Hoi An Ancient Town is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. Its buildings and its street plan reflect the influences, both indigenous and foreign, that have combined to produce this unique. From the 1600s to the 1800s, Hoi An was a major trading outpost known as Faifo. However, when the river silted up and the harbor became too shallow, trade moved north to Da Nang – and Hoi An lost its significance. Today, this cosmopolitan heritage is reflected in its mix of Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese influences. Because of its rich blend of aesthetics, the entire old city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Region
Hoi An
language
Vietnamese
capital
Hanoi
population
32,757
area
61,48 km²
currency
Vietnamese dong
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FIND YOUR
Inspiration
Decades of in-country expertise means our Journey Designers can curate exceptional activities and experiences for you that are beyond the reach of the average traveller. Piece these together as a framework for your own bespoke adventure or find them in our featured journeys.
Inspiration
Decades of in-country expertise means our Journey Designers can curate exceptional activities and experiences for you that are beyond the reach of the average traveller. Piece these together as a framework for your own bespoke adventure or find them in our featured journeys.
SEE HOIAN COUNTRYSIDE ON VINTAGE VESPA
EXPLORE the rural Hoian on a vintage Vespa ride through green rice paddies, villages and hidden unpaved streets, just the insiders know. See the daily life of fishermen, stop by a veteran house for a chat with sticky rice wine tasting and learning the distillery process. Visit a local temple with religious stories and drink a Vietnamese coffee while seeing how it roasted.
MONKEY MOUNTAIN EXPLORER ON U.S MILITARY JEEP
BE prepared to discover the famous Monkey moutain on Son Tra peninsula with American radar station and helipad on the top of the mountain. Enjoy the breathtaking view from the top, take a little trekking if you wish to get to the top. Visit the famous Linh Ung pagoda on the way down to a local coconut coffee family shop for a refreshment.
EXCLUSIVE CHAM ISLAND GETAWAY
MAKE the most of your time in central Vietnam with an exciting ride on speedboat from Cua Dai pier to Cham island. Soaring through the clear waters, shimmering beaches to lesser know areas for a coral snorkeling experience. Sightsee the city from a distance, immerse in the local culture with a village walk along.
TASTE OF HOI AN
SAVOUR Hoian specialties like Mi Quang, Cao Lau and more on an insider’s journey to discover the ancient town’s best street eats and authentic restaurants that only the locals know about. Be prepared with an empty stomach, and a will to try different types of local delicacies.
TRA QUE VILLAGE EXPLORATION WITH A LOCAL CHEF
DISCOVER the fertile countryside surrounding Hoian and its enduring agrarian way of life. Pedal a scenic route of local farms, markets and temples, passing rolling rice paddies as you cycle through the remote countryside, meeting welcoming local families along the way. Stop by a local Chef’s home, walk through his own farm, learn the ingredients and recipes. Cook your true Vietnamese lunch while enjoying home-made lemongrass tea.
EXPLORE THE ENCHANTING CHAM RUINS
MY SON is Vietnam’s most important ancient ruin, served as a centre of Hinduism for the once mighty Cham kingdom that dominated central and southern Vietnam for centuries. Time and American bombs have taken a terrible toll on the site but it remains an excellent excursion from Hoi An – especially for those also interested in the temples of the rival Khmer kingdom at Angkor in Cambodia.
EXCLUSIVE SUNSET CRUISE & DINNER ON BAMBOO RAFT
ENJOY an exclusive sunset & private dinner on a private bamboo raft with Chef’s handpicked menu. See the sunset and the daily life of Hoian fishermen living alongside the river. Enjoy your cocktails while listening to your pianist’s playing favourite songs. Experience the “like no other” dinner on raft with BBQ dishes and authentic Vietnamese cuisines.
SHOP CHIC IN HOI AN
BE guided by a local expert on an exploration of Hoi An’s boutiques, designer craft stores and social enterprises that are putting Vietnamese artisans in the spotlight. The streets are brimming with innovative locally-made products, from tailor-made fashion to handmade wood and leather crafts, fine silks spun in Vietnam’s central highlands and fair-trade tea from village plantations.
DISCOVER THE INSIDER’S HOIAN
OBSCURED by the town’s neon flash and lanterns, discover a secret world of hidden gems waiting to be explored on this unique exploration. Stop for coffee in a local roast where locals congregate to show off their business of the day, shop in a local market and delve into the town’s history and culture lessons as you uncover secret recipes from Chef’s selected menu at a riverside restaurant.
When to go
Vietnam has a tropical climate with average annual temperatures ranging from 22°C to 34°C. Although temperatures are consistent year round, various parts of the country, at certain times of the year, can be affected by unpredictable storms which may cause flooding. From May to November, most of the country is affected by south-western monsoons. The rains, which tend to be concentrated in the late afternoons, provide welcome relief from the heat. The heaviest rainfall tends to occur between July and August in the north; June to October in the south; and October to December in Central Vietnam.
