Sacred Traditions And Vegetarian Delights In Hoi An

Hoi An , Vietnam

Sacred Traditions And Vegetarian Delights In Hoi An

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About this experience

Explore the rich cultural heritage of Hoi An on this enlightening tour. Visit the Tran Family Home, witness worship activities at the Central Market, and learn traditional votive paper-making techniques. Enjoy a delicious vegetarian dinner before discovering the historic Cam Pho Communal House. Conclude your journey by crafting a DIY flower lantern and making a wish as you release it into the river.

Experience Highlights:
Cultural Exploration: Discover the Tran Family Home and learn about ancestral worship traditions
Local Market Visit: Experience vibrant Hoi An Central Market and observe traditional offerings
Hands-On Activity: Participate in DIY flower lantern making, crafting a unique keepsake
Delicious Dining: Savor a flavorful vegetarian dinner featuring local delicacies

Available options

Group Tour

Pickup included

Private Tour

Private Tour <br/>Pickup included

What's included

1 flower lantern/pax

Travel insurance

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Hoi An City Center

Vegetarian dinner, Local coffee

English speaking guides (other languages available upon request with surcharge)

Motorbike with driver

Detailed itinerary

Experience the rich traditions of Hoi An in this immersive cultural tour. Begin at the Tran Family Home and Chapel, a significant gathering place for family members to honor their ancestors through annual ceremonies. Next, visit the Hoi An Central Market, where you will gain insight into local worship practices, with offerings like flowers, incense, fresh fruit, and rice wine available for purchase.

The journey continues to a local family specializing in votive paper-making. Here, you will learn about the traditional craft of creating paper replicas of motorbikes, cars, houses, clothes, and money, which are burned as offerings to ancestors. After this fascinating stop, enjoy a delicious dinner at a local vegetarian restaurant, savoring the flavors of traditional Vietnamese cuisine.

Stop 3

Next, we will visit Cam Pho Communal House, the oldest communal house in Hoi An, where village officials hold meetings and worship ceremonies. Then, head to an ancient house adorned with unique decorations to enjoy a cup of Vietnamese coffee while crafting a DIY flower lantern. Don’t forget to write your wishes before releasing the lantern into the river, creating a magical moment as you watch the flickering lights symbolize your hopes and dreams.

Note: If you go on the 1st, 14th, 15th, or 30th day of the lunar calendar each month, you will see the businesses and locals worshiping for their health, wealth, and happiness.

Caution: To drive a motorbike in Vietnam, individuals must have a valid International Driving Permit (IDP), a temporary Vietnamese motorcycle license, or a Vietnamese driving license. Tour participants must ensure they have the proper documentation to comply with local laws.

What's not included

Tips and gratuities

Personal expenses such as: shopping, telephone, beverage, etc.

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Maximum 1 child accompanied 1 adult, the 2nd child will pay the adult price.

Free for children 0-5 years old ; 50% off for children 6-10 years old

Caution: Foreigners in Vietnam are allowed to drive a motorbike only with a Vietnamese driver’s license. Purchasing this tour, you should be aware of and abide by the Vietnamese Law.

About Hoi An

Hoi An is a charming ancient town and UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved architecture, lantern-lit streets, and rich cultural heritage. This former trading port blends Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and European influences, offering a unique glimpse into Southeast Asia's history.

Top Attractions

Hoi An Ancient Town

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ancient Town is famous for its well-preserved architecture, lantern-lit streets, and historic buildings. It offers a glimpse into the town's rich history as a trading port.

Historical Half day to full day 120,000 VND (Ancient Town Entry Ticket)

An Bang Beach

A beautiful beach located about 4 km from Hoi An, known for its white sand and clear waters. It's a great spot for relaxation and water activities.

Beach Half day Free

My Son Sanctuary

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, My Son is an ancient Hindu temple complex built by the Cham civilization. It's a significant archaeological site with intricate carvings and ruins.

Historical Full day 150,000 VND

Hoi An Night Market

A bustling night market offering a variety of local food, souvenirs, and handicrafts. It's a great place to experience the local culture and try street food.

Market 1-2 hours Varies

Tra Que Vegetable Village

A peaceful village known for its organic vegetable farming. Visitors can participate in farming activities, learn about traditional farming techniques, and enjoy a farm-to-table meal.

Cultural Half day Varies

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cao Lau

A noodle dish with pork, herbs, and a unique broth made from pork bones and ash of burnt rice. It's a local specialty and a must-try.

Lunch/Dinner Contains pork and gluten

Banh Mi

A Vietnamese baguette sandwich filled with various ingredients like pâté, cold cuts, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs. Hoi An's version is particularly delicious.

Breakfast/Lunch Can be made vegetarian or with various fillings

White Rose Dumplings

Small, delicate shrimp dumplings that resemble white roses. They are a local specialty and a popular street food item.

Snack Contains shrimp and gluten

Quang Noodles

A noodle dish with turmeric-infused rice noodles, pork, shrimp, and a flavorful broth. It's a popular dish from the nearby town of Quang and also loved in Hoi An.

Lunch/Dinner Contains pork and shrimp

Popular Activities

Snorkeling Diving Hiking Motorbike tours Beach activities Spa treatments Cooking classes Yoga

Best Time to Visit

February to April

This period offers the best weather with warm temperatures, low humidity, and minimal rain. It's ideal for exploring the town and enjoying outdoor activities.

25-30°C 77-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Vietnamese
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Vietnamese Dong (VND)

Time Zone

GMT+7

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Hoi An is generally a safe destination for travelers. Petty crime can occur, so take precautions to protect your belongings. Be cautious of motorbikes when walking, as they can be numerous and fast.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable taxi services or ride-hailing apps like Grab.
• Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.
• Bargain for souvenirs and services to avoid overpaying.

Getting there

By air

Da Nang International Airport • 30 km

By train

Hoi An Station

By bus

Hoi An Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses connect Hoi An to nearby towns and cities but are not extensively used within the town itself.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Ancient Town Cam Chau An Bang

Day trips

Da Nang

30 km • Half day to full day

Da Nang is a vibrant coastal city known for its beaches, modern architecture, and cultural sites. It offers a mix of urban attractions and natural beauty.

My Son Sanctuary

50 km • Full day

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, My Son is an ancient Hindu temple complex built by the Cham civilization. It's a significant archaeological site with intricate carvings and ruins.

Cham Islands

20 km • Full day

A group of eight islands known for their beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and biodiversity. The islands are a great spot for snorkeling, diving, and relaxing.

Festivals

Hoi An Lantern Festival • 14th of each lunar month Hoi An International Food Festival • Annual, usually in June Mid-Autumn Festival • Annual, usually in September or October

Pro tips

Visit the Ancient Town in the evening when the lanterns are lit for a magical experience.
Try local specialties like Cao Lau, Banh Mi, and White Rose Dumplings at local eateries and markets.
Explore the town on foot or by bicycle to discover hidden gems and enjoy the pedestrian-friendly streets.
Book a cooking class to learn about local ingredients and techniques, and enjoy a farm-to-table meal.
Visit the Hoi An Lantern Festival on the 14th of each lunar month for a unique and cultural experience.