Tailor shops are abundant in the old town, offering everything from men's suits and silk shirts to traditional Vietnamese dresses and robes. They're a big draw for tourists and lend the old town much of its charm. These shops are actually just for taking measurements and orders, the tailoring being outsourced. Regardless, you can walk away with an incredibly well made, bespoke item inside of three days.

Although it can get fiercely hot in high season, Hoi An's flat topography and breezy cradle between the beach and river makes it ideal for cycling, especially early in the day. Trace the road along the riverfront and cross over to the larger islands to see Vietnamese rural life at its most picturesque, complete with half-built pagodas, water buffalos and miles of rice paddies. You can pick up a bike from almost any hotel or guesthouse.

Vietnamese cuisine is rightly celebrated for its interplay of flavour, texture and its regionality and no meal does this so well as Cao Lau. Just like Hoi An's architecture, this signature local dish reflects the town's multicultural past. Thick, udon-style noodles nestle in an unmistakably Vietnamese gravy, topped with barbecued pork, slivers of crackling, and a side of fresh, minty local greens to add at your discretion. Legend has it that Cao Lau noodles can only be made with water from a specific well in the old town. For the best Cao Lau during the day, try any of the busier stalls in the central market. Once the sun goes down, head across the bridge to An Hoi island and skirt left along the river's edge until you reach the last stand, Hi! restaurant. It's great alongside their duck spring rolls.

Another local speciality, albeit one you can get all across Vietnam, Mi Quang (meaning Quang style noodles). It features flat, deliciously slippery rice noodles in a slightly sweet broth, usually topped with pork, shrimp, herbs and, if you're getting the real deal, a toasted square of sesame rice paper. Although named for the noodles, the broth here is the real star; rich, intense, artfully spiced. This is another one you're best off sampling in the market. If, however, you're feeling adventurous you can get an even better bowl at the street stands of neighbouring Da Nang, although the surroundings won't be nearly as atmospheric.

Bia hoi - fresh, frothy short-brewed draft beer - is unbeatable for fighting Vietnam's pounding heat. Bought fresh every day by small bars and street stalls, these kegs serve up a drink light and fruity enough to win over even the most staunch beer dodger. Famously easy on the wallet, it costs the equivalent of around 10 pence. In Hoi An, bia hoi has found its perfect accompaniment: fried wontons. A hangover from its Chinese merchant past, these crispy, sauce-topped treats offer a salty, crunchy contrast to your refreshing beer. This duo is available all over Hoi An but is best sampled at Minh Hien vegetarian restaurant, after or alongside the crispy tofu skin garlic rice or turmeric noodles.