Is Hoi An Too Touristy Now? | Brutally Honest Review

If you’ve been on Instagram lately, you’ve seen it—the glowing lanterns, the dreamy yellow streets, the postcard-perfect boat rides. Hoi An Old Town in Central Vietnam looks magical online. But is it really that charming in real life, or has it become a curated stage for tourists? In this final episode of our Central Vietnam travel series, we arrive in Hoi An with open eyes and rolling cameras to find out. We explore this UNESCO World Heritage town from sunrise to nightfall—documenting its quiet corners, tourist crowds, cultural landmarks, and everything in between. From morning markets and incense-filled temples to lantern boat rides and museum gems, we take a slow, honest look at what Hoi An is today: a mix of preserved history, living culture, and a fair share of commercialization. 🎒 What You’ll See in This Episode: • Early morning vendors and peaceful alleys before the crowds arrive • A candid look at Hoi An’s walking streets, temples, and the famous Japanese Covered Bridge • Encounters with artisans and museum curators sharing their stories and crafts • A brutally honest midday break (yes, it gets very hot) • The chaotic, glowing transformation of the riverside after sunset • Reflections on what authenticity means in a place shaped by tourism 🌍 Whether you’re planning a trip to Vietnam or just love thoughtful travel content, this video gives you a deeper, more balanced look at one of the country’s most talked-about destinations. 💭 Is Hoi An still worth visiting? Yes—and no. It depends on what you’re looking for. If you come expecting magic in every moment, you may feel disappointed by the crowds and commercialization. But if you slow down, step off the main path, and talk to the people who live and work here, Hoi An can still surprise you. For us, it was a fitting final chapter after traveling through Hue, exploring underground caves in Phong Nha, and cycling through rural Vietnam. A little more polished, a little more crowded—but still full of stories. 00:00 – Intro 00:55 – Early Morning Life 03:17 – Entrance to Hoi An Old Town 04:10 – History of Hoi An 05:18 – Chinese, Japanese, and European Influences 07:01 – The Reality of the Old Town 08:42 – A Pleasant Surprise 11:24 – Vietnam’s Ethnic Diversity 13:05 – Evening Scenes in the Old Town 14:03 – Another side to the Old Town 15:02 – Boats, Tourists and Lanterns 16:43 – An Honest Review of Hoi An 17:46 – Our last day in Vietnam 19:44 - Outro 🎬 This is the final episode in our Central Vietnam travel series—a journey through history, countryside life, and cultural contrasts. Thank you for following along. Whether you’ve watched every episode or just stumbled on this one, we’re so glad you’re here. #HoiAn #VietnameseFood #HoiAnFoodTour #VietnamTravel 📩 GET IN TOUCH at [email protected] 📱 FOLLOW US ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557363993931 Instagram: instagram.com/beyondatob_official 🎵 Music We Used - https://www.epidemicsound.com