taste of hoi an tour

BRINGING LOCAL FOOD TO LIFE

Food is inextricably linked to the Vietnamese culture, both materially and culturally and the cuisine of central Vietnam is often complex and luxurious in taste, texture and appearance. From the 7th-century to 10th-century Hoi An was at the center of the Cham empire’s spice trading route. Later, from the 15th-century to 19th-century, it became a trading port for the Chinese, Portuguese, Japanese, Indian and Dutch with many of these traders settling here.

With such multicultural influences and access to food and ingredients from around the world, a unique food and social culture developed - however for one reason or another today most visitors to Hoi An remain unaware its rich culinary offerings.

• Pick-up and return transfers from local Hoi An hotels
• Tasting more than 40 different foods and beverages
• Full commentary with English speaking guides/hosts
• Staff trained to Certificate Standard in Tourism COVID-19 Hygiene Practices
• Face masks & hand sanitizer
• Guided walking tour of markets, food producers and vendors
• Tour guide wireless speaker/headphone system
• Unlimited complimentary bottled water
• Private purpose-built air-conditioned tasting room
• Printed list of all foods on the tour
• Detailed map of Hoi An
• Many, many great photo opportunities
• Commission-free restaurant & shopping recommendations and tips

Create such a memorable experience that guests choose to return time and time again and also encourage others to experience our tour for themselves

Our Mission

To bring local food to life by combining tastings with our signature skill in storytelling. .

The Original Taste of Hoi An

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The Original Taste of Hoi An - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

The Original Taste of Hoi An

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THE ORIGINAL TASTE OF HOI AN - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

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Hoi An Street Food Tour – The Original Taste Of Hoi An

By booking our Hoi An street food tour, you will enjoy famous Hoi An local specialties, such as Cao Lau noodles, white rose dumplings, BBQ pork sticks, etc. Moreover, you will also admire the old town’s beauty by night.

Description

Hoi An is not only famous for its romantic ancient town, coconut forest, traditional craft villages, etc, but also the cuisine paradise with many delicious dishes that are renowned worldwide. Hence, to enjoy the real taste of Hoi An, you should book the Hoi An Street Food Tour via  Hoi An Locals Travel .

Exploring the Hoi An street food trail is an incredible quintessential cuisine adventure. Hoi An is renowned for its delicious dishes, and the best way to enjoy the authentic flavors of Hoi An typical food is by joining the Hoi An Food Tour with our knowledgeable local tour guide.

To explore and learn more about Hoi An culture and people, you can also book our other   Hoi An tours , such as

• Hoi An Lantern Making Tour – 40 USD/ pax.
• Hoi An Countryside Tour – from 45 USD/ pax.
• My Son Sanctuary Sunrise Tour – from 25 USD/ pax.

You may need our Hoi An private car or  Hoi An limousine   transfer services as follows:

• Hoi An To Than Tai Hot Springs By Car – 64 USD/Sedan.
• Hoi An To Lao Bao Border Private Car – 150 USD/ Sedan.
• Hoi An To Bach Ma National Park – 107 USD/ Sedan.
• Luxury Car Hoi An To Hue – 182 USD/ Limousine.
• Hoi An To Phong Nha By Limousine – 362 USD/ Limousine.

HOI AN STREET FOOD WALKING TOUR DETAILS

Important notes.

• Please tell us in advance if you are allergic to any food.
• A vegetarian meal is also available upon your request.
• You can ask our excellent tour guide if you have any queries about the dishes and ingredients.
• Please keep your stomach empty to enjoy all the delicious dishes in our Hoi An food walking tour itinerary.

At 5:30 pm , our local tour guide will greet you at the meeting place in front of Emm Hotel Hoi An at 187 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An. After greetings and ensuring whether you have any food allergies, we will start the best street food tour Hoi An, Vietnam. With the best Hoi An street food tour, you will enjoy famous Hoi An local specialties as follows:

White Rose Dumplings Hoi An

The White Rose restaurant is the first place in our Hoi An walking food tour. This is a local Hoi An restaurant famous for the white rose dumpling dish since it originated from a Chinese family that settled in Hoi An 130 years ago. It is a type of shrimp dumpling made from translucent white dough bunched up to look like a rose.

Nowadays, the traditional white rose recipe is a secret recipe held by one family in Hoi An that supplies all their restaurants. At 533 Hai Ba Trung Street, Tran Tuan Ngai is a third-generation who is a secret keeper of the traditional white rose recipe.

Our excellent local guide will give you some information about this restaurant and the ingredients of this specialty. Moreover, you will have a fabulous chance to learn how to make the white rose dumplings and enjoy the dish you just made.

Grilled Pork Satay & Hoi An Rice Pancakes

The next dishes in our best food tour Hoi An are BBQ pork sticks and the Vietnamese Rice Pancakes (Banh Xeo) at the Bale Well restaurant. Therefore, our local food experts will guide you on how to enjoy these delicious dishes. 

Notably, these crispy, savory Vietnamese pancakes usually are filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and herbs. Hence, you will roll them up in rice paper and dip them in fish sauce to eat for a perfect flavor.

Hoi An Chicken Rice

Keep doing the Hoi An night food tour, we will sample the best Hoi An Chicken Rice, a typical dish that a lot of tourists choose when traveling to Hoi An. Bà Buội chicken rice is a popular restaurant to enjoy this dish. It features fragrant, turmeric-infused rice topped with tender chicken and eaten with a side of herbs, sauces, and soup.

Best Banh Mi In Hoi An

Continue Hoi An old town food tour by night, we will enjoy one of the best Banh Mi (Bread sandwich) in the world in Hoi An at Madam Khanh – The Banh Mi Queen. This bread sandwich is renowned for its crispy baguettes filled with many ingredients, such as pork, grilled chicken, pate, cucumber, fresh herbs, and special sauces.

Cao Lau Noodles Hoi An

Last but not least, in the gourmet food tour Hoi An, we will enjoy ”the best Cao Lau in Hoi An at Ong Hai restaurant, a local family business. This unique dish consists of thick rice noodles, soft pork, crispy rice paper, fresh herbs, and all topped with a flavorful broth.

Before returning to the hotel and finishing the Hoi An street food walking tour, we will enjoy Vietnamese coffee or a local beer, “La Rue”. Thus, you will have a chance to learn more about Hoi An ancient town history as well as the local culture and daily life.

After all, you can walk around Hoi An Old Town to admire its beauty by night, and we finish the Hoi An Food Tour.  Hoi An Locals  wishes you a tasty Hoi An night food tour with the best food in Hoi An with us.

• 35 USD per person
• Excellent English-speaking tour guide
• All foods are mentioned in the itinerary
• Bottled water, a local cafe, or a local beer
• Personal expenses, tips
• Other extra dinks

Children’s policies

• Children under 4 years old are free of charge.
• Children from 5 to 9 years old pay 75%.

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Review: Hoi An Food Tour: Vietnamese Street Food and Traditional Dishes

From street food snacks and fragrant noodle dishes to the famous bánh mì sandwich, here’s what to expect on a Hoi An food tour.

Are you someone who travels for food? Good – me too! Some of my happiest travel memories have involved meals!

