We have been studying for some weeks now, and already gotten to know the city quite well. When I’m not studying, I like to discover what the city has to offer. First time I travelled to Hoi An (2014) I didn’t have too much time, also I spend a lot of time partying with the other backpackers at Sunflower hostel. This time however, I have had a lot of time to explore the city more, as well as realizing how commercialized Hoi An has become. There is a strong division between the locals and the city built up for tourism. On the other hand, it is a great place to study and I have tried to collect some things I enjoy doing while living here.

1. Eat local food
Hoi An offers some really fresh and delicious local dishes. My favourite is Ban Xeo (Vietnamese pancake, but it’s more like a fresh spring roll). Hoi An’ s signature dish is Cao Lao (noodles with salad and beef) that’s also one of my favourites. Com Ga Hoi An (Chicken rice) and Pho are other dishes that you can enjoy on most of the street stalls around the city. Finally, Vietnamese Banh Mi – it’s a must!

2. Walk around in the old town of Hoi An
This is perhaps the place where most tourists are located, but I have to say that the evening strolls through the lantern-lighted streets are quite cozy. There are also some small streets around where you can find authentic restaurants/cafes. And lots of Bar’s by the river.

 

 

 

 

3. When I need a break from all the readings
I love to bike to somewhere new! I find it more exiting to go to places where the locals look at me like I’m lost, just because then I come across exiting people and different sites of Hoi An. There are farmers working in the rice fields, people fishing, making lanterns, sell fresh fish or vegetables, or preparing Cao Lao. In many of the more ‘local streets’ I have stopped up taking photos and talked to Vietnamese students.

4. Treat yourself
My everyday treat is coffee. There is a lot of cool places to go studying and drinking coffee in this city. Three favourites are ‘Vietnamese milk coffee, iced’ at Hill Station, who also serves some really nice dark baguettes with Cheese and ham (good choice if you miss cheese sometime). Another café that do a good job making coffee is Espresso station. If I want something different on a hot day, I’ll go to Passion fruit for a chilled coconut coffee. Really tasty!

 

 

5. Enjoy the weekends
The city itself have several sights, markets, and shops you most likely will see, such as the Japanese bridge, temples, and tailors. The beaches are also tempting when the weather is too hot for city strolling. There are also a lot of backpackers in this city, and it is always fun to get to know other travellers! Maybe you get some good advices for where to go after your studies. And if you’re lucky you might as well get to know someone who drive motorbikes (if you don’t dare to drive one yourself). This is a great deal if you would like to explore sights outside Hoi An. Marble Mountains, My Son, Da Nang and Hue are some of the places I would recommend to visit.