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Hoi An Tourist Attractions: 12 Best Places to Visit in Hoi An

Hoi An is one of the most popular destinations in Vietnam, and for good reason. This charming city in central Vietnam is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves the rich heritage of a former trading port. Hoi An is famous for its well-preserved ancient town, where you can admire the architecture, lanterns, and bridges that reflect the influences of Chinese, Japanese, French, and Vietnamese cultures. Hoi An is also a paradise for foodies, as it offers a variety of delicious dishes, such as cao lau, banh mi, and mi quang. But Hoi An is not only about the old town. There are many other attractions that you can explore in and around Hoi An, such as historical sites, temples, pagodas, villages, beaches, islands, and forests. In this article, we will introduce you to 12 of the best Hoi An tourist attractions that you should not miss on your trip to this enchanting city

Table of Contents

1. Hoi An Ancient Town

2. tan ky old house, 3. chua ong pagoda, 4. phuc kien assembly hall, 5. japanese covered bridge, 6. thanh ha pottery village, 7. kim bong carpentry village, 8. an bang beach, 9. bay mau coconut forest, 10. my son sanctuary, 11. tra que vegetables village, 12. cham island.

Typical yellow houses in Hoi An Ancient Town (Source: Lê Rồng Photography)

It is undeniable that Hoi An Ancient Town is a must-visit attraction in Hoi An. It is well-known for a Southeast Asian trading port dating back the 16th and 17th centuries. Nowadays, this old town appeals a large number of domestic and foreign travelers thanks to its peaceful atmosphere, charming beauty of restaurants, café shops and full of historic yellow and wood buildings in a traditional Chinese style. It was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Hoi An was recently ranked third among the list of the world’s top 25 cities in 2020 by Travel+Leisure Magazine. It is the result of the magazine’s annual survey of readers’ travel experiences in the cities they’ve been to. The vote is based on the following criteria: scenery, vision, culture, cuisine, locals’ friendliness, shopping, and mutual values.

Entrance fee : Included in Hoi An Ancient Town day-time ticket (120,000 VND/ visitor).

Tan Ky Old House was built in 1741 by a Vietnamese family, and has been preserved through 7 generations. The architecture of this house is combination of Japanese, Chinese and Vietnamese styles. There are 4 small rooms in the house with different purposes: one for welcoming the Chinese merchants, one for living room, courtyard and bedroom. Especially, all are no windows.

Foreign tourists visiting Tan Ky Old House – a perfect example of the 18th-century merchant’s residence

This old house was designed by the most skillful artisans of the famous Kim Bong village at that time. Wood is the main material for the house but stone (from Thanh Hoa Province) and floor tiles (from Bat Trang ceramic village) are used in many details such as flooring, wall, furnishings… All of them make the house cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Over 200 years old, Tan Ky Old House still remains unique features in the interior decoration and objects from ancient times. It is also recognized as a national historical-cultural relic in Vietnam in 1990.

Address : No. 101 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Minh An District, Hoi An. Opening time : 8:30am – 5:45pm. Entrance fee : Free.

Chua Ong Pagoda, also called Quan Cong Temple, was built in the middle of the 17th century. It was recognized as a “National Historic and Cultural Site” in 1991. This temple is dedicated to Quan Cong, who was an ancient Chinese general, lived in the time of “Three Warring Kingdoms” (3rd century AD). He was well-known for his talent, a talented, courage, loyalty, integrity, compassion and righteousness in the feudal time of China.

The facade of Chua Ong Pagoda

The pagoda’s structure consists of 3 parts: front hall, open yard and back hall and it followed the Chinese architecture at that time. Despite many restorations, the temple is almost kept the same original structure.

Address : 24 Tran Phu, Cam Chau, Hoi An Opening time : 6am – 5pm, every day Entrance fee : Included in Hoi An Ancient Town day-time ticket (120,000 VND/ visitor).

The three entrance gate to Phuc Kien Assembly Hall

Phuc Kien Assembly Hall or Fujian Assembly Hall was built in 1690 by Chinses people living in Hoi An. It was served as a gathering place for the Chinese residents and traders from Fujian, China, then transformed into a religious site dedicated to Thien Hau Thanh Mau – the Goddess of the sea and the protector of sailors. Phuc Kien Assembly Hall is well-recognized for its gorgeous and sophisticated Chinese-style architecture in a vast space. The Assembly Hall is divided into separate areas including large ornate gate, colorful courtyard, lake, backside, backyard, 2 corridors and ornamental plant. There is full of statues, bronze bells, bronze drums and lacquered works of art engraved with Chinese characters… and a lot of animal pictures and statues such as dragons, unicorns, phoenix and turtles… The whole combination and arrangement of every element in the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall tend to imply the Chinese philosophy of happiness.