Tucking into a tasty Thai curry in Koh Lanta just after we got engaged, cooking up a feast in Mauritius , shopping for unique ingredients in San Sebastian and then learning how to create some amazing dishes. What great times! It’s hardly surprising that one of the biggest reasons for planning a trip to Vietnam was so I could finally taste some of my favourite foods in their country of origin.

I’ve been to a few Vietnamese restaurants in London and always loved the zingy, fresh flavours. Some of my favourite dishes include light vermicelli noodles, smothered in dressings of chilli and lime, hearty bowls of beef pho with tasty broths enriched with Asian spices, and fresh spring rolls with their translucent wrappers encasing prawns, vegetables and herbs.

We definitely wanted to go on street food tour in Vietnam. Once we’d planned our 3-week itinerary , we felt that Hoi An would be the best destination for it. This pretty city is in the centre of Vietnam, and offers a fusion of the flavours from the north and south. With numerous restaurants, street food stalls and a vibrant market, it’s the perfect place to get to grips with Vietnam’s food scene and culture.

We booked the Hoi An: Unique Street Food Tour via GetYourGuide – always my preferred platform when I’m travelling. I’ve always had great experiences on their tours and found them to be very professionally run. The price seemed reasonable and with a start time of 3.30pm, it fit perfectly with our 8-month-old son’s nap schedule! Yep, this was a tour for us as a couple, but we were fairly sure our baby would be sampling a few delicacies along the route too!

The culinary tour would involve seven food stops across three hours. Some stops would be small street food stalls at the side of the road, while others would be dining experiences in restaurants. We had a great time so I wanted to share a little about what to expect if you’re considering booking a Hoi An street food tour.  

A Street Food Tour Of Hoi An

We met our guide Hahn at Godiva, a trendy café towards the east of Hoi An’s centre. It was a comfortable place to relax into the tour, find out more about what the next three hours would entail and meet our fellow tour mates! There were 4 of us in total (5 if you include our baby !) One lady from Chicago, a guy from the south of England and us two Londoners. After some chit chat, hearing about everyone’s trips around Vietnam, our guide started the tour.

Stop 1 – Vietnamese Coffee

Vietnam has a great reputation for coffee. Traditionally it’s brewed using a drip method. Unless you order your coffee black, you’ll find it comes with a thick layer of sweet condensed milk at the bottom. The coffee is usually very strong and quite bitter, but when mixed with the condensed milk it balances and has a sweet, caramelly hit.

Condensed milk has been added to Vietnamese coffee since the 1850s. Back then it was hard to get hold of fresh milk, so this long-life alternative became popular.

One of my favourite things about Vietnam’s coffee scene is that there are so many different types to try. The most popular variations are coconut coffee, sea salt coffee and egg coffee. They might sound odd, but all were really delicious! I’ll admit they all felt more like desserts, than the warming caffeine hit we’re used to having when we wake up!

Stop 2 – Vietnamese street food snacks

From the trendy café, we started walking through the streets of Hoi An. There were so many little snapshots of local life all around. Kids playing in school playgrounds, street vendors selling big bunches of flowers, office workers on scooters zooming around the city. We paused at a little street food stall. As a tourist, I can’t imagine I’d ever have stopped here as it wasn’t very clear what the lady was selling. It’s for moments like this that I love street food tours! You get to try dishes you’ve never heard of and wouldn’t know how to order.

We tried a selection of dumplings: bánh loc, bánh ít and nem-cha. Bánh loc are steamed tapioca dumplings filled with shrimp. Bánh ít are sticky rice cakes with a mushroom filling, steamed in banana leaves. We also tried some dumplings with a mung bean filling. They were all smothered in a tasty fish sauce dressing, and made a very flavoursome snack.

Our guide explained that these street foods are traditionally eaten in the afternoon, and the vendor running this stall would set up from 2-5pm. Locals came and went while we were there, having a quick plate of dumplings on the street, then continuing their day. I enjoyed the insight into local life – how people really live in the vibrant city of Hoi An.

Stop 3 – Mì Quảng and Cao Lâu

Our third stop was at a casual eatery. At the front was a little cooker with big vats of broth and a few fresh ingredients. Again, not probably somewhere you’d feel confident venturing as a tourist, as you wouldn’t be totally sure what to order.

Here we tried two of Hoi An’s most famous dishes. Mì Quảng is a noodle dish made with flat yellow rice noodles. The noodles are covered in a small amount of tasty broth (not a big bowl like pho). They were then topped with slices of pork, bean sprouts, greens and crackers. The broth was aromatic and warming – a really delicious bowl! We were invited to add lime and chilli from dishes on the table too.

Cao Lâu is another local noodle dish. Similar to Mì Quảng, this dish sits in a broth and is topped with pork (usually BBQ) and herbs. This dish can only be produced locally as the water has to be drawn from a well nearby and then mixed with ashes from local trees. This unique process makes the noodles yellow and gives them a smoky flavour and chewy texture.

If you’re wondering about the price of cheap eats in Hoi An, a bowl of Cao Lâu was just 20,000 VND (65p or $0.85!) If only we felt more confident eating at places like this more regularly, we’d save a lot of money on our travels!

These two dishes were great examples of the Vietnamese flavours which go from salty, to spicy, to bitter, sweet, crispy and fresh. A real taste sensation!

Stop 4 – Com Ga

Our next stop (and wow were we starting to get full already!) was to another street food seller on the side of one of Hoi An’s busiest streets. This lady specialised in making com ga, a.k.a. Vietnamese chicken rice.

The base is a fluffy turmeric rice which has been cooked in chicken stock. This is then topped with a salad of shredded chicken, onion, carrot, papaya, Vietnamese coriander and a zingy dressing. It was served with a rich bowl of chicken soup and optional chilli sauce.

This simple dish is filling and tasty. I loved the vibrant flavours of the toppings, especially the Vietnamese coriander. It was also fun soaking up the buzz of the city, sitting on tiny stools at the side of the road, watching people go about their days.

Stop 5 – Bánh Mì

You can’t visit Vietnam and not try a bánh mì. We’d already been in the country a week, and so far had eaten one of these traditional Vietnamese sandwiches, and been very underwhelmed. I hoped trying one on this Hoi An street food tour would be a better experience.  

We went to Bánh Mì Queen – a really popular spot with options to eat in or take away. A typical bánh mì is a crusty baguette filled with pate, ham, pickled vegetables, mayonnaise, coriander, chilli and a bit of sauce that tastes a bit like a rich gravy.

Our bánh mìs cost the equivalent of 30p! I couldn’t quite believe you could get such an enormous sandwich in a city like Hoi An, for so little money. We sat upstairs in the restaurant area enjoying the buzz of locals and tourists all under one roof.

As for the sandwich? It had lots of flavour and was a lot nicer than the ones we’d tried before. I’m not a huge fan of the pate or ham used (feels a bit like ‘mystery meat’!) so I’m not sure I’d include a banh mi in my top 5 Vietnamese dishes. It is however a very cheap eat if you’re on a budget, and one sandwich will fill you up for hours.

Stop 6 – Bún Thịt Nướng

I couldn’t quite believe that we still had two stops to go! We were getting so full by this point that I had to palm off half my bahn mi to my partner in order to save some space for the final dishes. I’d already tried bún thịt nướng at a restaurant a few days before, and absolutely fallen in love with the dish.

