A Half-Term Guide to Hoi An: Culture, Cocktails, and Coastal Charm

Hoi An never fails to capture hearts. With its quiet alleys and vibrant lanterns swaying gently over the Thu Bồn River, this UNESCO-listed town is pure magic, especially when explored slowly.

And if you’re one of those heroic teachers counting down to half-term (11th–19th), congratulations, you’ve earned this. This guide rounds up some of Hoi An’s best culture, cocktails, and coastal charm. From riverside resorts to sake-fused nightcaps, we’ve got your perfect getaway sorted.

Spotlight: Hèm Hội An – Sake Việt by Mezcal Coctelería

Just opened in October, Hèm is Vietnam’s first Viet Sake Bar and already one of the most talked-about hideaways in town.

Tucked inside a weathered yellow heritage house in Hoi An’s Old Town, Hèm feels like it’s been there forever. Candlelight flickers off chipped turquoise walls. The air smells faintly of rice, citrus, and something deeply nostalgic.

Created by the team behind Mezcal Coctelería, Hèm takes Japanese sake traditions and spins them with Vietnamese ingredients: pandan, lemongrass, even Phú Quốc peppercorns, crafting cocktails that are both elegant and unexpected.

The founders spent 18 months travelling across Vietnam, learning about local rice spirits and experimenting with sake blends that mirror Vietnamese flavour profiles and Japanese umami. The result? Drinks that taste like stories.

“In a time when AI is sweeping away ancestral knowledge, with all things Hèm, we chose the old-school way — the do-it-yourself way.”

This isn’t just another bar. It’s a mood. A love letter to craftsmanship and imperfection. A place for dreamers, travellers, and anyone who likes their cocktails with a side of poetry.

Must try: Their signature sake cocktails, especially the pandan or lemongrass creations.

General Information:

• Address: 317 Nguyen Duy Hieu, Hoi An, Vietnam
• Phone: 070 610 9505
• Opening hours: Opens daily 6 PM – 12 AM
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Hem-Hoi-An-61578563596653/ 

Where to Stay in Hoi An

Hoi An offers something for every kind of traveller, from riverside luxury to barefoot beach hostels where flip-flops are practically formalwear.

1. Anantara Hoi An Resort

Less than a kilometre from the Old Town Hoi An, this elegant riverside retreat has all the trimmings: sunset cruises, manicured gardens, and the kind of spa that could turn a grumpy Ofsted inspector into a zen master. 

Expect colonial charm, impeccable service, and rooms that make you want to write poetry.

General Information:

• Address: 1 Pham Hong Thai, Cam Chau, Hoi An, Quang Nam
• Phone: 0235 3914 555

2. La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa

Set amid rice fields with four dreamy pools, La Siesta is where the world slows down and stress politely excuses itself. Sip herbal tea post-massage at La Spa, float in the saltwater pool, or just admire the swaying palms from your private balcony. Ideal for couples, honeymooners, or anyone who’s allergic to chaos.

General Information:

• Address: 132 Hung Vuong, Cam Pho Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam
• Phone: 0235 3915 913
• Opening hours: Opens 24/7

3. Little Riverside Hoi An

This boutique beauty sits right on the Thu Bồn River and is all about timeless charm with modern comfort. Think sunrises from your balcony, rooftop cocktails at the Sky Bar, and a private beach shuttle to An Bang for lazy afternoons. 

Their Ozone Spa is your half-term homework excuse: “Sorry, can’t mark papers, I’ve got a massage.”

General Information:

• Address: 09 Phan Boi Chau, Cam Chau, Hoi An, Quang Nam
• Phone: 0235 3575 555
• Opening hours: Opens 24/7

4. Fuse Hostels & Travel

If you’re after good vibes, cheap beers, and a crowd that thinks sleep is optional, Fuse is your tribe. The Old Town location keeps you close to the action, while the Beachside Hostel offers pool parties, live music, and ocean views. 

Bonus: their team runs some of the most fun local tours in town (and yes, hangovers are allowed).

General Information:

• Address:
  • Hoi An Old Town Hostel: 126 Nguyen Truong To, Minh An Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam
  • Hoi An Beachside Hostel: 25 Nguyen Phan Vinh, Cam An, Hoi An, Quang Nam
• Phone:
  • Hoi An Old Town Hostel: 0235 3757 772
  • Hoi An Beachside Hostel: 0235 3757 775

Nightlife & Dining: What to Eat and Drink

Hoi An’s food scene is pure temptation and the best part? Many of its most creative spots come from the same inspired crew behind Hèm.

1. Mezcal Coctelería

The creator of Hèm bar. The original temple of agave in Vietnam. 

Expect moody lighting, arched brick ceilings, and a bar team that treats mezcal like an art form. Their smoky margaritas have achieved cult status, and their tasting flights could double as spiritual experiences. 

