Once upon a time, Hoi An in Vietnam’s central coast, was a major port that was the centre of the country’s spice trade. Today, with its many fine remnants of the past, Hoi An has transformed into a world-renowned tourist attraction. This is largely due to the reason that it’s been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thus, if you’re heading over to this charming town you need to get ready to experience a high dosage of culture.
First off, take a cooking class. While touring Hoi An, you’re gonna eat and fall in love with its diverse and amazing cuisine. Why not learn to make it so you will be always be cherishing these exotic flavours. There are a wide number of cooking classes offered by restaurants as well as many a Hoi An river resort the likes of the Anantara Hoi An Resort. You will be guided by a chef on how to make local favourites like Som Tam Pu Ma (Spicy Blue Crab Papaya Salad) and Kan Chiang Pu Nueng (Steamed Crab Wing). The best part of these classes is the ending, where you can sample the dishes you made yourself!
Next, take a stroll through the old quarter of Hoi An. This will be like taking a step back in time as almost all of the buildings here are built according to a stunning style of architecture that inspired by the Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, French and British who visited Hoi An as traders. There is also a wonderful network of canals that sort of presents an exotic Venice. What’s more these canals have been placed among the 10 World Famous Canals!
If you really want a glimpse into the glorious past of Hoi An, visit the Hoi An Traditional Art Performance Theatre. Here they have live performances of Vietnamese folk dances and music. These take place between the hours of 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm every day. The shows are free if you already have bought the entrance ticket to the Hoi An Old Town.
Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world.
