Romance in Hoi An Ancient Town

Not too dignified as Hue Citadel, vibrant as Cholon in Saigon, Hoi An Ancient Town creates imprints in visitors' mind with the shy beauty of a traditional young woman who is extremely pure but passionate and romantic.

Hoi An

Not only beautiful sightseeing spots, the passionate and romance seems to have become the soul of Hoi An Ancient Town. Tourists in Vietnam tour packages to Hoi An can catch the soul and image of romance everywhere in the town. They are moss green roofs tinted time's color, the shimmering colors of lanterns, sophisticated sculptural wood in houses existing for more than three hundred years, the elegance of street vendors. In particular, the ancient town owns a romance, profoundness and serenity in the magical light of lanterns on the14th night of every lunar month. In the past, if the Vietnamese people are familiar with peanut oil lamp, the Japanese and Chinese people came to Hoi An and brought the habit of using lanterns.

Hoi An

In Hoi An tours, travelers will be enticed by shimmering colors of lanterns. The initiative of lighting by lantern instead of electrical light from autumn 1988 brought incredible effects. On every 14th night monthly, all daily routine of the serene ancient town come back to the habit of over 300 years ago. Streets from Tran Phu, Nguyen Thai Hoc, Le Loi and Bach Dang, all modern light turned off, and the entire streets immerse in the shimmering and vivid lanterns' light. When cities, urban areas are losing the moonlight by skyscrapers and artificial lights, in Hoi An, the moonlight is still intact. The moonlight makes the old town more beautiful, sparkling and romantic... In Hoi An, moonlight is seen from every conner. The Moon in Hoi An is not covered by high buildings. Also, there are no colorful advertising lights of billboards. Contemplating the moonlight in Hoi An Old Town is very interesting. Each step of moving, tourists will recognize the different view of the moon as the different town's space and architectures. Once admiring the moonlight in Hoi An, the image will remain forever in tourists' mind.

Hoi An Ancient Town

Although being shone by normal ways, the light of lanterns is gently dim and subtle with time-honored imprints. Colorful lanterns in round and hexagonal shapes with Chinese styles are hung under the terrace roof, and along two sides of the main door. Lanterns in Hoi An with various shapes and colors create a magical and sparking world in Hoi An. This makes Hoi An Town more romantic, which enters the soul of each people here. In an old house, the image of a lady in Ao dai working with the lantern light is created by a simple fish trap. On the pavement, two old men are entice by the Chinese chess in the candle light. Seemingly, people in Hoi An City is still living with nostalgia when the annoyances of modern life have not appeared. That is a wonderful experience in enjoying unforgettable Vietnam holidays in Hoi An.

Children and candle flowers Hoi An

In Vietnam tours to Hoi An, visitors will recognized that Hoi An Ancient Town is more beautiful, more profound and peaceful in the flower candle festival. To preserve the beauty of the cultural heritage, people in Hoi An stop using electrical appliances such as TV, radio, street lights, neon lights on the 14th night of every lunar month. Instead, the entire town will be put on a colorful and warm light layer reflecting from the vivid ribbons through the glass window and paper lanterns along the streets. In the fairy life, let's check the appearance by tasting some typical local dishes at long-lasting restaurants which remain features of the past.

Hoi An

At FaiFo Restaurant on Tran Phu Street, lovely and classic lanterns with warm light in the harmony with larger ones in front of the entrance make the restaurant more unique. Unlike FaiFo, the Treated coffee shop has different decoration. At the cafe, the owner has the wooden ceiling gouged and decorated by simple bamboo leaves. The holes on the ceiling with bamboo leaves make interesting lights, creating a unique space of this cafe. Because not all shop holders in Hoi An are brave enough to have their stores' ceiling gouged. Tourists can see lanterns every where in Hoi An Ancient Town.

Depending on the materials of lanterns' outer, the light of lanterns will be different. It can be lucky red, happy yellow, lovely clouded, or cool green. However, it is hard to compare with century-old lanterns kept by local families for a long time. They just show these lanterns in candle flower festival. These lanterns were made of precious wood and meticulously sculptured with a real art work on glass. Famous folk stories are reflected on glass lively and perfectly as a precious picture. When the candle inside is shone, images printed on glass will appear. The scene and magical light of lantern in the old town mingled with all music sounds create an exotic attraction of Hoi An romance.

