11 things to know when travel to Hoi An in peak season for a memorable trip

If you have any plans for places to visit in Hoi An at this time then do not miss this article here and note for yourself these 11 things to know when traveling to the ancient town in the peak season!

1. Early booking for a relaxed time

Peak tourism season means the amount of tourists has significantly increased, as well as the demand for hotel rooms. For a guaranteed accommodation, avoiding “out of room” or “pricey”, the key is to book your room early. Booking your room early can guarantee a room, helping you to actively choose your suitable one, avoiding the “out of room” incident at the last minute. Additionally, in the peak season, these prices can be significantly higher, or even “pricey on purpose” no matter their sales. Booking your room early also allows you to find, compare, and choose your suitable one that meets all your needs.  .  

Moreover, after planning for your trip, you can head to the homestay or resort’s website to contact for booking and also look for some sales programs. If you want to be accommodated in the island once known as the “Asia’s Leading Entertainment Resort 2023” then immediately choose the Hoi An Memories Resort & Spa at Hoi An Memories Land (200 Nguyen Tri Phuong (on the left), Cam Nam Ward, Hoi An City). Here, with 102 rooms and villas with 100% river view will help tourists to enjoy their relaxed time . The resort is located near the center of the ancient town, suitable for traveling and enjoying the time of being alone in the peaceful and poetic oasis. Contact for room booking service in this peak season through our hotline 1900 63 66 00 - 0904 636 600 or the website https://hoianmemoriesland.com/en/ 

The atmosphere of Hoi An Memories Resort & Spa

>> See more: Tips to choose the perfect resort

2. Planning your own trip to Hoi An

Finding places to visit in Hoi An  is not only about freely exploring everything you can but also a journey to experience realistically. Planning for a detailed visit will help you fully enjoy this peak season of tourism. Here are some recommendations for you yo plan on exploring the ancient town in your own way: 

• Plan for detail: Lock on where you want to go, the transportation time, online ticket booking (if needed) for a long time queue.
• Look out for ticket prices, open time. Help you to actively plan your note to arrange time ideally and reduce cost. 
• Plan for cuisine: Look out for restaurants, vendors, suitable for your liking and budget. Get a reservation to avoid “out of seats”, especially in peak hours. 
• Flexible eating: Instead of waiting in the peak hours, eating early or late to save time for waiting. 
• Visiting in “golden hours”. Exploring some places in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. 
• Explore some least known places for unique and distinctive experiences. 
• Look for previous experiences: Ask your friends, relatives, find information on the internet, forums to have a closer look at Hoi An. 
• Choosing accommodations, transportations: Comparing prices, services, location to choose the one that fits your needs.
• Avoid “crowded places”. Instead of being stuck with tourists, why not explore some small alleys, some hidden vendors and stores to find the unique beauty of Hoi An.

Planning for a detailed plan, flexible time and look for information and exploration to “unique” place will help you find places to visit in Hoi An alone for a memorable trip, even in the peak season 

>>>See more: Some places to travel in Hoi An that you can not miss

3. Choosing the “golden time of travel” to avoid crowds

Have you ever tired when you have to wait in a queue for a long time to explore those famous tourist attractions? Do not worry, these are some tips to help you sneak out the crowd and fully enjoy your trip in the “golden time of travel”:

• Early morning: An ideal time to explore the ancient towns, monuments or bustling markets. At this time, there is still some fresh air, not much people and you can freely explore and take pictures without anyone interrupting you. 
• Late afternoon: After 4 PM, tourists usually head back to their hotel or prepare for dinner. With that, this is also an ideal time for you to explore some famous locations such as museums, parks, theme parks.

Choosing the “golden time of travel” to have some personal time with the ancient town

>>>> See more: Top 5 Specialties in Hoi An that You Must Try

4. Fully prepare your luggage for the enjoyable trip

Peak tourism season in Hoi is hustling with the sun lights, though there are also some sudden rains. For a fully enjoyable trip, when choosing places to visit in Hoi An, prepare your luggage with some necessities such as: 

• Sunscreen: Always put on sunscreen before going out for at least 20 minutes to avoid UV rays. Choosing sunscreen with SPF more than 30 and suitable for your skin.
• Cap: Wearing a cap to avoid sun lights to neck and face.
• Sunglasses: Protecting from the sun
• Scarfs: Protecting your neck and back shoulder
• Raincoat: A small and convenient one for use when raining. 
• Waterproof footwears: Keep your feet dry and comfortable.
• Medicines: Bring some common medicines such as fever, ill, digestive, pain reliever, stomach ache, headache,...for some situations 
• Antiseptic: Having yourself a dry hand sanitizer or antiseptics to keep yourself clean.
• Personal identification: Bring your ID Card, driver license (if needed) for check in to the hotel and buying tickets for visiting.
• Cash: Have yourself cash for offline transactions
• ATM Card, Paying Cards: Bring your ATM Card or Paying Cards for easier transactions
• Power bank: Keep contact and ensure your devices have enough battery for those pictures. 
• Camera: Keep your beautiful moments in Hoi An

>> See more: What to prepare for independent travel to Hoi An?

