Hoi An, Vietnam has recently been named one of "The Top 50 Cities To See In Your Lifetime". Having visited Hoi An over new year 2015, I can definitely agree with this article. The 4 days I spent in Hoi An were fantastic! Filled will tailors, markets, Ancient temples and bridges, bicycles, baguette (Bahn Mi) and scooters.

This is my list of top things to do while you're in Hoi An.

1. Tailor shops

Hoi An is famous for tailor-made clothes. You can go into any shop, get yourself measured, choose your style and fabric and have your suit or dress made the way you want it. There are so many tailors to choose from and you can ask your hotel for reviews and information, but beware that they will probably direct you to their family or friend's shop.

2. Japanese bridge

The Japanese Bridge is a well-known symbol of Hoi An. It was built by the Japanese community to link them to the Chinese quarters on the other side of the stream. If you'd like to read more about the history. Lonely planet has written more about it.

You actually have to buy a ticket to cross the bridge. You can buy a ticket that gives you entrance to 6 places along the main road. The places include stunning temples, an "old house"-museum and more.

3. Small boat ride on the river

At some point or the other you'll come across a lady asking you if you'd like a boat ride along the river. I do think it's something worth to do and in the process support them in making a living. The sights along the river are stunning if you're not in the mood to ride on a bike or a scooter.

4. Scoooooooters

Speaking of scooters. You can rent a scooter for a day for as low as $4. Then you can take a ride to the beach and pass the famous Vietnamese water buffaloes in the fields. After the beach, you can ride all along the road to the fisher villages to see how the locals there do their thing.

5. Beach

The beach stretches all the way from Da Nang and far below Hoi An and it's fantastic, if you get the perfect beach weather. While you're on the beach enjoy delicious local fresh fish from the beach restaurants.

6. Fisher village

If you pass all the hotels and resorts, you can go all the way to visit the locals and see how they live and do things. The village that we visited was amazing to see. It was so different from the advertised "Ancient town" and resorts around Hoi An. Although they live in poorer areas, the locals seemed happy in their way of life. I couldn't help but feel happy with them in that moment.

7. Bicycle Rides

You could also do like most locals and tourist in the area as well and take a more relaxed bicycle ride through the streets and markets. This is a much safer and slower way to experience Hoi An.

8. Marble Mountains

The Marble mountains are a 30 minute ride away toward Da Nang, but it's definitely worth the visit. The mountains consist of a few different hills and the main hill can be visited. There you'll find many temples and some caves with carved Buddhas. The view during sunset is breathtaking and worth waiting for. While you're there, you'll probably meet some new people and learn more about them.






Hoi An has a lot more to offer and each experience is what you make of it. I have friends, who specifically had visited just Hoi An, for the second time. For the express purpose of relaxing and enjoying the culture, the fantastic food, some relaxation time, getting massages and manicures and pedicures and of course getting some tailored clothes as way to go into the new year.

Vietnam is pretty cheap, but it's so easy to overspend with all the things that are on offer.

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