Information from: AloTrip

Tips for perfect trips to Cu Lao Cham Island

Cu Lao Cham Island is one of the most famous attractions in Hoi An. The island possesses wonderful beaches and diverse undersea world

Cu Lao Cham Island, one of most visited attractions in Hoi An, is well-known for long white beaches, turquoise waters, and delicious seafood. Cu Lao Cham Island is located in Tan Hiep, Hoi An, Quang Nam, about 15km from Cua Dai Beach. There are eight smaller islands in Cu Lao Cham, including Hon Lao, Hon Dai, Hon Mo, Hon Kho Me, Hon KHo Con, Hon La, Hon Tai, and Hon Ong. Tourists to Hoi An after visiting the ancient town often travel to Cu Lao Cham Island to enjoy the serene and pristine beauty of the nature here. The period from March to August is an ideal time to take trips to Cu Lao Cham Island. During the time, the weather is warm with beautiful sunlight, turquoise waters, and gentle waves. It is highly recommended not to travel in the rest months, because it will have heavy storms.
How to get to Hoi An

Hoi An

In Vietnam tour packages to Cu Lao Cham, travelers of choose one of the following means of transportation. Traveling by plane, despite of not having direct flights to Hoi An from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, there are many direct flights to Da Nang City or Quang Nam operated by different airlines. It is suggested to take flights to Da Nang, and then travel by bus to Hoi An rather than to Quang Nam. It is because the distance from Da Nang to Hoi An is shorter than that from Tam Ky – the city center of Quang Nam to Hoi An. If tourists want to save the travel expense, train is a good choice. The fare from Hanoi fluctuates between 300,000 VND - 650,000 VND, while it costs from 900,000 - 1,200,000 VND, depending on each seat and train. After reaching Da Nang, there are services of taxi and bus to reach Hoi An Ancient Town. The bus ticket is about 20,000 VND (about 1USD). In addition, travelers can hire a motorcycle. It takes about 60,000 - 120,000 VND (3-6USD) per day. What about by road? Travelers from Hanoi can take a coach at Giap Bat Bus Station or Nuoc Ngam Bus Station to travel to Hoi An. It costs about 380,000 VND (20USD). If travelers depart from Ho Chi Minh City, they can reach Eastern Bus Station. The ticket is about 430,000 VND (27USD).
How to get to Cu Lao Cham Island

Cu Lao Cham

In Hoi An tours to Cu Lao Cham Island, tourists can approach there by canoe. The fare per person is 150,000 VND (about 7USD). It is easily to buy tickets at the wharf on Cua Dai Beach or travel agents in Hoi An. It takes about 20 minutes to travel from Hoi An to Cu Lao Cham. The canoe will operate from 8:00 to 10:00. Another day is getting there by boat. The ticket is about 30.000/pax, and 80,000/pax with a motorbike. It is suggested to come to Bach Dang Wharf at 7:00 or Cua Dai Wharf at 8:00 to buy tickets.
How to get around Cu Lao Cham Island

Cham Island

To enjoy the Cu Lao Cham discovery in a perfect way, the most suitable vehicle is motorcycle. Travelers can stay at guest houses on the island. It costs 80,000 - 200,000 VND/day (4-10USD/day). In addition, travelers can get around the island by boat. It costs about 500,000 VND - 1,500,000 VND/turn. These boats also provide service of scuba diving.
Where to stay in Cu Lao Cham IslandAccommodation in Cu Lao Cham Island is mostly homestay, focusing on Bai Lang Beach and Bai Huong Beach. A double room costs about 150,000 VND. The rate is about 50,000 - 100,000 VND for single room. Please note that Bai Lang Beach is the landing place of boats, while Bai Huong Beach is for canoes. Depending on the way of traveling, travelers can choose guests house near the berth area. For travelers in Vietnam tours to Hoi An adoring to immerse into the wild nature can make a camp on Bai Ong Beach, Bai Huong Beach, and Bai Bim Beach. Rents are provided by the local people with the fee of 150,000/rent.
What to see in Cu Lao Cham Island

