Private tour, daily departure
Duration: 7.5 hours (08:30 – 16:00)
Meals: Lunch
Best period: Year-round except rainy season (November – January)
The historic and quaint nature of UNESCO World Heritage Site Hoi An is perfect for exploring. A former fishing village set on the banks of the Thu Bon River and strategic trading port for Southeast Asia, centuries of Chinese and Japanese influence have left their unique mark on this town. Your private driver and English-speaking guide will greet you at your hotel and bring you to the edge of the old town to begin your day of exploration. As the streets of the old town are very narrow, cars are not permitted in the historical center. Start with the 200-year-old Tan ky House, a beautiful home that has been lovingly preserved over seven generations. Continue on foot to the Museum of Trade Ceramics, with fascinating pottery artifacts from all over Asia and the Middle East. Take a short walk through the historic town to the 17th century Chinese Chua Ong Pagoda – the neighborhood around it has distinctly Chinese inspired buildings and is lovely to explore at a relaxed pace. You might try Banh Mi, the world’s best sandwich, a top priority for any tourists when in Hoi An, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside with a perfect combination of fresh ingredients like pork liver pate, grilled pork, pickled papaya… Visit the Hoi An Market, reputed to be one of Vietnam’s best. Fresh produce and fish are on offer, and this is also an opportune location to pick up some fine silk. Stop for lunch at a local Vietnamese restaurant and enjoy a cup of Vietnamese coffee – try it on ice with condensed milk for a special treat. In the afternoon, cruise along the Thu Bon River, taking in the bucolic scenery of the riverfront countryside. The remains of the ancient port and picturesque waterfronts can be seen from the boat, and the river was integral to defining Hoi An’s fishing village and trading center identity as a crossroads in Southeast Asia. Stop at a village specializing in ceramic handicrafts – here you will find incredibly skilled artisans working on pottery and ceramics, and an exhibit of major world monuments in ceramic.
