by Aude
Hop on a flight, two hours later you’ll reach Da Nang. You could of course stay there but I rather recommend taking a 45 min ride to beautiful, colorful and history infused Hoi An!
Going there
Both Cathay Dragon and HK Express operate daily flights to Da Nang with several departures during the day.
It then takes around 45min by car to reach Hoi An. You can of course book a car or grab a taxi but if you are staying at the hotel check with them because most hotels in Hoi An can arrange airport pick-up for you at very reasonable price.
Where to stay?
Hoi An is most famous for colonial style Old Town so first option would be to stay in the Ancient Town or near to it. A nice option is what you are looking for is to enjoy the atmosphere of the Ancient Town and be within walking distance from many restaurants and shops. But if what you are looking for is a relaxing escape it is probably not the best idea as Hoi An is quite touristic and can get really busy.
Second option would be to choose a hotel located near by the sea. Less famous than the ones in Da Nang, Hoi An also has beautiful beaches.
Last option, which is the one I went for, is a hotel located halfway between the beach and the Ancient Town so that you can enjoy all the perks of a getaway in Hoi An. Of course, it also mean than nothing is within walking distance from where you stay but most hotels offer bike rental or shuttle bus services making it easy to reach the town or the beach and you also get to enjoy a quiet and relaxing environment.
Hop on a flight, two hours later you’ll reach Da Nang. You could of course stay there but I rather recommend taking a 45 min ride to beautiful, colorful and history infused Hoi An!
Going there
Both Cathay Dragon and HK Express operate daily flights to Da Nang with several departures during the day.
It then takes around 45min by car to reach Hoi An. You can of course book a car or grab a taxi but if you are staying at the hotel check with them because most hotels in Hoi An can arrange airport pick-up for you at very reasonable price.
Where to stay?
Hoi An is most famous for colonial style Old Town so first option would be to stay in the Ancient Town or near to it. A nice option is what you are looking for is to enjoy the atmosphere of the Ancient Town and be within walking distance from many restaurants and shops. But if what you are looking for is a relaxing escape it is probably not the best idea as Hoi An is quite touristic and can get really busy.
Second option would be to choose a hotel located near by the sea. Less famous than the ones in Da Nang, Hoi An also has beautiful beaches.
Last option, which is the one I went for, is a hotel located halfway between the beach and the Ancient Town so that you can enjoy all the perks of a getaway in Hoi An. Of course, it also mean than nothing is within walking distance from where you stay but most hotels offer bike rental or shuttle bus services making it easy to reach the town or the beach and you also get to enjoy a quiet and relaxing environment.
On a budget: Hoi An Coco Resort and Spa
This is definitely not the fanciest hotel in town but the environment is actually quite nice, I particularly enjoyed the floating restaurant where you can enjoy breakfast with a nice view over the river. The rooms are actually quite big (I went for a Coco River one with a nice view over the river).
Madame’s tips: The hotel as a super convenient shuttle bus service taking you either to the beach or the city. The staff is very helpful so do not hesitate to ask for help, even before your trip they are quite responsive by email.
This is definitely not the fanciest hotel in town but the environment is actually quite nice, I particularly enjoyed the floating restaurant where you can enjoy breakfast with a nice view over the river. The rooms are actually quite big (I went for a Coco River one with a nice view over the river).
Madame’s tips: The hotel as a super convenient shuttle bus service taking you either to the beach or the city. The staff is very helpful so do not hesitate to ask for help, even before your trip they are quite responsive by email.
Looking to treat yourself: The Nahm Hai (Four Seasons)
Infinity pool with view over the sea and a private kilometer-long stretch beach, private villas and rooms with beautiful and relaxing view over the sea … this hotel is a real peaceful and luxurious oasis.
What to do?
The Ancient Town is a delightful place to visit with its unique atmosphere and colonial heritage but it’s quite small. You will have seen it all in just a few hours. This is why Hoi An is just the perfect getaway over the weekend: you can spend the day at the beach and enjoy the Ancien Town end of the afternoon when it get a little less crowdy.
Infinity pool with view over the sea and a private kilometer-long stretch beach, private villas and rooms with beautiful and relaxing view over the sea … this hotel is a real peaceful and luxurious oasis.
What to do?
The Ancient Town is a delightful place to visit with its unique atmosphere and colonial heritage but it’s quite small. You will have seen it all in just a few hours. This is why Hoi An is just the perfect getaway over the weekend: you can spend the day at the beach and enjoy the Ancien Town end of the afternoon when it get a little less crowdy.
The most famous monument of the city in the Japanese Covered Bridge – quite small actually so do not plan on spending too much time there.
Hoi An is actually the kind of city where you will enjoy wandering the streets and getting lost. You might also want to check the local markets and the leather shops.
Hoi An is actually the kind of city where you will enjoy wandering the streets and getting lost. You might also want to check the local markets and the leather shops.
If heading to the beach, Hidden Beach is a great idea. Less known than Cua Dai or An Bang Beach, Hidden beach is a little gem: white sand, blue sea, calm and quiet. There are a few vendors on the beach but they won’t bother you if you say you are not interested.
Madame’s tips: There are 2-3 restaurants on the beach, pick one, order something to drink or to eat and they’ll let you spend the entire day on one of their beach bed. I spent the day there, ordered a few drinks and also had lunch and it did not cost me more than HKD 150 (pretty dope for a full day of sun, fresh coconuts and yummy Vietnamese food!).
If you got some extra-time, booking yourself a Vietnamese cooking class is also a nice idea. Tested and approved!
Madame’s tips: There are 2-3 restaurants on the beach, pick one, order something to drink or to eat and they’ll let you spend the entire day on one of their beach bed. I spent the day there, ordered a few drinks and also had lunch and it did not cost me more than HKD 150 (pretty dope for a full day of sun, fresh coconuts and yummy Vietnamese food!).
If you got some extra-time, booking yourself a Vietnamese cooking class is also a nice idea. Tested and approved!
What and Where to eat?
Street food is always a great idea when you go to Vietnam and Hoi An makes no exception. I literally spent 3 days stuffing myself with skewers and Banh Mi.
My fav spot in town for dinner? Morning Glory.
Prices are a little bit higher than in other restaurants in town (but still very reasonable if you compare to Hong Kong … but yes I know it’s not a good comparison to make) and you might have to wait a little bit before getting a table in this beautiful historic building but believe me it is definitely worth it. The food there is just so good!
I must confess a huge crush on the Smoky Eggplant with Minced Pork and the Stuffed Squid with Pork. If you are a vegetarian no worries, they got some pretty nice option too!
Prices are a little bit higher than in other restaurants in town (but still very reasonable if you compare to Hong Kong … but yes I know it’s not a good comparison to make) and you might have to wait a little bit before getting a table in this beautiful historic building but believe me it is definitely worth it. The food there is just so good!
I must confess a huge crush on the Smoky Eggplant with Minced Pork and the Stuffed Squid with Pork. If you are a vegetarian no worries, they got some pretty nice option too!