Hoi An Trips & Tours

The jewel in Vietnam’s crown, Hoi An is Timbuktu’s darling, and few pass up the opportunity to wander the maze of quiet lanes (and have a suit tailored). Once a trading port for far-flung merchants, the passing cultures have left their mark in the food, the arts and, of course, the architecture. The town centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site to protect the unique blend of Japanese bridges, Chinese carvings and European balconies. Motorised cars are banned for several days of the week, and once a month, the electricity is turned off, leaving behind a mellow glow of traditional silk lanterns. Then there’s the food. Incredible cuisine is part and parcel of any Vietnam trip, but in Hoi An, it starts with an early-morning market visit and a traditional cooking course, and ends with dinner in any number of restaurants, ranging from fine-dining to street-corners – and both are a treat for the tastebuds. Once you’re noodle-ed out, hire a bike and explore the nearby hills and beaches – a few kilometres out of town and you’ll find life has changed little for centuries.