Hai Tang pagoda

There are many attractions in Cu Lao Cham Island. For example, Cu Lao Cham Museum is the place where the history, traditional customs and habits, as well as marine specialties are introduced. By dint of the good arrangement of artifacts, travelers can understand more about the culture of this land. Hai Trang Pagoda was built in 1758 at the mountain foot in the west of Hon Lao Island. Inside the pagoda, there is a red lacquer trimmed with gold parallel sentences, spectacular statue, and a big bell. The pagoda is the worshiping place of locals and merchants to wish a good journey.Cham Ancient Well or Xom Cam (Prohibited Hamlet) is about 200 years old. The work is in round pipe shape. The ground is square. The architectural work features the characteristic of other Cham wells in Hoi An. Tan Hiep Market near Bai Lang fishing port is divided into two part. The inner part is the place of daily necessary items; the outer part sells seafood and souvenirs. Do not forget to bargain when shopping here.That will be an interesting experiences. In addition, Yen Island and Bai Chong Beach are popular attractions in this island. For those who like to immerse in the cool and turquoise water, Bai Xep, Bai Ong, and Bai Lang beaches are ideal options.

Ong Beach

These above Cu Lao Cham travel tips may help travelers have more options in discovering the beautiful island. If having two days visiting Cu Lao Cham, tourists can spend one day for visiting Cu Lao Cham Island Museum, Nest plantation, Ancient Well, Hai Tang Pagoda; and another day for Yen Island, Xom Cam, Bai Lang Beach, and come back Hoi An. Before departing for Cu Lao Cham Island, travelers should not bring plastic bags. Travelers must not break coral reef when diving. It is necessary to prepare some essential items for beach journey such as hat, sandal, sun cream... And, do not forget to bring personal documents to easily hire vehicles.Are you seeking cheap flights or the best means of transportation to Hoi An and Cu Lao Cham Island? It is suggested to visit AloTrip.com – the official website of AloTrip International Ltd., Co to refer some promotions on cheap flights to Hoi An. AloTrip is a travel company providing services and latest information about Vietnam tourism. With attentive staff, customers will be provided with the best services to enjoy unforgettable holidays in Vietnam.
Source: Tips for perfect trips to Cu Lao Cham Island

5 reasons make Hoi An tours indispensable

Hoi An is a place if you have been once, you will unconditionally hope to travel again and again without being bored. Hoi An, so boring! Hoi An, so quiet! Hoi An, so tedious! That is what people often talk about Hoi An when they just spend 2 hours wandering around the town. It seems that, they are trying to fulfill their Hoi An tours in the shortest time. Two hours is just enough to eat a bowl of Cao Lau, pass a street, and visit an ancient house with a brief introduction of tour guide. However, Hoi An is more than that. What making Hoi An be loved is hiding in every corner of the town that 2 hours is not enough to discover. So, if you are planning to travel Hoi An for the first time or second time, take time and experience all of the following things, you will see that it is a true paradise for those who are not fans of bustling urban places. 
Delicious Hoi An cuisine 

Hoi An

Seemingly, anyone can spend time eating in Hoi An all day without feeling bored. Even, you can make a long list of Hoi An things to eat. Or, do not hesitate to declare that "eat" is the main reason for you to travel Hoi An. It is estimated that 90% of tourists in Vietnam tour packages to Hoi An has a love for Hoi An cuisine, and 30% of those like spicy food. In this ancient town, you do not need to feel shy when getting up, enjoying a big Phuong's Banh My (Vietnamese sandwich), then walking around streets, and tasting a bowl of Cao Lau in Hoi An market (You can have two breakfasts, if you want!). Resting for a while, it is time to pop in famous chicken rice restaurants, Banh My store of Madame Khanh, and many kinds of sweet soup, which will bring different experiences in Hoi An cuisine. Do not forget to set aside an afternoon to enjoy beautiful sunlight at Cua Dai Beach with fresh seafood. In short, cuisine in Hoi An will be a dazzling part in your Vietnam tours to Hoi An. And you should seriously take time to find out which restaurant is the best and wholeheartedly enjoy food unlike things to do in 2-hour tours in this town. 
An Bang Beach 

