Hoi An, Vietnam: Boutique Stays, Old Town Charm & Slow Travel
Updated: 7 days ago
Four Days, Three nights | Hoi An, Vietnam
Traveled February 2024
Four days of boutique hotels, beautiful cafés, Vietnamese food, countryside experiences, and some of my favorite moments in Vietnam.
WELCOME TO HOI AN
Of all the places I visited in Vietnam, Hoi An is somewhere I would happily return to every time.
There was something about the slower pace, historic streets, cafés, and everyday life that made the city feel special. It had the feeling of an older Vietnam, and I loved spending my days wandering without needing to rush from one attraction to the next.
I spent four days and three nights in Hoi An, staying at two boutique properties, exploring Old Town, getting custom clothing made, and enjoying experiences that took me beyond the city center.
And while I had activities planned, some of my favorite moments happened simply because I decided to walk somewhere.
Quick Facts
Length of Stay: 4 days, 3 nights
Getting there: Vietnam Railways train from Nha Trang to
Tam Ky, followed by a taxi to Hoi An
Where I stayed: Son Hoi An Boutique Hotel and G Boutique Resort
Favorite Area to Explore: Hoi An Old Town
Travel Style: Solo travel, boutique hotels, local dining,
cultural experiences, and slow travel
Would I Return: Absolutely! Hoi An is somewhere I'd revisit whenever I'm in Vietnam.
Getting to Hoi An
Traveling by Train From Nha Trang
I traveled from Nha Trang to Tam Ky using Vietnam Railways. My train tickets totaled $144 because I needed to purchase two tickets.
Once I arrived at Tam Ky station, I took a taxi to Hoi An for approximately $30.
Where I Stayed
Son Hoi An Boutique Hotel & Spa
G Boutique Hotel
Where I Ate & Drank in Hoi An
Morning Glory Original
I had dinner at Morning Glory Original two nights, I ordered several Vietnamese dishes, including Hoi An crispy pancakes, white rose dumplings, and sautéed prawns in coconut.
It was a chance to enjoy some of the local dishes Hoi An is known for, highly recommend trying the rose dumplings that can only be found in Hoi An.
Madame Khanh
Bánh mì | $2 USD each
I visited Madame Khanh twice during my stay.
On my first visit, I ordered bánh mì to go. The following day, I returned, ate one there, and bought another to enjoy later.
Sometimes the best food recommendations are the places you find yourself going back to.
Reaching Out Tea House
Vietnamese tea tasting | $8 USD
Reaching Out Tea House was one of the more distinctive experiences I had in Hoi An.
The tea house maintains a quiet, no-talking atmosphere, and guests communicate with the staff using small blocks printed with words and requests.
I chose the Vietnamese tea tasting, although coffee tastings were also available.
I added a pastry tasting set for approximately $2 more, which included little cookies and other small treats to enjoy alongside the tea.
It was a peaceful experience and a lovely opportunity to slow down.
Moments Hoi An
I visited Moments Hoi An twice, and each visit was a little different.
The first time, I stopped for a Vietnamese iced coffee with coconut shavings.
Vietnamese iced coffee became one of my favorite drinks during the trip, and I found myself ordering it almost every day.
I returned another evening for live music, a cocktail, and a macaron.
I loved that the same café could be a refreshing daytime stop and somewhere to unwind at night.
92 Station Restaurant & Café
At 92 Station, I ordered a cocktail and some nuts and settled onto a balcony to people-watch.
The building has multiple levels, including a rooftop with beautiful views over Hoi An.
Sometimes a drink, a good view, and a little people-watching are all you need.
Mót Hoi An
I also tried the famous Mót herbal drink while exploring Old Town.
It was refreshing and absolutely worth trying while wandering through the city.
Things I Did in Hoi An
An Organic Farm Cooking Experience (w/ bamboo boat ride)
Thanh Dong Cooking Class | Approximately $30 USD
This experience was much more than a cooking class.
We started with a bicycle ride through the rice fields to a local market, then continued exploring the countryside.
Before reaching the organic farm, we took a ride in one of Hoi An's famous round bamboo basket boats.
I specifically wanted a calm ride rather than the spinning experience you often see online. Since I don't swim, I was perfectly happy enjoying the scenery without all the excitement.
At the organic farm, we picked vegetables and participated in preparing our meal.
We made Vietnamese crispy pancakes, similar to the ones I'd enjoyed at Morning Glory Original, along with grilled fish.
I loved that the experience combined cycling, the countryside, local food, and hands-on cooking rather than focusing only on the finished meal.
I booked through Airbnb Experiences but you can also book through their email: thanhdong.organicfarm@gmail.com.
Hoi An Hideaway Barbecue Boat
Booked through Airbnb | $33 USD
Another experience took me onto the water for an afternoon of local activities and a small barbecue.