It’s a vermicelli rice noodle salad, topped with pork, fresh herbs, shredded vegetables and peanuts. It’s smothered in a zingy dressing, with lots of lime and salty fish sauce. There was the option to add some bits from the table too, including chilli and a squeeze of kumquat! I loved learning more about some of the rarer ingredients. There was a strong flavour in this dish and it turned out to be perilla – known as the rice paddy herb, or perhaps more commonly as shiso.

How much for a bowl of bún thịt nướng in Hoi An? 30,000 VND, that’s around £1 or just over $1! Another bargain – you just need to know where to go and what to ask for.

Stop 7 – Bánh Xèo

Our Hoi An food tour ended at Quán Cao lầu Bá Lễ, a popular restaurant in the old town. Here, with rather full tummies, we tucked into a sharing plate of bánh xèo. These Vietnamese pancakes are bright yellow, made from rice flour and turmeric. They’re folded over and fried. Tucked inside you’ll usually find prawns and beansprouts. We’d actually had these already elsewhere and didn’t know the correct way to eat them, so it was great to have a guide to explain.

First you take a piece of rice paper, then you break off a bit of the pancake, add some of the fresh greens (usually cucumber, lettuce and herbs), then you roll it all up, dip it in fish sauce or peanut sauce and eat it! They’re a real Vietnamese delicacy, and definitely worth trying while you’re visiting.

As a parting gift, our guide gave us some fresh Vietnamese coconut pastries to take home for dessert. We were so full, we didn’t find space until the next day.

As our Hoi An Street food tour drew to a close, we thanked our enthusiastic guide for all her stories and tips, and said farewell to our fellow guests. This tour was a great way to learn more about Vietnamese cuisine and to try dishes we might not have had the confidence to order. With another week in the country, it also gave us lots of ideas for dishes to try again before we finished our trip!

I’d definitely recommend this Hoi An street food tour. If you’re keen to follow in our footsteps, you can book the same tour via GetYourGuide here . Also, if you are a total foodie, I’d also recommend this Vietnamese cooking class . It took place in the Coconut Village area just outside of Hoi An and we learned how to cook so many delicious dishes. It’s one of the best cooking classes we’ve done on our travels.

If you’d like to look at other Hoi An food street food tours or cooking experiences, here are a few others that come highly recommended.

6 Quick Tips For going on a street food tour in Hoi An

• If you have any dietary requirements, definitely contact the guide ahead of your tour to let them know. Fish sauce is a staple of Vietnamese cuisine, so you may struggle to adhere to a vegetarian or vegan diet.
• Wear comfortable shoes. There’s a lot of walking involved between stops. For more advice on what to pack, I’d recommend reading my guide to what to wear in Vietnam . I’ve included tips for clothes, accessories and other items you might not have thought about.
• Arrive hungry! The portions are generous and you’ll be eating a lot throughout the 3-hour tour. You’re unlikely to need dinner afterwards.
• Wear sunscreen. You’ll be out in the sun a little on this tour, especially as some of the street food stops are out in the open.
• If you have mobility issues, this probably isn’t the tour for you. As mentioned, you cover some distance on this tour, so if you struggle to walk far, you’d probably find it too challenging (and the pace too fast).
• Be open minded! You probably won’t love every morsel that you eat, but this tour is a great way to learn about Vietnamese cuisine and gain a greater understanding of the culture.

Looking for other content about Vietnam? Don’t miss these posts:

• The Ultimate 3-Week Vietnam Itinerary
• 10 Tips For Visiting Vietnam With A Baby
• Visiting Halong Bay With Kids: The Best Family Cruise Experience
• What To Wear In Vietnam For Women And Men: Vietnam Packing Guide

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Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

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The Top 20 Things To Do In Hoi An Every Traveller Should Not Miss!

Posted on Last updated: December 15, 2023

Categories Vietnam

Expert travel storyteller Jordan Adkins, founder of InspiredByMaps.com, brings a decade of adventures across 101 countries and 450+ UNESCO sites into rich, off-the-beaten-path narratives, melding ecological expertise with genuine, seasoned travel insights. His full bio can be found here.

Wondering what to do in Hoi An? You’re not alone – but trust me, there is so much more to this beautifully preserved river trading port than meets the eyes!

Bare with me, as I show you a few of the top things to do in Hoi An, proving that while the Old Town of Hoi An might be very Disney-esque .  If you know where to look, you can find both substance and style!

Sadly many travelers never get to discover the true essence of Hoi An, only stumbling around it’s -admittedly picturesque – old town, managing only a few hours of admiring grand architecture in the hot midday sun before beating a hasty retreat back to their hotel pool.

Frazzled and a tad bewildered, they seem to quickly spread word up-and-down Vietnam that Hoi An is a one day stop at best with overpriced Old Town restaurants of dubious quality and not much else. Unless, of course, you visit for the insanely awesome Lantern Festival held annually.

I promise if you look a bit harder – and explore outside the old town – Hoi An will quickly become your favorite destination in Vietnam. This is thanks to Hoi An’s incredible food scene, relaxed pace of life, varieties of shopping and events on offer – not to mention plenty of day trips, tropical beaches on its doorstep, and some of the most foreign-friendly nightlife in Vietnam!

Most of these top things to do in Hoi An I gathered through local recommendations, stumbling around and more than a little research – and after your visit, you will probably have your own, so feel free to come back and let other readers know.

If you’re heading to Hoi An for the first time (as this list assumes!), you really should have at least three full days to really get a feel for this UNESCO listed town. Vietnam tour itineraries often only stay a night — but it simply just isn’t enough! 

If only because the most common regret I heard from other travelers once they got to know the real Hoi An was ‘I wish I had more time here…..’

And if you still haven’t figured out how to travel domestically in Vietnam from Hoi An, we recommend you try Bookaway – a travel search engine for ground transportation, which enables travelers to find, compare and book tickets online easily. Boasting an outstanding user experience and a 24/7 support team that works closely with local suppliers, you can easily simplify the travel planning process in Vietnam and make travel ticket booking easy.

Phong Nha. Nha Trang. Da Lat. Ho Chi Minh. Hanoi. Hue. Ha Long Bay… You name it, Bookaway has a straightforward solution for you. 

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No need to search for local SIMs at the airport; eSIMs offer a hassle-free experience upon arrival. They save time and money while preventing loss or damage to physical SIMs. To stay connected, consider Airalo or Holafly, the biggest names in global eSIMs.

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The Top 20 Things To Do In Hoi An Every Traveller Should Not Miss! 🇻🇳

Page Contents

1. Make Your Own Hoi An Bike Tour

2. experience one of the world’s best food tasting tours with the original taste of hoi an, 3. relax at bars/restaurants at an bang beach, 4. make a day trip to my son sanctuary, 5. dine at the best restaurants in hoi an.