Bring friends or make new ones over mezcal-fuelled wisdom.

General Information:

• Address: 38 Phan Chu Trinh, Minh An Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam
• Phone: 0783 473 846
• Opening hours: Opens daily 6 – 11:45 PM

2. Market Bar – Market Terrace

Perched above Hoi An’s market chaos, this rooftop gem offers front-row seats to the town’s evening buzz. The gin infusions are dangerously good, the wine list extensive, and the happy hour dangerously generous. Ideal for that golden-hour selfie you’ll pretend was candid.

General Information:

• Address: Bach Dang/02 Hoang Dieu, Cam Chau, Hoi An, Quang Nam
• Phone: 0985 807 783
• Opening hours: Opens daily 4 – 11 PM

3. Ms. Phương’s Fish & Chips

Born from a lockdown kitchen, this chippy has quickly become a Hoi An institution. Think golden batter, fluffy chips, and homemade tartar sauce. 

Even better, they’ve got vegan and vegetarian options that don’t compromise on flavour. Grab a seat, pour on the vinegar, and pretend you’re seaside in Brighton (with better weather).

General Information:

• Address: Terrace 2, Hoi An Cloth Market, Bach Dang and Hoang Dieu Streets, Hoi An, Quang Nam
• Phone: 0369 876 322
• Opening hours: Opens daily 4 – 11 PM

4. Refillables Hoi An

Part shop, part café, all good vibes. Bring your own jars, refill eco-friendly essentials, and munch on healthy bites between sightseeing. They often host local eco-events so you can sip a smoothie, save the planet, and feel smug about it.

General Information:

• Address: Thanh Dong, Hamlet 5, Cam Thanh, Hoi An, Quang Nam
• Phone: 0981 792 249
• Opening hours: Opens daily 9 AM – 4:30 PM (closes on Sundays)

Hèm’s Neighbourhood: Good Company

Hèm doesn’t just stand alone, it sits in one of Hoi An’s most delicious neighbourhoods, surrounded by culinary legends and cool newcomers that make this little corner of town a food lover’s dream.

1. The Hill Station

Once a colonial villa, now a deli bar oozing charm. Expect imported cheeses, cold cuts, and hearty European fare served alongside local wines. Perfect for a lazy afternoon or a quiet nightcap before wandering back to your lantern-lit stay.

General Information:

• Address: 321 Nguyen Duy Hieu, Cam Chau, Hoi An, Quang Nam
• Phone: 0235 6292 999
• Opening hours: Opens daily 7 AM – 10 PM

2. Vincognito – Wine Bar & Italian Trattoria

Tucked inside an art-deco villa, Vincognito is effortlessly romantic. Chef Alessio Rasom (yes, the Michelin alumnus) and host Carl Thomas have created a space that blends Italian warmth with Hoi An soul. 

Expect impeccable wines, authentic dishes, and background music that whispers “one more glass”.

General Information:

• Address: 47/6 Tran Hung Dao, Hoi An, Quang Nam
• Phone: 0934 740 229
• Opening hours: Opens daily 11 AM – 12 AM

3. Hidden Thaigher – Thai Restaurant

Run by Bangkok-born Maew and Chef Alessio, Hidden Thaigher serves bold, fragrant Thai dishes with fine-dining finesse. Think tom yum with attitude and curries that make your tastebuds dance. Come hungry. Leave happy. Probably come back.

General Information:

• Address: 47/6 Tran Hung Dao, Minh An Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam
• Phone: 0934 740 229
• Opening hours: Opens daily 11 AM – 10 PM

Local Tip: All these venues (including Hèm!) offer a members card giving you 10% off across their restaurants and bars. One card, multiple nights out! Your wallet will thank you.

Wide Eyed Tours: Exploring Hoi An Beyond the Bar

When you’re not sipping cocktails or floating in infinity pools, Hoi An’s got plenty to keep you enchanted (and slightly sunburnt).

If you want to go beyond the guidebook, the award-winning travel team Wide Eyed Tours is your ticket to the real Hoi An. 

Join a lantern-making workshop, cycle through emerald rice paddies, or hop on a bamboo basket boat with locals who know every bend in the river. Their tours blend authenticity, culture, and just the right amount of chaos, ideal for teachers used to managing both.

General Information:

• Address: 27 Nguyen Phan Vinh, An Bang, Vietnam
• Phone: 0235 3864 262
• Opening hours: https://www.wideeyedtours.com/ 

A Toast to Hoi An

Hoi An is all about discovery and Hèm is its latest hidden gem. From handcrafted sake cocktails to stories told through candlelight, it’s a place that celebrates patience, creativity, and the beauty of imperfection.

So, teachers, shut that laptop, drop the red pen, and let Hoi An remind you why holidays exist. Because if ever a town knew how to restore a weary soul (and serve it a drink while doing so), it’s this one.

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