CAO LAU HOI AN ( HOI AN VERMICELLI ) – SPECIAL FOOD

CAO LAU HOI AN ( HOI AN VERMICELLI ) – SPECIAL FOOD

Visitors to Hoi An never forget Cao Lau (vermicelli), the special Hoi An and Quang Nam special symbol

WHERE TO EAT CAO LAU IN HOI AN ? 
Best choice : Ms Thanh ( 26 Thai Phien – Hoi An)
Price : 20.000 VNĐ – 25.000 VNĐ

 

Cao Lau is the foremost traditional Hoi An food. Visitors to Hoi An always remember Cao Lau, which was considered by Quang Nam people as a special symbol for Hoi An.
WHY CAO LAU IS SPECIAL ? 
Cao lau noodles are carefully made from local new sticky rice. Water used to soak rice must be taken from wells in the Ba Le Village; noodles thus will be soft, enduring and flavored with special sweet-smelling.

On the Cao Lau noodles were some meat slices mixed with fat made f-rom fried noodles served with vegetables and bean sprouts. Sharp-witted eaters would find out the specific flavor of the dish.

Dry pancakes used as ingredient must be thick with much sesame on the surface. Greasy coconut quintessence and bitter green cabbage are also indispensable. The so-called genuine Cao lau Hoi An must satisfy all above requirements.

It was said that only some wells in Hoi An were used to make Cao Lau noodles. What is more, only some Hoi An families were able to produce Cao Lau by their own traditional way, but the quality was not as good as it was before. Cao Lau did not have Vietnamese flavor. Despite its Chinese-like appearance, no Chinese accepted it as Chinese food. Until now, the origin of Cao Lau still remains in mystery.

By showing you where to eat cao lau in Hoian, We hope that you will be pleased with this local culinary dish .
If you need a tour guide as well a local friend, please contact me : +84.902.206.706 (Whatsapp,Line,Zalo,Viber,Wechat) or email hoianbudgetcarrental@gmail.com

BEST LOCAL FOODS IN HOI AN DA NANG

TOP 10 BEST LOCAL FOODS YOU MUST TRY IN HOI AN DA NANG

Central Vietnam is a culinary paradise, offering a diverse range of flavors and dishes that reflect the region’s rich cultural heritage. Hoi An and Da Nang, two of the most popular destinations in this area, are renowned for their unique and delicious local cuisine. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or a casual traveler, top 10 best local foods you must try in Hoi An Da Nang, will make your visit unforgettable. Utilising fresh greens, herbs, fish, meat. Once a prominent Vietnamese trading port, Hoi An’s or Da Nang’s specialities are the result of Chinese, French and Japanese influences.

1. Cao Lau

Cao Lau is a signature dish of Hoi An, featuring thick rice noodles, slices of Barbecued pork, greens, fresh herbs, and crispy croutons, all soaked in a savory broth. The unique texture of the noodles, which are said to be made with water from a specific local well, sets this dish apart. Price from 30.000 VND

  • Address : Ms Thanh Restaurant – 26 Thai Phien – Hoi An

2. Banh My

Hoi An’s version of the Vietnamese sandwich, Bánh Mì, is a must-try. Filled with a variety of ingredients like pate, pork, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs, this sandwich offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Price from 15.000 VND.

  • In Hoi An : Banh My Phuong (2B Phan Chau Trinh), Madam Khanh : 115 Tran Cao Van – Hoi An
  • In Da Nang : Ba Lan (62 Trung Nu Vuong)

3. Hoi An Chicken rice

Hoi An chicken rice (Vietnamese say Com Ga) is a flavorful dish made with shredded chicken, fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, and a mix of fresh herbs and vegetables. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that captures the essence of Hoi An’s culinary tradition.

  • Com ga Buoi : 22 Phan Chau Trinh – Hoi An
  • Com ga Hong : 48 Phan Chau Trinh – Hoi An

4. Quang Noodle (My Quang)

Quang noodle is a popular noodle dish in Da Nang, known for its vibrant yellow noodles, rich broth, and a variety of toppings such as shrimp, pork, and quail eggs. It’s typically garnished with fresh herbs, peanuts, and crispy rice crackers.