• 6.  Go A Bit Wild And Indulge In The Hoi An Nightlife

7. Indulge In Some Shopping And Find the Best Tailor in Hoi An

8. get out in the water with cham island snorkelling, 9. relax in one of hoi an’s rooftop cafes, 10. easy rider hoi an to hue, 11. relax at a hoi an beach resort, 12. escape to the serenity of bach ma national park, 13. enjoy a day trip to the incredible golden bridge and ba na hill, 14. drink your way through history on a secret cocktail experience, 15. scoot around the gorgeous hoi an countryside, 16. travel back in time at the hoi an memories show at the hoi an impression theme park, 17. have tons of fun at vinpearl land, 18. unwind with a soothing massage, 19. challenge yourself on a marble mountain trek, 20. see contemporary performance meet vietnamese culture at the a o show, where to stay in hoi an.

You may think it’s boring, just riding around on a bike – but if you do, you’ve clearly never been to Hoi An before. Often devoid of motorized traffic, the majestic Old Town is a remarkable collection of ancient buildings, temples and meeting halls that can easily be seen all on a casual bike trip (and with a breeze no less!).

Yet within minutes, a completely different world awaits – in no time at all, you can be in the center of a rice field , amongst ducks, pigs, and wild birds. The contrast is quite remarkable and thanks to Hoi An’s pancake-flat environment and relative lack of traffic (well compared to Hanoi or Ho Chi Min anyway), exploring Hoi An by bicycle allows you freedom, flexibility and an escape from the ‘tourist trail’ where you can really see local life on display! Just like I was about to in magical Ninh Binh.

You never know what will be around the corner…

If you don’t want to navigate by yourself or just want to explore Hoi An with some new friends and a guide by bike, there are also a few popular small-group bike tours in Hoi An that explore both the city and countryside.  

I don’t say this lightly, but anybody passionate about discovering, sampling and understanding the foods of Vietnam and Hoi An needs to sign up to the Original Taste of Hoi An tour and organize to have it on the first day you arrive in Hoi An.

Out of all the food tours I have taken over the years around the world (including Taipei , Medellin , and Copenhagen ), none have come close to the level of passion, community involvement, professionalism, knowledge, and fun I found here with Neville the Teacher and his team.

I don’t want to give away too much – but the tour is split into two parts, one discovering the markets, street-side stalls and small restaurants of an authentic Hoi An neighborhood (with plenty of food samplings, photo opportunities and anecdotes) and the second part back at Neville’s custom-designed home workshop he and his team attempt to stuff you with as much food and knowledge as you can possibly handle.

Hint: You’re never going to think about SPAM the same way ever again!

I sampled around 45-50 different Vietnamese dishes (there are over 1,700 at last count), and these are no small portions. It’s a tasting tour, so you eat what you want, and everything is based on recognizing that you have distinct taste buds. You either like it, or you don’t like it, and there is no wrong answer here. Well, except when it comes to the Vietnamese Coffee Ice-Cream —  because anyone who doesn’t 100% love that must be a little deranged.

Beyond Neville and his team’s passion and pride (they have been running this tour in one form or another for ten years), I also loved their commitment to social responsibility within the community, and the cost of the journey directly benefits over 40 people – many of whom you will meet on the tour.

They also help support a local orphanage (I’ll let Neville explain that better).

If you take the tour when you arrive, you will also get Neville’s planning services, which basically means he will tell you all the best places in town for whatever your heart desired, including cocktails, shoes, bags, coffee, pizza. You name it, which is excellent!

The top reviewed food tasting tour in Hoi An (hell, it’s one of Hoi An’s top attractions!) you won’t ever regret heading out with the Original Taste Of Hoi An …and will probably never look at Vietnam or food the same again!

Make a day of it at the beach. At any of the seaside bars/restaurants, you’re welcome to a deck chair just meters from the water’s edge – and it’ll only cost you a bottle of water.

Relax in between swims with a good book and a snooze – but don’t forget your sunscreen as I did! Choosing somewhere to eat can be daunting with so many options, so let me make it easier and say hands down you need to just head straight to Ms. Tuyet and her self-named seafood restaurant Tuyet with the Worlds Best Spring Rolls (trust me, they are * colossal *), excellent service, cute little-thatched umbrellas and an enviable position just 30 meters from the surf!

If you still have energy head to the Soul Kitchen for some sunset sundowner drinks – often joined by live music making the whole thing extremely atmospheric!

The ruins at My Son hark back to the early centuries AD when the Hindu Champa civilization ruled much of central Vietnam. But in the case of the My Son ruins, it hasn’t just seen the ravages of time at play. In 1969, during the American War, the Nixon administration targeted My Son from the air (because it was a Viet Cong haven) and blew most of it to smithereens. The 70 or so well-preserved towers and attendant structures were hammered, but all considered, some of the buildings are remarkably intact among the bomb craters. 

Today, like many of Vietnam’s famous sites, mass tourism has taken its toll and My Son Sanctuary – in large part thanks to its UNESCO World Heritage listing.

My Son Sanctuary is generally swarming with tour groups and tourists wandering around with very little clue as to what is going on. You can either brave the heat and hire a private driver to take you to My Son in the afternoon when the crowds have all returned to Hoi AN (around 1 pm 99 % of tour groups have gone) – or sign up to any of the huge tour buses taking groups out for sunset on a half-day morning tour.

If you read up about the site in advance and ditch your guide once you are through the entrance gate. Its actually pretty nice, and you can avoid most the lumbering groups and explore a few quiet spots on your own.

Definitely worth a visit for history buffs or those who have not seen Angkor Wat. If you love the abandoned feel you could also try to visit the abandoned waterpark in Hue.

Let’s just be clear right off the bat: the best restaurants in Hoi An are not in the old town, and while some restaurants have beautiful fit-outs, decent food, and average service.

You will be paying 2-3x at a minimum for the privilege of dining here, and are unlikely to be impressed. Ignore your hotel as they will get kickbacks and commissions for sending customers to one place over another (when we were in town hilariously every shop and hotel recommended one place, and yet every traveler and Tripadvisor review said it was terrible.).

None of this is to say there aren’t great restaurants in Hoi An. There are —you just need to explore, ask other travelers, pick the brains of Neville at the Original Taste of Hoi An. By no means comprehensive, here are a few of the best restaurants in Hoi An we heard about that you should try:

• Am.  Get on your bike or hail a cab for this one, but you will not regret heading to this atmospheric restaurant whose owner Helen is someone you will not soon forget. The Japanese Okonomiyaki / Cabbage Pancakes was divine, but you really can’t go wrong here as everything is vegetarian and oh-so-good. You will probably head back multiple times to work your way through the menu!  33D Ly Thai To Street 
• The Sea Shell Restaurant by Nu Eatery. Newly opened in a restored fisherman’s house, gorge yourself with contemporary Asian fare by the same people who brought you the now overly famous Nu Eatery.  119 Tran Cao Van Street
• Bep 1919.  A hidden gem in the old town of Hoi An serving modern Vietnamese in a stylish setting. 108 Nguyen Thai
• Son.  Fun Vietnamese with exotic dishes such as lotus or cassava salad and the house specialty Duck with orange sauce!  232 Cua Dai Road
• ANA 32. Always busy like some sort of open secret, here you will find the best smoothies in Hoi An (and get the chance to try the famous Vietnamese Egg Coffee).  32 Phan Bội Châu
• Pho Xua.  Hoi An is probably the most expensive city we visited in Vietnam, but luckily here, you can find insanely low prices for the national dish of Vietnam, Pho! Also, don’t ignore their Bun Cha, or Salad Nunu, which are divine.  35 Phan Chau Trinh Street
• Thuan Y. Another Old Town of Hoi An hidden gem, stop by for shabby chic decor, calamari with Lemongrass & Chilli, Fish in Banana Leaf and some of the cheapest beer in this part of town.  94 Bach Dang Street

6.   Go A Bit Wild And Indulge In The Hoi An Nightlife

What else can I say? Hoi An is the most tourism orientated city in Vietnam, and while the heat of the day keeps many people back at their hotel poolside, at night – Hoi An comes alive. Happy hours, bucket drinks, free tequila shots, or entire bottles of vodka, anything can be negotiated here or offered, but the quality might not be the best.

