Hoi An – a UNESCO-recognized World Cultural Heritage site – has long been a favorite destination for millions of visitors each year. With its ancient charm, shimmering lanterns, and rich traditional culture, it is often hailed as one of the most beautiful towns in Vietnam. However, amidst the growing influx of tourists and the glamorous images on social media, many people find themselves asking: Is Hoi An truly worthy of all the praise? Let's explore the answer in this article.
The Timeless Charm of Hoi An
Hoi An boasts a rich history dating back to the 15th century, when it was a bustling international trading port. Walking through its streets, one can easily notice the diverse cultural imprints: the graceful Japanese Bridge, the solemn Chinese temples, and the romantic French colonial buildings. These elements blend harmoniously, painting a vivid picture of Vietnam's colorful past.
The beauty of Hoi An is truly irresistible. Its vibrant ancient houses adorned with lanterns create postcard-perfect scenery. The Thu Bon River gently winds its way through the town, reflecting the twinkling lights of floating lanterns in the evening, evoking the feeling of stepping into an enchanting world. With its seamless combination of history, architecture, culture, and nature, Hoi An offers a complete picture for every traveler seeking nostalgia.
The Hoi An of the past possessed a simplicity and rustic charm that is rare to find elsewhere. The ancient assembly halls and temples in the Old Town, along with untouched natural areas yet to be commercialized, stand as testaments to a time when people lived slowly, preserving their local identity.
Hoi An and its Culinary Excellence
Beyond its stunning scenery, Hoi An also captivates visitors with its unique cuisine. Dishes such as Cao Lầu and Mi Quang are symbols of the region, offering unforgettable flavors. Culinary tours or cooking classes in Hoi An are not only fun activities but also provide an opportunity for visitors to gain deeper insight into the local culture and people through each dish.
The Crowds and Commercialization
The Overload of Tourists
So what has changed? Hoi An, once a peaceful and ancient town, now faces an increasing influx of tourists. The streets that were once quiet and serene have become bustling and crowded, with streams of people and groups of tourists rushing in and out. The chaotic scenes in the heart of the Old Town not only take away its inherent tranquility but also leave many feeling disappointed in their search for peace within this historic heritage.
Concerns About Commercialization
Commercialization has also sparked concerns about the authenticity of Hoi An. As profit becomes the priority, the town's traditional culture is gradually fading. The warm, simple people who once greeted visitors with hospitality are now changing, following the flow of the economy. Numerous commercial services have sprung up, often accompanied by aggressive tactics aimed at attracting customers, which leaves many tourists feeling uncomfortable. Shops selling souvenirs and handicrafts seem to all look the same, lacking uniqueness and no longer reflecting the local traditions. For some visitors, Hoi An has lost some of its original charm in exchange for the cost of commercial development.
Are the Hidden Gems Still There?
Has Hoi An truly lost its pure beauty? The answer is not necessarily. The precious gems of history, culture, and architecture still remain, though they have been somewhat overshadowed by the dust of commercialization, making them harder to find.
To fully appreciate the true beauty of Hoi An, you need to take the time to explore slowly, venturing into the less crowded alleyways, or refer to detailed guides to plan your itinerary accordingly. With patience and a spirit of discovery, you will surely realize that Hoi An still retains its original charm – it's just waiting for you to uncover it.
How to Experience Hoi An at Its Best?
This is the question we always aim to help you answer. After more than 10 years of being connected to Hoi An, our love for this city remains as strong as it was in the beginning. However, like many other popular tourist destinations, Hoi An is not immune to the challenges of development and the ever-growing influx of visitors.
Local authorities have been making continuous efforts to preserve the city's cultural values, striking a balance between development and conservation. But amidst the sea of information and countless new services emerging, choosing the right experience can sometimes be tricky. An unsatisfactory experience can overshadow the entire trip and affect your impression of Hoi An. Therefore, we’d like to share some tips to help you fully enjoy Hoi An.
Plan Ahead
The first factor that determines the success of your trip is the weather. In Hoi An, the climate is divided into two distinct seasons:
Dry Season (January – September): This is the ideal time for exploration and relaxation. The sunny weather makes it easy to move around, visit popular attractions, and enjoy the local cuisine.
