Many travellers' favourite town in Vietnam, Hoi An is a historic and enchanting town,  just ten minutes from a quiet stretch of beach.

This once-bustling port town has a colourful blend of French, Chinese and Japanese-influenced architecture, canals, bridges and temples, and the lack of noisy traffic (no cars are allowed on the main streets) means you can take it all in in relative peace and quiet.

Its waterfront area is alive with boutique hotels, eateries and tailor shops, and art and craft shops.

Hoi An really offers the best of both worlds, with an old-town atmosphere, with winding streets, old temples and ancient meeting halls so close to the beach.

If you have time, try to fit in a visit to the ruins of My Son Sanctuary, an ancient Hindu tower temple complex close to Hoi An.