I tried kopi luwak coffee and visited a fishing area where we watched a traditional net being lifted using a large wooden wheel-like mechanism operated with the feet.
There weren't many fish in the net, just a few tiny ones, but it was interesting to see how the equipment worked.
Later, we boarded a larger boat and traveled farther along the river.
There was fresh fruit, a small barbecue, beer, and an opportunity to try fishing. We didn't catch anything, but it was still a fun way to spend time on the water.
An Evening Lantern Boat Ride
Walked up to the waterfront | $10 USD
I also decided to experience one of Hoi An's well-known lantern boat rides.
Rather than reserving in advance, I walked up to the river and arranged a ride.
The experience wasn't quite what I expected. While most of the other boats went in one direction, ours went the opposite way.
I still enjoyed being on the water, but I didn't feel like I got the lantern boat experience I'd imagined.
Custom Clothing at Bari Tailor
30 Lê Lợi Street | Approximately $300
One of my favorite experiences in Hoi An started with an unexpected act of kindness.
I was walking to the bank when a woman stopped and offered me a ride. She even waited while I handled my business and then took me where I needed to go.
She happened to own a tailor shop, but she never pressured me to visit. She simply mentioned it.
I eventually went to Bari Tailor, and I'm glad I did.
I brought inspiration photos from a clothing brand whose designs I loved but whose prices were more than I wanted to spend.
The staff used those images to sketch out my ideas, helped me choose fabrics, and took my measurements.
I ordered three custom outfits: a suit with shorts, a jumpsuit, and a two-piece skirt set.
The next day, I returned for fittings and adjustments, and by that evening, all my clothing was ready.
The shop was busy, but everyone was friendly and professional. I spent approximately $300 for all three outfits.
It was one of those experiences where the people made just as much of an impression as the finished product.
Exploring Hoi An Old Town
I spent a lot of time simply walking around Old Town.
Between the historic buildings, shops, cafés, and restaurants, it was the kind of place where I didn't need a packed itinerary to enjoy myself.
I had hoped to see the Japanese Covered Bridge, but it was under construction during my visit.
Even so, Old Town was easily one of my favorite parts of Hoi An.
Cantonese Assembly Hall
While exploring Hoi An Old Town, I stopped by the Cantonese Assembly Hall, a historic gathering place known for its traditional Chinese architecture, ornate decorations, and beautiful courtyard.
I spent some time wandering through the grounds and admiring the architectural details. It was a lovely cultural stop to add while exploring Old Town on foot.
A Slower Day Beyond Old Town
Roving Chill House
After moving to G Boutique Resort, I explored more of the surrounding area.
I initially planned to visit Chic Chillax but ended up going to Roving Chill House instead for a iced Vietnamese coconut coffee and a chocolate cake. This was the best place to soak it all in.
Soul Kitchen at An Bang Beach
I also spent time at Soul Kitchen on An Bang Beach.
I didn't go for a full meal. Instead, I ordered a cocktail and relaxed on the beach.
I'm not particularly a beach person, and the weather wasn't especially warm or cold, but it was nice to have an afternoon without much of an agenda.
Best Time to Visit Hoi An
When to Experience Hoi An at Its Best
Hoi An is beautiful throughout the year, but the weather can make a big difference, especially if you're planning to explore Old Town, cycle through the countryside, or spend time at An Bang Beach.
February through April:
Generally the best time to visit, with warm temperatures, less rain, and comfortable weather for walking around Old Town and enjoying outdoor activities.
May through August:
Expect hotter, more humid weather. These months are particularly popular for beach days and enjoying the coast.
September through January:
Hoi An experiences its rainy season, with October and November bringing the greatest risk of heavy rainfall and flooding in Old Town.
My recommendation: If you're planning your first trip, I'd aim for February through April. The weather is generally more comfortable for exploring the city on foot, visiting cafés, and enjoying the countryside experiences that make Hoi An so special.
And if you're hoping to experience Hoi An's monthly Lantern Festival, consider planning around the 14th day of the lunar calendar.
My Honest Verdict: Would I Return to Hoi An?
Absolutely. Hoi An was one of those destinations where I enjoyed the everyday experience just as much as the attractions.
I loved walking around Old Town, stopping for coffee, trying local dishes, and having experiences that introduced me to the surrounding countryside.
And some of the most memorable moments weren't things I could have planned, especially the kindness I experienced at Bari Tailor.
The city had a slower pace and an old-world charm that I appreciated.
If I return to Vietnam, Hoi An will be on my itinerary again.
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Coming Soon: Full Vietnam Itinerary
This trip included several destinations across Vietnam, and I’ll be sharing the full 24-day itinerary soon, including where I stayed, how I traveled between cities, and some of the moments that made the journey unforgettable.
You can join my email list below if you'd like the guide when it's ready.
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