Location : No. 46 Tran Phu Street, Cam Chau, Hoi An. Opening time : 7am – 5pm. Entrance fee : Included in Hoi An Ancient Town day-time ticket (120,000 VND/ visitor).

Hoi An’s iconic Japanese Covered Bridge on Thu Bon river

Japanese Covered Bridge, also known as Lai Vien Kieu or Chua Cau, is the unique architectural heritage built by Japanese traders in the 16th century. The bridge is covered with a wooden pagoda roof with decorative details reflecting the harmonious combination between Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and Western architectural styles. In spite of several restorations over years, the Japanese Covered Bridge is well preserved and becomes an iconic symbol of Hoi An. The image of this famous bridge is printed on one side of 20,000 VND note. You may see many people holding it up while taking a photo with the bridge itself. Inside the bridge, there is a small temple dedicated to Tran Vo Bac De, the Taoist God of weather, who protects believers during earthquakes and floods.

Location : Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Minh An District, Hoi An Ancient Town. Opening time : All day. Entrance fee : Included in Hoi An Ancient Town day-time ticket (120,000 VND/ visitor).

Just 3km from Hoi An Ancient Town to the West, Thanh Ha pottery village can be reached by bicycle, motorbike or by boat along Thu Bon river. This ancient village was established in the 16th century when people from Thanh Hoa province came here to build a new life with their traditional craft pottery. Undergoing over 400 years, Thanh Ha pottery village is still preserved its original intact beauty and values. Today, there are not many villagers following the traditional profession but some artisans still love and conserve the ancient pottery-making techniques and also revive the pottery village to become a tourist attraction.

An old man making pottery product in Thanh Ha Pottery Village

The products in Thanh Ha village are mainly household wares serving the daily life of the local people in domestic market. They are bowls, jars, pots and decorative wares. Tourists coming here will have opportunity to see pottery-making process, admire traditional terracotta products as well as try hands-on experience to make your own product. To avoid the heat and crowd of tour groups, it is suggested to visit the village on weekdays and in the morning.

Location : Block 5, Thanh Ha Ward, Hoi An. Opening time : 8am – 5:30pm, every day. Entrance fee : 35,000 VND/ visitor.

Kim Bong is known as the most reputable carpentry village in Cam Kim commune, Hoi An. Most of the ancient architectures of Hoi An’s heyday was built by the talented carpenters of Kim Bong village. Originated from the North and also acquired some quintessence of Champa Kingdom, Chinese, Japanese sculptural traditions and of course, skillful hands of Vietnamese craftsmen, Kim Bong’s products have become more and more ingenious. For many years, Kim Bong village has developed vigorously and formed 3 groups of artisans: ancient architectural construction, shipbuilding and civil wooden furniture.

Tourists exploring a workshop in Kim Bong Carpentry Village

From the old town, the village is accessible by boat along Thu Bon river or by bicycle. Here visitors will have chance see the artisans working with their skillful hands on the crafts, admire special works such as the clove carved 1,000 dragons made of bamboos, the image of Japanese Covered Bridge and buy some specialties as souvenirs. Besides, riding around the Kim Bong carpentry village is an interesting activity to get closer touch with daily local life, learn the farm work such as weaving mats, bamboo knit, and also enjoy the local dishes.

Address : Trung Ha, Cam Kim commune, Hoi An. Opening time : 7am – 5pm, every day.

Stunning An Bang beach with white smooth sand and clear blue water

An Bang Beach is one of the best beaches in Hoi An with the wild beauty of white smooth sand, green trees along the beach and several bamboo basket boats. It is quite peaceful, still pristine and suitable for both locals and tourists who are looking for a relaxing place. Here is a home to many beachfront resorts, seafood restaurants and hippy bars which you can find easily along the coastline. Tourists visiting An Bang beach can participate in some of the most popular activities, including swimming, paddle-boarding and surfing. The best time to visit An Bang beach is between March and September when the weather is fairly pleasant with calm waters. But it is pretty crowded during this time.

Address : 7km north of Hoi An Ancient Town Transportation : Bicycle, motorbike, taxi or private car

Located in Cam Thanh commune, 5km from Hoi An ancient town, Bay Mau coconut forest is known as a right place to get wonderful coracle rowing experience, thus it attracts a large number of tourists. It is the green tourism area and also the “lung” of Hoi An and nearby areas. Here is the habitat of many marine animals such as shrimp, crab and mollusks.

