, hostels and inns, be sure to check them out at Booking.com page.
What to do in Hoi An or Fai-Fo in Quảng Na, Vietnam
There are plenty of things to do in Hội An in Quảng Na, Vietnam that will keep you entertained and amazed.
Here are some of the most popular activities that you can enjoy:
- Explore the old town: The old town of Hội An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the rich cultural heritage of the city. You can walk around the narrow streets and admire the architecture, visit the museums and temples, shop for souvenirs and handicrafts, and take photos with the lanterns.
- Take a cooking class: Hội An is known for its mouthwatering cuisine that blends Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and French influences. You can learn how to make some of the local specialties such as cao lầu (noodles with pork and herbs), bánh xèo (crispy pancakes with shrimp and bean sprouts), and bánh mì (baguette sandwich with meat and vegetables) by taking a cooking class at one of the many restaurants or schools.
- Go on a bike tour: One of the best ways to see the countryside around Hội An is by bike. You can join a guided bike tour that will take you to some of the scenic spots such as rice paddies, coconut groves, fishing villages, and organic farms. You can also rent a bike and explore on your own.
- Relax at the beach: Hội An or Fai-Fo has some beautiful beaches that are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, surfing, or kayaking. You can choose from Cua Dai Beach, An Bang Beach, Ha My Beach, or Hidden Beach. You can also find some beach bars and restaurants where you can enjoy a drink or a meal with a view.
Suggestions for touristic attractions, activities and guided tours in Vietnam, Hoi An:
Top 10 attractions in Hội An in Quảng Na, Vietnam
Hội An or Fai-Fo in Quảng Na, Vietnam has many attractions that will impress you with their beauty and history. Here are some of the top 10 attractions and things to do that you should not miss when visiting Vietnam:
- Japanese Covered Bridge: This iconic bridge was built by the Japanese community in the 16th century to connect them with the Chinese quarter. It features a pagoda-style roof and a wooden structure decorated with carvings and paintings. It is also home to a small temple dedicated to the god of weather.
- Tan Ky House: This is one of the oldest houses in Hội An that dates back to the 18th century. It is a typical example of a merchant house that combines Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese elements. You can see the original furniture, antiques, and artworks that belong to the family that still lives there.
- Phuc Kien Assembly Hall: This is one of the most impressive and ornate assembly halls in Fai-Fo that was built by the Fujian Chinese community in the 17th century. It is dedicated to the goddess of the sea, Thien Hau, and features a large courtyard, a dragon fountain, a main hall, and a rear hall.
- Hoi An Museum of History and Culture: This museum is housed in a former administrative building that was built by the French in the 19th century. It displays a collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the history and culture of Quảng Na from the prehistoric times to the present day.
My Son Sanctuary Early Morning Guided Tour – Explore My Son Sanctuary from Hoi An with a local guide on a walking tour of this cultural site. Learn about Champa culture, beat the crowds early in the morning, and enjoy a noodle breakfast with coffee.
- Hoi An Night Market: This is one of the most lively and colorful places to visit at night. You can find hundreds of stalls selling lanterns, souvenirs, clothes, accessories, food, and drinks. You can also enjoy the festive atmosphere and the live music and performances.
- My Son Sanctuary: This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is located about 40 km from Hội An or Fai-Fo. It is a complex of Hindu temples that were built by the Champa kingdom between the 4th and 13th centuries. You can see the ruins of more than 70 temples that are surrounded by lush greenery and mountains.
- Cham Island: This is a group of eight islands that are part of a marine park that is located about 15 km from Hội An. You can take a boat or a speedboat to reach the islands and enjoy the pristine beaches, coral reefs, fishing villages, and wildlife. You can also visit some of the historical sites such as the Hai Tang Pagoda and the Cham Museum.
- Tra Que Vegetable Village: This is a small village that is famous for its organic vegetable production that supplies most of the restaurants in Hội An. You can visit the village and see how the farmers grow and harvest their crops using traditional methods. You can also join them in their work or take a cooking class with them.
- Marble Mountains: These are five limestone hills that are located about 20 km from Hội An or Fai-Fo. They are named after the five elements of nature: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. You can climb up the hills and explore the caves, pagodas, statues, and viewpoints that are scattered on them.
- Lantern Making Workshop: This is one of the most fun and creative things to do in Quảng Na, Vietnam. You can learn how to make your own lantern from bamboo and silk at one of the many workshops that are available in the old town. You can choose your own shape, size, color, and pattern for your lantern.
Vietnamese Foldable Lantern Making Class – Learn how to make a foldable lantern and hear about this important part of Hoi An’s cultural heritage from your instructor. Bring home your very own hand-made souvenir.
