Hoi An Travel Guide: Ancient Town, Tailors, Food and Beach Add-Ons

Hoi An: The Yellow City of Lanterns

Hoi An is one of Vietnam's most beloved destinations. Once a major trading port between the 15th and 19th centuries, its historic core remains remarkably preserved, with yellow merchant houses, assembly halls, and the famous Japanese Covered Bridge.

First-Time Guide to Custom Tailoring

Hoi An is world-famous for its quick and affordable custom tailoring. If you plan to get clothes made, follow this process:

1. Go on your first day: Custom tailoring requires 24 to 48 hours and usually 1-2 fittings to get the fit perfect.
2. Bring references: Save photos of suits, dresses, or coats you want made.
3. Choose reputable shops: Establishments like Bebe Tailors, A Dong Silk, and Yaly Courier are known for high-quality fabrics and workmanship.

What to Eat in Hoi An

Hoi An has unique dishes that are rarely found outside the town:

• Cao Lau: Thick rice noodles topped with sliced pork, herbs, and crispy croutons. Authentic Cao Lau noodles must be made using water from the ancient Ba Le Well.
• White Rose Dumplings (Banh Bao Vac): Translucent shrimp dumplings shaped like roses, topped with crispy fried shallots.
• Chicken Rice (Com Ga Hoi An): Turmeric-infused rice topped with shredded chicken and fresh herbs.

An Bang Beach and Cycling

When the heat gets intense in the afternoon, rent a bicycle and ride 5km through the rice fields to **An Bang Beach**. It is a clean, sandy beach lined with seafood restaurants and chilled beach clubs.