Tourists experiencing a bamboo basket boat ride in Bay Mau Coconut Forest

Nothing is more interesting than joining with local fishermen on the river and enjoying hands-on experience to explore the wetland ecosystem and understand more about the local daily life. Besides, you can participate in some exciting activities like baskets boating, visiting coconut forest, tasting the fresh sea-foods on the boat… The small boats will bring you float under the coconut leaf canopy to enjoy the green and boundless space of water coconut trees. It seems make all pressure of busy life disappear to prepare energy for a new day.

Address: Van Lang, Cam Thanh commune, 5km east of Hoi An Ancient Town Entrance fee: 150,000 VND/ a basket boat/ 2 people.

My Son Sanctuary is a group of temple-towers of Cham people, an imperial city during the Champa Kingdom. It was officially recognized as the UNESCO’s World Heritage in 1999. Nestling in a narrow valley surrounded by mountains, My Son Sanctuary comprises 70 architectural works including temples and towers which connect to each other with complicated red brick designs. Each group has a main temple worship Linga – a symbol of Shiva, one of senior triple gods in Indian Hinduism. The main tower is for the deities of Champa people, and the smaller tower is for worship of Champa’s king.

My Son Sanctuary – a great sample of the ancient Champa civilization

According to records on the stone stele, the prime foundation of the ancient My Son architectural complex was a wooden temple to worship the Diva Bhadresvera genie. Through stone stele and royal dynasties, they proved My Son to be the most important Holy Land of the Cham people from the late 4th to the 13th centuries. For those who are into history and Cham architecture, My Son Sanctuary is the perfect place to discover. It is a harmonious combination between cultural values and the natural beauty.

Address : My Son, Duy Xuyen District, Quang Nam Province, 40km away from Hoi An Ancient Town Opening time : 6am – 5pm. Entrance fee : 150,000 VND/ visitor.

Tra Que village is named after the sweet scented vegetables that spice up the everyday meals of the Hoi An people. This village was formed 300 years ago, surrounded by De Vong River and Tra Que Lagoon. Thanks to the special condition of rich soil and water, the village is famous for planting many kinds of vegetables and herbs such as lettuce, water spinach, cabbage, basil, coriander, fish lettuce… Thanks to a kind of algae found only in a lagoon in this village, Tra Que herbs and vegetables look so fresh and green. They are widely recognized for their quality, safety and especially outstanding tastes and flavors.

A female tourist joining the local’s farming procedure in Tra Que Vegetales Village

This village is a perfect destination to enjoy the fresh atmosphere, meet lovely local people and get away a bustling city life. Tourists have great chance to watch and experience the farming procedures of local farmers such as hoeing soil, raking soil, planting, watering, picking vegetables… You can also take a hands-on cooking class and then taste some famous dishes with Tra Que vegetables and herbs.

Address : Cam Ha, Hoi An, 3km from Hoi An Ancient Town Entrance fee : 10,000 VND/ visitor

Cham Island, or known as “Cù Lao Chàm” in Vietnamese, occupies beautiful sand beaches, forested hills and breathtaking landscapes. It includes 8 small island and has been recognized by UNESCO as the World Biosphere Reserve (Cu Lao Cham Marine Park). Just 30 minutes traveling by speedboat from Cua Dai port, you will reach a marvelous place with the picturesque and pristine setting.

Pristine and peaceful scenery of Cham Island

Cham Island offers a wide variety of leisure activities, namely, camping, swimming and sunbathing on the long white sandy beaches. For those who love to explore the corals and colorful marine life, there are available facilities for water skiing, paragliding, kayaking, kite flying, snorkeling and scuba diving. Staying overnight on the island will give you chance to witness the best sunrise and sunset. It is recommended to visit Cham Island between April to August when the weather is comfortable with a sunny sky, the clear water and calm sea. You should avoid getting here from September to March due to the bad weather with rough sea and even storms.

Address : 18km offshore from Hoi An Ancient Town.

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13 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Hoi An

Written by Diana Bocco Updated Jul 26, 2022

Hoi An (which translates to "peaceful meeting place") is a coastal city in Vietnam with a strong history of spice trading going back to the 10 th century. Because of its strategic location, Hoi An was a major trading port with China and also attracted commerce (and eventually settlers) from Portugal, the Netherlands, and Japan. By the 18 th century, the city was considered the best merchant destination in Asia.

Hoi An's ancient history is still very much alive in the attractions and narrow alleyways of the Ancient Town , where medieval two-story wooden buildings remain frozen in time. In fact, getting lost on the streets of Hoi An is one of the best things to do when visiting–you'll end up discovering traditional markets , crafters selling their wares, and some of the best street food in Vietnam .

