I did it! I made it to Vietnam, my bucket list destination for the longest time now. 

Earlier this year, I travelled to Vietnam – a Southeast Asian country known for its stunning natural landscapes, diverse culture, and delicious cuisine. This five-day trip was packed with a lot of fun and excitement, but the highlight of the trip was Hoi An – a picturesque ancient town located in central Vietnam.

Why Should You Visit Hoi An?

Hoi An is an ancient town located in Vietnam’s central Quang Nam Province, about 30 kilometers south of the city of Da Nang. As a well-preserved example of a traditional Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century, Hoi An was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999. From the 15th to the 19th century, merchants from China, Japan, and Europe settled in Hoi An. This is the reason why you can find a unique blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and French architecture across the town. The town is famous for its rich cultural heritage, lantern-lit streets, and vibrant evening markets. From the charming old buildings, the narrow pedestrian lanes, to the serene waterfront, Hoi An offers a beautiful fusion of history, culture, and natural beauty.

My Experience in Hoi An

After spending the afternoon at An Bang beach, which is located just 3 kilometers away, we headed to Hoi An. We spent the evening strolling through the walking streets in the old town. The narrow walking streets, lined with shops and aesthetic little cafes, were bustling with tourists. Here you can choose to treat your taste buds to some delectable street food, or you can shop your hearts out! Our first stop was a massage place where we got relaxing foot massages. Next, we decided to try the popular Ca phe trung or Vietnamese egg coffee –a rich espresso made with a whipped egg yolk and sweetened condensed milk.

You haven’t experienced Vietnam in its truest sense if you haven’t had the famous Vietnamese Coffee here.

As the sun set, the town transformed into a stunning spectacle of lantern-lit streets, creating a magical atmosphere. We then headed towards the night market, which was filled with vendors selling items like shoes, clothing, handicrafts, and accessories. After walking for a couple more minutes, we finally reached the most popular and touristy spot in Hoi An – the Hoai River, famous for lantern-lit boat rides. Here, you can take a ride on a sampan boat decorated with colourful lanterns. 

The boat ride offers its visitors a stunning view of Hoi An at night. You can also release paper lanterns and make wishes! The countless number of lanterns in the town and on the river are truly a sight for sore eyes. These handcrafted lanterns are made by old town artists, and they symbolise peace, love, and good fortune. You can also find ladies selling these beautiful lanterns on the waterfront, where you can buy one as a souvenir. There are also many shops selling a variety of lanterns – these shops are a perfect photo-op, where tourists line up to take pictures against the backdrop of colourful lanterns.

As we kept walking, I was completely mesmerised by the beauty of these lantern-lit streets, so much so that I didn’t even take a lot of pictures. The soft, warm glow of the lanterns created an atmosphere that felt surreal. I just wanted to live in the moment and soak it all in! This was definitely one of my favourite travel experiences so far – a truly magical and unforgettable evening.

With its rich culture, gorgeous architecture, culinary delights, and calming atmosphere, Hoi An has a lot to offer. If you are planning a trip to Vietnam, this place is not to be missed. Make sure to add Hoi An to your itinerary to make memories of a lifetime!

For any further queries, please reach out to holidays@lykke.travel

Credits : 
Blog post written by: Romila DSilva