Hoi An is located in central Vietnam and is the center of Vietnam’s clothing industry, at least for tourists. Hoi An was a major international port in the 16th and 17th centuries and a major center for Chinese and Japanese immigration. Many of these ancient structures are preserved and the heart of the city is still the Old Town, full of winding lanes and Chinese-styled shop houses. A river flows between the town, cutting the old section (and the tourist section) from the main residential area.
The city has managed to preserve most of its historic buildings and the rapid development you see in other parts of Vietnam has seemingly skipped this area. The city’s economy relies heavily on tourism and clothing. Tourists (including me) come to this city for three reasons: food, clothing, and the Old Town.
Hoi An is known for its food. I’m probably the only person who went to Vietnam and did not like the food. Throughout the country, I was just not impressed with what I ate. However, Hoi An was different. I loved the food here. I loved the Cau Lau, a dish similar to Pho but not as slippery. There’s pork, noodles, spices, and fresh herbs and veggies but the taste and texture was much better. Real Cau Lau is only found in Hoi An as it isn’t considered authentic if the water isn’t from a well in town. The White Rose, a shrimp dish, is also good as are the fried wontons. Here’s a tip though: Eat across the river! Most of the tourists stick to the restaurants in the Old Town or close by but if you cross the river into the more residential area, the owners practically chase you down for your business. Prices are half of what they are in the Old Town and you avoid the mass of tourists squawking away during dinner.
Clothing is probably the biggest draw in Hoi An. In a country known for cheap clothing, Hoi An is in a league of its own. Everything can be made here and made cheap. Stores all over the city sell t-shirts and jeans for a few dollars and the town’s central warehouse will make anything you want. Flip through magazines and just point and the next day it is yours. Want a new pair of Nikes? You can get those too.
The quality is also really good. Most international clothing makers have their stuff made in Vietnam so the craftsmanship and quality is the same. Half the material is probably lifted from the Versace or Nike factory anyway! Suits can cost as little as 30 dollars and a whole wardrobe can be purchased for less than a hundred. It’s such big business here that the Vietnamese postal service has a special office dedicated to just shipping packages overseas.
Finally, there is the beautiful Old Town. This section of town has been preserved by strict zoning laws, something I found very unusual in a country that seemed ready to develop anything. The old town is a collection of historic Chinese and Japanese residential buildings and temples. You can visit all the temples and a number of houses. I showed up at one house and the old owner showed me around and gave me tea. He didn’t charge me anything either. I still don’t think he fully understand why I was there. I enjoyed the Japanese temple and the Japanese bridge the most out of all the temples. However, the best part of the day is ending it with a twelve cent beer watching the sunset over the river. Many cafes line the riverway and, during sunset, fill up as people enjoy the last remnants of the day.
Overall, there isn’t a lot to do in Hoi An. Without a good book or a desire to shop, you’ll find yourself itching for some excitement elsewhere but the beauty of Hoi An is that it’s an oasis of calm in a country that can sometimes be overwhelming. I liked some parts of Vietnam but Hoi An is the only part I really loved.
Great post! I like the pictures of the Old Town. It reminds me a lot of the Vietnam I grew up in.
I totally agree with you about the food…we are in Vietnam right now and I am disappointed. Although my husband is happy because at the prices he can keep trying different things….
Great photos!!
A lot of people tell me that Vietnam is beautiful… as not being so far from NZ, it’s on the top of my list of countries to visit after coming back.
I love the pictures. This is my home too. Thanks for you info!
Whoever coming to Hoi An could not deny that it is favored by nature. The weather here is typically tropical. Hoi An is comparatively warm especially during the entire year, and can be classified into two main categories namely wet and dry seasons. The daily temperature rises beyond 70 F reaching mid 60 F especially during the nighttime. Travellers should really take a journey here and enjoy Hoi An weather!
A Hoi An with colorful lanterned nights, a Hoi An with cristinely old plain houses and special mysterious cultural elements, and a HoiAn with the Etiquette & culturally hospitable and friendly people are warmly welcoming you!
That’s a beautiful and ancient town. Very nice!