For more ideas on places to visit in one of Vietnam's oldest cities, see our list of top tourist attractions in Hoi An.

1. An Bang Beach

2. cua dai beach, 3. phung hung house, 4. hoi an ancient town, 5. fukian assembly hall, 6. hoi an museum, 7. thanh ha pottery village, 8. tra que vegetable village, 9. japanese covered bridge, 10. quan cong temple, 11. street markets, 12. tan ky old house, 13. hoi an impressions theme park, map of tourist attractions in hoi an.

An Bang, Hoi An's whitest and softest beach , is just minutes from the town center. It offers amazing open views over the ocean, with the Cham islands dotting the turquoise waters in the distance.

Although the shoreline offers plenty in the way of resorts, restaurants, and entertainment, the beach itself remains quiet and unspoiled. In fact, some of the best seafood in the area comes from small shacks set on the sand, many of which will also rent out sun beds if you don't feel like sitting at one of their tables.

An Bang has excellent conditions for surfing between September and March, and you'll find a larger foreigner presence during these months because of it. Otherwise, visitors can also try paddleboarding and parasailing or simply take a swim in the clear waters.

The locals don't arrive until the sun starts to set, and beach sellers offering souvenirs are rare, so this is the perfect beach for sun worshippers looking to relax and just enjoy the sound of the crashing waves.

White sands sloping into the turquoise waters make Cua Dai one of the most popular and most happening beaches in the Hoi An area . Located just five kilometers from town, Cua Dai offers soft blue waves that are perfect for swimming.

There isn't much to do here in the form of water sports, but visitors can rent a sun lounger, get a bite at a seaside restaurant, or grab a cold drink or souvenir from the many sellers walking up and down the beach.

Even during the high season (between April and August), the beach isn't busy during weekdays–and if you arrive early in the morning, you'll probably just share it with a few long-tail fisherman boats on their way out into the ocean. The palm-fringed coastline offers plenty of shaded spots if you arrive during the hotter part of the day.

The beach is fighting erosion since a tsunami hit the coast in 2004, so you might encounter machines and workers at some corners of the island throughout the year–remember they're here to keep the beach beautiful, so just find another spot to enjoy the sun and sea.

Perhaps the most famous building in Hoi An, the Phung Hung House dates back over 200 years. Originally a merchant house for a family selling spices, silk, and chinaware, the house features colorful hanging lanterns, dark red and brown colors, a Japanese-style roof, and bright wall hangings and Chinese inscriptions.

The house itself is somewhat of an architectural marvel–the 80 columns that keep the structure up are set on a special lotus-shaped base that protects the columns from moisture and termites. The back of the house (which has a balcony right over the canal, where goods could be grabbed right as they arrived by boat) can be completely closed off in case of a flood, protecting the rest of the house against the damaging waters.

Although the shop that once occupied the first floor of the house is no longer here, you can still find little details from it here and there–from the handicrafts on tables and windows to the altar that honors the owner's ancestors to the Yin/Yang tiles harmonizing the house.

The entire old center of Hoi An is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site , a melting pot of cultures, architecture, and monuments in one of the busiest ancient trading ports in Southeast Asia.

Over 30 hectares and 1,107 timber frame buildings make up the well-preserved historical center, with a mix of religious buildings, monuments, and family homes. Rows of beautiful wooden and brick 15 th -century to 18 th -century houses line up the pedestrian streets here. The covered Japanese bridge is also part of it.

Walking through the old streets of Hoi An is like traveling back in time. Chinese and Japanese influences are obvious here, with gilded red Chinese characters on rooftops and pagoda-like buildings lining up the canal.

There are plenty of places to eat and shop in the Ancient Town, as well as plenty of spots to watch the sunset falling over the old buildings.

Originally a pagoda, this building complex has undergone a series of transformations and restorations since it was first built in the 17 th century. It was eventually converted into an assembly hall for the Fujian ethnic group, the largest ethnic minority group in Vietnam. Traditional assembly halls (which are common in China) act as both temples and cultural centers, where events and festivals are held.

At the Fukian Assembly Hall, colorful and ornate dragons, gardens, and gates dominate the space. Mythical animals–including dragons and a phoenix–mix in with turtles, fish, and other creatures in the design around the many bells and statues that occupy the main hall.

Look for the statue of Avalokitesvara (the bodhisattva who embodies the infinite compassion of the Buddha), incense burners, and another large statue of Thien Hau Holy Mother, the deity that blesses and helps sailors and fishermen. A small chamber in the back contains figures of important Fujian clan leaders.