December to March is a pleasant time to visit the southern city of Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, although temperatures in Hanoi and northern regions tend to be cooler during those months. In the mountainous regions in the far north such as Sapa, the temperature can at times drop below zero. The best time to visit the north is between September and December when there’s a good chance of clear skies and low humidity, while March to September is an ideal time to enjoy the beaches and attractions of Central Vietnam. Beach destinations in the south such as Nha Trang, Phu Quoc and Con Dao Island are warm and sunny most of the year. However, the rainy season varies for each destination: Nha Trang (October to December); Phu Quoc (June to September) and Con Dao (November to January).
Destination Indochina DMC has been delivering rare opportunities to engage with beautiful Vietnam and her people. Our dedicated team of travel professionals have their finger on the pulse of what is new and trending in the region and our transformational journeys inspire travellers of all walks of life. Connect with specialists in culture, food, art, religion and history and get the best advice on where to eat, shop and unwind.
OUR PREFERRED
Accommodation
Four Seasons The Nam Hai Hoian
Idyllic location on Vietnam’s culturally rich central coast with unspoiled views of the South China Sea and the Cham Islands, The Nam Hai offers a portal to three extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage sites and a breezy respite on the country’s most celebrated beach. Reconnect with your loved ones – whether you take to the East…
InterContinental Da Nang Sun Peninsula
Architect Bill Bensley designed the indoor and outdoor spaces of the property, creating a signature fusion of vernacular architecture, bold high-contrast décor and whimsical, storied touches. Our resort, IHG’s flagship in Indochina, opened in June 2012 on 39 hectares of meticulously preserved mountainside in the Son Tra Peninsula Nature Reserve. The stunning Son Tra peninsula,…
Accommodation
Four Seasons The Nam Hai Hoian
Idyllic location on Vietnam’s culturally rich central coast with unspoiled views of the South China Sea and the Cham Islands, The Nam Hai offers a portal to three extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage sites and a breezy respite on the country’s most celebrated beach. Reconnect with your loved ones – whether you take to the East…
InterContinental Da Nang Sun Peninsula
Architect Bill Bensley designed the indoor and outdoor spaces of the property, creating a signature fusion of vernacular architecture, bold high-contrast décor and whimsical, storied touches. Our resort, IHG’s flagship in Indochina, opened in June 2012 on 39 hectares of meticulously preserved mountainside in the Son Tra Peninsula Nature Reserve. The stunning Son Tra peninsula,…
FEATURED
Hoian Journeys
Hoian Journeys
- Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi City Tour By Jeep
Experience the irresistible allure of Hanoi on this journey. Delve into the surprises of sophisticated French-colonial cities and quaint heritage towns, tasting true Vietnam at every turn. Venture through small streets with its own style. And encounter the people, culture and cuisine that together make this country so vibrant.
- Hanoi, Vietnam
Discover Duong Lam Ancient Village & Countryside
Discover the ancient village of Duong Lam, its people, culture and tradtitions on a quick escape by private jeep to the rural peaceful countryside of Hanoi. Sightsee 400 year old laterite brick ancient houses with unique architecture. Visit the communal house, a worshipping place of the tutelary god – founder of the village, also considered…
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- Saigon
Saigon Jeep Tour With An Expert Guide
There’s no better way to experience the bustling Saigon city at a close-up than a vintage US military jeep. Experience the city historical colonial sites with explanation from professional and knowledgeable tourguide. Learn the daily city life through lively street images of motorbikes with honking sound. See the famous Jade Emperor pagoda where local people…
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- Cu Chi Tunnels
Xin Chao Vietnam !
Reward yourself a quick escape, get out and away the city on your private military US jeep to the countryside of Saigon. Learn the daily life of farmers living along the rice fields & farms. Challenge yourself and friends by crawling through the narrowest part of the tunnels. Experience the underground life of Viet Cong,…
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- Long Tan, Vung Tau
Discover Long Tan Battlefield, Nui Dat Base & Vung Tau
Escape the bustling city noises with the honking sound, travel to the peaceful & quiet rural areas of Ba Ria. Sightsee the old battlefield relics from 1960s and learn history lessons while visiting the Nui Dat base (SAS Hill), Luscombe airfield, Horse-shoe Fire Base, Long Tan Memorial Cross & Long Phuoc tunnels. Experience the countryside…
- 6 hours, from $US145pp
Shore Excursion | Visit Historic Cu Chi Tunnels & The Countryside
Quick escape to rural parts of Saigon & see the daily life of farmers on your private vintage jeep. Learn Vietnam war history lessons, interact with the local people, see the war relics at the Free Fire Zone & challenge yourself by crawling through the narrowest size of original tunnels. Experience different types of riffles…
