Hoi An

Wooden Chinese shophouses, grand Japanese mansions and French colonial villas combine to make Hội An one of Vietnam's most atmospheric cities. Most of these well-preserved buildings have moved with the times, and the ground floors are now home to third-wave coffee shops, handicraft shops and bars. A stretch of palm-fringed coastline lies just outside the city, and with its slow pace of life, Hội An is the perfect spot to take a breather.

Hostels in Hội An often make the most of outdoor space – pools, terraces and gardens are common. Choose from elegant French colonial villas, traditional wooden homestays and individual bungalows set along the riverfront. Many Hội An hostels offer bicycle hire, which is the ideal way to explore the car-free Ancient Town and head out for a day on the sands of An Bang, Cua Dai and Ha My Beach.

The UNESCO-listed Ancient Town is home to the main bars, restaurants and shops. This is the heart of Hội An, with a unique mix of buildings dating back as far as the 15th century. To add some sun and surf to your cultural break, there are places to stay near Ha My Beach. Named one of the most beautiful beaches in Asia, it's all pristine sands and swaying coconut palms. It's just 15-minute drive from the city centre, too.

If you want to stroll through the atmospheric streets of Hội An Ancient Town, you'll need to buy a ticket. These give you free entry to any five of the city's 21 attractions – including the iconic Japanese covered bridge. One of the most popular things to do here is visit a tailor for made-to-measure clothes. A visit to the temple ruins of Mỹ Sơn, the capital of the Champa people, is a worthwhile day trip. The ancient buildings, showing damage from the Vietnam War, give a glimpse into the country's traumatic history.

The nearest airport is Da Nang International Airport. There are hourly shuttle buses, budget-friendly local buses (look for the yellow ones), or you can take a taxi, which takes around 45 minutes. Most long-distance buses go to Da Nang Central Bus Station rather than Hội An, as it's the region's largest city. After stepping off your sleeper bus in Da Nang, hop on a local bus at the same station.