Tip itineraries for 1 day to visit Hội An or Fai-Fo in Quảng Na, Vietnam
If you only have one day to visit Hội An, you can still make the most of it by following one of these tip itineraries:
- Culture and History: Start your day by visiting some of the most important cultural and historical sites such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky House, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, and Hoi An Museum of History and Culture. Then have lunch at one of the local restaurants and try some of the signature dishes such as cao lầu or bánh xèo. In the afternoon, take a bike tour to see some of the rural areas around Hội An such as Tra Que Vegetable Village or Thanh Ha Pottery Village. In the evening, head back to the old town and enjoy the night market and the lantern festival.
- Nature and Adventure: Start your day by taking a boat or a speedboat to Cham Island where you can enjoy some snorkeling or diving among the coral reefs and marine life. Then have lunch at one of the beach restaurants and relax on the sand or swim in the sea. In the afternoon, take a taxi or a bus to Marble Mountains where you can climb up the hills and explore the caves and pagodas.
Suggestion for one day trave in Hoi An:
- Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can admire the historic buildings, temples, and bridges that reflect the influences of Chinese, Japanese, French, and Vietnamese cultures. Don’t miss the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, the Tan Ky House, and the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall. You can also shop for souvenirs, clothes, and handicrafts at the bustling markets and boutiques.
- Afternoon: After lunch, you can take a bike ride or a boat trip to the nearby countryside and villages. You can enjoy the scenic views of rice fields, water buffaloes, and coconut palms. You can also learn about the local traditions and crafts, such as pottery, silk weaving, and lantern making. You can even join a cooking class and learn how to make some delicious Vietnamese dishes.
- Evening: As the sun sets, you can head back to the Old Town and see it transform into a magical place with hundreds of lanterns lighting up the streets and the river. You can join the festive atmosphere and participate in some fun activities, such as releasing paper lanterns into the water, playing traditional games, or watching cultural performances. You can also treat yourself to some tasty street food and drinks at the night market or a cozy cafe.
Where to Eat in Hội An – Tips for Bars and Restaurants
Hội An or Fai-Fo is a paradise for food lovers. You can find a variety of cuisines and dishes that reflect the town’s diverse history and culture. Here are some of the best places to eat.
- Morning Glory: This popular restaurant serves authentic Vietnamese food with a twist. You can try some of the signature dishes, such as white rose dumplings, crispy pancakes, and grilled pork skewers. The restaurant also offers cooking classes and demonstrations for those who want to learn more about the local cuisine.
- Mango Mango: This trendy restaurant offers fusion food with Asian and Western influences. You can enjoy some creative dishes, such as mango salad, duck curry, and coconut flan. The restaurant also has a stunning view of the river and the Old Town.
- Faifo Coffee: This cozy cafe is a great place to relax and enjoy some coffee and cake. You can choose from a variety of coffee beans and brewing methods, such as drip, French press, or siphon. You can also sample some of the homemade cakes, such as chocolate brownie, carrot cake, or cheesecake.
- Q Bar: This stylish bar is a perfect spot to unwind and have some fun. You can sip on some cocktails, wine, or beer while listening to some live music or DJ sets. You can also play some pool or darts or mingle with other travelers and locals.
Market Tour, Basket Boat Ride and Cooking Class – Experience everyday rural life in Vietnam on an eco-friendly tour from Hoi An. Visit a local market, explore a coconut palm forest by bamboo basket boat, and take part in a hands-on cooking class.
Key Tips and Practical Information of Hội An or Fai-Fo, Vietnam
Before you go to Hội An or Fai-Fo, here are some useful tips and information that will help you plan your trip better.
- How to get there: You can fly to Da Nang International Airport, which is about 30 km away from Hội An. From there, you can take a taxi, bus, or shuttle to the town. Alternatively, you can take a train or bus from other cities in Vietnam.
- When to go: The best time to visit is from February to May when the weather is dry and pleasant. Avoid going from June to October when it is rainy and prone to flooding.
- What to wear: Hội An has a tropical climate with hot and humid summers and mild winters. You should wear light and comfortable clothes that are suitable for walking and biking. You should also bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent. If you visit temples or religious sites, you should dress modestly and cover your shoulders and knees.
- What to bring: Besides your personal items and documents, you should bring some cash in Vietnamese dong for shopping and tipping. You should also bring a camera or a smartphone to capture the beauty and charm of Hội An. You can also bring some small gifts or souvenirs for the locals, such as candy, pens, or stickers.
Hội An or Fai-Fo, Vietnam, is a wonderful place to visit and experience. It has something for everyone, from history and culture to nature and adventure. You will surely fall in love with this town and its people. Have a great time!
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