Hoi An’s Nguyen Phan Vinh Street beloved by foreign tourists

A little over a decade ago, Nguyen Phan Vinh Street was a quiet, wind-swept lane where life revolved around the sea. However, tourism has breathed new life into the once-sleepy village.

Narrow alleys now burst with colour; fishing nets and woven baskets that once lined doorways have given way to cafes glowing late into the night, alive with music and conversation. The leafy, shaded street is dotted with side paths leading straight to An Bang’s powdery sands and turquoise waters, offering a gentle contrast to the bustle of Hoi An.

Along the main street and down each narrow alley, villas, homestays, bars, and pubs have sprung up, adding splashes of colour, many of which were converted from old village houses, lovingly restored and run by local families themselves.

Foreign visitors often choose the An Bang Beach for extended stays, seeking not only sun and relaxation but also an authentic taste of local life. Though engaged in tourism, Cam An fishing villagers remain devoted to the sea, welcoming guests with genuine experiences: weaving basket boats, savoring freshly grilled fish on the sand, or listening to age-old tales from the village’s founding days.

Watching locals leisurely cycling at dawn, preparing fishing nets, or selling street food like 'banh mi' and Vietnamese coffee rich in traditional flavour is a delightful, memorable experience many visitors recall after a trip to the An Bang fishing village.

On Good Morning Hoi An, travel blogger Laurent Olhman wrote: “Hoi An is not just a travel destination, but a living museum where you can feel the intersection of history, culture and nature. Fishing is the soul of the villages, preserved through generations, filling this land with vitality.”

Homestays and restaurants along this street often feature unique architecture with reclaimed wood from old boats, bamboo, and rattan, thereby preserving the rustic charm of the coast.

Translated by THƯ LÊ