Hoi An’s ancient town, a perfectly frozen capsule in time, is nestled right in the midst of central Vietnam. Its narrow alleys interlaced with the yellow two-story shophouses bursting with restaurants, tailors, cafes and leather shops make me crave this little city on the daily. And with a cafe scene to make any hipster let their man-bun down, you know it’s already at the top of my list for best places to visit in Vietnam.

I mean, I’ve never met anyone who didn’t love Hoi An. The charming canals, pretty pagodas and charismatic colonial buildings make it one of the most magical places to spend a few nights. And just when we didn’t think this ancient city could get any more spectacular, we checked into our room at the stunning Anantara’s Hoi An Resort.

So whether you’re looking to spend a couple days basking in the beauty of Hoi An or you’re looking to escape for a quick weekend away, keep scrolling to add these must-see, must-do and must-stay spots to your Hoi An bucket list!

Checking-In To Anantara Hoi An Resort

A short flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang, and a comfortable 45 minute transfer later, we wound up at the breathtaking Anantara Hoi An Resort. With its wonderful vistas, lush gardens and waterfront views of the Thu Bon River, my heart skipped a beat knowing this would be my last visit to Hoi An before returning home to Toronto, Canada. What a way to remember it!

Less than a kilometer from the historic UNESCO World Heritage Site, Anantara Hoi An’s boutique luxury hotel feels as if you’re stepping into an oasis of elegance and comfort. The soothing sounds of their lotus pond welcome you into an enchanting cove of colonial architecture and Vietnamese charm. Checking-in to the beauty of this riverside escape, we couldn’t help but feel the excitement soaking in as the wonderful staff showed us to our room!

A Beautiful Oasis Overlooking The Riverside

As we walked into our boutique abode, my jaw nearly hit the floor in anticipation for the next three nights! From the crisp clean linens, to the luxurious bathtub followed by touches of colourful elegance in the lounge area and the beautiful photography by local artist, Réhahn, hanging above our beds. Our room was a delightful treat! With a ‘welcome’ written in petals on our beds and a small cheese board to pair nicely with the bottle of merlot we were left with to enjoy, we soaked in riverfront views and relaxed from our balcony. It just didn’t seem possible for life to get any better!

But, before we knew it, it was time to peel ourselves out of total relaxation, hang up our hotel robes, and get ready to wine and dine at the captivating Art Space.

Wine & Dine Amongst Artistic Creation

Anantara Hoi An is home to the chic convergence where art meets creative dining. Art Space is the newest art gallery in Hoi An, which blends modern East-West cuisine that features locally caught seafood and 3D printed desserts. Enjoy a glass of wine on their outdoor terrace or dig into some freshly baked pizzas straight from their wood oven. Aside from the delicious delicacies offered up at Art Space, you can admire the incredible local art which lines the walls, the extraordinary prints from famous photographers as well as the seasonal exhibitions that are sure to take your breath away!

On the last Friday of each month Art Space puts on their monthly event ‘Wine Me Down Friday’ where you can enjoy free-flow wines and beers from their ever growing selection of imports and locally crafted beverages. Special treats from their Chef are also offered to tease your taste buds and let me tell you, you just can’t get enough! It’s definitely a fun-filled Friday with live music, flowing drinks and beautiful pieces of art.

Checkout Art Space on Instagram @artspace.hoian or on their website at artspacehoian.com

Photo by @artspace.hoian

Breakfast By The Riverside

After chatting away the night at Art Space, we woke up refreshed and energized for a day of exploring! But not before breakfast… and coffee.

Your morning cup of coffee comes with a splash of the scenic Hoi An river below at Anantara Hoi An’s Lanterns Restaurant! Talk about breakfast with a view. As we planned out our day ahead we nibbled away at our tasty breakfast bites. Their buffet of freshly baked French pastries, tropical fruits, live cooking stations, traditional Vietnamese dishes and endless cups of coffee set us up for a day filled with cute cafes and ancient alley ways.