Also known as the Museum of History and Culture, this small, unassuming attraction is housed on the same grounds as the Quan Yin Pagoda. Originally built in the 1600s for the Goddess of Mercy, Guan Yin, the temple remains beautiful even though you can see how the centuries have slowly erased details here and there.

Both the temple and the museum are worth a visit to get a better understanding of the history of Hoi An and the historical and religious events that have shaped the city over the course of 2,000 years.

The museum's collection is divided into four sections, covering the history of Hoi An as a trading port, through the Vietnam War, and the rebirth of the city until modern times. The last section focuses on art depicting life in Hoi An through the years.

The collection of objects here is slightly chaotic, with bells sitting next to ceramics, Cham sculptures, and maritime artifacts–thankfully, there is enough information in English to help you understand the pieces here. The top floor of the museum offers breezy open views over the old town.

Whether you're just looking to buy some pottery or ready to get your hands dirty and learn how to shape some pottery yourself, the beautiful Thanh Ha Pottery Village won't disappoint. The village dates back to the 15th-century and it was originally created to supply decorative pottery for the Imperial City of Hue.

Over the centuries, the village has developed a number of techniques that allow crafters to create everything from bricks and tiles to bowls and pots–and to do it all by hand in a stunning rainbow of pinks, greens, and blacks. Today, Hoi An's ceramics are sold all over the world.

While the village is a popular tourist attraction, it has remained very low-key. As you walk through the narrow pathways around the colorful clay homes here, the villagers you'll see really do produce pottery for sale–so whenever you see somebody working on a potter's wheel or burning and baking the finished product, you're seeing an ancient art in progress. Everything you see is for sale at local, not tourist, prices.

Tra Que is an organic vegetable farm that grows not only veggies, but also herbs (both culinary and medicinal) that have been central to Vietnamese culture for centuries. In addition to growing and selling to local restaurants and residents, the village also offers programs that teach visitors traditional techniques on hoeing soil, planting, and harvesting vegetables and herbs–these programs are hands-on, and you can get your hands and feet dirty while sipping a glass of homegrown mint tea.

Cooking classes are also available here, and you can then sit down and enjoy the food you make while you watch a traditional music and apsara dance performance.

Tra Que also offers a special form of therapeutic massage using boiled Vietnamese herbs–an ancient treatment meant to help with all kinds of aches and pains connected to joints and bones and a perfect way to end a long day of walking.

Tra Que is only three kilometers away from Hoi An, and while there are tours available to get here, the best option is to rent a bicycle and find your own way through country roads surrounded by rice paddies.

This 18-meter-long bridge dates back almost four centuries, and it's one of Hoi An's most famous landmarks –even though it's small enough that you could easily miss it if you weren't looking for it.

Although the bridge's architectural style is definitely Japanese, Chinese symbols and now-weathered statues of astrological animals have been added to the arches over the years to commemorate important dates.

The red details and pagoda-like roof made of lacquered wood are a mix of styles and look particularly stunning at night, when the lights from the buildings around reflect on the water and the structure.

A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999, the pedestrian bridge leads directly to a small temple dedicated to Tran Vo Bac De, the Taoist God of weather, who protects believers during earthquakes and floods. Since this is an area of Hoi An that's prone to floods (some of which have damaged the bridge in the past), the location of the temple is particularly relevant.

The bridge is part of the Old Town protected area, which requires a ticket in order to be accessed.

A unique temple not dedicated to a god or goddess but to a general, this 17th-century pagoda has elaborate décor and has been recognized as a National Historic and Cultural Site.

General Quan Cong was born around the year 196, during the Eastern Han dynasty. He is remembered as a courageous military leader, but also as a protector of the people, helping during famine times and providing shelters for refugees escaping poverty in central China. Today, his memory is honored in this temple with a three-meter-tall paper mâché statue with red skin and golden eyes.

To enter the temple grounds, visitors walk through a massive Chinese gate, decorated in bright colors. Inside the temple, poems about loyalty and righteousness adorn the walls.

Hoi An markets (just like most Vietnamese markets) are noisy, crowded, and a little bit chaotic–but that's all part of their charm. Whether you just want to see how the locals shop, pick up some souvenirs, or try some of the best local food, a visit to one of the city markets should be on your must-do list.

Hoi An's Central Market near the river is the largest and busiest market, as locals shop here as much as tourists. Aside from produce, fresh fish, and ready-made food, this market also sells clothes, souvenirs, and handicrafts.

Tiger market is a smaller version of an everything market, including some extras like homewares and second-hand products–a sort of flea market great for discovering little gems.

For the best souvenirs, nothing beats the Night Market , with many stalls selling Hoi An's signature silk and paper lamps, as well as some of the best street food you'll taste in Vietnam.

