FOOD AND RESTAURANTS A well-known secret about living here’s that you’re never too far from a great place to indulge in Vietnam’s unofficial food capital. Local street stalls, Western classics, Vietnamese farm-to-table…you have it all here. www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 47
hoi an specialties Part of why Hoi An’s such a foodie haven is the sheer amount of unique dishes you can try without breaking the bank. For $3 or less, expect every local meal you try to come with heaps of flavor and freshness you won’t find in other parts of the world. 1. Cao Lau Hanoi is to pho as Hoi An is to Cao Lau. This tasty dish is available on almost every street corner in the city. It’s a perfect combination of rice vermicelli noodles and savory pork broth topped with succulent pork belly, crispy pork skins, and fresh Vietnamese herbs. What else can you ask for? Most places in Old Town sell it for 35-40k, but it gets cheaper as you leave town. Best Cao Lau Hotspot ầQuán Cao L u Thanh ườ ộ ảAddress: 26 Thái Phiên, Ph ng Minh An, H i An, Qu ng Nam Phone: +84 0 235 221 19 09 Price: 30,000 VND www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 48
hoi an specialties 2. my quang A popular local dish in the city. You can get My Quang with quail egg, pork, shrimp, beef, đặ ệor c bi t, which has a little bit of everything! Think flat, fettuccini-like rice noodles flavored with a bit of turmeric, savory broth, and a generous offering of peanuts and fresh herbs. Best my quang hotspot Mì 92 ầ ư Đạ ườ ộ ảAddress: 71 Tr n H ng o, Ph ng Minh An, H i An, Qu ng Nam Phone: +84 090 561 40 07 Price: 25,000 VND www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 49
hoi an specialties 3. Cơm Gà A popular local dish in the city. You can get My Quang with quail egg, pork, shrimp, beef, or đặ ệc bi t, which has a little bit of everything! Think flat, fettuccini-like rice noodles flavored with a bit of turmeric, savory broth, and a generous offering of peanuts and fresh herbs. Best Cơm Gà hotspot ơ ậC m Gà bà Thu n ư ườ ộ ảAddress: 17/4 Hai Bà Tr ng, Ph ng Minh An, H i An, Qu ng Nam Phone: +84 235 386 11 46 Price: 30-60,000 VND www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 50
hoi an specialties 4. Bánh mì This local gem isn’t just a random value-for- your-money snack. It’s probably one of the best sandwiches you’ll ever have. Most mixed banh mis in Hoi An come with the perfect combination of savory meats, fragrant herbs, and sweet chili sauce. No matter what type you get, you’re in for a mouthful of flavor in every single bite. Best Bánh mì hotspot Banh My Khang Huy Đứ ắ ộ ảAddress: 200 Tôn c Th ng, Tân An, H i An, Qu ng Nam, Vietnam Price: 15-20,000 VND www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 51
hoi an specialties 5. Hủ tiếu A lesser-known specialty in Hoi An, this hearty noodle dish will make your mouth water. You can eat it with or without broth, and it comes with fresh veggies and a juicy pork leg. Top it off with crushed peanuts and spices, and you have a gorgeous nutty-yet-savory mix that’s hard to replicate in any other dish. Best Hủ tiếu hotspot Quán bún Nga Đứ ắ ộ ảAddress: 147 Tôn c Th ng, Tân An, H i An, Qu ng Nam, Vietnam Price: 30-40,000 VND www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 52
international food There are times when you just want to change things up, even if you love the local cuisine. Luckily, Hoi An has you covered. You’ll find many foreign-owned restaurants in the city serving classic cuisines from different parts of the world! 1. Cadillac Bar and Grill A popular hangout with expats and tourists Buffalo Mac n' Cheese...yum! serving up classic American dishes like pizza, burritos, and melt-in-your-mouth BBQ. The owner and staff will really go out of their way to ensure you’re taken care of. One more thing, try their Buffalo mac n’ cheese. It’s to die for. ử Đạ ẩ ộ ảAddress: 225 C a i, C m Châu, H i An, Qu ng Nam Price Range: $$ Cuisine: American Hours: Mon-Thurs 12-10PM | Fri-Sat 12PM-12AM Available for: Dine-In, Pickup, Delivery www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 53
