Se hva du kan gjøre og oppleve i Hoi An

The part of Hoi An most sought-after by visitors is its incredibly photogenic mustard-coloured old town, a UNESCO-listed collection of beautifully preserved buildings; some of these still function as private homes, while a total of 22 are open to the public and operate largely as museums. Of particular interest are historic merchant residences, some of which offer short guided tours (the Old House of Tan Ky is among the most interesting), and Chinese assembly halls used for gatherings and celebrations by individual ethnic groups. Visiting each attraction will require one of the 5 admission slips that come with a general Hoi An Ancient Town entry ticket.

The Cau Vang is a footbridge extending through Ba Na Hills that allows you to enjoy the surrounding natural landscape. The way it is structured may make you think that it is supported by the two massive stone hands, but they're actually decorative fiberglass structures that remain nonetheless a spectacle of their own.

One of the Hoi An Ancient Town's most emblematic structures, the Japanese Covered Bridge dates back to the early 17th century, when it was first constructed by the Japanese community as a link to the Chinese quarters of Hoi An. Much of the original ornamental wood carvings remain preserved, and so do the sculptures of two dogs and two monkeys on either end of the bridge. Although the exact reasons for this particular animal selection isn't clearly identifiable, some explanations include the sacred status of the two in Japanese culture and birth years of Japanese emperors predominantly falling on either that of dog or monkey. Inside the bridge there is a tiny temple of the northern god Tran Vo Bac De, who is believed to hold powers of controlling weather. The Japanese Covered Bridge is included on the list of attractions one can visit on an Ancient Town Entry Ticket.

Cycling through the rice paddies in the surroundings of Hoi An is a popular day trip from town. Organised tours may include visits to rice farms and guides that walk you through the entire process of rice cultivation; tours are organised by multiple local providers and can be arranged privately or as part of a group. If you choose to go it alone, follow Cua Dai in the direction of Cua Dai Beach, and you will eventually end up in the rice fields traversed by bike paths. You're likely to encounter rice farmers and water buffalo that plough rice paddies along the way. Continue along Hai Ba Trung Street to reach the An Bang Beach.

The Chinese who settled in Hoi An identified themselves according to their province of origin. Each community built its own assembly hall, known as 'hoi quan' in Vietnamese, for social gatherings, meetings and celebrations. The Fujian Assembly Hall is, perhaps, the best-known one; the Cantonese Assembly Hall stands out for its beauty and contains a tranquil inner courtyard, while the 19th century Hainan Assembly Hall functions, in part, as a memorial to the 108 merchants from Hainan who met a tragic fate being mistaken for pirates – the entire story is narrated via wall posters.

Although Hoi An is perfectly walkable, cycling an easy way of getting around if your itinerary extends beyond the old town (including An Bang Beach). The Hoi An Old Town is closed off to all motorised traffic (including motorbikes) on most days, between 8.30 and 11.00 and then again 15.00 to 21.30, which means streets can be comfortably navigated by cyclists and pedestrians. Many hotels and guest houses offer bike rental services (or even complimentary bicycle use in some cases), but multiple bike rental shops operate throughout town as well. Prices are normally very reasonable and can be as low as 1 USD per day (depending on the bike). Single-gear bikes will suffice for cycling through town, but mountain bikes are recommended for those who wish to venture into the country side. While locals will often be seen riding without helmets on, we recommend asking for one at your bike hire provider to ensure safety.

If time allows to squeeze in a trip to the seaside, An Bang Beach is the best stretch of sand within easy reach from Hoi An. The beach is well-equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas, and is reachable by bicycle. There are multiple cafes and restaurants peppered along the coast, as well as a few locales that offer water sports equipment rental. Another option is Cua Dai Beach, which is less busy and less convenient to swim at due to significant soil erosion, but the rapid development of nearby An Bang has helped Cua Dai become increasingly re-discovered by those looking for more privacy.