But before heading out, I just had to go back for one more plate of their bánh bèo (a small rice and tapioca flour cake). I’ve never tried this version of bánh bèo with a specialty stew topping it off, but you best believe both me and my plate got up to get a third helping. My mouth just waters thinking about these little guys!

How To Spend Your Days Wandering Hoi An

It’s easy to spend your days sipping cà phê sữa đá, wandering endlessly through the alleyways of Hoi An and devouring the incredible street food that’s found on every corner. And really, there is no better way to get to know Hoi An than doing just that. To give you a little bit of direction on how to spend your days, here are a couple fun things to do in this incredibly stunning town:

→ Get Tailor Made Clothes Because It Is Hoi An After All

Before even getting off the plane in Da Nang we knew we’d be visiting a tailor in Hoi An. I mean it’s the tailor capital of Vietnam, you’d be silly not to get something made that fits you like a glove. So our first order of business was visiting IZI Wear Hoi An. We heard good things about this tailor, decided to give them a try and we were so glad we did. They gave us exactly what we asked for, were open to any alterations we wanted and finished everything within 24hours. Talk about same day delivery!

Location: 26 Trần Phú, Old Town, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Việt Nam

You can chat to them on Instagram or just checkout some of their work at @iziwear

→ Get To Know Hoi An From Above

Up a couple flights of narrow stairs you’ll be enjoying your coffee above the pretty little windy streets of yellow ancient town. Both Faifo and 92 Station have gorgeous, rustic rooftops to enjoy that tried and true Vietnamese coffee.

Faifo Location: 130 Trần Phú, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Việt Nam

92 Station Location: 92 Trần Phú, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam 564007, Việt Nam

Checkout Faifo on Instagram @faifocoffee and 92 Station @92station_restaurant_and_cafe

→ Visit Anthony Bourdain’s Favourite Bánh Mì Spot

We love Anthony’s love for Vietnam and he couldn’t have been more right on this one, Bánh Mì Phượng is still one of the best places to grab a quick bánh mì in Hoi An. Still made in their traditional fashion Bánh Mì Phượng fills their sandwiches with love and deliciousness. It’s a must visit, even if not for a bánh mì because their whole menu offers up yummy options!

Location: 2b Phan Chu Trinh, Cẩm Châu, Hội An, Quảng Nam 560000, Việt Nam

→ Bike Through The Ancient Winding Streets

Anantara Hoi An offers free bike rentals for their guests, which is a great way to see the city. We took them out first thing in the morning, riding all over town, stopping to grab coffee and go shopping at all the cute little shops lining the street.

→ Enjoy A Specialty Coffee At The Espresso Station

You have to check out one of my favourite coffee stops in Hoi An, The Espresso Station. Not only do they have the best cup of coffee around, but their menu offers endless options for unique and innovative coffees. Give their charcoal coffee a wirral, check out their coffee ice cubes or try out the best egg in Vietnam (in my personal opinion)!

Location: 28/2 Trần Hưng Đạo, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Việt Nam

Check them out on Instagram @the_espresso_station

→ Indulge In Hoi An’s Infamous Dish Cao lầu

You just can’t come to Hoi An without sitting on a plastic stool and slurping down a bowl of cao lầu. Now, I’ve been around the cao lầu block a few times and my favourite still stands. Quan Trung not only dishes out some delicious cao lầu and cháo vịt (duck soup) but their stall has been around for over 70 years being passed down from generation to generation!

Location is across the street from this pagoda, his stall is right up against the yellow alleyway wall, you'll be sure to see his sign (look for Quan Trung): 10 Trần Phú, Cẩm Châu, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Việt Nam

→ Wander Through The Lively Night Market

Just when you thought Hoi An couldn’t get any prettier, the sun sets. Vendors pull out their stalls, everyone begins setting up shop, boats fill the river, lanterns are lit up and the city is alive once again.

