Hoi An & Da Nang: Must-See Eats & Attractions

"Hoi An and Da Nang: Must-Visit Food and Travel Spots"

Searching for a heart that I left with someone... Remember this song? The theme song of the drama "Hoi An, I Love You", a drama from 12 years ago (I even went to Google to see how long the drama has been on air, haha). "Hoi An, I Love You" back then has become a classic phrase today. Anyone who goes to Hoi An will always have this caption.

"Hoi An, Da Nang", a city located in central Vietnam. To get to Hoi An, you have to pass through Da Nang first. In the past, traveling to these two cities was not as convenient as it is now. Because in the past, there were not many flights from Thailand flying directly to central Vietnam. You had to fly to northern or southern Vietnam and then take a bus to central Vietnam, which is quite a long distance. But, but, but... Nowadays, everyone is going to "Hoi An, Da Nang" because now there are many airlines in Thailand that fly directly to central Vietnam. The destination is Da Nang, the economic center of central Vietnam. So it's no wonder that these days, you see everyone going to "Hoi An, Da Nang".

As we have just been there, we would like to share our travel experience, including 16 places to visit and eat in our style, and share some easy-to-use travel tips that actually work. Just in case it's useful information for those who are planning to go. With a review of "Hoi An, Da Nang: Must-visit places to eat and visit".

Hoi An Travel Tips

Currency:

Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND).
10,000 VND is approximately 15 Thai Baht.
100,000 VND is approximately 150 Thai Baht.
Exchange currency at banks, airports (both in Thailand and Da Nang), or Super Rich exchange booths.
Consider carrying some US Dollars, as they are accepted in many places in Da Nang and Hoi An.

Language:

English is widely spoken in Da Nang and Hoi An.
The local accent is easy to understand.
If you need help, use Google Translate or show pictures.

Time Zone:

Vietnam is in the same time zone as Thailand.
The flight from Bangkok to Da Nang takes approximately 1.30 hours.
Be aware that mornings start early in Vietnam. Sunrise is around 5:00 AM.

Transportation:

To reach Hoi An, fly to Da Nang Airport and take a taxi (approximately 30 km).
You can choose to visit Da Nang or Hoi An first, depending on your itinerary.
We recommend visiting Hoi An first and then returning to Da Nang before your morning flight to avoid rushing.
Public buses are available from the airport, but they can be difficult to find.
Taxis are a convenient option, especially for groups. Negotiate the fare before getting in.
In Hoi An, rent a bicycle or motorbike for exploring the Old Town.
Remember to drive on the right side of the road with the steering wheel on the left.

Mobile Data:

Purchase a SIM card at the airport exit.
Choose a 4G SIM card with data (e.g., 2 GB for 5 days) for around 100,000 VND.

Food:

Vietnamese food is delicious, especially pork dishes.
Try Cao Lau, a local specialty similar to dry noodles with sliced pork, crispy pork rind, and fresh vegetables.
You'll find Cao Lau on most menus.

Bargaining Tips:

Learn some basic Vietnamese phrases for bargaining, such as "I have little money," "I'm a student," and "Please, please, please!"
Use pleading eyes and don't worry about perfect grammar.

Hoi An City

- Hoi An City -

Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Vietnam, is located approximately 30 kilometers from Da Nang. The city is partly situated by the sea, partly by the river, and partly on the mainland. The charm that attracts tourists to this city is the traditional old houses dating back to ancient times. The charm of the city's lifestyle allows visitors to experience Vietnamese culture from various perspectives. More importantly, the food is reliable. Vietnamese cuisine is delicious and easy to eat, similar to Thai food. Therefore, we have compiled a list of recommended places to eat, visit, and relax in cafes.

Hoi An Ancient Town

( Tran Phu Street Area )

The ancient town of Hoi An, with its yellow houses adorned with lanterns and bustling streets, is a charming destination. We rented a bicycle and explored the narrow alleys, discovering a mix of old houses converted into hotels, restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, and food stalls. For the best photos, visit early in the morning when the streets are less crowded and the weather is cooler. In the evening, the town comes alive with vibrant colors, offering a different perspective.

Japanese Covered Bridge

( Located between Nguyen Thi Minh Khai and Tran Phu Streets )

A must-visit landmark in Hoi An, the Japanese Covered Bridge was built over 400 years ago by the Japanese community. This red bridge connects the ancient town and is frequently featured in photographs of Hoi An, including pre-wedding shoots.

Phan Chu Trinh Street

This street is located in the old town area, bustling with motorcycles and lined with charming buildings perfect for photography. It boasts a variety of delicious restaurants and unique bakeries.

Hoi An Morning Market

( Bach Dang Street, near the pier )

Known by some as the Fish Market and others as the Central Market, this bustling morning market offers a glimpse into the daily lives of Hoi An's residents. Fresh produce, seafood, local delicacies, and breakfast stalls line the narrow streets, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

An Hoi Night Market

( Opposite the Old Town, Soi next to An Hoi Bridge)

A vibrant night market with colorful lanterns lining the streets. Crowds, including ourselves, lingered by the lantern shops, taking photos. Don't forget to capture a picture with the lanterns! This bustling night market offers a wide variety of delicious food and unique souvenirs.