Beach in Hoi An

Normally, tourists visit Cua Dai Beach in almost tours in Hoi An. They rush to Cua Dai Beach as if this was the sole beach in Hoi An. However, recently, An Bang Beach emerges as a serene heaven near the town. The beach is about 15 minute driving from Hoi An Ancient Town. It is a pristine and charming beach. An Bang Beach is portrayed by turquoise waters, big waves, and white smooth sand. But, what makes An Bang attractive not just its quiet beauty, but also lovely cafés and bars along the beach. These bars are recognized by colorful bean bags placed on sandy beach, or lovely huts with bright colorful pillows, nestled on the sand. All are imbued with easygoing and casual style in accordance with styles often seen in international newspapers. But, the most interesting thing does not come from the appearance. It comes from experiences you have here. Lying freely on the beach, sunbathing, hearing waves whispering, and turning on some favorite music, you will feel as if you were floating in the happiest place in the world. 
Enjoying tea 

view of Hoi An

Another reason why people love and choose Hoi An to travel in Vietnam holidays is enjoying tea culture. There are lovely tea shops possessing Western style but still exuding warm Vietnamese décor. Among those tea shops, the most famous one is Reaching Out, ranking first at TripAdvisor. There must have an explanation for the leading position of Reaching Out. Here, you will have a chance to enjoy tea and delicious cakes. Tea at Reaching Out is all Vietnamese tea. The way of enjoying is characterized by Vietnamese style combined with nibbling traditional Vietnamese jam. Reaching Out also owns a style of ancient Vietnamese layout features with ancient amenities. Amid the peaceful atmosphere of Hoi An, the soul of this décor has been shining, which makes you find tranquility in your soul, relaxation to let your soul at ease with fragrance of tea and cool breeze from lush green garden. More interesting, staffs at Reaching Out are deaf people. You will communicate with them by texting on lovely small paper sheets, which creates a very subtle and artistic Reaching Out style. 
Hoi An Ancient Town 

Hoi An Fairy Tale

Of course, Hoi An Ancient Town is the most loved thing here. The town seems to be different from business and oldness of Hanoi Old Quarter. Hoi An Ancient Town always looks like a nap that is quiet and peaceful. Every corner of the town is so amazing. Sidewalks are lovely with green trees, brilliant colorful balcony of flowers, grids of bougainvillea along streets, and colorful lanterns of all kinds. All create a fantastic landscape painting which has a clever combinations of colors and warm sunlight. 
Serenity 

Hoi An Bridge

In other cities such as Nha Trang or Saigon, you will easily feel joyous and exciting. That is the feeling of desiring to travel. It means that you want to travel, to explore and to immerse into the attractions without exhaustion. But, in Hoi An, the most loved thing is the quietness and serenity, which makes you think it is boring at first. The "sleepy" atmosphere of Hoi An will lull you into a tedious feeling, if you look at it through the eyes of a giddy man. But, let's slow down, immerse in the melody of this ancient town, like one who are learning steps to come into his distant realms and then find peace in mind. You will find Hoi An gently absorbed into yourself, into the peaceful surrounding, and gradually stripped of your tiredness, preoccupations, and anxiety. The peace and tranquility of Hoi An seem to be boring, but it turns out to be the most precious thing which makes Hoi An become a lovely oasis to anyone who has been here.

Handy Hoi An travel tips

With ancient houses, immense Cua Dai Beach with turquoise water and interesting experiences, Hoi An has been always one of the most fascinating destinations in Vietnam. Owning information and having good preparation for Hoi An travel will will be useful for your trips to the World Heritage's city. 
How to get there 

Hoi An

Hoi An is an ancient and small town of Quang Nam Province, but the ancient town is quite near Da Nang City. Therefore, it is definitely convenient to travel Hoi An after enjoying wonderful time in Da Nang - the worthiest city to live in Vietnam. Traveling by bus, train, or by air to Da Nang and then take a taxi or get on Bus No.01 from Da Nang bus station, or hire a motorbike to approach Hoi An are the best options. Otherwise, from Hue City, there is a tourist bus departing from Hue to Hoi An. By the way of transportation, Vietnam tour packages of Da Nang to Hoi An will be much easier and more convenient. 
Where to stay 