→ Get Custom Made Shoes & Bags

Aside from being the tailor capital of Vietnam, Hoi An also boasts handmade leather goods! I’ve had beautiful bags made and inexpensive sandals crafted. My favourite place to have shoes made is Bi 99 (which amazingly is across the street from Anantara Hoi An). Due to Covid, her shop isn’t open daily (maybe when things start ramping back up it will be), but you can just give her a call at the number posted on her shop!

Location: 12 Đường Phạm Hồng Thái, Cẩm Châu, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Việt Nam

Late Afternoons Lounging By The Pool

Luckily, Sam and I are early birds (reasonable early birds) which usually leaves our afternoons open for a poolside lounge after a morning of exploring. Unwinding under the sun with Anantara Hoi An’s beautiful backdrop leaves it next to impossible not to soak up all the relaxation they have to offer!

The pool seems to call our names in late afternoons when the sun is blazing and a refreshing drink is the only thing on our mind. Each day we took up our bar stools at Reflections Pool Bar ready to quench our thirst before hopping in the pool for an afternoon dip!

Sunset Cruise Down The Hoi An River

A sunset cruise through the canals of Hoi An is a dreamy escape from the hustle and bustle of Hoi An’s winding streets. Anantara Hoi An offers sunset cruises aboard their traditional long tail boat each night. With tasty platters of varying appetizers and tropical fruits and a choice of wine and beer, there is no better way to enjoy Hoi An as the sky slowly melts into evening.

As we sipped our glasses of sav blanc, we soaked in the sights of a different side of Hoi An. Floating through the canals alongside ancient yellow houses and tall grass, we watched the waters sparkle as the sun set into the city. Anantara Hoi An’s sunset cruise was the magic we’d been looking for in this ancient town. Truly a fairytale moment shared with my bestie!

Hoi An Riverside’s Full Moon Buffet

After a magical cocktail hour cruising down the Hoi An river, it was time to enjoy an exquisite dinner at Anantara Hoi An’s enchanting Hoi An Riverside Restaurant. In the midst of riverside scenery, Hoi An Riverside delves into refreshing Vietnamese-flavors, local delicacies and tasty seafood.

Each month, Hoi An Riverside celebrates the full moon by hosting a lavish buffet experience you won’t want to miss. With cultural traditions embracing this phase of the moon’s cycle, they’ve highlighted traditional Vietnamese cuisine in a delectable way. With live food stalls, seafood barbeque stations and a selection of local delicacies, prepare to be transported into a culinary cosmos of Vietnamese cuisine.

Price: VND 350,000 net per person

Checking-Out Of Anantara Hoi An

No matter how much time you spend in Hoi An, it never seems to be enough. The charming canals, pretty pagodas and charismatic colonial buildings truly make it one of the most magical places to getaway. Our time was slowly coming to an end at Anantara Hoi An as we watched the early morning fishermen patrol the river while eating our breakfast.

Our three days in Hoi An came and went so fast, but we couldn’t have asked for a more perfect way to enjoy this ancient town than in the company of Anantara Hoi An and their incredible staff. With the warmest welcome from Kate and Ms. Hai, to the incredible Mr. Tai and Mr. Ngoc who made our sunset cruise so magical, everyone at Anantara Hoi An was just so incredibly friendly and accommodating. Our time here was truly unforgettable and we are so appreciative of everyone at Anantara Hoi An.

It was a sad and heartfelt goodbye to Anantara Hoi An. We truly did not want to leave, but knowing this is how I would leave Hoi An with my only plans to revisit being a couple years away, I could not have asked for a better way to keep Hoi An in my heart. I will definitely be returning to Anantara Hoi An as soon as I return to Vietnam!

Thank you again to everyone at Anantara Hoi An who made one of my final Vietnam trips an incredible one!

What You Need To Know!

Location: Anantara Hoi An, 1 Đường Phạm Hồng Thái, Cẩm Châu, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Việt Nam

Find Anantara Hoi An Resort Online: 

Instagram @anantarahoian
Facebook @anantarahoianresort
Website www.Anantara.com

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If you have any questions you can also find me on Instagram @AlyshiaTurchyn! Don’t be afraid to reach out!