Formerly the main street of Hoi An's French Quarter, Phan Boi Chau is currently going through a renaissance: art galleries, exhibition spaces and sophisticated craft boutiques have opened here, bringing the street to the forefront of the town's cultural life. If you only have time for one gallery visit, make it the Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum. Brainchild of the acclaimed travel photographer Réhahn, the space contains an exhibition of his finest work – photographs taken across Vietnam that seemingly lay bare the souls of their subjects – as well as an impressive collection of authentic garments worn by various ethnic groups across the country. There is a printed guide to the area's venues that can be picked up free of charge at many locations across town.

The bustling Hoi An market takes a little getting used to: it's distinctly more hectic than the downtown area, and teems with local vendors and shoppers as much as it does with tourists. Abundant Asian herbs, souvenirs like lacquered coconut shell bowls, Vietnamese coffee-makers and traditional cone hats are some of the wares on sale. Of particular interest are the indoor food stands serving up scrumptious snacks at some of the lowest prices in town.

Seven generations saw to the Tan Ky house remaining in the excellent condition it welcomes visitors in today, as it continues to stand as an excellent example of the confluence of cultural influences that define Hoi An. This 18th century merchant home combines elements of Chinese and Japanese design, and even features elements of European influence (such as the grape leaves carved into the courtyard balcony). The house comes furbished with original period pieces and contains a small gift shop; there is an open courtyard at its centre which brings in light and air, creating an organic link to nature and preventing the structure from flooding (although this isn't a remedy in extremely high water).

From 6 to 9 pm daily, Hoi An's Nguyen Hoang Street transforms into a 300-metre long bustling night market, unfolding underneath a myriad colourful lanterns. It's a great place to stock up on souvenirs: prices are low and can get even lower for those with haggling skills.

Although the excellent 'cao lau' and white rose dumplings are reasons enough to stop by, what truly makes Streets stand out is their mission. Humanitarian Neal Bermas behind the project gives disadvantaged youths a chance at doing well in life by providing extensive training, which allows them to work at Streets and then continue on into successful careers in the restaurant and hospitality industries. Dishes served are of the highest standards, and the atmosphere exceptionally inviting – one might struggle to find a table in the evenings.

Vy's is an exciting delve into Vietnamese street food, its many varieties served at several open-kitchen style indoor stands. The entire experience is carefully manicured and completely sanitary, which takes away possible worry associated with eating off the side of the roads. There are plenty of options to choose from, from 'classics' such as bahn mi to more peculiar delights such as half-hatched duck eggs, silk worm and jellyfish salad, or braised pig brain; one can even choose to have a typical local worker's meal. In the evenings, they conduct incredibly popular, great value cooking classes (sign up required).

Hidden in plain sight (turn right after crossing the Japanese Bridge from east to west), this compact restaurant serves up beautiful Asian Fusion cuisine without pretence, with a few imaginative takes on Vietnamese staples unique to the establishment. Come for lunch to enjoy the place nearly all to yourself. Their daughter establishment Sea Shell just off Trang Hung Dao has also gained a loyal following in recent years.

Arrive outside of rush hour (prepare for a wait otherwise) at this genuine restaurant serving up traditional local specialities in a (traditionally) non-air conditioned space. The cafe enjoys a great popularity despite not being located in the old town core: no wonder, for the 'cao lau', white rose dumplings, bahn mi and spring rolls it serves up could go for much more than their price tag.

A wildly popular, longstanding restaurant smack in the heart of Hoi An that serves up dishes most commonly eaten in central Vietnam. Special emphasis is placed on authenticity of flavours and cooking methods, plus street food dishes.

Ly Thuong Kiet runs parallel to the river, a few blocks north of Hoi An's Ancient Town. The street is well-known to coffee lovers for the incredible variety of coffee shops that line it.

There's beauty in every detail at Reaching Out Teahouse, from the exquisite ornate tableware to the establishment's mission: to offer employment to people with speech and hearing impediments, who make up the staff almost exclusively. Each table is served wooden blocks with various handy expressions inscribed on them (words like 'thank you' or 'bill') which aid in communication, and orders are placed by filling out a form. Guests are encouraged to keep their voices down to a whisper (or even refrain from talking entirely). The Vietnamese tea and coffee tasting sets are very reasonably priced and highly recommended; the cookie sampler can be shared by two.