My picks for the best Hoi An Nightlife are Q Bar, with their opulent cocktails amidst upscale oriental decor, White Marble Wine Bar for its extensive well wine, Tam Tam for its second-floor balcony views and happy hour and of course – Tiger Tiger for its dance-until-you-drop, cheap drinks and backpacker vibes with the parties to end all parties.

Whatever your preference, budget, or style, Hoi An nightlife can provide!

Finding a tailor in Hoi An is about as hard as shutting your eyes, turning around and pointing to the nearest shop. But getting the actual clothes made is a lot trickier – it may turn out to be the greatest thing you’ve ever done or an unmitigated disaster. Of course, if you’re Vietnam Itinerary doesn’t end in Hoi An, you might want to hold off to avoid carrying anything around with you.

Either way, there are many tips to prevent a tailoring disaster, but the most important ones are:

• Make SURE your sales assistant understands what you want. She’ll say ‘yes, yes’ but you can be almost certain – unless you go over it, get her to repeat it and even draw it – that she won’t get your full drift.
• Take time to choose the right material; after all, a poor material choice is one of the main reasons for tailoring disasters. Ask the tailor’s advice but remember, you don’t have to limit yourself to their range. Try specialist fabric shops as well.
• Get recommendations from other travelers (not your hotel or guide!) who actually have brought a suit. I hear great things about Kim Only (not Kimmy’s) located opposite Lac Viet Jewelry or Ms. Lee at Trung Duc found at 37 Tran Hung Dao. But take my advice with a grain of salt.

If you’re one of those selfish types who hate sharing your tropical paradise with the general public, check out this largely unspoiled marine-protected island, one of the least developed islands in Vietnam.

Day-trippers flock to it on public holidays and weekends, but pick a weekday, especially out of peak season, and you may just find yourself alone with the locals. Cham Island’s coral reefs attract divers and snorkelers alike, with some operators offering scuba diving, snorkeling and trekking packages at pretty reasonable rates – but with only two shops, quality is low, and many trips are canceled without reason.

We found this snorkeling excursion to Cham Island to be the best value, however, and accommodation transfers are included so you can book in advance and not waste time on the ground. The ferry only takes about 90 minutes to get to Cham Island so why not head out to this UNESCO Biosphere and see what all the fuss is about!

While the coffee or drinks can be of dubious quality, why not spend the day trying to find unique views of the Hoi An old town from above…

This was one of our favorite things to do in Hoi An, popping up to the 2nd or 3rd floor of restaurants and considering the coffee or cocktail an admission charge to set from above and watch the busy streets below or look out over the tiled rooftops of the old city! Sometimes we were pleasantly surprised by the coffee quality – like at the beautiful rooftop of Faifo Coffee – and many times, we were not.

There are probably 100 or more restaurants with views across Hoi An, and half the fun is discovering your own personal favorite. Just keep a keen eye on the sky as your walking along and when something looks intriguing head up!

If you’re heading to Hoi An, chances are you are either going to or coming from Hue – so while this is not technically a thing to do in Hoi An, you should still consider taking an Easyrider over the bus or private car!

So what is an Easyrider in Vietnam?

Well – basically it’s an experienced Vietnamese man who takes you on the back of his bike to where-ever you want to go, and boy is it a rush! Having no interest in navigating Vietnamese roads at high speed, I contacted Hue Riders (the original guys who started this idea, with the best reviews and reputation for organizing motobiking in Vietnam! ).

I organized a one day trip with them between Hoi An and Hue stopping at a remote fishing village, a white-sand beach for lunch, traversing the famous Hai Van Pass, and even swimming by Da Nang Beach and Marble Mountain.

No prior experience is needed, they are pros at everything (including transporting bulky luggage), and since you can’t really sleep, you will have an entirely new appreciation for Vietnam life by merely looking around as you go! I loved it so much. I’m planning to head back for a multi-day Easyrider in Vietnam—but if you’re not sure, just start with the Easy Rider Hoi An To Hue first!

You won’t regret it!

It’s hot as hell in Hoi An, and sometimes you just need the beach to cool off – so why not check-in for a few nights of luxury pampering and poolside cocktails only 15 minutes drive from Hoi An Old Town.

And if you’re visiting the whole of Vietnam, you’re around about half-way now and probably long overdue for some much-needed rest and relaxation. I checked into the Naman Retreat and loved its multiple pools, daily activities program including learning how to basket boat (well trying at least), chic modern design complete with minimalist bamboo architecture, and world-class spa facilities.

It is also very family-friendly if you are wondering where to stay in Hoi An with kids!  We did, however, get bored after a few days, so if you are like us and don’t know quite how to relax, we recommend a high-energy and quick day trio, like Rock Climbing in Marble Mountain , to make sure you leave the resort walls and feel too couped up!

With a myriad of palm trees, live music, and spectacular sunsets, the evenings are never dull here, and they conveniently had free shuttle services to Hoi An if you wanted to visit by day-or-night.

Not only that but on check-in I was allocated our own personal ambassador contactable 24/7 via Whatsapp to answer any questions and help with absolutely anything we needed, so needless to say I felt like I was living the high-life at a mere fraction of what it would cost in a more developed country.

A couple of hours from Hoi An, you’ll find this vast and peaceful national park covering an area of 22,031 hectares. Within these hectares, you’ll find tropical rainforest, boulders and rocky slopes, a summit with a panoramic view, and several beautiful lakes.

Bach Ma summit, 1,450 meters above sea level, offers the stunning sight of the mountains cascading down to the sea, dotted with villages, lakes, and forests. You feel totally immersed in the natural beauty as you stroll through the jungle and take a dip in the freshwater lakes to cool off after hiking. It’s a beautiful way to experience Vietnam’s countryside properly and really makes you appreciate the country more, particularly if you’ve only visited the towns and cities up until this point.

There are also lots of rare animals living in the National Park, so if you’re lucky you’ll get a sighting of some extraordinary wildlife.

While Hoi An is home to many incredible things to do, it’s also ideally based for some fantastic day trips to some of Vietnam’s most striking spots. Case in point: the sights of the Ba Na hills. An early start will give you plenty of time to explore the lush green slopes and valleys here.

You can soar above the scenery on the Suoi Mo funicular railway, a breath-taking trip that culminates at the Golden Bridge. This is a fantastic feat of construction, a curve of golden metal that rests in two vast stone hands, with views for miles across the landscape and down to the sea.