May 11, 2021 No comments

Dreamy beaches, balmy cocktails, dazzling warm seas, lush scenery and endless sunshine. Those are just some of the ideal ingredients needed to cook up that coveted tropical vacation. Vietnam’s lush coastline is total bliss for adventure seekers and sun enthusiasts alike. Offering up its own sultry charm while dazzling visitors with its natural beauty, Vietnam is an ultimate haven for beach lovers. Myself included!

The coastal fishing town of Mũi Né, Phan Thiết, may just have the best recipe for a tropical beach vacation. From stunning beaches to tropical forests, sand dunes to traditional fishing harbours, luxurious accommodations to ancient structures, Mũi Né has it all. And being only four hours east of Ho Chi Minh City, it’s no wonder Phan Thiết is a place I keep coming back to again and again!

Anantara Mui Ne Resort, a tropical, luxurious retreat which is home to breathtaking villas and scenic suites. Where its infinity pool and tropical gardens generously spill onto the pristine Bai Rang beach. With 10 km of golden sandy beaches to frolic through, there was not a doubt in our minds that Anantara Mui Ne would be anything less than perfect.

So, whether you’re looking for fun weekend getaway ideas just outside of Ho Chi Minh City, things to do in Mũi Né or a fabulously located resort right on the beach, keep scrolling to see how you can have a dreamy weekend getaway in Vietnam’s dazzling Mũi Né, Phan Thiết as well!

How To Get To Anantara Mui Ne From Ho Chi Minh City

After a short four hour stint on a private transfer from Saigon we made it to the stunning Anantara Mui Ne. Our private transfer, setup through Anantara Mui Ne, was the perfect way to start our vacation. Thanks to Mr. Nga, Anantara Mui Ne’s personal driver, those four little hours flew by. And to top it off Mr. Nga himself was beyond accommodating, always making sure we were comfortable, relaxed and ready to hit the road. The perks to private transfers with Mr. Nga are endless, a luxurious D’car limousine, door-to-door pick up and drop off, fast transfer time, smart TV and complimentary drinks and snacks.

Another option on getting to Mũi Né includes the bus (sleeperbus), which will take you from Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1 right into Mũi Né. My two personal favourite bus companies to travel between Ho Chi Minh City and Mũi Né directly are Phuong Trang (Futa Bus) and Hanh Cafe Bus Services.

There is also the option to take the train from Ho Chi Minh City, however the train stops only in Phan Thiết City meaning you will have to catch a bus or taxi into Mũi Né.

Checking-In To Anantara Mui Ne

Arriving at Anantara Mui Ne was like stepping into an oasis of elegance and comfort. Walking up the steps into their open air lobby gave us all a flutter of excitement. Our girl's getaway was definitely going to be one for the books!

There’s nothing like a good welcome drink and an exclusive Anantara Mui Ne coconut cake to refresh you as you settle in and take a look around at your new weekend retreat.Yay! As we relaxed in the open-air lobby, sipping our drinks and nibbling away at our tasty coconut cakes, we each were treated to a mini neck massage by the Spa masseuse. Talk about a warm welcome!

Offering an exclusive and unique way to experience the southern coast of Vietnam, I can honestly say Anantara Mui Ne expertly blends Vietnamese charm with legendary service and modern comforts. Looking out from their stunning lobby, the views were absolutely endless. Just as your eye catches the resort’s lagoon you’re pulled onward to what seems to be an infinite infinity pool and out to the sandy beaches and sparkling waters of the Southern China Sea. Anantara Mui Ne itself, with its dark wood features, decorative yet, traditional Vietnamese elements and its elegant, sophisticated design create an intimate ambiance where you instantly feel at ease.

Once our rooms were ready and we had officially checked-in, Anantara Mui Ne’s wonderful staff, who made us feel at home, showed us to our room!