international food 2. Red Dragon Restaurant and Cooking Class If you’re looking for a gourmet meal at an unbeatable price, Red Dragon’s the place. This restaurant has a generous selection of items like their slow-roasted crackling pork belly, tangy papaya salad, or Vietnamese spring rolls made with fresh tuna. Make sure to try out their cooking class and learn some new tricks in the kitchen! Source: Red Dragon Facebook ử Đạ ẩ ộ ảAddress: 332 C a i, C m Châu, H i An, Qu ng Nam Price Range: $ Cuisine: Vietnamese, International Hours: Mon-Sun 11AM-10PM Available for: Dine-In, Pickup, Delivery www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 54
international food 3. Verdana Food and Drink Source: Verdana Facebook A stone’s throw from An Bang, Verdana’s a great place to start off your beach day. Indulge in their extensive list of warm bagels, finger-licking breakfast sandwiches, and fresh juices before you take your swim. Not an early riser? No worries! Enjoy this gastrogarden’s all-day breakfast fare and an ice-cold drink while vibing out at one of their regular live music events. Đ ư ẩ ộ ảAddress: . Hai Bà Tr ng, C m An, H i An, Qu ng Nam Price Range: $ Cuisine: Brunch, All Day Breakfast, Western Hours: Wed-Mon 9AM-9PM Available for: Dine-In, Pickup, Delivery www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 55
international food 4. Dingo Deli Source: Dingo Deli Facebook Dingo Deli’s been a popular spot with expats for years now. Its industrial-style interior and remarkable service will instantly remind you of a typical American-style deli. Besides serving scrumptious brunches and other Western classics, Dingo’s biggest draw is its mini-grocery store. If you’re feeling homesick, you’ll be happy to know that this one-stop shop carries those hard- to-find groceries from back home. ử Đạ ẩ ộ ảAddress: 463 C a i, C m Châu, H i An, Qu ng Nam Price Range: $$ Cuisine: Western, Brunch, Sandwiches Hours: Mon-Sun 9AM-6PM Available for: Dine-In, Pickup www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 56
international food 5. Nourish Eatery Nourish's savory chickpea burger Vegans and vegetarian nomads will love this place. This riverside gem serves some of the city's best plant-based meals! The best way to start the day is with some strong french press coffee and their filling smoothie bowl or signature chickpea burger. Unlike other restaurants, Nourish has nomad-friendly features like strong wifi and lots of wall plugs. This is the place to indulge in healthy foods while getting some serious work done. ễ ệ ẩ ộ ảAddress: 220a Nguy n Duy Hi u, C m Châu, H i An, Qu ng Nam Price Range: $$ Cuisine: Vegan/Vegetarian Hours: Mon-Sun 9AM-4PM Available for: Dine-In, Pickup, Delivery www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 57
international food 6. Mùa Source: Mùa Instagram Mùa blends fine-dining and farm-to-table concepts in such a way that you'll talk about it for years after your visit. If there’s a culinary experience you don’t want to miss while visiting Hoi An, it’s this one. Tru, Mùa's passionate head chef, ensures that everything you eat is made with local farmers' seasonal produce. From the rustic- yet-elegant interior to the immaculate presentation of every dish, Mùa will take you on a culinary journey from start to finish. ế ầ ẩ ộ ảAddress: Trà Qu Vegetable Garden, C u An Bàng, C m Hà, H i An, Qu ng Nam Price Range: $$$ Cuisine: Farm-to-Table, International Hours: Fri-Sun 1-9PM Available for: Dine-In Reservation Only www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 58
DELIVERY SERVICES Busy with a last-minute project? You can find loads of restaurants here that deliver through food delivery apps, their Facebook pages, or phone hotlines. The 3 main delivery apps in Hoi An work from roughly 8AM to 9PM every day. Outside of these times, ordering can be a little trickier. Your best bet would be to find a delivery restaurant’s Facebook page and order from there. www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 59
Food Delivery Apps in Hoi An 1. GrabEats When it comes to popularity and overall usability, Grab dominates. With the easy-to-use cuisine search option, you can narrow down your search and find the place you're looking for. The best feature the app has going for it, though, is its coupon system. I’ve gotten entire feasts for up to 60% off, thanks to Grab. The one biggest downside is that Grab won't accept foreign cards in Vietnam. But if you've got cash, you're good to go. 2. ShopeeFood K nown as a foreign card-friendly alternative to Grab, ShopeeFood has been growing in the country for the past couple of years. Using this app, I've never had any issues other than a few shop closures. You’ll see more local restaurants using this app. So if you’re craving some delicious Vietnamese grub at your doorstep, ShopeeFood’s a great choice. 3. Baemin Korean food delivery app giant Baemin made its debut in Vietnam this year. Time will tell if this app can outcompete the other two. From my experience, service is decent, but the selection’s still lagging behind its competitors. They have a good rewards program, so make sure to give it a try. www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 60