Built in 1741 as a merchant's home, this wooden building (built without using a single nail) contains both Japanese and Chinese design influences – two cultures that had a strong presence in Hoi An at the time.

The interior of the home is beautifully decorated with poems written on mother-of-pearl hangings and original Bat Trang bricks, while the balcony showcases stunning hand-carved woods.

While the home itself belonged to a family, the back of the house – which opens right over the river – was rented to merchants who needed a place to dock when arriving with goods via boat.

Today, the house is a stunning testament to the beauty of yesteryear. Original lacquered boards containing sayings (such as, "Keep the mind to always be quiet") are still on the walls, and much of the original 18th-century antiques remain in the house.

As the first cultural themed park in the country (and one of the first ones in Asia), Hoi An Impression sure knows how to bring Hoi An's history and cultural legacy to life.

The park covers 10 hectares, where you will see reproductions of ancient architecture, Buddhist temples, and artisan villages, and even a small-scale port. But it's the people and live shows – which take place on the streets throughout the park – that make this place so magical.

See ancient folktales played out through theater and dance, join traditional games being played in random corners, or take part in arts and craft workshops so you can leave with your own paper lantern or pottery creation as a souvenir.

The main attraction here, however, is the Memories Show, set on a 25,000-square-meter outdoor stage. More than 500 performers, state-of-the-art lighting technology, and a grand story that transcends languages and cultures – this is a show that will leave you breathless.

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More on Vietnam: Hoi An is roughly midway between Ho Chi Minh City in the south and Hanoi and Halong Bay in the north, all of which are worth a visit. Keep in mind, distances in Vietnam are great and many travelers with limited time focus on either the north or the south, or rely on flights between cities. The climate in the south is different than that in the north and this may be another factor in your travel plans.

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Must-see attractions in Hoi An

Tan Ky House

Built two centuries ago by an ethnically Vietnamese family, this gem of a house has been lovingly preserved through seven generations. Look out for signs…

Japanese Covered Bridge

Emblematic of Hoi An, this beautiful bridge was first constructed in the 1590s by the Japanese community to link it with the Chinese quarters. Over the…

Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation

Originally a traditional assembly hall (or guildhall), this structure was later transformed into a temple for the worship of Thien Hau, a deity who…

Tran Family Chapel

Built for worshipping family ancestors of the Tran (陳) clan, this chapel (more accurately an ancestral hall) dates back to 1802. It was commissioned by…

Hoi An Old Town

By Unesco decree, more than 800 historic buildings in Hoi An have been preserved, so much of the Old Town looks as it did several centuries ago. Eighteen…

Confucius Temple

Behind an impressive gate emblazoned with Chinese chu nho characters that simply translate as 'Confucius Temple', this magnificent temple to the west of…

Phung Hung Old House

Just a few steps down from the Japanese Covered Bridge, this old house has a wide, welcoming entrance hall decorated with exquisite lanterns, wall…

Precious Heritage Museum by Réhahn

Hoi An–based French photographer Réhahn has conceived this cross between museum and gallery, combining his outstanding photos of Vietnam's hill tribes…

Assembly Hall of the Hainan Chinese Congregation

Built in 1851, this assembly hall is a memorial to 108 merchants from Hainan Island who were mistaken for pirates and killed in Quang Nam province. The…

Quan Cong Temple

Founded in 1653, this small temple is dedicated to Quan Cong, an esteemed Chinese general who is worshipped as a symbol of loyalty, sincerity, integrity…

Phuoc Lam Pagoda

This pagoda (founded in the mid-17th century) is associated with An Thiem, a Vietnamese prodigy and monk from the age of eight. When he was 18, he…

Tran Duong House

There’s a whole block of colonnaded French colonial buildings on Ð Phan Boi Chau between Nos 22 and 73, among them the 19th-century Tran Duong House. It’s…

Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation

Built in 1752, the highlights in this congregational hall are the gleaming woodcarvings on the beams, walls and altar – absolutely stunning in their…

Chinese All-Community Assembly Hall

Founded in 1773, this assembly hall was used by Fujian, Cantonese, Hainanese, Chaozhou and Hakka congregations in Hoi An. To the right of the entrance are…

Cam Kim Island

The master woodcarvers who crafted the intricate detail adorning Hoi An’s public buildings and the historic homes of the town’s merchants came from Kim…

Assembly Hall of the Cantonese Chinese Congregation

Founded in 1786, this assembly hall has a tall, airy entrance, which opens on to a splendidly over-the-top mosaic statue of a dragon and a carp. The main…

This square well’s claim to fame is that it’s the source of water for making authentic cao lau, a Hoi An speciality. The well is said to date from Cham…

