The historic coastal riverside town of Hoi An has been known to travellers since at least the middle of the last millenium, when it was a major port of call for merchants from Japan, China and even Arabia. These traders made use of the port's facilities and built a formidable town, until its importance waned as the Hoi An river silted up and international focus shifted to the coastal port of Danang. 
Hoi An is now enjoying something of a renaissance as tourists flock to the once peaceful town. The ancient streets and temples have withstood this modern onslaught remarkably well, and Hoi An remains a "must see" on any tour of Vietnam. The streets themselves - narrow and faced with formidable frontages of ancient "shop-houses" - together with the town's remarkable and eclectic architectural styles, evoke a feeling of times gone by, and it isn't difficult to imagine the town of three- or four hundred years ago, bustling with trade and enjoying its economic and cultural heyday.
These days, the trade is almost entirely tourism-related, although the town retains its traditional market, and other glimpses of Vietnamese life are visible at almost every turn. The influx of tourists has translated into a good range of decent accommodation to suit most tastes and budgets, from simple guesthouses to fully-fledged four-star resorts on the banks of the river or on the beach itself (located a short distance from town). Likewise, dining in this caostal town is a pleasure, with some of the best seafood in Vietnam offered at very reasonable prices. Nightlife is simple and fairly understated, usually consisting of a promenade along the riverfront, a drink or two and a meal, then perhaps a nightcap - no place for ravers here. 
Day trips can be taken from Hoi An to nearby My Son with its Cham ruins, and to Danang's China Beach and Marble Mountains (or even to the city itself - many travellers prefer to stay in Hoi An rather than the neighbouring, rather grim and faceless city).
                                                                               Source: elefantguideasia.com

Dinning & Restaurant

Dining out in Hoi An
Hoi An's rich and varied history with its attendant cultural influences from around the region and the world has left a legacy of truly inspirational cuisine. The most famous local speciality is Cao Lau, a noodle dish somewhat akin to a marriage between noodle soup and salad, with thick flat rice noodles floating in a thin broth, topped with meat (usually pork) and plenty of greenery. The dish is be eaten hot and is a tasty, filling (and cheap) staple for both Hoi An residents and visitors to the city.
The second local speciality, not to be missed, is "White Rose", a steamed dumpling - somewhat akin to wonton but steamed not fried - filled with a tasty pork and herb mixture, a great snack food which should be tried at least once on any visit to Hoi An.
And of course, there's the excellent seafood, served at a variety of restaurants in the ancient town beside the river and at Cua Dai beach. In fact, Hoi An's seafood is reputed to be among the best available in Vietnam and also some of the best value - a superb meal can be had for just a few dollars per head, although some of the better restaurants are a little pricier (though these still offer excellent value for money - The Elephant recommends Hoi An Hai San for truly excellent fish dishes).
With the town's renaissance as a tourist mecca, Hoi An is also home to a wide variety of classy (and some not so classy) international restaurants serving a wide variety of cuisines from around the world. Homesick Brits will find an excellent English Breakfast at the Yellow Star Cafe while those of a more Gallic persuasion will enjoy the simple yet highly satisfying dishes on offer at Tam Tam Cafe and other Francophile restaurants and cafes around town.
Hoi An is liberally sprinkled with small cafes and bars offering cheap bites to hungry tourists, and Italian cuisine is particularly well represented in the town with three pizzerias, one (Good Morning Vietnam) with an Italian chef and manager. Finally, there's even an Indian Tandoori restaurant - Omar's - serving tasty curries at pleasingly cheap prices.
So no one need go hungry when visiting Hoi An, and everyone should be able to find an agreeable restaurant at a price that won't break the bank.
- Vietnamese cuisine and seafood restaurants  
- International restaurants, French Bistros, Italian Trattoria & Bristish Cafes

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