Hoi An

The Unesco city of Hoi An is a major tourist draw for both domestic and international visitors. When first time visitors to Vietnam are asked their favorite spot it is often Hoi An. I lived in Hoi An for 6 years and it is a magical place. The ancient village area can be quite crowded, particularly during the evening hours. Even with the crowds though you don’t want to miss Hoi An at night when lots of boats ply the river taking tourists to release floating candles. The other great time to visit the ancient village is the early morning when the crowds are gone and the mustard colored buildings and local traffic make for great scenes.

My top 10 recommendations for Hoi An Photography locations:

1. Ancient village just after sunrise Tran Phu street, morning market.
2. Ancient village just after dinner. Be sure to go to the lantern shop area.
3. My Son Sanctuary – get there at opening time.
4. Tam Tien Fish Market at dawn
5. Rice fields between the Old Town and An Bang Beach
6. Tra Que Gardens – late after noon light then sunset on the river
7. River road near Tra Que and An Bang beach for sunsets
8. An Bang Beach 
   
9. Faifo Coffee rooftop views
10. Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, Japanese Covered Bridge, Ba Mu Temple gate.

There are two major options for basing yourself in Hoi An — the ancient village or beachside. I think first time visitors should be in the Ancient Village area. You can get up at dawn and stroll along the river catching the light on the ocra buildings or grab a coactail and wander the river at night photographing the lanterns and activity. There is something to be said also for being at the beach. An Bang Beach has a soft spot for me as I lived there for many years. You are near the rice fields, Tra Que and the river road sunsets an d20 minutes closer to Da Nang activities.

There are a number of photographers running tours in Hoi An. I’d definitely consider any of the tours offered by Pics of Asia but especially the sunrise photo tour with early morning on the river capturing fishermen and liftnets.

There is too much to see in a day or two so plan for more time if you can. Being so close to Da Nang you can base yourself in Hoi An and day trip to Da Nang. I have yet to speak to someone who regretted extra time in Hoi An but many who regretted not being there long enough.