FACEBOOK DELIVERY If your favorite restaurant delivers and isn’t on one of these 3 apps, no worries! That’s where Facebook comes in handy. Most Vietnamese businesses in Hoi An have a Facebook page, so you can reach out to them directly for delivery. A lot of them also use Facebook groups like this one to share their menus, delivery hours, or sweet deals you can’t pass up. www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 61
health Even if you’re completely healthy, you never know what’ll happen during your travels. For starters, make sure to invest in decent travel or health insurance like Safety Wing to protect yourself. You’re better off having one and not needing it than vice-versa! If you ever do need medical care, Hoi An has all the basics. Local pharmacies are ốeverywhere for any over-the-counter medicine. Just search for nhà thu c Hoi An and chances are you’ll never be too far from one. There are two major hospitals and a few small clinics with friendly English-speaking doctors. Da Nang, Vietnam’s third-largest city, is a quick 35-minute drive from town if you need more specialized care. If you’re in an emergency while you’re here, I made you a quick list of numbers you can call at any time: National Emergency Numbers 1. Police: 113 2: Firefighters: 114 3. Ambulance: 115 Hospitals 1. Pacific Hospital (International): Đ ườ ộ ảAddress: 6 Phan ình Phùng, Ph ng Minh An, tp. H i An, Qu ng Nam Phone: +84 (0) 235 392 16 56 2. Hoi An Hospital (Public) ầ ư Đạ ơ ộ ảAddress: 4 Tr n H ng o, S n Phong, H i An, Qu ng Nam Prone: +84 (0) 235 391 46 60 www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 62
FITNESS The best part about living in the city is to see how active people are here. The locals here always find time to take a sunrise or sunset walk, do some yoga on the beach, or play soccer in the park. Hoi An is also a pretty compact city, so I've met fellow nomads who are perfectly fine getting around by foot or bicycle. If you’re looking for an actual gym, though, there are a ton of places to choose from. Fitness centers range from free outdoor gyms in parks to cutting-edge fitness centers with complimentary towel service and cold water. Nearly all local gyms lack air conditioning, except for the high-end ones. When the windows are open, they'll only have a few ceiling fans running, so keep that in mind when you sign up. When it rains, it really isn't an issue, but dude, seriously. Bring a gym towel when it’s hot out, you’ll thank me later! www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 63
LOcal gym list 1. Clb Thể Hình Trịnh Xuân My personal favorite. This gym’s located right outside the city center, and it’s run by a friendly local family. It’s really affordable and has basically everything you need for a good workout. The gym has relatively new weights, a cardio section, and a spacious area for ab workouts. And the owner speaks English, which is a huge plus. Location: 36 ễNguy n Tuân, Tân An, Hội An, ảQu ng Nam Hours: Monday-Sunday 6AM-11AM | 2PM-8PM Phone: 090 530 06 08 Price Range: $ 2. Tuấn Toàn Fitness & Yoga I went to this gym for a while, and it’s an affordable, decent place for a workout. It can be hard to find at first because of its basement location. The inside’s very similar to other local gyms in the area with the usual ceiling fans, weights, cardio machines, and a small room to do your ab workouts. Feel free to join some of their weekly classes if you get a chance! Location: ĩ ố ộ ả01 Ngô S Liên, Tân An, Thành ph H i An, Qu ng Nam Hours: Monday-Sunday 6AM-11AM | 2PM-8PM Phone: 093 546 42 34 Price Range: $ www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 64