An expat favourite, Mia Coffee is loved for its shaded outdoor terrace, air-conditioned second floor and illy espressos prepared Italian-style (for those mornings when a traditional Vietnamese drip simply won't cut it).

The Espresso Station dazzles with creativity and innovation: their menu features some of the most whimsical drinks around, from their signature 'dark soul latte' with activated charcoal (which makes the drink appear black) to coffee served in frozen cubes, with hot creamy milk on the side. You can still get Vietnamese classics, such as the 'phin' drip or expertly crafted egg coffee. There's a beetroot latte for those who don't favour caffeine.

A reliable local coffee shop chain, Hoi An Roastery is one you can safely rely on for a good cup. They offer both Italian-style and Vietnamese coffees, from potent espresso and siphon to egg-yolk coffee, plus a selection of light breakfast and lunch foods. There are seven strategic locations across town, the most popular one at Lê Lợi 47.

This centrally located wine bar attracts expats and tourists with its well-furnished wine list (reportedly, the most extensive in Hoi An), a relaxing evening ambience, and irresistible sharing platters (Vietnamese snacks and cheese assortments to accompany the wine).

While dive bars aren't normally known to attract too many actual divers, Hoi An's Dive bar begs to differ: located on site of the Cham Islands Diving Centre, the place draws in plenty of diving enthusiasts, as well as backpackers and travellers with no particular affinity for being submerged. The back garden is supremely inviting, much like the laid-back atmosphere.

This An Bang Beach fixture has gained popularity in recent years, not so much a restaurant, which it is by day, but more of a venue for a great night out. The key ingredients to its success are the breezy waterfront location (and a pleasantly relaxed vibe, by extension), regular live music shows, and a drink list that includes craft beers.

From 6 to 9 pm daily, Hoi An's Nguyen Hoang Street transforms into a 300-metre long bustling night market, unfolding underneath a myriad colourful lanterns. It's a great place to stock up on souvenirs: prices are low and can get even lower for those with haggling skills.

The elegant chocolate assortments sold at Pheva make for great gifts and souvenirs. Their chocolate is made exclusively from beans grown in the southern Vietnamese region of Ben Tre, and then enhanced with a touch of Madagascar vanilla and a variety of flavours ranging from white pepper to the signature dark sesame and peanuts. Pick and choose from individual pieces to create a set that best suits your taste.

Tailor-made clothing is big in Hoi An, and many visitors eagerly take advantage of the incredible price-to-quality ratio offered by local tailor shops. Getting a garment made will normally entail an initial consultation, where you discuss the desired piece and its design, followed by as many fittings as needed to ensure the final product complies with all the requirements. Customers are also free to select their fabrics of choice. Some trusted local tailors include A Dong Silk, Hoang Kim, Kimmy and Yaly. If you're in the market for custom-made shoes or bags, try The Friendly Leather Bag Shop or Tu-Chi Leather Bags. Fabrics and private tailoring are also offered at the Hoi An Central Market; having a garment made here will cost less, but will likely not be up to the same high standards kept to by specialised tailor shops.

This ethical craft and souvenir shop supports artists with disabilities, selling their original designs while making a tangible impact into the lives of disadvantaged local creators. The wares themselves are of excellent quality, and range from silver jewellery (which is a great buy here) to linens, tableware and home decor pieces.

A great little store to browse through for fun Vietnam-themed gifts and souvenirs that aren't you typical Chinese imports. Some of their best buys include wallets made from recycled storage bags, high-quality retro posters on rice paper, and unique postcard collections. They also stock a fantastic selection of books on all things Vietnam (in English).

Formerly the main street of Hoi An's French Quarter, Phan Boi Chau is currently going through a renaissance: art galleries, exhibition spaces and sophisticated craft boutiques have opened shop here, bringing the street to the forefront of the town's cultural life. There is a free guide to the area's venues that can be picked up free of charge.

The bustling Hoi An market takes a little getting used to: it's distinctly more hectic than the downtown area, and teems with local vendors and shoppers as much as it does with tourists. Abundant Asian herbs, souvenirs like lacquered coconut shell bowls, Vietnamese coffee-makers and traditional cone hats are some of the wares on sale. Of particular interest are the indoor food stands serving up scrumptious snacks at some of the lowest prices in town.

