Vietnam - Hoi An at night

The weather in Hoi An was incredibly hot and humid when we arrived, and didn’t change over the time we were there.  Our hotel was lovely, but was a few km’s from the town centre which we had complimentary bikes for. This was all well and good but in blistering heat and humidity cycling a few kilometres every time we wanted to pop into town became less attractive each trip. If I had my time again I probably would have booked something closer to the town centre.


Hoi An itself is gorgeous, I had heard rave reviews about it so decided to book 4 nights, using it as a base for the beach, sightseeing and of course the tailors. After the hectic Hanoi & Hue this was an excellent place for a midway break. The old town of Hoi An is a Unesco heritage site so it is well preserved and no cars are allowed (motos still zip through though). This makes for a real timewarp - the old town is all narrow streets, bicycles, rickshaws, temples, tailor shops and museums. Heading out of the lanes you come to the riverfront, lined by restaurants, markets and lanterns. Hoi An by day is lovely - but in the heat we experienced it was quite hard to handle (the locals in Vietnam disappear during midday - they have common sense and nap during the peak of heat). Hoi An really shines at night though, the temperature cools, the restaurants become lively, most shops stay open quite late and all the lanterns light up. 

Hoi An at night

The Japanese covered bridge

Locals eating Cao Lau by the river

Lantern shops by the Hoi An river, wish I could take some home!

Hoi An lanterns

Becoming slightly obsessed with lanterns..

On the first day in Hoi An we decided we needed to find out where the beach was, and with a vague map and bicycles we headed off on a road towards what we thought would be the right direction to the beach. After kilometres of cycling we realised we were lost, but instead of getting frustrated and heading back we just kept on cycling because why wouldn't you when you come across scenes like this?

Sunsets over rice paddies

Although unplanned, just a field and some locals - this was one of my favourite moments of the trip. It was just so peaceful and beautiful - there was noone else in sight besides us & an old vietnamese couple tending their paddy fields while the sun set and it was a perfect moment.

As we cycled on we reached a tiny village, as we went though cries of 'hello! hello!' came from each house we passed. Kids came out to look and laugh at the lost tourists, and water buffalo blocked our tracks. We chatted with some of the villagers and on our way back a few trailed us, still yelling 'hello!' and laughing. Who knew getting lost could be so fun!

Hotel: Orchid Garden Homestay
Cost:  From $65USD per night, inc breakfast.
Web: www.hoian-homestay-orchidgarden.com
Address: Cam Chau Village 
Phone: (84-510) 3863720