1. What Makes Hoi An Special?
Quiet and peaceful rather than noisy and bustling, Hoi An captivates many with its serene and romantic charm. Nightfall is the perfect time for tourists to explore the beauty of the ancient town. Under the shimmering, magical lights, the town becomes enchanting, leaving a lasting impression on every visitor. Below are 15 wonderful experiences in the ancient town that travelers can discover.
Explore the fascinating aspects of Hoi An at night
1. ADMIRE THE LANTERNS AT NIGHT
Admiring the Colorful Lanterns
One of the most delightful experiences for visitors on Hoi An tours is strolling through the ancient town at night. In the quiet atmosphere, the brightly lit lanterns make the town feel even more romantic. Walking along the narrow streets and immersing yourself in the peaceful surroundings, you can truly feel the town’s tranquil charm. This is an incredibly enjoyable experience for travelers.
>> See also: Top 10 Spectacular Live Shows That Won’t Disappoint Tourists
2. Taking a Boat Ride on the Hoai River
2. Exploring Life on the Hoai River
Sitting on a boat cruising along the Hoai River and observing the daily life of Hoi An’s locals offers travelers a valuable insight into the local culture. The best times to visit and enjoy the scenery are early in the morning or at sunset. On the boats, visitors can relax, take in the surroundings, and listen to the rhythmic sound of oars gliding through the vast water.
3. Enjoying the “Hoi An Memories” Show
While the Japanese Covered Bridge is an iconic symbol of Hoi An, the outdoor theatrical performance “Hoi An Memories Show” is a unique artistic expression of the town’s history, culture, and identity, representing the soul of this distinctive cultural heritage.
The Hoi An Memories Show takes place on Hoi An Memories Island (200 Nguyen Tri Phuong Street, Hoi An City). In addition to receiving glowing reviews from international media such as Reuters for its originality and impressive scale, the show is recognized by the Vietnam Records Organization (Guinness) as the “largest outdoor stage in Vietnam” and the “daily performance with the largest number of actors in the world.” Key elements contributing to the show’s huge success include:
- The performance recreates the city of Faifo 400 years ago with grandeur and outstanding outdoor theatrical art through five acts: Life, Wedding, Lanterns & Sea, Integration, and Ao Dai.
- High cultural, historical, and artistic value is expressed through details such as Vietnamese conical hats, traditional Ao Dai, and Princess Huyen Tran’s wedding.
- Elaborate stage design: the stage covers 25,000 m², props are designed in a 1:1 scale, and characteristic symbols of Hoi An, such as ancient houses and local shops, are recreated on stage.
- 500 professional actors carefully selected from across Vietnam, trained extensively, and rehearsed for days to ensure a flawless performance.
>> See also: Detailed Introduction to the Hoi An Memories Show
4. Floating Flower Lanterns
Visitors can release flower-shaped lanterns on the river and make a wish for themselves. This is a meaningful activity loved by many tourists. The lanterns, designed in the shape of flowers, line the streets and carry the wishes of those who release them. Travelers can personally set the small, beautiful lanterns afloat on the river. From a distance, the scene looks like a painting, with shimmering lights reflecting the hopes and dreams of everyone involved.
5. Visiting the Ancient Japanese Covered Bridge
Stretching across a small branch of the Thu Bon River, the Japanese Covered Bridge offers a sense of peace. Unlike the bustling atmosphere during the day, at night the bridge glows beautifully under the lights. In this magical ambiance, visitors can forget daily worries and stroll through the ancient town, stopping at the bridge to enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
6. Exploring the Hoi An Night Market
At night, Hoi An comes alive with the vibrant night market. Tourists can easily buy souvenirs or local specialties as gifts. The market also offers unique sights, from lanterns to ceramics and clay figurines, making it a highlight of the ancient town.
7. Participating in Traditional Games
To provide visitors with engaging experiences, most night markets and the beginning of Nguyen Thai Hoc Street organize traditional games. In the lively atmosphere, tourists can play blindfolded clay pot smashing, spinning top games, or enjoy Bai Choi singing. These activities offer a fun way to learn about the local folk culture.
8. Enjoying Hoi An Cuisine
One of the most enjoyable aspects of visiting Hoi An is tasting its delicious local dishes. The variety and richness of the ancient town’s cuisine, especially at night, make the trip even more memorable. Visitors can try signature dishes such as Quang noodles, Tau Pho, grilled pork vermicelli, and Cao Lau noodles.
9. Visiting Cafes and Admiring the Ancient Town
For travelers who love a peaceful atmosphere, Hoi An’s charming cafes offer a cozy spot to enjoy a warm coffee or other drinks. From above, tourists can take in a panoramic view of the ancient town at night. There is nothing better than sipping coffee amidst the romantic and tranquil scenery.
10. Taking Photos at Thương Cảng Moonlight Bridge
The Thương Cảng Moonlight Bridge is one of the most popular spots along the Hoai River and a must-visit for photography enthusiasts. Often described as a “pathway of clouds leading to a crescent moon,” the bridge represents the bustling international trade of Southeast Asia, where Japanese, Chinese, and Western merchant boats once gathered. At night, the bridge is illuminated like a beautiful moon, offering visitors perfect photo opportunities.
>> See also: Top 50 Must-Visit Photo Spots in Hoi An
11. Relaxing at Hoi An Bars
If you think there is nothing to do in Hoi An at night, think again. Unlike noisy clubs with loud music, the bars and lounges in the ancient town provide a cozy, intimate atmosphere combined with classic designs, promising a unique experience. However, most bars and lounges close early, so plan accordingly.
Some notable bars in Hoi An include:
- Charmchill Bar: 200 Nguyen Tri Phuong (turn left), Cam Nam, Hoi An, Quang Nam
- Blue Bottle Bar: 326 Ly Thuong Kiet, Minh An Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam
- Fender Bar Hoi An: 15 Thoai Ngoc Hau, Minh An Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam
- Dive Bar: 88 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Minh An Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam
- The Shamrock Hoi An: 13-15 Nguyen Phuc Chu, Hoi An
12. Enjoying An Bang Beach at Night
Many tourists only know Hoi An for its charming streets and local cuisine, but they might miss the stunning beaches with white sands and clear blue waters. Unlike the more famous Cua Dai Beach, An Bang Beach offers a peaceful, pristine charm. Its long, picturesque coastline, clear waters, green coconut trees, and natural scenery make it a perfect spot for a romantic evening walk, listening to the waves and enjoying the serenity.
13. Night Strolls Through the Ancient Town
While Hoi An is bustling during the day, at night it becomes enchanting, calm, and magical. Walking through the streets, visitors are mesmerized by colorful lanterns and beautifully preserved old houses. At night, the Hoi An Memories Island offers an exceptional experience with the Ký Ức Hội An live show and the golden ambiance of the Hoi An Memories Resort & Spa.
14. Enjoying Affordable Beer
Along Bach Dang Street, right between the river and Hoi An Market, local beer spots provide a relaxed view of the river. For travelers on a budget, these casual bars offer the perfect way to unwind after a day of sightseeing with a cold beer and friendly conversation.
15. Tasting Hoi An Street Food at Night
In the narrow alleys of Hoi An at night, bustling food stalls offer an array of famous local snacks, including sweet desserts, rolled ice cream, balut eggs, grilled meat rolls, and pig ear salad. Visitors can enjoy these delicacies on almost every street in the ancient town.
We hope this guide helps answer the question, “What makes Hoi An special at night?” There are countless other experiences that make Hoi An a captivating destination. No matter the time, this enchanting town continues to charm visitors, leaving lasting memories in their hearts.