high-end gyms 1. Superfit Hoi An If you want a more comfortable workout, you’re going to love SuperFit. This is a favorite gym among nomads, with friendly staff and all the amenities you would find in a gym back home. It’s air-conditioned, has towel service, free wifi, spacious locker rooms, clean saunas, tons of classes to choose from. Oh yeah, the juice bar right next to it is the best for a healthy post-workout snack! Location: 101 Lý Thái Tổ, Sơn Phong, Hội An, ảQu ng Nam Hours: Monday-Sunday 5AM-8PM Phone: 0235 3938 333 Price Range: $$ ộ2. Crossfit - Boxing & Fitness H i An If you love Crossfit or you’re just looking for a gym with more classes, this place ticks all the boxes. Like Superfit, it has friendly staff and all the conveniences of a high-end gym. But this place also hosts a boxing area, CrossFit programs, and other specialized equipment that’ll keep your workout entertaining. Location: ầTr n Nhân Tông, Cẩm Thanh, Hội An, ảQu ng Nam Hours: Monday-Sunday 5AM-8PM Phone: 0339 415 246 Price Range: $$ www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 65
EVENTS AND NIGHTLIFE After a long day, you probably want a great place to relax and have a great time. If you’re a party animal, you’ll find Hoi An’s nightlife to be pretty tame. The city has a few festivals and beach raves here and there, but nothing compared to what you’ll find in big cities. Picture Baliesque beachside bars and restaurants with chill live music instead of Vinahouse-blaring rave bars. If that’s your scene, most nomads who live here go up to Da Nang for the weekend if they’re looking to party. www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 66
top bars and pubs in Hoi An 1. 3 Dragons Sports Bar and Restaurant A popular riverside sports bar, enjoy some ice-cold beer and tasty bar food in the heart of Old Town. 3 Dragons have a weekly schedule to ensure you don’t miss your favorite team’s game even if you’re on the other side of the world. Make sure to head to one of their weekly Trivia Pub Quizzes or one of their movie events for some weeknight fun! Source: 3 Dragons Facebook Đườ ộ ẩ ộ ảAddress: 51 ng Phan B i Châu, C m Châu, H i An, Qu ng Nam Price Range: $$ Hours: Mon-Sun 10:30AM-10PM Types of Events: Weekly Pub Quiz, Live Music www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 67
top bars and pubs in Hoi An 2. Salt Pub Source: Salt Pub Facebook Great food, weekend live music, beachside views to die for…this seaside pub has everything. It’s a chill place to have a night out with friends and take in some gorgeous views. Their food, especially their BBQ, is to die for. Make sure to get there a bit earlier and take advantage of their generous happy hour! :) ễ ẩ ộ ảAddress: 32 Nguy n Phan Vinh, C m An, H i An, Qu ng Nam Price Range: $$ Cuisine: Vietnamese, International Hours: Mon-Sun 11AM-10PM Types of Events: Weekend Live Music, Holiday Events www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 68
top bars and pubs in Hoi An 3. Tiki 7 by 7 Source: Tiki 7 By 7 Facebook Tiki 7 by 7’s a craft beer connoisseur’s dream come true. They have a strong selection of local and international brews. If beer’s not your thing, then indulge in Tiki 7’s signature cocktails, NY-style pizza, and weekend live music that brings the whole community together for a fun time. ể ẩ ộ ảAddress: Bi n An Bàng, C m An, H i An, Qu ng Nam Price Range: $$$ Cuisine: Vietnamese, International Hours: Mon-Sun 11AM-10PM Types of Events: Weekend Live Music, Holiday Events www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 69
top bars and pubs in Hoi An 4. Hill Station Source: Hill Station Facebook This riverside boutique restaurant’s the perfect place for a classy yet laid-back night out. Hill Station’s menu and wine list give it a unique European flair you can’t experience in other places around town. They have regular events like charcuterie nights, holiday buffets, and chill live music. ễ ệ ẩ ộ ảAddress: 321 Nguy n Duy Hi u, C m Châu, H i An, Qu ng Nam Price Range: $$$ Hours: Mon-Sun 11AM-10PM Types of Events: Live Music, Food Tasing, Holiday Events www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 70
THINGS TO DO The best part about digital nomading’s the chance to play tourist in virtually every city you go to. Hoi An is by and large one of Vietnam’s most prominent tourist destinations, so you’ll have plenty of things to do during your stay. If you want to book with a credible tour operator, download the Klook app and get $5 off your first tour! I’ve used it so many times during my time in Southeast Asia, and all of my experiences have been nothing short of remarkable. They have a vast selection ranging from group tours to decked-out private VIP excursions. Every guide is knowledgeable, English-speaking, and genuinely cares about giving you the best experience. www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 71
