Hotels in Hoi An

Hoi An was amazing. We spent 4 nights and it wasn't enough by any means. The best things to do there are (in no particular order): 1. Eat - there are good restaurants and try the white rose dumpling and miss ly's cafe 2. Get clothes and shoes tailored. Do this on your first day as soon as you land. Figure out what kind of things you want made before you get there - take pics of dresses, shoes, etc that you want replicated. We didn't have enough time to ensure our dresses, shirts and boots were exactly how we wanted. We went to Lovely Shop for shirts and dresses and they were good but you need at least 3 fittings to get it right. I made 3 leather boots at Roni's and paid about £50 for each pair. The leather quality is excellent and I liked the boots but again, I only had time for 1 fitting when I could've used 2. I had to get the boots reheeled in London but apart from that they're excellent. I wish I had gotten a pea coat made there but we didn't have enough time. 3. Stroll at night by the river and markets. We didn't do this until our last day and regretted it. It was so lovely, charming and beautiful. 4. Buy souvenirs at the markets. I wish I bought more jewellery as souvenirs from Hoi an. It was cheaper than what we paid at markets in Ho Chi Minh. Also it was much more pleasant to shop and bargain 5. Whatever you do - do NOT miss out on experiencing Jack Trans Eco Tours. We did the full day countryside experience and it was the best tour I've done in my life. See how people live and talk to locals. 6. Take clothes to donate and souvenirs from your country for tour guides and locals. They will really appreciate it. We took clothes to donate and asked Jack Tran (see no. 5) if he knew where we can donate it. At the end of out tour our tour guide took us to her village and we donated it to the poorest people in the village. The look on their face and their appreciation was one I will never forget.

Old town in Hoi An is beautiful at night with many decorative lights dotted along the river and through out the towns old buildings. It has so many shops with good bargain. We bough two silk scarf with beautiful prints at a total of £8! 'Banh my Phuong' is a deli/restaurant that specialised in Vietnamese bouguette. There are so many fillings you can choose. It looks and smells absolutely wonderful. It was featured in some TV chef's documentary and branded 'the world's most tasty Banh Mi'. I've been there three times during my two night stay. Another great place is the Reaching Out Tea House. They hire physically impaired staff and there is sign on the wall says 'enjoy the silence'. It's a quaint place. Their coffee and tea tasting set is excellent choice but I personally prefer their tea as they are quite different! All the tableware are all handcrafted locally and they are so delicate and beautiful. It is a very different experience! Highly recommended! There are lots of restaurant choices in Hoi An we try the river side street food style eatery as well as 'Morning Glory' restaurant. Both are great. Snorkelling in Cham island is a bit disappointing because water isn't too clear in late December. But the beach is pristine clean and lined with tropical trees. My Son sanctory and Marble Mountains are both very good place for day trips.

Night time is a delight but so much more crowded in 2016 than our visit in same time 2015. When it rains you definitely need an umbrella! Too many leather shops opening up! Too many tailors! They need to put on the reins! Coffee shops are more evident than a year ago. Great quality food on offer everywhere. Love to dine at night at Morning Glory but book and be prepared to wait a bit even though you've booked! The food is scrumptious. Yaly tailors , though everyone knows is top end, is truly a quality and reliable business. If I were getting garments made that were for very special occasion I would choose them again. Tried getting Leather handbag made. Failed on two attempts so gave up and bought ready made one from a shop and bargained down from $75 US to $45US. Good quality copy. Bought some beautiful jewellry from Reaching Out, made by deaf and otherwise "disabled" artists so am glad money going to assist them in their lives and careers. There are other beautiful items there too such as embroidered bedding Etc. Three nights was good since we were having clothing fittings done, but they can rush tailoring if you are keen. The increase in number and size of resorts building nearer the beach and outside the old quarter is disturbing and likely to bring in floods of more tourists to the old town at night. Seriously I'm glad we've seen Hoi An twice now in 2015 and 2016 . But seeing the growth in just a year I worry where it's headed.

Hoi An is incredible stop for any traveler, undoubtedly a must if you plan to come to Vietnam. The city's old quarter is very beautiful, full of colorful old buildings (some museum-like), tailors and coffee stores. And the whereabouts of the river get very nice at evening, with lots of bars offering cheap beer (look for 'fresh beer' or 'bia hoi' signs, and you'll get half a pint for 0.10 usd) and good dinner. Try to go to the central market for a very cheap and delicious lunch (had an appetizer, two main courses and two beverages for 6 usd). Besides, there are a couple of sights which are worthy of you can spare some time, especially the marble mountains (very good day-trip). I had a very good experience with the tailor-issue, bought a custom-made shirt and suit-trouser from 'Mio' (29 Tran Phu st.) for 60 usd and were both fantastic. I would recommend her, if you are interested in having some new suit or dresses. All in all, excellent experience in Hoi An

Amazing restaurant called Streets in Le Loi St was some of the best dining ever. Plus their initiative is so special, taking street kids and giving them 5 star training and opportunities to change their life direction. We walked everywhere, soaking up the most amazing atmosphere. We stayed 5 nights and could easily have stayed longer. We stayed in a Honestay about 800m out of old town and it was fantastic. Really affordable and clean and we got to walk off some of the amazing food we are. We bought a Fodors Travel Guide book before we left and used their eating recommendations and they were incredible. Saved us a few below average meals. Special tea house run by hearing impaired is a must visit and street food by the river. A most magical and special town. Take hardly any clothes and get everything's made. From shoes to leather bags to suits and coats. Incredible. But bargain hard (they don't like to bargain much here unless you try hard and walk away from the deal!!! They'll come and follow you if there is still more they can do on price). So coming back !!! Can't wait. One of the best places in the world.

The ancient town is just magical, cozy littel streets lit by the famouse lanterns were incredibly romantic. It's justperfect for 5-7 days get away. The food is nice and prices are very resonable (don't forget to bargein hard in the shops, even with the price tag, you can always bring it down 2-3 time) Lots of tailors / tailor shops, very quick and good quality job. Plenty of great restaurants, Vietnamese food is delicious! Beaches are clean and huge. The only thing that they are public, which limit the facilities and bring merchants in, but they are not too annoying. You can rent sunbeds in exchange of a lunch in a local cafe, which is usually pricy and not too good. Overall locals are very friendly, just their English is that great in general, require a lot of explanations. Many educational and fun activities for kids: lantern making, farming etc. around! Good memories!