After the Golden Bridge, spend some more time in the hills. The famous Linh Ung pagoda is charming, and we loved seeing the French village, an intricate recreation of one you might find in the Loire valley. In addition to looking like France, it also has some French wines on offer – win! Stroll through the D’amour flower garden and the food stalls, nibbling on snacks that take your fancy. Then take the cable car back down (warning: not for those with a fear of heights!).

Sure, it’s nice to kick back on the beach with a beer, but sometimes you feel like something a bit fancier. This totally unique experience allows you to sample some delicious cocktails, learn more about Vietnam’s history, and see some hidden venues all at the same time. Some of these secret spots aren’t even bars, so you’d never find them on your own, which is part of what makes this tour so unique.

The other thing that makes the experience so special is the way the cocktails link in \aspects of Hoi An’s history. You’ll learn about how the French, Japanese, and Chinese have influenced life in Vietnam and played a role in creating Hoi An life as we know it today.

An amazing host tells you all about it while you try specially-created cocktails in each spot, all of which use local ingredients and recipes . It’s a night you won’t forget (no matter how many cocktails you have!).

If you’ve ever wanted to whoosh around the Vietnamese countryside on an electric scooter (of course you have, you’re only human!), then now’s the time to do it. The city’s streets and outlying land are endlessly fascinating, making them the ideal place for a scooter trip. You can start off in Cam Nam island, a place where tradition is still strong.

If you’re feeling sociable, ask the locals about life there; you can chat with fishermen by trade, shoemakers, or those involved in making rice crackers. Local industry is vital here, and it’s good to learn more about it as a visitor.

Once you’ve explored villages and commerce spots, take your scooter out among the rice paddies. These are the iconic images of Vietnam, where buffalo graze and farmers work to supply the nearby towns and cities with food. Wind up on a beach with a beer. Spending a day exploring on scooters widens your horizons, meaning you can fully appreciate how diverse and complex Vietnam is. Additionally, it’s a lot of fun!  

This might be called a theme park, but it’s so much more than that. It’s not about the rollercoaster thrills here; it’s about exploring Vietnam’s rich history and experiencing the country’s culture. Within the grounds you’ll find a traditional themed village that paints a picture of what life has been like throughout the 400 years of this port town’s history. It’s a bit like walking through a diorama, complete with bridges, pagodas, and workshops.

The highlight of the Hoi An Impression Theme Park experience is, of course, the breath-taking Memories Show. This is a mega-performance that takes you on an adventure through Hoi An’s history, from simple beginnings in a farmer’s house to its growth as a trading port and the international influences that made their mark. It takes place on a purpose-built island, and water is an integral part of the show.

A combination of dance, music, and mime that keeps the city at its heart through fantastic scenery, this is a show that transcends language to teach the audience about the path of history and the passage of time.

Once you arrive in Vietnam, we’re sure you’ll hear people talking about this enormous recreational complex, and it’s definitely one of the most enjoyable things to do in Hoi An. Unashamedly fun, lively, and entertaining, Vinpearl Land is the perfect place to come if you want to let your hair down a bit. It’s also ideal if you’re traveling with a group who all like doing different things because there’s a huge range of stuff to do here.

There are exciting rides for all ages, spread out across five zones, as well as almost 100 indoor activities and games. Adrenaline junkies will love the Tree Swing and Swiss tower drop. If you feel like something a bit more sedate, explore the Handicraft Village on Folk Island where weaving and pottery-making take place.

We also loved the River Safari, which is exactly what it sounds like – a safari seen from the river! Once you’ve been on the water, you’ll want to get in it, so head to Water World for a splash about. Do you see what we mean? There’s almost nothing you can’t do here!

When you’re traveling, there’s no better treat than a r elaxing spa treatment. Muscles that are sore and tired from walking or carrying bags finally loosen up under the skilled hands of the masseuses in Hoi An. The even better part? It’s not only soothing for your soul – but you’ll also feel your worries float away!

Lots of spas offer a range of treatments, from Thai massages to Swedish ones, or even a combination of both! Naturally, there’s also a traditional Vietnamese style. Start your treatment with an herbal tea and a snack – and finish with more. The perfect antidote to a busy itinerary that will leave you ready to explore even more of Hoi An.

South of Da Nang, you’ll find a group of five limestone mountains rising dramatically above the surrounding landscape. These five peaks are said to represent the five natural elements – water, wood, fire, earth and metal – and as such are immensely spiritual places. You’ll see lots of Buddha statues and pagodas as you wind your way up the trails, tunnels and staircases that bring you to the top (get a guide to help you find all the hidden nooks and crannies).

We can’t pretend it’s a walk in the park, but the views from the top are more than worth a little huffing and puffing. The panoramic vistas of the valleys below and the city beyond are so awe-inspiring that even the non-religious among us will feel something a little bit holy.

Often called the Vietnamese Cirque du Soleil, the spectacular A O show brings old and new Vietnam together in an exhilarating mix of dance, story, and acrobatics. The way the production uses wood and bamboo in its minimal sets is wonderful and perfectly mirrors the story of how rural living is affected by the fast-paced urbanization happening here.

It all takes place in the Lune Performing Centre in Hoi An, a space shaped like a dome that provides the perfect backdrop to this thoughtful and fascinating piece. You’ll even see the traditional art of bamboo cirque incorporated into the spectacle. It’s a beautiful way to spend an evening in Hoi An and leaves you even more in love with this complex and changing country.

Wondering where to stay in Hoi An?

I’ve put a few of my favorite options together to help you decide. There is so, so, so much choice in this little city – but if you want to wade through them all, you can find the best Hoi An Hotel deals here.

Want to relax poolside with a cocktail?

Stay in a super-social hostel or indulge in unparalleled luxury? 

Hoi has something for you…

LUXURY Allegro Hoi An

Exemplifying the heart of Hoianese people: hospitable, honest, and welcoming, this luxe hotel is spacious and well-appointed with charming heritage touches, carved-wood furnishings, and hip accents.   –> Check it out

MID-RANGE Atlas Hoi An Hotel

Located close to the heart of Hoi An ancient town, this industrial-chic hotel offers 48 stylish rooms & suites is next to Hoai River, thus creates an impressive hotel surrounded by Vietnamese lifestyle greenery.    –> Check it out

BUDGET Tribee Ede Hostel

Get ready to connect, make friends, join new groups of housemates every day, and any day through enjoyable, funky, and – most of all – free activities. Our favorite Hoi An Hostel – and just a hop, skip, and a jump from the Old Town! –> Check it out

And there you have it – all the best things to do in Hoi An for a first visit. While the well-preserved Ancient Town is a clear drawcard, there is so much more to this former city – a melting point of cultures, architecture, food, and now tourism. No wonder it is a top highlight of Vietnam…

I honestly can’t recommend enough trying The Original Taste of Hoi An tour to get a true sense of the city, but if you follow every one of these things to do – I personal guarantee you will fall in love with Hoi An just as I did and be booking your flights with Vietnam Airlines back to this iconic city faster than you can say Tạm biệt!  

Hoi An Street Food Tour – Our Self-Guided Itinerary for Street Food Lovers

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A Hoi An street food tour is essential when you visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed town in Central Vietnam. You just need to decide whether you’re going to embark on your own culinary adventure and do our self-guided Hoi An street food tour itinerary or sign up for a guided street food walk.