From 6 to 9 pm daily, Hoi An's Nguyen Hoang Street transforms into a 300-metre long bustling night market, unfolding underneath a myriad colourful lanterns. It's a great place to stock up on souvenirs: prices are low and can get even lower if you don't hesitate to haggle: prices can go down up to 70% from starting level.

Short stays that do not require a visa (some as short as 15 days) are possible for citizens of Cambodia, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, The Philippines, Brunei, Myanmar, Belarus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Citizens of Chile can enter the country for 90 days, visa-free. Citizens of a further 46 world countries, including most countries in the Americas, Eastern Europe and Australia, are eligible for an E-visa as of February 2017. These are granted for a period of 30 days. To confirm whether or not you will need a visa to enter Vietnam, please contact your local consulate. Different rules may apply to cruise ship passengers on shore excursions. In late 2019, temporary visa slips could be obtained directly on board for a very small fee (under the condition that Vietnam is only visited as part of a cruise itinerary with a final destination elsewhere).

The 14th day of each lunar month sees Hoi An celebrate a Full Moon Festival, wherein streets get flooded with lit paper lanterns, food stalls and souvenir vendors, with traditional performances of song and dance held throughout town. The two best months to visit Hoi An are February and March, when temperatures are at their most comfortable. Heat starts to set in following April, and it gets progressively hotter until July, when the rainy season begins.

A ticket is required in order to be admitted into the Ancient Town, although this is not strictly enforced if you are only planning to take stroll along the streets. If you plan to visit any attractions, a ticket is most definitely required; each ticket comes with 5 slips for any of the operating attractions of your choice (these include assembly halls, old merchant homes, etc.). Kiosks selling such tickets are spread through the old town and are yellow in colour, with a red sign. Each ticket is valid for 24 hours. The price as of 2019 is 120, 000 VND (~ 5 USD).

Cycling is by far the easiest and cheapest way of getting around Hoi An during daylight hours, especially if your destination is not within walking distance (although this is rarely the case within town limits). When heading further afield (or after dark) you will most likely require a cab. There have been reports of local drivers refusing to turn on the meters or even refusing trips altogether for short distances, in which case you can either walk further down the road and try a different cab or call an operator to order the cab to come pick you up (although this may be difficult if you don't speak the language). You could also try negotiating a fare that suits both in advance. Mai Linh is known to have been a reliable company, although they have been getting mixed reviews lately. Grab is the local equivalent of Uber and is another option for getting around, but not speaking then language can be an obstacle here, too: it's best if you have your hotel's business card and/or a working map on your mobile to ease communication with drivers. As a last resort there are the 'xich lo' pedicabs, although these are much better suited for leisurely sightseeing tours rather than a functional way of getting from point A to B. This one is exclusively used by tourists.

Da Nang International Airport is the air hub closest to Hoi An, located at around 40km from town, which makes for just under an hour's drive. The best options for reaching Hoi An from here include a pre-arranged transfer (some hotels offer this service), getting a taxi upon arrival (make sure to agree on the fare in no uncertain terms prior to starting the journey), or a shared shuttle bus offered by several local operators. Your Local Booking www.yourlocalbooking.com Hoi An Express http://hoianexpress.com.vn/ha/st_activity/shuttle-bus-da-nang-to-hoi-an-one-way

Most common medicines can be purchased without much difficulty in Hoi An. If you require medical attention or medication that isn't available locally, your best bet is nearby Da Nang. Huy Hoang 1 Pharmacy:

Rowing and motor boats can be hired privately for excursions; boats are normally docked along the riverfront between the Cam Nam and An Hoi Bridges in central Hoi An.

Packages can be shipped worldwide via Vietnam Post, which is relatively reliable but can take up to several months to deliver parcels (3-4 weeks by air mail). Dai Nam postal service is another alternative local shipping provider. As of February 2019, there is also a DHL Express shipping station in Hoi An, which is a reliable way to send documents and valuables.

+84 (country code) 235 (Hoi An code)

220 V /50Hz, plug types A, C & F Most plugs with two pins (both flat and round) will work in Vietnam; three-pin plugs will require an adaptor.