  • In Hoi An : Ong Hai (2B Truong Minh Luong)
  • Da Nang : 31 Duy Tan

5. Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Rice Pancake)

Banh Xeo has a crispy layer made of turmeric powder and rice flour, stuffed with various fillings like mung beans and meat or seafood, which is served with lots of vegetables and bean sprouts. These pancakes are typically wrapped in rice paper and dipped in a tangy sauce.

  • Da Nang : Banh Xeo Ba Duong (280/23 Hoang Dieu)
  • Hoi An : Ba Le Well (45/51 Tran Hung Dao)

6. Banh Bao Banh Vac

Banh bao vac is a local appetiser that resembles delicate white roses displayed on a platter. Each dumpling is made by wrapping shrimp or pork filling in flattened rice dough before cooking it in a steamer. Once soft and translucent, banh bao vac is carefully arranged on a flat plate, topped with shallots, and served with a dipping sauce made from shrimp broth, chillies, lemon and sugar.

Available at most local restaurants in Hoi An, the banh bao vac are supplied by a local family living on Hai Ba Trung Street, where you can witness how this trademark dish is made.

7. Banh dap

Banh dap is a traditional snack that’s exclusively available at Cam Nam Village, located about 10 minutes away from Hoi An Ancient Town. This cheap and tasty snack is made by placing a wet rice paper atop a crispy one before layering on some mung bean paste, fried shallots, and chopped spring onions.

Finally, another crispy rice paper covers the entire ensemble. It’s also known as smashing rice paper, as you get to crush the banh dap into pieces on the table before enjoying it with some fermented fish sauce with chillies.

8. Bun Cha Ca

Bun Cha Ca is one amazing dish. It’s on that fabled list of Da Nang food that, as Vietnamese people say, “cannot skip”. It’s that good! So what is it? It’s a noodle soup made with different kinds of fish cakes. Think of it as hot dog made out of fish. Of course, noodles and fish hot dog sounds pretty plain. But add in some tomato, pineapple, cabbage & bamboo, cook it for a couple hours and you’ve got one killer broth.

  • Address : 109 Nguyen Chi Thanh, Da Nang.

9. Goi Ca Nam O – Herring fish salad Nam O distric

This is a popular dish from Da nang city. It is made from fresh small fish fillets mixed with a variety of herbs, spices, and fish sauce, sesame. Nam O fish salad is usually served as an appetizer or side dish and often topped with a flavorful dressing. The fish is usually seasoned with garlic, lemongrass, chili peppers, and fish sauce, and the vegetables can include forest vegetables.

  • Address : Mr.Sinh 130 Huynh Thuc Khang, Da Nang.

10. Bun mam nem (Vermicelli salad with pork and anchovy sauce)

From Soc Trang province in Mekong Delta, bun mam nem now becomes popular with residents and visitors in Danang. It is one of the most delicious dishes that you must eat in Danang. Bun mam is specially made out of vermicelli, pork, vegetables, along with young papaya, peanuts, dried onions, and last but not least, anchovy sauce. As its name implies, the exquisiteness of this ensemble wholly depends on the taste of its anchovy sauce, which has a secret recipe that differs among restaurants.

DA NANG TO HOI AN

DA NANG TO HOI AN

“How to Get From Da Nang to Hoi An, how far is it? While Hoi An is a small and very walkable town, at some stage in your Hoi An trip you will probably need some form of transport.  Luckily, travel options in Hoi An are reliable and very affordable.”

Travelling from Da Nang to Hoi An is one of the easiest and most rewarding short trips in central Vietnam. It deserves careful planning to get the most from your time. Moreover, the route links a modern coastal city with a centuries-old trading town, so the contrast is striking and delightful. Therefore, this guide covers transport options, travel time, costs, suggested itineraries, sightseeing tips, luggage and safety advice, plus local food and practical suggestions to ensure a smooth  Viet Nam central transfer.

WHY TRAVEL FROM DA NANG TO HOI AN

  • First, Da Nang to Hoi An takes about 30–40 minutes by car, so many visitors base themselves in Da Nang.
  • Additionally, Da Nang’s international airport and better hotel options mean that travelers often arrive in Da Nang and then move on to Hoi An.
  • Furthermore, the coastal scenery between the two cities and the variety of transport choices make the journey pleasant as well as practical.
  • Therefore, whether you want a quick transfer, a scenic drive, or a relaxed shuttle, the route fits many travel styles.