Rainy Season (October – December): While the rain may cause some inconvenience, this is also the time to experience a different side of Hoi An – simpler and more tranquil. The old streets under the rain or the experience of boating through rising waters are unforgettable highlights.
Each season in Hoi An has its own unique charm. Consider your personal needs and preferences to choose the best time to visit. If you enjoy a lively atmosphere and many activities, the dry season is perfect. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy tranquility and create romantic moments, the rainy season offers a unique and emotional experience.
Dry season | Rain season | |
|---|---|---|
Advantage | 1. The sunny weather is perfect for traveling, exploring, and participating in activities such as beach trips and coral reef diving at Cu Lao Cham. 2. The dry season is also when many vibrant programs and festivals take place in Hoi An, offering you a variety of exciting experiences. | 1. The rainy season is the off-peak travel period in Hoi An, with fewer tourists compared to the dry season, allowing you to fully experience the peaceful, ancient, and poetic charm of the Old Town. 2. During the rainy season, the Old Town exudes a tranquil, serene, and romantic beauty. 3. With fewer people around, you can explore at your own pace without feeling crowded or suffocated by the bustling atmosphere. 4. Travel costs are also lower, as accommodation services and airfare prices typically offer discounts and many promotions during the rainy season. 5. Admiring Hoi An during the flood season reveals a unique and distinct beauty of the ancient town. |
Disadvantage | 1. The large number of tourists can cause you to spend a lot of time waiting in line to purchase tickets for attractions. 2. You may also encounter crowded conditions, making it uncomfortable to explore and take photos in a cramped, stifling atmosphere. 3. The hot weather can be exhausting and uncomfortable. 4. Service prices for accommodation, entertainment, and transportation tend to rise, and it's common to face issues with fully booked rooms. | 1. You may face obstacles when moving around and exploring, unable to participate in activities like beach trips or coral reef diving. 2. With heavy rainfall, prolonged drizzle throughout the day can cause streets to flood and become slippery. 3. Outdoor activities such as floating lanterns, festivals, are often canceled. 4. Many street food stalls may not operate, causing you to miss out on trying a variety of delicious local dishes like grilled skewers, baked sweet potato cakes, steamed tapioca dumplings, and xoa xoa dessert. |
Choosing the Right Time to Visit Hoi An Old Town
One of the reasons many tourists have a poor impression of Hoi An is that they don’t dedicate enough time to explore it. According to surveys, many people plan to spend only a brief time visiting the Old Town.
A common itinerary for tourists, especially tour groups, typically starts from Da Nang. They stay in Da Nang and travel approximately 45 minutes by bus to Hoi An in the afternoon. The sightseeing usually lasts from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., and then they quickly return to Da Nang.
The mistake here lies in the timing of your visit to the Old Town. During this period, Hoi An becomes overcrowded with thousands of tourists arriving at once. Bus parking lots are full, the Old Town is packed with people, stores operate at full capacity, and service quality may sometimes fail to meet the overwhelming demand. You can easily feel overwhelmed by the crowds in the Old Town, famous food stalls are crowded, and you may end up being led to places with poor service, overpriced items, or low-quality souvenirs.
All of these unpleasant experiences can easily overshadow the inherent beauty of Hoi An. After a short and tiring trip, many people return to Da Nang with the impression that Hoi An is just an overhyped destination. It’s a pity, as this is how many tourists, both domestic and international, experience Hoi An.
How to have an Unique Experience?
The first important step is to adjust your itinerary. Avoid peak hours and large tourist groups. Instead, take some time to gather valuable travel information before heading to Hoi An. As I mentioned earlier, the "hidden gems" of the Old Town are now concealed amidst the waves of commercialization, requiring you to put in some effort to uncover them.
The Best Time to Visit Hoi An Old Town
Morning: From 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. This is the quietest time in the Old Town. You can fully appreciate the serene beauty of the architecture and local culture. The empty streets allow you to observe the daily life of Hoi An residents, from simple breakfast stalls to shop owners preparing to open. This is also the perfect time to take photos and videos without worrying about crowds in the frame.
