We reached the UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi An just in time for dinner by the river at the Anantara Hoi An. We’d booked a stay here as it is one of the best hotels within the Old Town. It’s near enough for walking in and out and yet secluded enough for a holiday.

ABOUT THE BEST HOTEL IN HOI AN

To truly experience Hoi An at close range, the Anantara Hoi An is the perfect choice. It’s a combination of home-grown hospitality, comfortable rooms, and a unique location. We could reach everywhere on foot and also enjoy some tranquility when needed. The latter is especially nice as the hotel offers early morning yoga lessons; so travelers can combine culture and history with wellness and relaxation.

THE ROOMS AT THE ANANTARA HOI AN

The hotel is compact by international resort standards but it’s amazingly spacious for central Hoi An. We had a river view room with an outdoor terrace. We had an indoor living room and a bathroom as well that felt positively luxurious. All of 40 square meters right next to the river, the room offered simple and refined contemporary interiors.

The Anantara Hoi An is a combination of home-grown hospitality, comfortable rooms, and a unique location. We could reach everywhere on foot and also enjoy some tranquility when needed.

YOGA SESSIONS IN VIETNAM

Every day, our favorite ritual was to cross the garden and attend the 7 AM yoga session. Then we always headed on to Lanterns, the hotel’s colonial-style venue, for a buffet breakfast with wholesome offerings. We always spent hours just enjoying breakfast on the terrace, with a view of the river.

Perhaps the managers are enthusiasts for good eating, because the cereal and yoghurt topping assortment was a health buff’s dream. The fresh juices, too, were what we needed for a morning detox. And if we felt like it, there were also local Vietnamese delicacies as well.

Consequently, we often lingered at breakfast far longer than expected. And we always saved the traditional Vietnamese pho noodle soup for last, which was interesting as this was also often the first course of our lunch. 

Yes, in spite of our long breakfasts, we never missed lunch. Central Vietnam is a foodie destination so we always looked forward to each meal. So after a walk around town, we always wander back to Hoi An Riverside for spring rolls and bahn mi.

ELEGANT DINING VENUE IN HOI AN

The riverside restaurant of the Anantara Hoi An was also our venue for a relaxing dinner. At night, the terrace becomes an elegant space. The menu changes too, so we were always happy to eat here every evening and savor grilled seafood an local dishes over a bottle of wine.  

So this was where we inevitably ended up on our last evening in Hoi An, having grown accustomed to discussing the events of each day over a delicious meal at this restaurant that was so conducive for talking and plain enjoyment.

SUNSET CRUISE IN HOI AN

“What did you like best so far?” My companion asked me one day over a meal. The answer was easy. I replied: “I really liked the sunset cruise down the river.”

Just before dinner on one evening, you see, we‘d booked the hotel boat for a sail. There are many cruise options in Hoi An, but we liked the hotel’s long tail boat and the privacy at sunset.

LUXURY RIVER BOAT

Happily, the concierge suggested ordering appetizers for our sail as well. Of course, we were only too happy to comply with any ideas for food. What a surprise awaited us too. When we reached the boat, which is usually docked just in front of the hotel, a veritable feast awaited. Our attendant had laid out a spread of savory and sweet delicacies for the Vietnamese afternoon tea onboard.

So we’d rearranged the giant cushions at the front and poured ourselves some champagne while setting the tray of goodies between us, to experience Hoi An at sunset in truly unforgettable style.

Read more about traveling to Hoi An in Travelife Magazine.

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Cycling legend enjoys Vietnam

The two-day race featured contrasting compelling elements. On the first day, cyclists pedalled in the Bach Ma Laguna Challenge, which took place in Bach Ma National Park.

The next day riders vied for supremacy by the Gran Fondo Hue route. After passing through some of Vietnam’s most beautiful scenery, the race concluded in Hue, in front of the city’s citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

That was Evans’ first visit to Vietnam. Then he left the country, entranced by his experiences.

“I had been looking forward to riding in Vietnam. And I have to say I was blown away by the experience,” he said. “From a rider’s perspective it is totally unique. One minute you are cycling on flat roads past rice paddies and water buffalo; the next you are climbing up mountains covered in pristine jungle. It was really exhilarating.”

What’s great about Laguna Lang Co

The cycling wasn’t the only thing Evans loves about Vietnam. Along with other competitors, he bedded down at Laguna Lang Co, a main sponsor of the Coupe De Hue. During his stay, Evans gained an appreciation for another of Vietnam’s most potent drawcards: its legendary hospitality.

“The people in Vietnam are second to none,” he said. “For anyone looking for a unique destination for a cycling holiday, I can’t recommend the place highly enough.”

Active adventure in Vietnam

Evans’ endorsement is a boost for Laguna Lang Co; as well as Coupe de Hue supporter, leading inbound adventure travel operator Indotrek as they help Central Vietnam become a mecca for active adventure in Asia.

In addition to its support to Coupe De Hue, Laguna Lang Co developed other experiences for cyclists and other adventure seekers.

About the Bach Ma Laguna Challenge

Guests can ride climbs such as the famed Hai Van Pass or enter the next Bach Ma Laguna Challenge. Alternatively there is the flat fast circuit around picturesque Lap An Lagoon Lang Co. Many non-cycling activities also also include hiking, sea kayaking, and ATV and PWC safaris.

“We were delighted by the success of this year’s Coupe de Hue,” said Les Walters, Director of Activities at Laguna Lang Co. “The fact that it went so smoothly and was such a hit with riders — including with a racing legend like Cadel Evans who knows a great cycling destination when he sees one — really helps us to promote the area and showcase its natural beauty and incredible potential for active tourism.”

“As the Coupe de Hue showcased, Central Vietnam is a real hotspot for cycling and adventure travel,” said Adam de Lancey, Brand Manager at Indotrek, which played a leading role in organizing this year’s Coupe de Hue. With tougher rides complimented by simpler rides around destinations like Hoi An and Hue, there’s something for every ability.”

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