Thanh Binh Riverside

Hotels in Hoi An are abundant. Howerver, Hoi An homestay is more favored by tourists. These homestay service is available near Hoi An Ancient Town. Just from about 300.000 VND (equivalent to about US $14), lovely, large enough and clean houses always welcome tourists from everywhere, along with hospitable local people. Accommodation near Cua Dai Beach is dominated by luxury resorts with fantastic view and atmosphere. Here is suitable for tourists who enjoy traveling for pleasure. 
What to see 

Cham Island

Hoi An Ancient Town is portrayed by unique traditional architectural works with many second-to-none stopovers which are looking forward to tourists' exploration. Japanese Covered Bridge, Quang Dong Assembly Hall (Guangdong Assembly Hall), Phuc Kien Assembly Hall (Fujain Assembly Hall), ancient houses, Hoi An Museum of Trading Ceramics, and Hoi An Museum of Folklore... After a long time of getting around the ancient town, coming over a cafe to allure into the slow pace of life in Hoi An, or exploring small alleys to reach Hoai River are among should-not-miss things to do in Hoi An. In the evening, walking along Hoai River to contemplate ancient houses with shimmering and vivid lanterns, or getting on boat and dropping candle flower on Hoai River, or visiting Nguyen Hoang Night Market must be noted in list of where to go in Hoi An. That will be unforgettable memory of any Vietnam holidays to the ancient town in the Central part of Vietnam. Hiring a bike and experiencing community travel in Tra Que Vegetables Village, Kim Bong Carpentry Village, Thanh Ha Pottery Village... to immerse in local life and explore interesting cultural and traditional customs. Do not miss Cua Dai Beach in the list. Cua Dai Beach - the convergence of three rivers (Thu Bon River, Truong Giang River, and De Vong River) is a fantastic place with turquoise water, white sand and azure sky. Another famous beach in Hoi An is An Bang Beach. An Bang Beach used to be voted as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It is a pristine beach with primitive charm and serenity. The beach is often favored by most tourists who love serenity of the sea and fishing life. Meanwhile, Cu Lao Cham Island is an ideal stopover for tourists who adore exploring. The island is about 15km from Cua Dai Beach. It takes about 20 minutes to travel by high-speed boat (about 120,000 VND or nearly US $6) to the island, or about 1 hour to reach the island by boat (about 30,000 VND/pax) departing at 8:00 am from Cua Dai Beach. In the island, there is service of homestay and guest house with convenient facilities. Scenery on the island is beautiful, pristine and charming as Bai Bac, Bai Ong and Bai Xep with white sand strand-shaped rocks. In addition, there are some famous stopovers such as Hai Tang Pagoda and Cham ancient well... 
What to eat 

Cao Lau

Hoi An cuisine is depicted clearly on almost streets in Hoi An Ancient Town. Let's come to Thai Phien Street and Hoi An Market to enjoy delicious and cheap dishes of Cao Lau and Quan Noodle. Ms. Buoi's and Ms. Nga's chicken rice restaurants on Phan Chau Trinh are best places to taste the dish. Coming over street vendor's stalls in the ancient town or near Cam Hoi Bridge to eat a wide range of cake such as dumplings, Vac cake and Dap cake... Ba Le Alley on Tran Hung Dao Street is another must-visit place to explore Hoi An cuisine. In the evening, if tourist walking along Hoai River's bank, do not forget to taste some kinds of sweet soup here. Cua Dai Beach will be an ideal place to enjoy delicacies of seafood. There are many reasonable-price store with fresh and delicious seafood. 
What to buy 

Hoi An Ancient Town

In Hoi An shopping tips, lantern ranks first. It is seen as a typical souvenir in Hoi An. Some big lantern shops are preferred by tourists who come here to order handmade lanterns with colorful and lovely beauty. Having a pair of sandals or dresses made in the fastest time will bring interesting gift for friends and relatives. Green pea cake and chili sauce are good options for gifting. At the end of the tour, do not for get to take the last photo of Hoi An that you are impressed most.