Time needed: Half day to Full day

Hoi An is an extraordinary jewel of a town. In a country so ravaged by war, Hoi An managed to remain untouched, and as you wander the completely traffic-free streets of this ancient seaport it is not hard to imagine yourself amidst the sailors and merchants of the 18th Century, when Hoi An was one of the busiest trading ports in Asia. Chinese, Japanese and European architecture bears witness to a cosmopolitan past and allows today's visitors a glimpse of Vietnam that no longer exists elsewhere.

A town of 25,000 people, Hoi An is known as a key tourist destination in Vietnam due to its beautiful beaches, delicious fine dining, speedy tailors and an old town full of ancient sights, including the famous Japanese covered bridge.

Located approximately 25kms from Danang city, along the coast highway, the best way to get there is by taxi or private hire car. No cars are allowed in the old town, however the taxi or car will drop you within walking distance of the old town and all the sights. Your driver will most likely wait for you and take you on the return trip if you negotiate ahead of time. Taxis cost approximately 250,000VND one way for the 30 minute drive.

For the adventurous there is a public bus available that runs every hour between Danang and Hoi An. The ride should cost you around 15,000-20,000VND each way and takes about an hour. When departing Danang keep an eye out for the yellow buses.

One of the best things to do in Hoi An is to purchase a tourist ticket (around 70,000VND) as it allows you entry to any one site within four different categories, such as wooden houses, pagodas, museums and the Japanese covered bridge. Your ticket also gains you entry to one of the daily cultural performances which features traditional live music and dancing.

For those not wishing to purchase the tourist ticket, the Japanese covered bridge (pictured above) is accessible without purchasing a ticket. A number of pagodas and old houses are also viewable from the outside without purchasing the ticket.

There are plenty of excellent tailors in Hoi An, that will copy any garment you wish to present. Many also have a large number of magazines and samples if you wish to choose new styles. Fabric, all sewing and finishing will be included in the price, but bargain hard as there is plenty of competition within Hoi An.

Hoi An is also the perfect place to pick up some souvenirs from your travels with silk robes and lanterns the most popular among tourists. Hoi An is also an excellent place to pick up genuine silver jewellery.

Then whilst waiting for your clothes to be finished, or to rest tired legs, check out one of the excellent cafes or restaurants that Hoi An has to offer. The French influence can still be felt in the delicious produce of local patisseries along the river.

How to get there: Take a taxi or hire a private car and make the 25km drive along the beach highway. Alternatively take the yellow public buses from Danang to Hoi An (this will take about an hour).