The Central Vietnam town of Hoi An  is one of Asia’s great street food destinations, so you’ve no choice but to do a Hoi An street food tour. For those who aren’t fans of an escorted culinary walk, we’ve created a self-guided itinerary for what we believe is the ultimate Hoi An street food tour.

Taking in roving vendors, stalls on footpaths and lanes, and modest eateries in family homes, this mouthwatering walking tour covers our favourite street food spots. Complete our Hoi An street food tour and you will have sampled most of Hoi An’s most notable street food dishes.

Use this self-guided itinerary in conjunction with our post on Hoi An specialties and the official Hoi An tourism map you’ll receive when you purchase your ticket to the ancient town and you can punctuate our Hoi An street food tour with visits to the many ancient houses, Buddhist pagodas, Chinese temples, and history museums that pepper the town.

Take in the sights in between snacks and you can be walking off one meal while working up an appetite for the next.

Hoi An Street Food Tour – Our Self-Guided Itinerary

7am – coffee and juice.

Begin our Hoi An street food tour at Cho Hoi An, Hoi An Central Market , which stretches along the riverside. Open all day, it’s best visited as early as possible if you prefer to eat with locals and avoid jostling with tour groups. With its friendly vendors and fixed prices, the huge food hall is a great spot to try Hoi An specialties, such as the legendary cao lau and mi Quang (although we prefer you hold off on those for now), as well as central Vietnamese favourites like bun bo Hue, the spicy soup from the imperial city, and banh xeo, the flaky turmeric tinted pancakes. Stalls also offer syrupy Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk and fantastic fresh juices made from tropical fruits. We suggest you limit yourself to liquids for now as you have a lot of eating to do today.

After, shop for edible souvenirs such Hoi An’s famous chilli sauce and dried cao lau noodles, check out the stalls outside and waterfront fish market , which are frenetic early in the morning, then do a slow amble along Phan Boi Chau and admire the splendid buildings en route to your next destination…

8am – Banh Mi

For us, it’s impossible to say who does Hoi An’s best banh mi although it’s been a hotly debated topic for many years. We equally love the pork, pate and salad filled baguettes of Banh Mi Phuong , who Anthony Bourdain made globally famous, and Nguyen Thi Loc (also known as Madame Khanh; ‘Khanh’ was her husband’s name) for whom expat Neville Dean did the same by nicknaming her ‘ The Banh Mi Queen ’ and including her on his enormously popular street food tours. For now, try nearby Banh Mi Phuong, the shop of schoolteacher Phuong. As Phuong is mostly in the classroom, her family runs the stall, with her sister-in-law making the homemade sauces, chilli jam and pate which, along with the crispy baguettes from the family’s bakery, makes these special. Sample the Bahn Mi Queen’s baguettes after you visit Hoi An Museum (see below). Order the banh mi op la, which has an omelette tucked inside. (See our recipes for banh mi and banh mi op la to get an idea of the difference.) Banh Mi Phuong, 2B Pham Châu Tring Street, open daily 7am-9pm; Banh Mi Queen, 115 Tran Cao Van Street; open daily 7am-5pm.

Mosey over to the fascinating Hoi An Museum of History and Culture , then make a detour to the Banh Mi Queen before visiting the Quan Cong Temple and Fujian Chinese Assembly Hall , both on Tran Phu street. Slip down Hoang Van Thu in the direction of the riverside for Tan Ky Old House , to admire one of the best preserved of the ancient houses.

10am – Banh Uot Thit Nuong

Make a beeline to the covered well in the square where Nguyen Thai Hoc and Bach Dang Streets meet. Here you should hopefully find Mrs Nguyen Thi Mot , a lovely woman in a big conical hat with an even bigger smile, who makes Hoi An’s best version of banh uot thit nuong. She sets up at around 11am and stays until she runs out. Sit down and she’ll present you with a tray of pork skewers, fragrant fresh herbs and salad, and rice paper, so you can roll their own. Locals will gladly show you how. If she’s gone for the day, look for other vendors roaming the streets with baskets hanging from their shoulders and a small grills. They’ll stop and set up wherever there are customers to barbecue the delicious lemongrass skewers.

Stroll back along the riverside, through the waterfront market, all the way to… 

11am – Mi Quang

Brunch on one of Hoi An’s beloved noodle dishes at  Hai , our  favourite Hoi An noodle shop , located in the family home of Mr Hai, whose refined renditions of cao lau and mi Quang are Hoi An’s finest. The mi Quang boasts sweet plump prawns, succulent slivers of char siu pork, and a quail egg arranged upon silky turmeric-tinted rice noodles in a gently spiced pork broth. Served with prawn crackers, the noodles are sprinkled with toasted peanuts, crispy sprouts, and caramelised shallots. The cao lau exhibits a similar sense of restraint, with the smoky local noodles topped with just a few slices of the Cantonese-style barbecued pork and fragrant herbs. We recommend you sample the mi Quang and save the cao lau for later (see Mr Ty, below). Hai, 6A Truong Minh Luong Street, Hoi An. Open from 11am until they run out.

Work up an appetite by walking back to the  Japanese Covered Bridge , then continue down Nguyen Thi Minh Khai to the  Phung Hung Old House  before returning along Tran Phu where you should call into the  Cantonese Chinese Assembly Hall . After, stroll up Le Loi to visit the  Tran Family Chapel  and  Ba Le Well . By now, you should be hungry again…

2pm – Bun Bo

Savour the zesty Central Vietnamese bun bo at the Ba Nghia Bun Bo stall, where three generations of this family have been keeping locals happy with their sublime beef noodle soup. Grandma still helms the home kitchen where the beef and pork bone stock simmers for hours, while her granddaughter ladles out the spicy broth at the busy stall. It’s located on a lane off Phan Chu Trinh Street, a block west of Le Loi Street, and right opposite Mr Ty’s stall, below. Open from 2pm until the soup runs out, generally by 4.30pm.

3pm – Traditional Sweets

You might be lucky to spot the roving vendors of traditional sweets, including tau hu nuoc duong (silky tofu in ginger sauce) and che bap (corn pudding and coconut cream), popular afternoon snacks. If you’re out of luck, you’ll find the busiest and best vendors set up about a block or two from the Japanese Bridge on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, where it meets Bach Dang Street. Pull up a tiny stool and prepare to go to heaven.

4.30pm – Cao Lau

At Ty Cao Lau , a small stall with low tables and plastic seats in a lane, Mr Ty has been serving Hoi An’s celebrated noodle dish for some 25 years, reliably setting up daily at around 4.30 each day and packing up when he runs out. In our opinion, this and Mr Hai’s cao lau are the finest renditions of this much-loved dish. Here, Mr Ty’s rich broth is poured over his roasted char siu pork, which he sprinkles with deep-fried dough crisps and aromatic herbs, and serves with pickled onion and garlic. You need to add your own spicy chilli jam. Corner of lane off Phan Chu Trinh St, one block west Le Loi Street.

