Hoi An, Vietnam: Where Timeless Charm Meets Culinary Delight
- MASX
- Aug 25
- 3 min read
Nestled along Vietnam’s central coast, Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage town that feels like stepping into a living postcard. Known for its colorful lanterns, preserved architecture, and riverside charm, it’s one of the country’s most loved travel destinations. But beyond its beauty, Hoi An is also a food lover’s paradise, offering unique dishes you won’t find anywhere else in Vietnam.
Whether you’re wandering ancient streets, shopping for tailor-made clothes, or tasting world-class street food, Hoi An is the kind of place that captures your heart (and your appetite).
The Magic of Hoi An Ancient Town
Hoi An’s old town is a blend of Chinese, Japanese, and French influences. Strolling its lantern-lit streets at night feels like walking through history. Key highlights include:
Japanese Covered Bridge – A 16th-century icon and the symbol of Hoi An.
Lantern Festival – On the 14th day of every lunar month, thousands of lanterns light up the Thu Bon River in a breathtaking display.
Tailor Shops – Hoi An is famous for custom-made clothing, from suits to dresses, delivered in just a couple of days.
Don’t miss a sunset boat ride along the river—it’s pure magic.
Hoi An’s Must-Try Foods
Hoi An isn’t just charming—it’s home to some of Vietnam’s most unique regional dishes. Here are the must-try local specialties:
1. Cao Lau
Hoi An’s signature dish, made with thick, chewy noodles, slices of pork, fresh herbs, and crispy rice crackers. The noodles are traditionally made with water from a specific well in Hoi An, giving them their unique texture.
📍 Where to try: Cao Lầu Liên or street stalls in the old town.
2. White Rose Dumplings (Bánh Bao Bánh Vạc)
Delicate, flower-shaped dumplings filled with shrimp or pork, steamed until translucent. A true Hoi An specialty you won’t find elsewhere.
📍 Where to try: White Rose Restaurant, run by the family who invented the dish.
3. Mi Quang
A flavorful noodle dish topped with shrimp, pork, fresh herbs, peanuts, and crispy rice crackers, served with just a small amount of broth.
📍 Where to try: Mi Quang Ông Hai.
4. Bánh Mì (Hoi An Style)
Vietnam’s famous sandwich gets a Hoi An twist, made with crunchy baguettes and generous fillings. Anthony Bourdain once called Bánh Mì Phượng the best bánh mì in the world.
📍 Where to try: Bánh Mì Phượng or Madam Khanh “The Bánh Mì Queen.”
5. Com Ga (Hoi An Chicken Rice)
Tender shredded chicken over fragrant turmeric rice, topped with herbs and a zesty sauce. A comforting favorite among locals.
📍 Where to try: Com Ga Ba Buoi.
Other Experiences in Hoi An
Beyond food, Hoi An offers plenty of authentic experiences:
Cooking Classes: Join a market tour and learn to cook local dishes with fresh ingredients.
Cycling Through Rice Fields: Explore the peaceful countryside dotted with water buffalo.
An Bang Beach: Just a short ride from the old town, perfect for relaxing after sightseeing.
Night Markets: Try sweet treats, shop for handicrafts, and watch the lanterns light up the river.
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