Best Destinations 2020 Pt. 2 - Hoi An Vietnam

Hoi An is a picturesque ancient town located in Quang Nam province, in central Vietnam. Set on the banks of Bon River, it had been a trading post for spices between the 16th and the17th centuries. Cultural influences from the trades with China, Japan, France and Portugal are visible in the architecture and the in the cuisine today.

What to See:

-Hoi An Riverside & Lanterns st Night

Riverside is a great place to hang out and watch people and boats pass by. At Night, it’s beautiful with lit lanterns floating in the river.

**Floating Lanterns and Boats at Night**

-Hoi An Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Hoi An Old Town is lovely to stroll around - Chinese temples, Japanese Bridge, pagodas and heritage buildings are well preserved.

**Monkey Statue Inside Japanese Bridge**

-Hoi An Night Market

The night market is lively with local vendors selling clothing, trinkets, food and drinks.

-Art Galleries

There are wonderful art galleries featuring local artists.

-Countryside

Take a motorbike tour/bicycle tour to see the rural areas right outside of the town - a fun way to get a glimpse of local life and lush landscape.

**Local Life - Rice Crackers Drying in The Sun**

What to Eat/Drink:

-Cao Lau

An iconic dish of Hoi An - this noodle dish with barbecued pork slices and fresh vegetables is a must-try. The thick, udon-like noodles are special because they are made using the water from ancient wells in the town.

-Mi Quang

Mi Quang is a rice noodle dish well known in this area. A savory sauce is poured over noodles (noodles are often colored with turmeric) and topped with a variety of meats, eggs and seafood. It’s served with fresh vegetables and herbs.

-Banh Bao Vac (White Rose Dumplings)

These dumplings resemble white roses - Shrimp or pork filling is wrapped in sheets of thin rice wrappers then steamed and topped with dried shallots.

-Com Ga (Chicken Rice)

Chicken rice is a well know dish throughout Asia and Southeast Asia. The chicken rice in Hoi An is delicious - tender chicken slices are served over fragrant rice and local fresh herbs.