Words by Aude Camus
When two girlfriends and I decided we needed a girls’ trip in September, there were a few things we had to keep in mind. First, none of us could take extra days off (we’re saving those for year-end festivities!), so a Friday afternoon flight was all we could manage in our busy work/mom schedules. That meant we needed a destination within a three-hour flight from Hong Kong. Plus, with no kids in tow, we wanted sunshine, a beach (or at least a great pool!), and somewhere we could laze around during the day and explore city streets by night, in search of delicious food and indulgent spa treatments.
If you’ve been to Hoi An before, you’ll understand why this charming Vietnamese city quickly made it to the top of our list. From cozy coffee spots - where Vietnamese coffee and Hue-style salted coffee are must-tries - to affordable restaurants, charming streets, shopping, spas, and even a beach, Hoi An promised everything we needed for the perfect weekend getaway. And with the right choice of hotel - Anantara Hoi An Resort - our escape turned out to be everything we dreamed of.
First impressions
When two girlfriends and I decided we needed a girls’ trip in September, there were a few things we had to keep in mind. First, none of us could take extra days off (we’re saving those for year-end festivities!), so a Friday afternoon flight was all we could manage in our busy work/mom schedules. That meant we needed a destination within a three-hour flight from Hong Kong. Plus, with no kids in tow, we wanted sunshine, a beach (or at least a great pool!), and somewhere we could laze around during the day and explore city streets by night, in search of delicious food and indulgent spa treatments.
If you’ve been to Hoi An before, you’ll understand why this charming Vietnamese city quickly made it to the top of our list. From cozy coffee spots - where Vietnamese coffee and Hue-style salted coffee are must-tries - to affordable restaurants, charming streets, shopping, spas, and even a beach, Hoi An promised everything we needed for the perfect weekend getaway. And with the right choice of hotel - Anantara Hoi An Resort - our escape turned out to be everything we dreamed of.
First impressions
After landing in Da Nang at 6pm, we were whisked away for a 30-minute drive to Hoi An. The check-in at Anantara Hoi An set the tone for our stay: a gong welcoming us, followed by homemade lemongrass lemonade and snacks of dried banana and coconut. It was already dark, and the resort was peaceful, with only the gentle hum of boats cruising along the Thu Bon River breaking the quiet. Lantern lights twinkled in the trees, and lush gardens led us to our Deluxe River View Suite in the colonial-style building - what a charming first impression!
Location, location, location
Location, location, location
Ideally situated just a few minutes’ walk from Hoi An Ancient Town, you can either stroll along the river or dive straight into the hustle and bustle of Vietnam’s lively streets, passing cute cafes and shops along the way. At night, the historic streets come alive, with plenty of places of interest just a short walk away, like the 16th-century Japanese Bridge (Cau Pagoda), Tan Ky Old House, the bustling night market, and endless restaurants.
Hong Kong Madame’s faves in Hoi An:
- Morning Glory Hoi An for a dlightful dinner
- Madam Khanh - The Banh Mi Queen for an authentic taste of Vietnam’s beloved sandwich
- Mot for a refreshing, and highly addictive, herbal drink
- Hoi An Coffee Hub for a famous Vietnamese coffee
- Marou to stock up on local artisan chocolate (the dark chocolate with candied chili is a personal favourite!).
Exploring by bike
Make sure to take advantage of Anantara’s complimentary bikes and pedal your way to An Bang Beach. After a 20-minute ride, you’ll be rewarded with golden sand, light waves, and sunbeds that come with just the cost of a cocktail. On your way back, take the scenic route through the rice paddies and stop at Roving Chillhouse, a laid-back yet trendy spot for healthy snacks and good vibes.
Relax, unwind, repeat
Hong Kong Madame’s faves in Hoi An:
- Morning Glory Hoi An for a dlightful dinner
- Madam Khanh - The Banh Mi Queen for an authentic taste of Vietnam’s beloved sandwich
- Mot for a refreshing, and highly addictive, herbal drink
- Hoi An Coffee Hub for a famous Vietnamese coffee
- Marou to stock up on local artisan chocolate (the dark chocolate with candied chili is a personal favourite!).
Exploring by bike
Make sure to take advantage of Anantara’s complimentary bikes and pedal your way to An Bang Beach. After a 20-minute ride, you’ll be rewarded with golden sand, light waves, and sunbeds that come with just the cost of a cocktail. On your way back, take the scenic route through the rice paddies and stop at Roving Chillhouse, a laid-back yet trendy spot for healthy snacks and good vibes.
Relax, unwind, repeat
Back at the resort, we made the most of the peaceful atmosphere, excellent service, and our private terrace, which was perfect for those long, post-dinner chats (it was a girls' weekend after all!). The resort’s award-winning spa and tranquil pool area added an extra dose of relaxation to our stay.
Even breakfast was a treat, despite the usual riverside Lanterns restaurant being under refurbishment. It provided the fuel we needed for our packed yet utterly relaxing days of exploring.
Dining at Anantara
Even breakfast was a treat, despite the usual riverside Lanterns restaurant being under refurbishment. It provided the fuel we needed for our packed yet utterly relaxing days of exploring.
Dining at Anantara
Though the temptation to explore Hoi An’s many restaurants is strong, there are plenty of delicious options right at the resort. Hoi An Riverside serves up authentic Vietnamese cuisine with a side of scenic river views, and for those wanting to dive deeper into the local flavours, I highly recommend booking a cooking class at Spice Spoons by Anantara.
The Verdict
A trip to Hoi An is already a treat, but staying at Anantara Hoi An Resort made it even more seamless. In just 48 hours, we felt as rested as if we’d had a week-long holiday. The property perfectly captures the charm of Hoi An—welcoming, serene, and with a “we’ll be back” factor that’s hard to resist.
The Verdict
A trip to Hoi An is already a treat, but staying at Anantara Hoi An Resort made it even more seamless. In just 48 hours, we felt as rested as if we’d had a week-long holiday. The property perfectly captures the charm of Hoi An—welcoming, serene, and with a “we’ll be back” factor that’s hard to resist.
This article is based on a complimentary two-night stay at Anantara Hoi An Resort. No payment has been made for this review, which reflects the genuine experience and opinions of the author.