Exploring Hoi An + Vegan Food Guide

Hoi An is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vietnam and after a few days here I can completely understand why. The blend of the history and ancient city combines seamlessly with the modern cafes and fashion boutiques. Even though it can be extremely busy with tourists at times it strangely also remains a gentle pace.

WHAT IS HOI AN FAMOUS FOR

It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has an exceptionally preserved Ancient Town.

It is also known for it's glowing lanterns and their famous Lantern Festival. Thousands of paper lanterns floating on the Thu Bon River at night.

it is also a global hotspot for bespoke clothing and custom tailoring.

and finally, it's also known for its food scene and is a culinary destination for many people.

IS IT WORTH GOING?

Absolutely! Although we do try to avoid most very touristy attractions I am glad we saw all of this. The Ancient Town is impressive and the floating lanterns illuminating the river is gorgeous.

And yes, we did get some costume clothing made. Totally worth every dong.

And the food? Fantastic!

THE LESSER KNOWN

in my opinion of Hoi An are its beaches. Sadly months before our visit they had sever floods and most beaches where washed away and severely damaged. I can only imagine how beautiful the beaches were and hopefully will be again in the future.

WHAT TO DO

• Rent a bicycle and cycle through the country side and rice fields. This was one of our favourite things we did in Hoi An.

• Watch the floating lanterns at night on the river

• Take a lantern-making workshop if that's something you would enjoy.

• Buy a gelato and walk through the lantern lit streets in the Ancient Town.

• Buy delicious fruit or lunch at the many food stalls at the Hoi An Central Market.

• Explore the Night Market for souvenir and street food.

• Take a day trip to Da Nang. Da Nang has many restaurants with good vegan food. It also has a long stretch of beach.

• Get some custom clothing made.

• Find the best Banh Mi.

• The Cam Thanh Coconut Village is also a very popular tourist destination - Although we did not go here, so I can't be sure if it's worth it.

  
  

TIP! If you are planning to visit temples of pagodas make sure you dress appropriately. Make sure to cover your shoulders and knees.

VEGAN FOOD IN HOI AN & DA NANG

Chay Ngoc Man

Three times I went here for lunch/ dinners. The owner cooks from her own kitchen and their restaurant only stays open until everything is sold out. The menu consists of traditional Vietnamese dishes, but all made vegan. The prices are very affordable (less than a pound for most of the dishes!) and everything she makes is vegan. I loved every dish I've eaten here. I highly recommend eating here.

Rosie's Cafe and Brunch

A pretty cafe with beautifully presented plates. Although I do recommend this place I have to say if you are looking for traditional Vietnamese food, this is not the place to go. The reason I chose to try this place is as I was craving a smoothie bowl (it had been a while) and this was close to were we stayed. I can say I was not disappointed with my brunch. Although more expensive than many other restaurants in Hoi An, we did go back for a second time. What can I say, I do love a good smoothie bowl and a pretty plate of food.

Noodle House by Streets

This is a wonderful place and I love the concept. This Enterprise trains orphaned out-of-school and disadvantaged youth for professional careers in the hospitality and tourism industry. They provide them free-of-charge 14-month culinary and tourist training.

Their food is amazing and I recommend their Caramelised eggplant and tofu cooked in a speciality clay pot and is served with rice.

La Solana

A lovely brunch spot with a few good vegan options. Tofu scramble for an all day breakfast, vegan tacos for lunch, smoothie bowls, coffees and smoothies.

OTHER VEGAN RESTAURANTS

that have been recommended, but I didn't have time to try

Alma Tropical Coffee & Brunch

From Farm to Table Cafe and Brunch spot with a lovely selection of vegan dishes.

Plantlab

Specializing in vegan cheese made with cashew nuts. I am sad I didn't take the time to eat here. They also make pizzas and vegan cheesecakes.

Nourish Eatery

Another beautiful brunch spot. They have a gorgeous breakfast menu. All their dishes are vegetarian and can be made 100% plant-based. Yet another place I am sad I could not try.

Peanuts

Apparently their Banh Mi sandwiches are a must try.

Good Eats

This is a vegetarian restaurant with great vegan options. Popular for brunch.

The Seeds Plant-based Foods

This is another restaurant with a mix of Western and Vietnamese dishes. They also have a good variety of vegan desserts, such as snickers bars, vegan cheesecakes and cinnamon rolls.

Sua Vegan Restaurant

Stir-fries, rice pancakes, vermicelli salad, vegan "pork chops" in mushroom sauce and so many other dishes.