Museum of Trading Ceramics

Occupies a restored wooden house and contains a small collection of artefacts from all over Asia, with oddities from as far afield as Egypt. While this…

Chuc Thanh Pagoda

Founded in 1454 by a Buddhist monk from China, this is the oldest pagoda in Hoi An. Among the antique ritual objects still in use are several bells, a…

Quan Thang House

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Handicraft Workshop

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Diep Dong Nguyen House

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Phap Bao Pagoda

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Hoi An Museum of History & Culture

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19 Best Things to Do in Hoi An, Vietnam

By Natascha Taylor · Last updated on March 4, 2024

Both one of the prettiest and best-preserved cities in Vietnam, Hoi An is located along its central coast, not too far south of nearby Da Nang. Although most known for its attractive Old Town that is home to hundreds of historic buildings, it also has a fantastic food scene, brilliant beaches and some great day trip destinations.

The two days I spent in Hoi An were easily the highlight of my time in Vietnam. Nestled along the Thu Bon River along the country’s picturesque central coastline, Hoi An is one of those places that can transport any traveler into another era.

It’s as if time has stood still here, where the roads have no cars, lanterns scatter the skies, and Vietnamese long boats cruise the river. Famous for its incredibly well-preserved Ancient Town, walking around Hoi An is a bit like stepping into a living museum.

I visited with a friend who had been to Hoi An countless times before. Safe to say, it was super helpful having a friendly ‘guide’ who could show me all the main attractions in Hoi And and best places to eat. Aside from enjoying its lovely ambience and eating everything you possibly can, other things to do in Hoi An can be found in the scenic countryside and the alluring Cham Islands nearby.

Map of Hoi An

A Brief History of Hoi An

There are few places you can visit where the entire town is a tourist attraction, and Hoi An is one of them. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town was founded in the 15th century, when it was a prominent trading port in Central Vietnam.

It became a bustling hub of international trade, attracting Chinese, Japanese, and European merchants. With this multicultural exchange of goods and ideas, it’s no wonder Hoi An became a melting pot of diverse cultures and influences.

The town has seen plenty of wars, natural disasters, and political strife, yet it has somehow managed to stay adaptable to these changes. Today, Hoi An stands as a living testament to its storied past. The incredibly well-preserved Ancient Town offers a glimpse into the town’s former glory, attracting tourists from across the world.

Getting From Da Nang to Hoi An

One of the most charming things about Hoi An is its lack of transportation. Not only are there no trains or busses, but the entire Ancient Town is car-less. If you have more than one day to spend here, I highly recommend renting a bicycle and joining the flowing river of cyclists that winds through the village.

Unfortunately, this also means your options for getting to and from Hoi An are limited. We were staying in Da Nang, a beachside city just up the coastline. We hired a private car that drove us directly from our hotel to the entrance to the Ancient Town in around 45 minutes. Depending on traffic, this trip could take between half an hour and one hour and costs around $20 per direction.

Another option is to hail a Grab car, which will cost less, between $10 and $15.

There is also a shuttle bus that runs on the hour from Da Nang Airport. The bus runs between 4 am and 10 pm and takes around an hour and fifteen minutes, depending on how many stops it makes. Most cabs and shuttles arrive at and leave from just outside the Ancient Town, at the crossroads of Nguyen Hue and Phan Chu Trinh or between Hoang Dieu and Tran Phu.

Old Town of Hoi An

From the moment I stepped foot in this town, I felt as if I was in an alternate reality. The charming streets are a clear example of colonial French and Japanese influences. Traditional yellow houses are covered in bright pink bougainvilleas and strung with lanterns in every color.

Streetside cafes spill onto the streets, where patrons sip traditional coffees as travelers ride past on their bicycles. The entire scene was something out of a fairytale.

While we had just indulged in a world-class hotel breakfast back in Da Nang, a second coffee never hurt anybody. We headed for one of the first cafes we came across, called Hoi An Deli, and ordered an iced Vietnamese drip coffee to-go for around $2 each.

Hoi An Central Market

Revved up with a caffeine boost, we headed towards the Hoi An Central Market (Chợ Hội An), which turned out to be one of the most impressive markets I visited in the country (and this says a lot).

The market was just a five-minute stroll through the Old Town along well-paved and flat roads. In fact, just about everything is within ten minutes’ walking distance of each other here.

Set along the banks of the Thu Bon River, the market dates back to the 15th Century and has been a bustling trading hub ever since. It stood through the rise and fall of the empires around it and has always been a commercial and cultural center of Hoi An.