Radiant Rooms & Private Villas

The walk to our room alone was enough to make our jaws drop. Tiny streams with koi fish running throughout the property, starfruit and dragon fruit trees popping up on every corner and of course those tall palms hanging overhead. Anantara Mui Ne unquestionably offers up a tropical ambiance that seems worlds away from Vietnam’s urban bustle and we couldn’t be more excited to see what our own private garden villa had in store!

As Rose and Ms. Liễu pushed open the gates to our standalone villa, we practically jumped for joy. A beautiful central courtyard, with private swimming pool and sunken outdoor dining pavilion all to ourselves? I had to pinch Lee, we must be dreaming!

As we opened the door to our bedroom villa we were greeted with the contemporary grace that is Anantara Mui Ne. Infused with touches of Vietnamese charm, the room aesthetic flowed from the crisp clean linens, to the tropical outdoor shower, to the large flat screen TV, to the plush pillows and luxurious mattress. Welcome Alyshia and Lee, written in petals on our beds and a picnic basket filled with treats and goodies specifically made for us by Chef Minh! Wow, what a warm welcome it has been! Not even 30 minutes into our arrival and we were all on cloud nine.

Alongside their pool villas which are dotted throughout their lush tropical gardens, Anantara Mui Ne also offers rooms and suites located in their serenely designed main building.

A Beachside Infinite Infinity Pool

A weekend spent by the pool, napping under the sun and swimming up to the bar is a weekend well spent. From a little morning dip in our villa to the poolside lounger calling my name next to the beach, we soaked up that sun like no other. A little pool-side relaxation never hurt nobody, especially if it’s next to an endless infinity pool.

And let’s face it, when you’re on vacation getting out of the pool to order a cocktail is … well, unthinkable. It’s truly an injustice! A swim up bar is irresistible. Pina coladas, bloody marys, strawberry daiquiris and margaritas on repeat, without ever having to leave the pool? Absolute bliss!

Anantara Mui Ne’s infinite infinity pool offers endless views and a beautiful backdrop to a day of unwinding, meaning it’s next to impossible not to soak up all the relaxation they have to offer!

Divine Dining At Anantara Mui Ne

Eating is critical to the overall holiday experience and Anantara Mui Ne’s restaurants are setting trends, not following them. All of the restaurants found throughout their resort showcase the fresh flavours of Vietnam as well as exquisite international cuisine. There is nothing yummier than exploring fine delicacies in a tropical paradise without having to venture very far.

L'Anmien Restaurant hosts a casual setting overlooking Anantara Mui Ne’s own breathtaking lagoon and onto the ocean beyond. L'Anmien is where we began each day with a breakfast buffet of freshly baked pastries, tropical fruits, live cooking stations, traditional Vietnamese dishes, create-your-own-crepe bar and endless cups of coffee! Lunch here is a la carte with bistro fare, Asian delicacies and Vietnamese street foods. Dinner serves up various themes each evening and offers dining out on the terrace or the ability to reserve a private wine room where flights of wine are paired with Asian tapas. Yum!

Thung Restaurant is Anantara Mui Ne’s delicious shoreline grill. A fresh local catch of the day and stunning ocean views of Mũi Né? Yes please! Moving from the pool to their beach side restaurant always seemed to be an easy transition. Feasting on their Phan Thiet Scallops and Green-Lipped Mussels or Luc Lac Beef was always a highlight.

Aside from Anantara Mui Ne's more formal restaurants, Flow Bar offers up oceanfront refreshments and light bites to enjoy from the comforts of your poolside lounger! We really took a liking to their Calamari and Buffalo Wings whenever we needed a little nibble!

Dining By Design

The meal that may have just trumped every meal I’ve had in my life to date was our Anantara Mui Ne Dining by Design experience. A candlelit table overlooking the ocean, a fantastic live saxophonist and a mouthwatering menu, simply made for an unforgettable night! Fine dining in an unrivalled private setting, Anantara Mui Ne spoiled us with a spread of heavenly delights.

After being led out to our beautiful awaiting table and cheersing to a spectacular night, our starters began to arrive. A beautiful beetroot, pomelo, walnut, goat cheese salad, warm herbed bread and fresh oysters topped with salmon roe were an excellent start to our evening.