An Bang Beach

Located just 5 kilometers from Hoi An city center on Hai Ba Trung Street, An Bang Beach offers a stunning escape from the bustling city. This stretch of coastline, extending from Da Nang, is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to enjoy picnics, water sports, and the vibrant atmosphere.

Adding to the charm of An Bang Beach are the beachfront barbecue stalls and local-style porridge restaurants. Imagine stepping off the sand and straight into a steaming bowl of traditional Vietnamese porridge – a perfect way to end a day by the sea.

Cocobox Coffee

( Multiple locations around Hoi An Ancient Town )

A farm-to-table style cafe offering clean beverages made with organic vegetables and fruits, authentic Vietnamese coffee, and organic processed goods such as soaps, creams, and essential oils. A perfect spot to relax and escape the heat.

Hoi An Roastery Coffee House

(Multiple locations around Hoi An Ancient Town)

This cafe is a haven for true coffee lovers, offering a wide variety of Vietnamese-style coffees from different regions. They also boast a tempting selection of delicious homemade pastries, all presented beautifully. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, with a vintage style and a calming blue color scheme.

Window Ice Cream

( Located behind the Japanese Covered Bridge on Riab Klong Road )

This hidden gem offers a variety of homemade ice cream flavors through a small window, providing a refreshing escape from the heat.

Milk Tea Shop (Unnamed)

( Located on Dao Duy Tu Street, opposite Ivy Hotel )

This shop opens at night and is similar to a milk tea shop in our neighborhood. There are many teenagers who come to drink milk tea, bubble tea, and eat snacks, while playing cards. It's a cool place with many teenagers queuing up to party at this shop, and every table is playing cards. It's a strange sight.

Cho Hoi An Market

(Located at the end of Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, next to the morning market)

This vibrant food market is open from morning to evening, offering a diverse selection of local dishes. Visitors can indulge in a variety of restaurants, rice porridge stalls, noodle shops, and traditional sweet treats. With its abundance of options, Cho Hoi An Market allows you to sample a wide range of flavors and culinary experiences in one convenient location.

Banh Mi Phuong Restaurant

(Located on Phan Chau Trinh Street)

This restaurant is famous for its burgers, with long queues of customers waiting to be served. Open from early morning until late evening, the restaurant offers delicious food. In addition to its renowned burgers, the menu also features Cao Lau, a dish similar to dry noodles with sliced pork, crispy pork belly, and fresh vegetables. Another highly recommended dish is White Rose, which consists of shrimp dumplings served with a dipping sauce.

Pho Xua Restaurant

( 35 Phan Chau Trinh Street )

A must-try dish at this restaurant is Bun Cha, a Vietnamese delicacy similar to spicy minced pork salad with broth. The rich broth and tender pork are best enjoyed with rice vermicelli or hot steamed rice.

Com Ga Ba NGA Restaurant

(Located on Phan Chau Trinh Street)

This restaurant opens at night and is located on the side of the road. Look for the corner building with a lot of people sitting outside - that's the place! The recommended menu item is similar to Hainanese chicken rice, but with a green curry chicken instead. It's served with rice and is delicious.

Da Nang City

Da Nang, a coastal city with beautiful beaches, offers an atmosphere reminiscent of Hua Hin in Thailand. The stunning coastline and lively crowds create a vibrant yet relaxed ambiance. A stroll along the beach at 5 am reveals a surprising sight: the sand teeming with locals enjoying the water, playing beach volleyball, or engaging in aerobics. It seems the residents of Da Nang have a deep love for the ocean, as the beach remains lively throughout the day.

Fish Morning Market

(Located along the beachfront road near My Khe Beach)

Waking up early proved to be a rewarding experience. We were up at 4:30 am and headed to the beach in front of our hotel. To our surprise, the sun was already shining brightly at this early hour, and the beach was bustling with activity. We were told that the fishing boats return to shore in the morning, so we decided to witness the spectacle. We arrived to find a lively scene of people bartering for freshly caught fish, creating a vibrant marketplace right on the beach.

Ba Na Hill

( Located approximately 40 kilometers from Da Nang city )

A French-style mountaintop kingdom with hotels, restaurants, and an amusement park. A popular landmark for both locals and tourists visiting Da Nang.

Estimated Costs

We have 4 days and 3 nights for this trip to visit 2 cities, Hoi An and Da Nang. We have limited time in Da Nang. It is recommended to spend 5 days and 4 nights for a comfortable and comprehensive trip. Here is a rough guideline of the expenses for your reference. Remember to say "I have little money, please, please, please" with blinking eyes. Haha!

Flights:

Round-trip airfare from Bangkok to Da Nang: 3,750 Baht per person

Transportation:

Taxi from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An: 300,000 VND
Taxi from Hoi An to Da Nang: 250,000 VND
Round-trip taxi from Da Nang to Ba Na Hill: 390,000 VND

Vehicle Rentals:

Bicycle rental: 20,000 VND per day
Motorbike rental: 150,000 VND per 24 hours

Accommodation:

Ivy Hotel Hoi An: 2 nights, 750 Baht per night
Da Nang Bay Hotel: 1 night, 1,200 Baht per night

Entrance Fees:

Ba Na Hill entrance fee: 650,000 VND per person