Hội An — Lantern City (UNESCO)★★★
Hội An is Vietnam's most charming city — and unfortunately, everyone else knows it too. The UNESCO-protected old town is a perfectly preserved trading town from the 15th–19th centuries: Chinese merchant houses, Japanese bridges, French colonial houses, and Vietnamese temples line both banks of the Thu Bồn River. And in the evenings, when hundreds of colorful lanterns illuminate the streets, Hội An becomes magical.
The Old Town
The old town is car-free (bicycles and pedestrians). An old town ticket (120,000 VND / 4.44 €) grants entry to five of 22 historical sites — including:
- Japanese Bridge (Chùa Cầu): The symbol of Hội An, built by Japanese merchants in the 17th century. Monkey on the south side, dog on the north side — the bridge was started in the year of the monkey and completed in the year of the dog.
- Phúc Kiến Assembly Hall: The most magnificent of the Chinese assembly halls — with gold-adorned altars, incense spirals, and a garden.
- Tân Ký Old House: A 200-year-old merchant house with Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese influences — and still inhabited.
Tailors — Custom Clothing Overnight
Hội An is Vietnam's tailor capital: Over 400 tailor shops create custom suits, dresses, and coats — often within 24 hours. A custom suit costs 2,000,000–5,000,000 VND (74–185 €), a dress from 800,000 VND (30 €). Quality varies greatly — it's best to get recommendations from other travelers.
Lanterns & Full Moon Night
On the 14th day of each lunar month, Hội An celebrates the lantern festival: Electric lighting is turned off, candles and lanterns illuminate the city, paper lanterns float on the river, and traditional music plays. The most atmospheric experience in Vietnam.
Cao Lầu — Hội An's Secret
Cao Lầu (40,000–60,000 VND) is a noodle dish that is only found in Hội An. The rice noodles are supposedly made with water from a special well and ash from the Cham Islands — giving them their unique, chewy texture. Served with pork, herbs, and crispy croutons. Try it at Cao Lầu Không Gian Xanh or Bà Bé.
💡 Tipp
Come to the old town at 5 AM — it’s deserted then, and the morning light is golden. For the lantern atmosphere: Every evening from 6 PM, the old town lights up, but it’s most beautiful during the official lantern festival (full moon). Plan for 2–3 nights.
Achtung
Hội An is regularly flooded during the rainy season (October–November). No joke — the water in the old town can be waist-high. Still, it has its own charm (boat ride through the alleys!), but plan accordingly.
