You asked: We’re heading to the Nam Hai in Hoi An, Vietnam over the holidays and would love advice on what to do while there. J.S.

WHAT TO SEE & DO

Hoi An is known for its crafts and Hai Ba Trung and along Hoang Dieu streets are packed with shops selling silks, embroidered cotton, ceramics and all sorts of housewares. Many of the shops sell the same thing, so browse before buying and bargain on price. Many of the silk and cotton makers will make custom clothes. It’s best to bring a favorite style you like to have copied in a fabric of your choice. They can usually make them in one or two days, so you can pick them up. However, the larger shops will also ship internationally if you wanted embroidered linens for example. Handicraft Workshop 9 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Hoi An. Among the stores to look out for: Linh deco, Bambou, Bao Khanh, Thuong Gia, VN Colour.

Historic Houses There are many historic houses and buildings in the town and many, including the Museum of Ceramics, Museum of History and Culture and the Fukian Assembly Hall are well worth visiting for those interested in history and architecture. Two others that were private homes are the Historic Tan Ky House, a beautifully preserved historic house, which reveals the Japanese and Chinese design influences of the region, and the Tram Family Chapel and House. These can be arranged with a guide (always recommended) or the Tourism Office in town, which sells entry tickets.

Central market The market area on the riverbank is at its most lively early in the mornings when the fishermen bring their boats in.

River trip Be sure to take a boat trip up the river to see town life from the water.

WHERE TO EAT

Victoria Hotel Cua Dai Beach www.victoriahotel-asia.com This hotel between the sea and the river was inspired by a fishermen’s village and offers both Vietnamese menus and continental ones.

Brother’s Café 27-29 Phan Boi Chau www.brothercafehoan.com A charming colonial building in Hoi An houses a café that is popular with visitors. The chef also offers regular cooking classes and market tours. www.brothercafehoan.com

Nam Long 103 Cua Dai www.namlong-hoi. With a wonderful Asian décor and beautiful gardens surrounding the outdoor terraces with river views, Nam Long is worthy of its beloved status. Menus emphasize regional Vietnamese cuisine. The name means Dragon of the South.

Sa Long Lounge or The Lounge Bar 102 Nguyen Thai Hoc This wonderful shophouse has been transformed into a stylish lounge. Decorated with Asian furniture and artifacts, it has a “chill-out” lounge in the back that is known for good music.

Tam Tam Café 110 Nguyen Tahi Hoc Whether you choose to sit out on the terrace or inside in the bar or dining room, you can soak up the colonial Indochinese atmosphere that have made this one of the town’s most popular watering holes.

Thanh 76 Bach, Dang A small, casual restaurant in a historic house with a covered terrace, Thanh specializes in seafood.

NIGHTLIFE

The two most popular night clubs are at Zero Seamile the Hoi An Beach Club and King Kong Bar. Both are local favorites for drinking and dancing.

Read a member’s rave about the Nam Hai and tips for what to see and do.