DISTANCE AND TRAVEL TIME DA NANG TO HOI AN

The driving distance from Da Nang to Hoi An is approximately 30 kilometers by the most direct route, and therefore typical travel times range from 30 minutes to one hour. However, travel time varies with the exact pickup point in Da Nang and your chosen mode of transport. For example, private car or taxi trips generally take 30–45 minutes, while slower local buses may take closer to an hour. Moreover, if you ride a bicycle or motorbike for a more leisurely experience, budget extra time for stops and sightseeing along the way.

How should I get from Da Nang to Hoi An ?” 

TRANSPORT OPTIONS FOR DA NANG TO HOI AN

PRIVATE CAR 

Da Nang to Hoi An by car takes around 30 minutes. The easiest and most economical way for you to travel to Hoi An (if you have more than two people in your group) is to ‘rent a car & driver’. If you have a lot of suitcases or have more than four people in your group, rent a minibus & driver. Hoi An DaNang Private service is more cheaper than Grab – Public Taxi.The cost of a private car can vary, so it is a little hard to figure out an exact budget, but this is the easiest way to travel from Da Nang to Hoi An (from Hoi An to Da Nang).

For example: 16 usd from DaNang to Hoi An by Grab taxi. Private car is best service with 12 USD ( Driver is friendly. Car is new modern).

Next you have the option of grabbing a private car transfer.  These are especially convenient if you are travelling from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An. Your first option is to simply enquire at your hotel to see if they can pick you up. Once you have booked your stay in Hoi An, ask your hotel if they can arrange for a private car to pick you up. If they can, then you will want to give them your pickup address at the airport or wherever you are staying in Da Nang. But its more expensive with hotel pickup service. 

Click here to check price

BOOKING DA NANG TO HOI AN

AIRPORT SHUTTLE AND HOTEL TRANSFER

Many hotels and shuttle operators run scheduled services between Da Nang International Airport and Hoi An. Therefore, shuttles are cost-effective and reliable, particularly if you prefer fixed schedules.

TAXI 

Many locals consider a DaNang to Hoi An taxi the easiest way to get to HoiAn from DaNang. You won’t have to make any prior arrangements since you can catch a taxi from city center or the airport.

It is important to know though that the taxi drivers drive really fast and I would even go as far as to say that they are pretty crazy drivers!  Often there won’t be any seat belts in them either. 

For many solo travelers this might not be a problem, but for families, I’m sure you would invest a bit more money for a safer means of transfer!

 Also, to avoid scams, you should choose a well-known taxi brand:

  • Mai Linh Taxi: +84 511 352 5252
  • Song Han Taxi: +84 511 372 7272
  • Tien Sa Da Nang Taxi: +84 511 379 7979
  • Vinasun Taxi: +84 511 368 6868

PUBLIC BUS

This is our preferred way to get to Hoi An, as well as from Hoi An to Danang. A direct bus from Danang to Hoi An – Bus – for just 25.000 VND ($1). It will take a bit longer,  80 minutes to get to Hoi An.

The bus is well known as the yellow bus.

Bus services start at 5.30AM and stop operating at 18.00, with a frequency of 1 bus every 20 minutes.Use Google Maps  explorer to pinpoint the nearest bus stop near your stay and check out the DaNang to HoiAn bus timetable.

SHUTTLE BUS 

The Hoi An Express bus from Da Nang Airport to HoiAn is one of the most popular and convenient ways to travel to Hoi An.   The bus is very affordable and the drivers drive safely.

COST AND BOOKING ADVICE  

Generally, costs vary by transport type for Da Nang to Hoi An travel, and therefore choose based on budget and comfort. For example, private transfers cost more but offer direct service and comfort, while shuttle bus is cheaper yet slower.

Moreover, pre-booking private transfers or airport shuttles often secures better rates and avoids last-minute stress. Conversely, ride-hailing apps sometimes provide lower fares during off-peak hours, so check prices on the spot. Finally, if you rent a motorbike, confirm fuel costs and insurance coverage first.

RECOMMENDED APPS AND TOOLS

Use ride-hailing apps for instant transfers and to compare fares, and download offline maps if you plan to cycle or walk. Moreover, currency apps help you convert prices quickly, and language apps assist with basic Vietnamese phrases. Consequently, a few digital tools simplify the Da Nang journey and improve independence for travelers.