Evening: After 9 p.m. Once the tour buses have departed, the Old Town returns to a peaceful and romantic atmosphere. The lantern lights still shine brightly, creating a mystical ambiance. You can still participate in activities like releasing lanterns on the river or take a boat ride to view the Old Town from a different perspective. These moments will give you unforgettable memories.
Pedestrian-Only Time for the Old Town
To fully enjoy the Old Town’s atmosphere, make sure to pay attention to the motorized vehicle ban hours:
Morning: From 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Afternoon: From 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Take advantage of these times to stroll along the old cobblestone streets, soaking in the nostalgic beauty of Hoi An without being disturbed by the noise and pollution from vehicles.
Hoi An Is More Than Just the Ancient Town: Explore the Surrounding Areas
While the ancient town of Hoi An is the main attraction, it only represents about 30% of what Hoi An has to offer visitors. To truly experience the full beauty of this region, you should take the time to explore the surrounding areas—hidden "gems" scattered around, waiting for you to discover.
An My Rice Fields Just a short distance from the town center, the An My rice fields offer a peaceful scene in harmony with nature. You can cycle through the small village roads, enjoy the sight of the lush green rice paddies, and immerse yourself in the simple rural life of the locals.
Beautiful Beaches
An Bang Beach:
A pristine and tranquil beach, perfect for those seeking relaxation. You can lie back on a chair, enjoy fresh coconut water, and listen to the sound of the waves gently lapping the shore.
Cua Dai Beach:
In contrast to An Bang, Cua Dai is livelier and better suited for activities like surfing, kayaking, or hosting a BBQ party on the beach.
3. Cam Thanh River and Coconut Forest The Cam Thanh area is famous for its unique mangrove forest, where you can join a basket boat ride and witness the daily life of the local fishermen. This is not only an opportunity to enjoy the scenic beauty but also to gain a deeper understanding of the culture and long-standing traditions of the local people.
4. My Son Sanctuary Located about 40 km to the west of Hoi An, the My Son Sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage site, rich in the cultural heritage of the ancient Champa Kingdom. The temples, nestled among pristine nature, and their unique architecture will leave you in awe and make you appreciate the history even more
5. Explore the Life of the Mountain Ethnic Minorities Further to the west, you can learn about the lives of the mountain ethnic communities. This is an opportunity to participate in activities like mountain climbing, visiting traditional villages, and experiencing unique cultural traits that can’t be found anywhere else.
6. Experience Local Eateries Known Only to Locals Beyond the well-known restaurants in the ancient town, which have become famous through social media photos and travel vlogs, try the local eateries with truly authentic flavors. While they may not look as glamorous on the outside, dining here will provide you with a completely different experience and allow you to immerse yourself in the culinary culture as a local.
Hoi An is not just about old houses or glowing lanterns. The experiences surrounding it, from the sea to the countryside, from Cham culture to the identity of mountain ethnic groups, all contribute to making Hoi An a multifaceted and rich destination. Don’t hesitate to leave the ancient town and explore to fully experience the beauty of this place!
Conclusion: Is Hoi An Overrated?
Hoi An, with all its charm and unique beauty, is undoubtedly a special destination in the heart of Vietnamese culture. However, your experience of Hoi An largely depends on how you approach it. If you visit during peak seasons or only spend a few hours sightseeing, you may not fully appreciate the true beauty of the place.
Therefore, consider choosing the off-season, avoid peak hours in the ancient town, and open yourself up to exploring lesser-known areas. This will not only provide you with a more complete experience but also help you feel a more peaceful, authentic, and profound side of Hoi An.
Hoi An may not be perfect, but that is what makes it unique. Realistic expectations will allow you to embrace the town for all that it offers, from its ancient houses and glowing lanterns to the peaceful rhythm of life along its rivers. Whether your emotions when leaving are filled with admiration or contemplation, Hoi An will always be an inseparable part of the colorful cultural tapestry of Vietnam.
After this article, we will continue to accompany you, sharing more useful and interesting travel information. Join us in discovering the "hidden gems" of Hoi An and other beautiful destinations on your journey of exploration!
