The New York Times writer recommends perfect weekend escape in Hoi An
DNO - In a recent feature for The New York Times, travel writer Kit Humphrey described a weekend in UNESCO-listed Old Town Hoi An as a journey where centuries-old heritage blends seamlessly with modern culinary, artistic and cultural experiences.
“Hoi An still charms with its well-preserved shophouses and lantern-lit nights, while newer restaurants, cafes and cultural experiences give this weekend escape fresh appeal", Kit Humphrey wrote in the article.
Lantern-lit heritage and timeless flavors in Hoi An
The suggested weekend journey begins on Friday evening with a swim along the coast near An Bang Beach, where visitors can enjoy cooler temperatures and sunset views stretching toward the Marble Mountains and Son Tra Peninsula.
Instead of the busier beachfront areas, quieter spots farther down the shore provide a more tranquil atmosphere.
Dinner recommendations focus on the emerging dining scene around Tra Que Vegetable Village. Restaurants there combine local ingredients with modern cooking styles, offering seasonal tasting menus that highlight seafood, herbs and regional produce from central Vietnam.
Later in the evening, rooftop bars overlooking the Thu Bon River become ideal places to enjoy cocktails made with Vietnamese gin, rice wine and tropical ingredients while taking in the lantern-lit atmosphere of the ancient town.
Saturday centers on exploring the historic heart of Hoi An. Travellers can wander through Hoi An Market, visit heritage sites such as the Duc An Ancient House and the famous “Chua Cau” (Japanese Covered Bridge), all reflecting the town’s role as a major trading port between the 16th and 18th centuries.
Traditional dishes remain a key part of the experience, including white rose dumplings, chicken rice and cao lau noodles, the town’s signature specialty.
Shopping and craftsmanship are another major highlight of the itinerary. Visitors can browse tailor shops, silk boutiques, ceramic stores and handmade lantern workshops scattered throughout the Old Town.
Hoi An’s tailoring culture continues to attract international travellers seeking custom-made clothing, shoes and accessories crafted within days.
New cafes, art spaces and countryside experiences
One of the most memorable evening experiences recommended in the itinerary is the Teh Dar performance at the Hoi An Lune Center. The bamboo circus combines acrobatics, contemporary dance and live ethnic music inspired by Vietnam’s Central Highlands communities.
Through bamboo props, spinning basket boats and traditional instruments, the performance presents stories connected to the cycle of life and indigenous culture.
Sunday offers a slower pace in the countryside surrounding Hoi An. Cafes overlooking rice paddies in the famous Tra Que Vegetable Village provide peaceful spaces for morning coffee.
Meanwhile, cultural houses and artisan workshops introduce visitors to handicrafts made by ethnic minority groups across Vietnam.
Travellers can also explore silk-weaving studios, independent art galleries and environmentally conscious creative spaces built from recycled materials.
The weekend concludes with a Vietnamese tea ceremony, where guests sample traditional teas sourced from northern mountain regions while learning about the history and preparation of each variety. The experience reflects the quieter side of Hoi An, away from the crowded tourist streets.
Through this carefully paced itinerary, Humphrey presents Hoi An as more than a preserved heritage town. It is a destination where historic architecture, local traditions and modern creativity continue to coexist, offering travelers both nostalgia and new discoveries over the course of a single weekend.