5. Look for information about local culture and customs to enjoy life in Hoi An.

Hoi An keeps their visitors not only because of its rustic beauty but also the unique and classic culture. Spend some time to know more about the customs, traditional clothes, food specialties for a fully enjoyable trip. You can find more about culture, customs as well as the people through these characteristics: 

• Look for the history, culture of Hoi An. Visiting museums, monuments, reading books and documents for a closer look at the people and land here. Learn more about the ancient buildings with famous architecture such as Temple Bridge (Japanese Bridge), ancient houses like Tan Ky, Phung Hung Hoi An Ancient Town.
• Respect local culture: dress politely when visiting temples and tombs. Lightly, elegant communication with locals.
• Learn about the typical Quang's voice to be able to communicate effectively with the locals.

The ancient houses - One of places to visit in Hoi An

6. Keep your belongings carefully to safely enjoy your trip

Even though Hoi An is known as a kind and friendly city, when stepping into an unfamiliar city, you still need to be highly cautious and keep your belongings carefully to enjoy your trip. These are some tips for you to feel relieved while travel:

• Divide your money: Separate money into different values and keep different places such as wallet, pocket shirt, safes in hotels. Avoid bringing too much money when going outside.
• Using card payment: Using card payment instead of cash, especially when shopping in a crowded place. 
• Keep your information: Cover your PIN when using the ATM, do not share any bank information to anyone. 
• Keep your stuff carefully: Keep your ID Card, passport, flight ticket in the safe place, in safes or pocket with zipper.
• Soft copy your paperworks: Take a picture or scan your identification papers to store in your phone or email when needed.
• Keep your bag over the shoulder: Keeping your bag over your shoulder, making it hard for thieves to rob.
• Secure your pocket: Always close your pocket with zipper to keep things inside

7. Shopping and enjoy the cuisine in favorable places 

The Hoi An Town, bold within the breath of time, is beautifully reflected in its ancient houses, some of which are centuries old. Today, a few of these historical homes have been transformed into charming culinary spaces where visitors can savor the essence of this heritage-rich land. Stepping into these nostalgic and poetic settings feels like a journey back in time, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant and bustling Hoi An of its golden era. Under the soft glow of lanterns, dishes are presented with simple yet rustic elegance, capturing the unique flavors of this historic Hoi An Ancient Town and guiding visitors on a captivating cultural and gastronomic adventure.

The most famous dish - cao lau, an iconic specialty in Hoi An. A bowl of cao lau is full of noodles, juicy char siu, crispy pork skin, fatty pork fat, with the additional vegetables and flavorful broth, creating an irresistible taste.   

Beside cao lau, tourists can not miss Hoi An Chicken Rice. Rice is cooked with chicken broth, chicken is tough and crispy, eaten with the chili fish sauce with fresh vegetables, creating a perfect dish.

Strolling down the ancient town, tourists can easily encounter small sweet soup vendors that bring the most delicious smell. Different from Hue sweet soup, complex and royalty taste, Hoi An sweet soup aims for a simple taste. That are those refreshing corn soup with grass jelly, nutty black sesame soup, Indian bean soup or those mixtured soup with colorful look. Enjoying this soup in a small plastic chair, watching people on the street and feeling the simple life in Hoi An is an interesting experience for any tourists to try. 

Additionally, Hoi An has some other dishes such as Quang noodle, Vietnamese sour pancake, crispy dumplings, Hue beef rice noodles, fish rolls Nam O. All contain an irresistible taste that tourists can not forget.

After enjoying delicious local dishes, visitors can stroll through the ancient streets and shop for unique souvenirs. Hoi An is famous for its exquisite handicrafts, such as lanterns, embroidered paintings, and ceramics. Travelers can easily find the perfect gifts for themselves and their loved ones.

Do not forget to buy some unique souvenirs at places to visit in Hoi An 

8. Explore some peaceful corners and unique beauty in Hoi An

Hoi An is not only renowned for its tourist attractions but also for its peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. Take some time to relax, let your soul drift, and feel the serenity of this ancient town. As you wander through the narrow streets of Hoi An Ancient Town, you'll easily be captivated by the vibrant yellow walls, aged by time. This striking yellow hue is a distinctive feature, adding to the ancient and peaceful beauty of this land. For those who love taking photos, these yellow walls make the perfect backdrop for pictures that are sure to get countless likes.

The check-in alleys of Hoi An are also must-visit spots for visitors seeking to capture stunning photos. Under the radiant golden sunlight, the yellow walls appear even more magical and enchanting. Every corner of these alleys offers a picturesque scene where visitors can record unforgettable moments. Whether you choose to stand, sit, or strike a pose in any style, your photos will be infused with an ancient and nostalgic charm.

After exploring and taking countless photos, visitors can unwind at the charming little cafes along the alley. Here, you can enjoy a hot cup of tea while taking in a panoramic view of Hoi An's ancient roofs. This breathtaking scenery is sure to leave you feeling utterly relaxed and at peace.

