Meaning “peaceful meeting place” in Sino-Vietnamese, this coastal city was once a prolific port with a strong textile industry, as evidenced by the series of canals weaving inland. It’s still a mainstay of tailoring services, with many coming here to have bespoke suits and clothing made to measure. There’s much visual contrast to be enjoyed as you wander the streets and lanes of Hoi An; Chinese wooden shophouses and temples mingle with French colonial buildings, Vietnamese tube houses and a famed Japanese Covered Bridge with its pagoda. Be sure to catch a water puppet show and taste some authentic local dishes while you’re in town too.
Hoi An, Quang Nam
Radisson Blu Resort, Hoi An
(5 stars) Set on the pristine sands of Ha My Beach in Vietnam’s Quang Nam Province, Radisson Blu Resort, Hoi An offers a tranquil beachfront escape just 15 minutes from UNESCO-listed Hoi An Ancient Town. This expansive resort features 674 contemporary rooms and suites, with 66 private villas launching later this year. All accommodation includes private balconies and views of the ocean, gardens, or local village, while villas boast full kitchens and spacious living areas for families or extended stays. Dining options range from international fare at Evolve to fresh seafood at Hooked, street food at Noodle Bowls, and cocktails at the oceanfront Gravity Rooftop Bar. The resort also offers three swimming pools, a spa, fitness activities, tennis, yoga, and a vibrant Kids’ Club. With elegant venues for weddings and events, and easy access to cultural sites such as My Son Sanctuary and the Marble Mountains, this is an ideal base to explore central Vietnam’s beauty and heritage.