things to do!
Basket Boat (see picture) - Great fun! We booked this at our hotel and it cost very little. Taxi there and back, 5 minutes outside Hoi An. You get into the famous Vietnamese basket boats with a guide who paddles you through the water with long grass around you. You’ll be on the water for over an hour and travel initially on quite an open area then down narrow sections surrounded by high foliage. WARNING: You’re guide may occasionally burst into song. Feel free to join in, the lyrics are…Ole’…. Ole’… Ole’ Also outside of the surprise singalong, if you want, they’ll spin you round which is great fun! BALDY REVIEW - An experience you MUST do!
Lantern Boat (see picture at top) - The ancient town of Hoi An comes alive at night with it’s many lanterns, especially down at the river. Jump on the long lantern boats, cruise around, light a lantern and make a wish, BUT DON’T TELL ANYONE OR IT WON’T COME TRUE!!
Ancient Town/Dragon Bridge - Hoi An itself has so many sights to see. Take an afternoon to stroll around all the wee streets, checking out Temples (see picture at bottom), famous old houses, museums and the world famous Dragon Bridge.(although we never saw that as they were doing some renovations 😢) Just grab a map from your hotel.
Tailor made clothing - The reason millions come to Hoi An, to get that tailor made dress, suit, shoes you name it, they make it! Leave Vietnam looking ridiculously dapper…. the names Bond, Baldy Bond! There is a lot of shops to choose from so do plenty research before going. Check out some ideas here
An Bang Beach (see picture at bottom)- Great beach with lovely beach bars. A must, even if it’s just for an afternoon to getaway from the hustle and bustle of Hoi An.
Bike ride - Most hotels will provide bikes to view Hoi An, it’s a great way to get around as it’s not too big and you can not only check out the old town but the farming on the outskirts as well as An Bang Beach.
food & drink
Morning Glory (see picture)- There’s two of these in Hoi An, both are great, but Morning Glory Signature is on the river. TIP - phone ahead and reserve a balcony table at the front, amazing view and with live music playing it’s quite the place for romancing!
Madam Khanh (see picture at bottom)- MY FAVOURITE BANH MI IN VIETNAM! There i said it. I tried many, but this was just the winner. You’ll have to queue but well worth it!
Hoi An Roastery - My tip for coffee establishments in Hoi An. Really nice atmosphere and variety of coffee choices…I had the Icy Highland (typical scotsman!) vanilla ice cream with coffee shot over the top, great way to start the day!
Port City Bagels - Personally I could eat Vietnamese food the whole time i was there, but we were recommended to try this and in fairness…although slightly pricier than vietnamese sandwiches…they do make fantastic bagels. So if you love your bread, circular with a whole, then go here!
The Deckhouse - Really chilled beach bar at An Bang (see picture at bottom), with some amazing seafood. You could buy a canoe of lobster, squid, crab, prawn you name the fish, it was in the canoe!
my hotel
Laluna Riverside Hotel and Spa (see picture) - Really lovely boutique hotel in a great location right on the river, a few minutes walk from the ancient town centre. We got the room with a balcony overlooking the river and i’d definitely recommend it, as its a great view at night. Great swimming pool too, but to be honest just go to An Bang Beach, what you dicking about in a pool for?!
