Hoi An

Located less than an hour from Danang, the town of Hoi An is a gem on the central coast of Vietnam. For travelers, it is one of a handful of must-see destinations on the Southeast Asian grand tour. The old downtown is a unique mix of perfectly preserved ancient Chinese and Japanese architecture harkening back to a time long ago when it was a major trading port. 

Vietnam is one of the most energetic countries in the world, and finding a tranquil spot can be a challenge. This is one of the reasons why visitors find Hoi An so charming. It isn’t on a major highway, and it’s almost an hour’s drive to the closest airport or train station. 

The Cham Islands, a UNESCO Global Biosphere Reserve, lie 13 miles northeast of Hoi An and are a chain of mostly undeveloped islands with lush forests, coral reefs, a couple of small fishing villages, and numerous remote, unspoiled beaches. 

There are mountains to the north and west of Hoi An, the most beautiful of which are the ones just north of Danang. The mountains to the west are only a short distance away and offer many opportunities for exploration, as this part of Vietnam has seen only minimal development. Peaks in this area reach almost 2,000 meters (6,000 feet), offering views to the ocean on the east and the Laotian wilderness to the west. 

South of Hoi An, the land is generally flat and agricultural. A drive through the countryside here will treat travelers to the sight of verdant green rice paddies and patches of diverse tropical flora. Ladies wearing the iconic cone hats work year-round, alongside their husbands and children, preening the fields. Small villages and communes dot the land, and a few ancient Cham towers can still be found near the coast.