Vietnam's Hoi An Ancient Town: A Romantic Journey of Lanterns and Cuisine!

I arrived at Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Vietnam. At night, lanterns illuminate the yellow ancient buildings, making it feel like stepping into a fairytale world! 🌌 Strolling along the Hoai River, I savored local delicacies like White Rose Dumplings and Chicken Pho, experiencing the unique charm of the fusion between Chinese and Vietnamese cultures. 💙 From exploring the ancient streets during the day to enjoying the Lantern Festival at night, the day was filled with warmth and surprises. Join me in immersing yourself in the romantic atmosphere of Hoi An! 📸

📍 Location: Hoi An Ancient Town
📍 Address: Hoi An, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam
🚗 Transportation: About 40 minutes by car or Grab from Da Nang International Airport (VND 300,000-400,000); about 1 hour by bus or taxi from Da Nang city center (VND 150,000). ⏱️
🎫 Cost: Entrance ticket to the ancient town is VND 120,000 (around HK$40), with an average expense of VND 400,000-600,000 per person (including food and transportation). 💰
🕒 Opening Hours: The ancient town is open all day, with lanterns lit from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM during the Lantern Festival (recommended visiting time: 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM). 🌙
💡 Tips: Wear comfortable shoes and keep an eye on your belongings; the Lantern Festival can get crowded, so book a boat ride on the Hoai River in advance. Bring rain gear during the rainy season and don't forget sunscreen! ☔️

🌿 Highlights: A Day in Hoi An with Lanterns and Cuisine
1. Strolling the Ancient Streets: A Fairytale Atmosphere of Yellow Walls and Lanterns
Explore the ancient streets during the day, where yellow French-style buildings blend with Chinese assembly halls. Tran Phu Street's lantern workshops exude artisanal charm. At night, lanterns light up, and you can release lanterns on the river to make a wish—utterly romantic! 🏮
📷 Photo Tip: Capture the reflection of lanterns and yellow walls at night, incorporating the river's light and shadows for a dreamy effect.

2. Japanese Bridge and Assembly Halls: A Fusion of History and Culture
Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, a 400-year-old structure that connects Chinese, Vietnamese, and Japanese cultures. Nearby, the Fujian Assembly Hall is renowned for its intricate carvings and houses antiques and incense. ⛩️
📷 Photo Tip: Take a full view of the bridge with the red decorations of the assembly hall in the background to highlight the historical depth.

3. Local Cuisine: A Taste of White Rose Dumplings and Pho
At Morning Glory, try the White Rose Dumplings (VND 80,000/plate), translucent shrimp dumplings paired with spicy sauce for a fresh taste. Then enjoy Chicken Pho (VND 50,000/bowl), with its sweet and savory broth—a true local delight! 🍜
📷 Photo Tip: Take a close-up of the White Rose Dumplings with the backdrop of a quaint street shop to emphasize the culinary charm.

🏖️ Nearby Recommendations
• An Bang Beach: 15 minutes by car, 🏖️ perfect for sunbathing and seafood.
• My Son Sanctuary: 1 hour by car, 🏯 explore the Champa ruins.
• Da Nang City: 40 minutes by car, 🌆 enjoy the Dragon Bridge's fire show.

💡 Travel Tips 🌟
1. Best Time: 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM to capture the beauty of the Lantern Festival. 🌅
2. Budget Reference: Entrance ticket VND 120,000 + transportation VND 200,000 + food VND 200,000, totaling around VND 520,000/person (about HK$160). 💸
3. Outfit Suggestions: Light T-shirts or Vietnamese long dresses 👗 paired with comfortable shoes to blend into Hoi An's vibe.
4. Safety Tips: Be cautious of street vendors, carry a small amount of cash, and watch out for slippery roads during the rainy season. ⚠️

🌟 Overall Rating: 9/10 💎
Hoi An Ancient Town is a perfect blend of romance and culture! 🏮 The fairytale atmosphere of lantern-lit streets, the historical charm of the Japanese Bridge, and the delicious White Rose Dumplings made this evening full of surprises. Compared to popular beaches, this place offers more cultural depth. I look forward to revisiting during the Full Moon Lantern Festival! 🌕 Which ancient town in Vietnam is your favorite? Feel free to share your Hoi An experience in the comments! 😊💬