The wood-crafted Chinese shophouses, French colonial buildings and ancient town of history so unique are some of the elements that bring the soul of Hoi An to life. Famed as a sought-after port in the days of yore, this city on Vietnam’s central coast now attracts tourists longing for a dash of history during a laid-back vacation.
The Alluring An Bang Beach
Take a 10-minute ride from Anantara Hoi An Resort to the mystical shores of An Bang Beach, topping your checklist of things to do in Hoi An. With excellent surfing conditions between the months of September and March, the beach is heaven on earth for those seeking refuge in tropical sunbeams while tasting some of the best seafood in town.
A Centuries-Old Building
Dating back to the 18th century, the Phung Hung House was originally built to shelter a merchant family under a Japanese-styled roof. In the present day, the house welcomes visitors dressed in lanterns, Chinese inscriptions and wall hangings. A distinctive feature of the house is the balcony at the back of the house that opens up to the canal, making it convenient to collect goods that arrive on the boat.
An Ancient Town
Hoi An Ancient Town dates back to the 15th – 19th centuries as a well-preserved small-scale trading port that caught the attention of the Chinese, Japanese and Europeans. The town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 for the outstanding retainment of its traditional architecture and townscape, depicting its universal value.
Street Markets of Colour
Grab something to take home as a souvenir from the Central Market in Hoi An. While it is known as a tourist attraction, the market draws in locals who purchase fresh produce, food and clothes. Other markets in Hoi An are the Night Market which cooks up some of the best street food, and the Tiger Market which offers homeware and second-hand products.