>> See more: 40+ places to visit in Hoi An that captivates travelers

Explore the peaceful corners and unique beauty of Hoi An

9. Experience the cultural activities and traditional festivals 

Starting from July to September, tourists who come to Hoi An will have a chance to participate in the bustling atmosphere and experience the cultural beauty of this land. Here are some iconic festivals that take place in Hoi An this July - September:

• Light to Sky: The "Light to Sky" - Light up the Sky festival is the perfect destination for those looking to enjoy a vibrant, energetic summer filled with unforgettable experiences. If you missed the opening night with its spectacular light show and enchanting wish lantern release, don't worry! The festival will continue until September 2nd 2024, giving you the chance to immerse yourself in lively music, stunning art performances, and unique experiences that can only be found at "Light to Sky." In addition to the festival, visitors can enjoy a variety of entertainment activities at the Hoi An Impression Park, including a children's play area, Instagram-worthy photo spots, traditional folk games, and more. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to savor a wide array of delicious dishes, including Hoi An specialties and regional delicacies from across Vietnam, at the uniquely designed Non La restaurant.
• Full Moon Festival (14th lunar month): The festival takes place with many activities such as flower lanterns, enjoying traditional dishes and watching some art performances.
• Cau Bong Festival (August 15th lunar each month). The festival is bold with Buddhism culture with many rituals such as palanquin, offerings, and worshiping for deceased people. Tourists can enjoy some activities such as palanquin, flower lanterns releasing and enjoy some vegan dishes.
• Join Cooking Classes at Hoi An Memories Resort & Spa: This is a wonderful opportunity for visitors to learn from professional chefs at Hoi An Memories Resort & Spa how to prepare traditional Hội An dishes such as Cao Lầu, Mì Quảng, and Bánh Xèo.

See more: The top 10 unique Hoi An festivals that tourists should not miss

Interesting performances at “Light to Sky” Festival 

10. Exchange and chat with friendly locals

Hoi An is not only famous for its ancient houses and enchanting lanterns but also attracts visitors with the friendliness and hospitality of its locals. Engaging and conversing with the residents is a fantastic way for travelers to gain a deeper understanding of the local culture, customs, and daily life.

Here are some tips for tourists can talk and have a chat with the friendly local in Hoi An:

• Smile and greetings: Start with a smile and friendly greeting. The locals will be happy if they are well-greeted and always available to help you.
• Learn some local Quang slangs: By learning some words in the Quang accent, you can easily have a conversation with the locals. When hearing the Quang Nam accent, you can feel the simplicity and elegance of the people here. Some words you can learn are: mô (where), tê (that), ni (this), răng (what), rứa (to), ri (so), chừ (present), rị (drag), eng côm (eat rice), cái đòn (small chair), cái bị (a pocket bag). 
• Shopping at local stores: When shopping at local stores, take the time to chat with the shopkeepers. They can share insights about their products, local culture, or interesting stories.
• Participate in community activities: Engaging in community activities such as festivals, local markets, or cooking classes is a great way to meet and interact with local residents.
• Enjoy street food: Sampling street food is an excellent way to experience local culture and connect with the locals. Don’t hesitate to ask vendors about the dishes or share stories about your own hometown.

11. Lie down, relax and enjoy every moment in the town of Hoi An

Have you ever felt exhausted after a long trip? Racing against time to check off all the sights and participate in every activity can leave you with little opportunity to truly savor and enjoy each moment of your journey.

This is especially common when traveling in Hoi An, a historic city with countless intriguing experiences to explore. Instead of rushing to conquer every landmark, try taking time to relax and fully immerse yourself in the essence of your trip.

Hoi An is at its most beautiful when you take things slowly. Wander through the lantern-lit ancient streets, admire the serene Hoai River, or simply enjoy a coffee at a quaint roadside café. These experiences become more fulfilling when you allow yourself to savor each moment rather than hurriedly chasing time. Without the pressure of a tight schedule, you can discover charming alleyways, modest eateries, and less-known attractions. This is also where you can meet locals, engage in conversations, and gain deeper insights into their culture and way of life.

>> See more: Top 12 Hoi An Coffee in ancient town

Instead of sticking rigidly to a "KPI checklist," listen to yourself. What do you want to do? Where do you want to go? What experiences are you seeking? Let yourself be guided by your interests, and you might uncover unexpected delights. Travel itineraries don't always go as planned, so be flexible and ready to adjust your schedule to accommodate unforeseen changes. Be open to altering your sightseeing plans, adjusting visit times, or even skipping some activities if necessary.

Relax and enjoy every moment in the Town of Hoi An

The peak travel season in Hoi An offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the vibrant and lively atmosphere, fully experiencing the cultural beauty of this land. This article has shared 11 useful tips to help visitors plan their trip smartly, from booking accommodations early and creating a detailed plan to important considerations when choosing the best time to visit, shop, enjoy local cuisine, and explore cultural programs. You can use these suggestions to design your own personalized plan and places to visit in Hoi An, ensuring the most enjoyable self-guided trip to Hoi An. Hoi An Memories Land wishes you a memorable and fulfilling journey!