things to do in Hoi An Get Lost in Old Town You can’t visit Hoi An without spending at least a few hours in its iconic Old Town. Explore historic shophouses and museums that each tell a part of Hoi An’s rich past. After a day’s walk, enjoy some local food and drinks at one of their many riverside restaurants. Sit back and relax as you take in bright, colorful lantern lights bringing this ancient city to life. www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 72
TAKE A DAY TRIP TO MỸ SƠN TEMPLE Exploring this UNESCO Heritage site’s a great way to learn more about Central Vietnam’s ancient history. Built between the 4th and 14th centuries, these temples were created by the Champa Kingdom in honor of the Hindu goddess Shiva. Most tours come with a local lunch and a pleasant boat ride back to the city. www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 73
ENJOY A WEEKEND BEACH GETAWAY AT CHAM ISLAND This tiny island’s white-sand beaches make you want to relax with a fresh coconut and enjoy the warm sea breeze. Most people opt for a day tour where you can have fun snorkeling, learning how to scuba dive, or simply enjoying some beach hopping. If you have time, stay the night and enjoy a fresh seafood dinner or bioluminescent plankton watching in one of the island’s main fishing villages. www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 74
things to do in Hoi An Learn to cook some tasty Vietnamese food Food’s a huge part of any culture, and Vietnam’s no different. This one-of-a-kind experience gives you the knowledge of bringing a piece of Vietnamese cooking wherever you go. Being the de facto food capital it is, you’ll find many restaurants like Red Dragon willing to teach you the basics of Vietnamese cuisine. Learn Some Survival Vietnamese If you’re a digital nomad staying for a while in Vietnam, why not learn some basic Vietnamese? Trust me, learning some survival phrases will make your life so much easier. Thuy from GoVietnamese has fun and Snapstay smoothie bowls and Vietnamese interactive classes that can help you master classes are the best combo! Vietnamese in no time. Make friends with other nomads while you guys try your luck at learning this notoriously hard language! www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 75
NOMAD PACKING LIST: HOI AN SUMMER TOPS SUMMER BOTTOMS SANDALS/FLIP FLOPS BATHING SUITS SHOES/SNEAKERS SOCKS +UNDIES LIGHT JACKET/RAINCOAT PASSORT + VISA ELECTRONICS CHARGER CAMERA ATM CARD + CASH TOILETRIES + SUNSCREEN
HOI AN CITY MAP I made your life a little easier with a detailed Google map with every place mentioned in this book! www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 77
Section 04 FINAL THOUGHTS www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 78
final thoughts I don't know why more nomads don't base themselves here. While it isn’t as dynamic as bigger Vietnamese cities, Hoi An has everything a digital nomad needs to thrive. There are comfortable places to stay, super-fast WiFi, a small but inclusive nomad community, etc. For less than $600 a month, you have access to a living museum like Old Town, world-renowned beaches like An Bang, and in close proximity to a major city if you want some hustle-bustle. But it’s ultimately up to you and where you want to take your journey next. As I told you initially, this blueprint has everything you need to live comfortably as a digital nomad in Hoi An. But please, use it as a starting point. The best part about being a nomad’s the chance to create your story about a place. That’s why getting yourself out there’s the best way for you to experience a city, especially one as iconic as Hoi An. If you have any questions, comments, or just want to say hi and exchange travel stories, don’t hesitate to reach out! Shoot me an email at [email protected], and I promise I’ll get back to you ASAP. Safe travels and stay safe, fellow nomad! www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 79
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