As sunset descends, Hoi An dons a new, enchanting coat. The last rays of sunlight linger on the moss-covered tiled roofs before giving way to the shimmering glow of lanterns. The gentle sound of oars, the faint scent of incense—it all weaves a scene that is both mysterious and romantic.
Let's wander through each small street, listen to the rhythm of Hoi An's ancient town at night, and uncover the secrets that only reveal themselves after dark.
Hoi An at night transforms, sparkling and mystical. As the day's last light fades, the ancient town is illuminated by thousands of vibrant Hoi An lanterns, their reflections casting a "river of light" upon the Hoai River, as beautiful as a painting. The soft sound of paddles from boats carrying flower lanterns mingles with the gentle aroma of incense, creating a serene and romantic atmosphere.
Walking on the brick-paved streets, you can almost feel the pulse of a once-bustling trading port, where merchants from all over the world gathered to trade. The candlelight from the lanterns, the soulful melodies of the đàn bầu (monochord), and the aroma of street food blend together, painting a living watercolor masterpiece that transports travelers back in time, immersing them in a nostalgic atmosphere found nowhere else.
To truly feel the beauty of Hoi An, you can't just be a spectator; you must immerse yourself in its activities and rhythms. Here are 8 experiences you must try at least once.
Releasing flower lanterns in Hoi An is a small yet deeply emotional ritual. You'll receive a delicate little lantern from an elderly vendor, light it, and gently release it onto the river. The flickering candlelight reflecting on the water seems to guide your wishes as they float downstream. For the most beautiful experience, try this on the full moon night, when the entire river glows with light and Hoi An is steeped in a nostalgic ambiance.
As you drift on a wooden boat, gently carried by the waves, Hoi An appears like a scene from a dream. The ancient houses on both banks are illuminated by lanterns, and the soft sound of paddling blends with the laughter from the waterfront. This is the moment to put your phone away and simply feel the slow, steady rhythm of the town. Take a boat ride around 7 PM, just as the lanterns are lit, to witness Hoi An transform into a living watercolor painting.
Hoi An isn't just about the main streets bright with lanterns; it's also home to countless small alleys leading to very private corners. Step inside, and you'll find weathered yellow walls, old wooden doors, and sometimes, the sound of a guitar from a small café. It's the perfect place to find a moment of peace, escape the noise, and breathe in the scent of old wood and bougainvillea from a nearby trellis. Take a stroll when the crowds have thinned to fully appreciate the silence and hear the stories Hoi An whispers just for you.
Hoi An at night is a miniature food festival, where the aromas of Cao Lầu, Mì Quảng, bánh đập, and sweet corn soup fill the air. Just stop by a sidewalk vendor, and you'll hear the sizzle on the charcoal stove, see the rising steam, and inhale the sweet scent of broth. Sitting on a low plastic stool, eating while watching people pass by, makes time seem to slow down. Remember to bring small change and try a little from various stalls to taste all the flavors of Hoi An.
Bài Chòi is a distinctive folk art form from Central Vietnam, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Amidst the lantern-lit streets, the lively sounds of drums and wooden castanets echo from a small stage. The performer's voice rises and falls, drawing the audience into the cheerful rhythm. Sit down, listen to the calls and the vibrant drumming, and feel the joyful spirit of the local people. If you're lucky, you might even be invited to join the game and win a small prize. Arrive early to get a seat near the stage to hear every word and fully experience the cultural soul of Quang Nam province.
The Japanese Covered Bridge is an indispensable symbol of Hoi An, signifying the cultural fusion of Vietnam, Japan, and China in the past. This graceful wooden structure with its mossy tiled roof serves as both a bridge over a small canal and a place where people once prayed for peace. At night, the area around the bridge is aglow with lanterns, their reflections on the water creating a poetic backdrop for iconic Hoi An "check-in" photos. The best time to visit is between 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM, when the lights are on but the crowds aren't too overwhelming, ensuring you get the perfect shot.
Shopping for handmade souvenirs at the Nguyen Hoang Night Market is a wonderful way to bring a piece of Hoi An home. Each lantern, cloth bag, or painting is handcrafted, preserving the essence of traditional craft villages. It's more than just a transaction; it's an opportunity to connect with locals and hear stories about lantern-making, embroidery, and wood carving. Bargaining skillfully will not only get you a reasonably priced gift but also keep the experience pleasant for both you and the seller.
The "Hoi An Memories" show is a spectacular visual feast that reenacts the history and culture of Hoi An with over 500 performers. The lighting, music, and costumes are meticulously choreographed, making you feel like you're watching a live movie. Moodhoian currently offers package deals combining show tickets and accommodation, perfect for a complete travel experience.
When night falls, Hoi An's ancient town becomes a culinary paradise. The scent of Cao Lầu and Mì Quảng wafts through the alleys, and the sizzling sounds from street vendors invite passersby to stop. This is the time to discover Hoi An's delicacies, savor the rich flavors of Quang Nam's specialties, and feel the slow pace of life in the heart of the old town.
When talking about Hoi An street food, one cannot overlook two famous dishes: Cao Lầu and Mì Quảng. Cao Lầu features golden, chewy noodles mixed with savory char siu pork, crispy cracklings, and fresh herbs, creating an unforgettable taste. Mì Quảng captivates with its rich, turmeric-infused broth, served with roasted peanuts. You can enjoy these at renowned spots like Cao Lầu Bà Bé or simply pull up a small plastic stool at a street vendor's stall to fully appreciate the rustic flavors of Quang Nam.
Bánh Mì Phượng and Bánh Mì Madam Khánh have long been legendary in Hoi An's culinary scene. One bite into the crispy, fragrant golden baguette reveals a symphony of textures and flavors: rich pâté, aromatic grilled pork, fresh herbs, and a savory sauce that makes your taste buds explode. Each shop has its own secret recipe, creating a unique taste that makes everyone want to come back for more.
Iconic Snack Corners in the Ancient Town
As the lanterns are lit, Hoi An transforms into a feast of flavors. The aroma of Cao Lầu drifting on the wind, the sizzling sounds from charcoal stoves, and the flickering flames mixed with the colors of lanterns create a scene that is both warm and poetic. The nights here are unhurried. You can slowly enjoy each Hoi An delicacy, feel the simplicity of its street food, and let your soul drift in the nostalgic atmosphere of the old town.
First-time visitors to Hoi An at night can easily be overwhelmed by the shimmering lanterns and bustling crowds. To make your trip perfect, it's best to prepare with a few tips, from choosing the right time to visit, where to park, to how to get around. These "secrets" will help you fully enjoy the beauty of Hoi An without missing any memorable moments.
When is the Best Time to Visit?
Where to Park and How to Get Around
To make your Hoi An journey even more complete, moodhoian Riverside Resort & Spa is the perfect tranquil retreat to return to after a day of exploring the town. Nestled on the banks of a poetic river, the resort offers a peaceful ambiance, a crystal-clear saltwater pool, and a lush herbal garden—a place where all your senses can unwind. Notably, this Hoi An riverside resort provides a free shuttle bus to the ancient town daily and complimentary bicycles for you to leisurely explore the Hoi An countryside. Moodhoian is not just a place to stay; it's the perfect piece that makes your trip truly unforgettable.
Contact moodhoian:
Email: sm@moodhoian.vn