Following our starters, a savoury soup poured from the Gods was brought over. A tangy ginger broth poured over fresh local seafood and vegetables was the perfect way to treat our taste buds before the main course.

For the main event, Mr. Binh, our incredible server presented us with an exquisite grand seafood platter of local shovel nosed lobster, blue sea crabs, the catch of the day, grilled shrimp and octopus. And just as we thought dinner couldn’t possibly get any better, a second grand platter of Australian Angus beef fillet, New Zealand lamb rack, grilled vegetables and bacon wrapped enoki arrived. Our eyes wide with excitement, we plunged into our phenomenal meal head first.

Dessert was a beautiful yuzu crème brulée served in a fresh coconut. It was certainly a perfect way to put an end to a fabulous meal. Our Dining by Design meal was prepared by Anantara Mui Ne’s talented and skilled Executive Chef Minh. You can truly taste the passion and dedication he has for his craft as the exquisite flavours come through in every dish. It was certainly a meal to remember lifetime!

Relax, Rejuvenate & Renew At Anantara Mui Ne’s Spa

No holiday would be complete without a nice relaxing trip to the spa. Am I right? I hardly take time out of my week to pamper myself as it is, so why not unwind the right way, in a lush tropical setting! Full relaxation mode had been activated and I couldn’t wait to feel total tranquility!

Anantara Mui Ne’s onsite spa gathers indigenous ingredients from their local surroundings to incorporate into every aspect of your treatment and it is undoubtedly a highlight of their spa menu. We completely and utterly indulged in their natural Mũi Né homemade coconut scrub and opted for a fabulous coconut oil massage!

Their onsite spa has two treatment suites with a steam room and Jacuzzi, three deluxe treatment rooms and also a hair and nail salon. Their signature spa treatment, the Vietnamese Experience, is a 90 minute session, which begins in full body purification in the steam room and ends with their signature full-body massage, which pays homage to indigenous healing traditions.

We all left our massages cool, calm, collected and craving more! A proper massage was just what we needed after what seemed to be the longest working week anticipating our trip to Mũi Né!

Checking-Out Of Anantara Mui Ne

Anantara Mui Ne, the perfect weekend getaway under the Phan Thiết sun. There is no better feeling than lounging in the elegance that is this absolutely stunning beachside resort. The incredible architecture and touches of Vietnamese design make this a destination not to miss! We had such a fantastic weekend at Anantara Mui Ne, it will be one to remember for years to come!

For our final girls weekend altogether, before all going our separate ways, we couldn’t have asked for a more perfect way to spend time together in a more than perfect place. But, it wouldn’t have been the most incredible weekend without the warmest welcome from the staff at Anantara Mui Ne. From the second we stepped foot onto the resort, we were greeted by Rose and Ms. Liễu’s friendly faces. They were the bubbliest, most generous and hospitable hosts you could imagine. They always made sure we were comfortable and had everything we needed! On top of making sure we enjoyed our time they were incredibly funny people and we always found ourselves sharing stories and laughing. Kurt, Anantara Mui Ne’s General Manager, was also incredibly wonderful, leaving us a handwritten welcome note in each of our rooms and always checking in with us to make sure we were set for the day! From Mr. Binh and Mr. Loan who went above and beyond for us, to Mr. Thanh who consistently poured up the best Vietnamese coffee I’ve had to date, to Mr. Nga our incredible private driver, everyone was so accommodating, helpful and respectful. We were so lucky to be surrounded by such marvelous people at Anantara Mui Ne’s resort and we certainly left happy to have made some new friends on our weekend away!

With such a warm welcome into the Anantara Mui Ne, it was definitely a sad and heartfelt goodbye. We truly did not want to leave and as I’m sure you know, I could go on and on about our impeccable weekend, but truly we could not have asked for a better experience overall! I will definitely be returning to Anantara Mui Ne as soon as I can!

Thank you again to everyone at Anantara Mui Ne who made our final girls trip an incredible one!