Beaches Close to Hoi An

If time allows to squeeze in a trip to the seaside, An Bang Beach is the best stretch of sand within easy reach from Hoi An. The beach is well-equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas and is reachable by bicycle. There are multiple cafés and restaurants peppered along the coast, as well as a few locales that offer water sports equipment rental. Another option is Cua Dai Beach, which is less busy and less convenient to swim at due to significant soil erosion, but the rapid development of nearby An Bang has helped Cua Dai become increasingly re-discovered by those looking for more privacy.

• Address:

  An Bang Beach, Đường Hai Bà Trưng, Cẩm An, Hoi An

Chinese Assembly Halls

The Chinese who settled in Hoi An identified themselves according to their province of origin. Each community built its own assembly hall, known as 'hoi quan' in Vietnamese, for social gatherings, meetings and celebrations. The Fujian Assembly Hall is, perhaps, the best-known one; the Cantonese Assembly Hall stands out for its beauty and contains a tranquil inner courtyard, while the 19th-century Hainan Assembly Hall functions, in part, as a memorial to the 108 merchants from Hainan who met a tragic fate being mistaken for pirates – the entire story is narrated via wall posters.

Coconut Boat & Hoi an Ancient Town Tour

Join this fun tour for a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and culinary exploration. Begin with a visit to the Bay Mau coconut forest, exploring its waters on traditional bamboo basket boats. As night falls, witness the Old Town of Hoi An come alive. End your adventure with a dinner featuring unique local dishes like 'cao lau', 'hoanh thanh', 'banh bao', and 'banh vac'.

Cycling in Hoi An

Although Hoi An is perfectly walkable, cycling is an easy way of getting around, if your itinerary extends beyond the Old Town (including An Bang Beach). The Hoi An Old Town is closed off to all motorised traffic (including motorbikes) on most days, between 8.30 and 11.00 and then again 15.00 to 21.30, which means streets can be comfortably navigated by cyclists and pedestrians. Many hotels and guest houses offer bike rental services (or even complimentary bicycle use in some cases), but multiple bike rental shops operate throughout town as well. Prices are normally very reasonable and can be as low as 1 USD per day (depending on the bike). Single-gear bikes will suffice for cycling through town, but mountain bikes are recommended for those who wish to venture into the countryside. While locals will often be seen riding without helmets on, we recommend asking for one at your bike hire provider to ensure safety.

Đường Phan Bội Châu (Rue des Arts)

Formerly the main street of Hoi An's French Quarter, Phan Bội Châu is currently going through a renaissance: art galleries, exhibition spaces and sophisticated craft boutiques have opened here, bringing the street to the forefront of the town's cultural life. If you only have time for one gallery visit, make it the Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum. Brainchild of the acclaimed travel photographer Réhahn, the space contains an exhibition of his finest work – photographs taken across Vietnam that seemingly lay bare the souls of their subjects – as well as an impressive collection of authentic garments worn by various ethnic groups across the country. There is a printed guide to the area's venues that can be picked up free of charge at many locations across town.

• Web:

  www.rehahnphotographer.com/precious-heritage-museum

• Address:

  26 Đường Phan Bội Châu, Cẩm Châu, Hoi An

• Phone:

  +84 949 820 698

• Opening hours:

  Daily 8am–8pm

Golden Bridge (Cầu Vàng)

Cầu Vàng is a footbridge extending through Ba Na Hills that allows you to enjoy the surrounding natural landscape. The way it is structured may make you think that it is supported by the two massive stone hands, but they're actually decorative fibreglass structures that remain nonetheless a spectacle of their own.

• Address:

  Ba Na Hills, Da Nang, Vietnam