6pm – Com Ga

Wind up our Hoi An street food tour with a final dish at Com Ga An Hien . Here you can tuck into Hoi An’s take on com ga, Asia’s ubiquitous Hainanese chicken and rice that’s beloved by foodies in Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. Fluffy, yellow turmeric-tinted rice and shredded free-range ‘running’ chicken are topped with slices of onion, fragrant Vietnamese mint and black pepper, and served with a bowl of intense chicken broth with chrysanthemum leaves and a quail’s egg. To complete the dish, you’re expected to add the table condiments – fish sauce, lemon juice, chilli jam, lemon juice, and pickled chillies – and thoroughly combine. An Hien, 3 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, near the corner of Ngo Gia Tu, Hoi An. Open daily from 4.30pm until 9pm but will close sooner if they run out.

By now, you will probably have to roll down the street to the riverside, where you can sit yourself on a plastic seat to sip an icy glass of bia hoi (fresh beer) . Oh, and a steamed pork and egg-filled bao if you see the mobile vendor passing by…

Hoi An’s Best Street Food Tours

If you prefer to do a guided Hoi An street food tour and it’s a great idea for your first visit day in Hoi An, we recommend two Hoi An street food tour companies.

The Original Taste of Hoi An Food Tour

The Original Taste of Hoi An Food Tour  was indeed Hoi An’s first food tour. Researched and created by long-term expat, Neville Dean, a former teacher, and wife Colleen Dean, who manages the hospitality side, this comprehensive culinary tour is jointly ran by Neville and local foodie, Sen, who also handles logistics. The first part, the culinary walk through the backstreets of Hoi An, is led by the lovely Sen, and includes a visit to a local off-the-beaten-track market. Neville leads a guided tasting indoors, just when you’ll be feeling the need to retreat from the heat. This is probably one of the most in-depth food tours I’ve ever done. On the exhaustive tour, you’ll do 40 tastings of street food and drinks over four hours. Pick-up is 7.30am and you’ll be done around midday.

Hoi An Food Tours

One of a handful of Hoi An street food tours that were inspired by the Original Taste of Hoi An, Hoi An Food Tours is an all-Vietnamese operation ran by ‘Jennifer’ (her preferred Western nickname) in the office and a range of local guides who lead walking tours through Hoi An’s charming streets. We love the morning street food tour, which starts at 8am and finishes at noon, and includes 10 different food and drink tastings of Hoi An’s quintessential dishes, at seven different locations, including a visit to Hoi An’s main market. It cleverly ends with a foot massage.

Do let us know if you try our self-guided Hoi An street food tour or the guided tours we’ve recommended. We’d love to know what you think and we’d also love to hear from you if you have tips for other Hoi An street food spots you enjoyed.

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A taste of Hoi An

“Vietnamese people eat not to get bored,” explains Neville Dean, as I try another “pho,” in Hoi An food market. Neville is our guide in a food tour across the streets of the ancient town of Hoi An, in central Vietnam. It’s 7:30 am, and we have our fourth dish. “Eating is the best way to immerse yourself further in Vietnamese culture,” he points out.

On the banks of the poetic Thu Bon River, in central Quang Nam province, Hoi An is a Unesco World Heritage Site, with an enthralling Old Quarter to explore, filled with tiny boutiques – usually carved out of old historic houses. Hoi An is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. Its buildings and street plan reflect the influences, both indigenous and foreign, that have combined to produce this unique site.Once a major port, this lantern-lit town boasts the grand architecture and beguiling riverside setting that befits its heritage. From the 16th to the 19th century, it had been a magnet for Southeast Asian commerce, drawing European, Chinese and Japanese merchants who sailed down the Thu Bon River to trade silks, Chinese medicines, paper, porcelain, oils, spices and more during four-month spring fairs. Many of the Chinese and Japanese stayed in Fai Fo, as it was then called – hence their strong influence in its architecture.

Yet Hoi An is touristy. The old town is surprisingly extensive and absorbs lots of visitors. I hear the stories of talented tailors. Everything here is about commerce. Almost every single building is a shop, a restaurant, a hotel, a bar, a tour agency. We walk along the riverside and see tourists everywhere.

Eating in one of the many little places serving authentic Vietnamese food is an instant lesson in how to take simple ingredients and add magic with an array of spices and herbs. My favorite is the “Nu Eatery” – a small restaurant with simple decor tucked away near the Japanese Bridge. I also enjoy La Sen Resturant at Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, where I am staying.

Every other restaurant in Hoi An offers cooking classes, but I decide to take a “food tour” instead. I meet Neville Dean, an Australian cook who, 20 years ago, fell in love with Vietnam. “The cuisine of Central Vietnam is linked to the Emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty and, as such, is often complex and luxurious in taste, texture, and appearance,” says Neville. “The idea about the food tour is simple: in Hoi An, there are around 600 restaurants catering to visitors with another 600 or so vendors catering to locals with foods that don’t usually appear on menus. This is the food of the local people – some call it street food – many with recipes passed down from generation to generation.”

The Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai

We traveled to Hoi An from March 17th to March 19th, 2017 and flew from Singapore to Da Nang with Vietnam Airlines. We stayed at the Four Seasons Resort Nam Hai and did the food tour with The Original Taste of Hoi An . 

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Food, Travel, Lifestyle

Food , Hoi An , Travel , Vietnam , Vietnamese

The Last Great Taste of Hoi An Food Tour (Hoi An, Vietnam)

Hoi An is a magical place in Vietnam. Full of color and beauty. The cuisine is also one of the best we tasted on our journey through Vietnam.  With more than 100 restaurants catering for tourists, there were so many restaurants to choose from and within the restaurants so many dishes to interpret. Most offer some Vietnamese dishes including the local specialties of White Rose, Fried Wontons, Cao Lau and Mi Quang along with some house variations of Vietnamese food.

The best way to learn more about Hoi An delicacies was through a food tour of which there were a handful. After a lot of research over the internet through tripadvisor and other travel review sites, we settled for one led by an old Australian couple who have resettled in Hoi An (something I wish I could do). The tour is called, The Last Great Taste of Hoi An   and is highly recommended (although it is quite expensive for Vietnamese standards).

We started our walking tour visiting the colorful local Tan An Markets where we met and chat with stall holders about their food. Our walk then continued along both high streets and back streets, discovering out-of-the-way producers and street vendors making and selling a wide variety of exotic foods. Our final destination was a local restaurant where we enjoyed refreshments and tasted small samples of a wide selection of the local delicacies bought directly from the vendors – most of whom we saw or met on the tour.

Information for visitors:

http://tasteofhoian.com/

Tour Times 7.30 am – 12.00am

Bookings Essential Family Restaurant 108 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street Hoi An Ancient Town Telephone:   09053TASTE (0905 382 783)   or  0121 7621 693 Email:  [email protected]

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Updating! Banh mi phuong has moved to other place (2 Phan Chau Trinh st). I also had chance to try banh mi from 2 girls of Hoi An Food Tour ( http://hoianfoodtour.com/ ) . Beside banh mi, i tried many kinds of food as cao lau, banh peo, coffee…

For Banh My, you should not miss madam phuong banh my (Hoang Dieu st) and madam khanh banh my (115 Tran Cao Van Street). Price is only 1 usd. So cheap!. I ordered 2 breads for my lunch. I knew banh my via http://hoianfoodtour.com/ . They gave us a sample if banh my phuong and we decided to go back to banh my phuong next day. The taste is so amazing. Love sauces.

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