Holidays for Couples July-December 2024 | Page 28

DISCOVERING HOI AN

Whether you ’ re enjoying a wedding , honeymoon , or romantic getaway at the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort , a must-visit is enchanting Hoi An Ancient Town . Recognised as one of the world ’ s top 25 Honeymoon Destinations in Tripadvisor ’ s prestigious Travelers ’ Choice Best of the Best Awards 2023 , Hoi An is so romantic — especially when the sun goes down and the lanterns come out . The resort offers a daily 45-minute transfer to this historic township .
Soak up a sunset cruise Cruising the Thu Bon River as the sun sets over Hoi An is a magical memory you ’ ll cherish forever .
Book a cooking class Many restaurants offer cooking classes where you can learn to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes , often starting with a market tour to select fresh ingredients .
Visit a tailor Hoi An is renowned for its tailoring boutiques , a tradition that dates to Chinese and Japanese traders and is now maintained by over 200 shops . These craftsmen can fashion bespoke garments in as little as 12 hours ! The town also boasts skilled shoemakers renowned for their meticulous craftsmanship .
See the world-renowned Vietnamese Bamboo Circus Teh Dar transports you to the world of Vietnamese highlanders with wild animal hunts , moonlit romances , and jungle tales of death and reincarnation . Featuring daring acrobatics and mesmerising tribal melodies , it ’ s an unforgettable experience located at Lune Center , at the confluence of the Thu Bon and Hoai Rivers .
Munch on bành mí from the best Nguyen Thi LÔc ( sometimes called Madam Khanh ) makes the best bánh mì in Hoi An and is a street food icon . You ’ ll find her shop , Bahn Mi Queen , 15 minutes north of the Thu Bon river . Book a table to eat upstairs in air-con or grab one on the go from the cart out front .
Take tea by the river Hoi An ’ s quaint riverside cafes make the perfect spot to enjoy a breather and a green tea ( the country ’ s national drink ) or Vietnamese coffee ( a strong drip coffee sweetened with condensed milk ).
See the sites Hoi An is home to many ancient temples and pagodas along with well-preserved historic homes .
Stroll the Hoi An Night Market Shop for local handicrafts , sample street food , and enjoy live performances .
Experience Hoi An after dark As night falls over Hoi An , the town turns up the charm , adorned with delicate paper lanterns that cast a soft glow outside every shop and restaurant . We highly recommend dinner at Morning Glory Signature restaurant , owned by international culinary figure Ms Vy , for a deliciously innovative take on traditional Vietnamese flavours .
Raise a glass and unwind at the Market Terrace bar This rooftop haven overlooking Hoi An ’ s bustling street market is the perfect perch to enjoy a drink as you take in the scenes below .
PHOTOS : POP ZEBRA ; KEVIN ET LAURYANNE LANGLAIS ; MINH PHAM ; UNSPLASH
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