Packed with a treasure trove of exciting finds, from traditional crafts, silk textiles, handmade lanterns, fresh produce, spices, and even a food hall. You’ll find every type of lime, green bean, and tropical fruit here, aesthetically displayed in brightly colored containers and woven baskets.

The market is divided into four main sections: spices and cooking utensils, fresh produce, prepared foods, and fish. It is open between 6 am and 6 pm, with fresh produce closing up shop a bit earlier. The best time to visit to admire the colorful produce is in the morning, when the produce is fresh, and the crowds are few.

Set aside a few hundred thousand Vietnamese Dong (VND) to spend on souvenirs and food here. A handmade lantern might cost around 200 thousand VND, for example.

Lunch at Tam Tam Jardin

With our appetites tickled by the market, we headed to a restaurant called Tam Tam Jardin for a bite to eat. A seven-minute walk along the river from the market, the restaurant had a cool interior decorated with dark wooden furniture.

I ordered a matcha latte and a chicken pho, and we split a portion of spring rolls and a lemon meringue tart for dessert. The entire meal cost around $8 per person, an absolute steal for the massive bowl of soup we struggled to finish.

In all honesty, while I recommend this restaurant any day, there are tons of other incredible restaurants worth checking out in Hoi An. Just about every second building houses a restaurant serving outstanding food.

Morning Glory, Home Hoi An, and Com Linh all come highly recommended for their traditional Vietnamese specialties.

The Tailor Shops of Hoi An

After lunch, we took a walk to Yaly Couture on Nguyen Thau Hoc, which my friend assured me was the best ‘overnight tailor’ in the town. She was right. Two hours flew by as we scoured fashion magazines for something that caught our eye. The tailors took my measurements, helped me pick out fabrics, and went off to sew my one-of-a-kind garment.

Hoi An is famous for its overnight trailers. There are plenty in the Ancient Town, all working through the night to create one-of-a-kind garments designed to fit. Since we had two days in Hoi An, our clothing was finished for us within an impressive 30 hours from start to finish (with a fitting after dinner on the first night).

Collecting our clothing the following day was a real treat. The talented tailors had sewed each garment immaculately, with careful attention to detail and the neatest seams possible. They weren’t cheap, costing between $50 and $100 per item, but they were incredibly well-priced for the personalized service and quick turnaround time. My only regret was not getting more things made by them.

Japanese Covered Bridge

Disclaimer: since I had two days in Hoi An, I didn’t want to rush through the Ancient Town’s significant landmarks, so I spread them throughout my visit. That said, since they’re all about a five-minute walk away from one another, it is entirely possible (and recommended) to visit them within one afternoon.

The Japanese Covered Bridge is one of Hoi An’s most iconic landmarks. The picturesque Japanese-inspired bridge is a symbol of Hoi An’s rich Japanese cultural and architectural heritage. It was built in the 16th Century and crosses the Thu Bon River. At the time it was built, it would connect the Chinese and Japanese sections of the town. Visiting the bridge is free, and you won’t need to spend more than ten minutes admiring the structure.

Tan Ky Old House

A three-minute walk east along the river sits the Tan Ky Old House, a historic home that blends Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences. It has an impressively well-preserved interior with carved wooden furniture and dark wooden beams, offering a glimpse into what life was like for the wealthy merchants of Hoi An.

The home is more than 200 years old, and it has passed through the hands of seven generations within the same Vietnamese family. Family members still reside in the Old House of Tan Ky, which brings the history of the property to life in a fascinating way.

To visit the house, you’ll need to pay 150 thousand VND and visit between 8 am and 5:30 pm.

Quan Cong Temple

One of the city’s most important places of worship, the colourful Quan Cong Temple lies right in the heart of Hoi An’s atmospheric Old Town. Known for its incredible art and architecture, it has an elaborate facade, fine frescos and plenty of other classical Chinese features to check out.

Built back in 1653, the well-preserved temple is dedicated to Quan Van Truong – a famous Chinese general who was known for his loyalty, integrity, sincerity and sense of justice. These qualities were of huge importance, as the coastal city had a thriving port and merchants needed to trust one another.

Once past its bright red, yellow and green entrance gate, you can explore the grounds full of statues and pay your respects in the sacred site’s incense-infused interior. As well as snapping photos of its delightful dragon motifs and majestic main altar, guests can also see a superb old statue of the revered general himself.

Old House of Phun Hung

The home of Phun Hung is two stories, and was built in the 18th century. More than eight generations of the same family have lived in the Old House of Phun Hung since then.

What makes this house truly unique, however, is the fact that it is more than just a museum: It is still a home, and the tour guide today is part of that eighth generation. Follow Ms. Anh around as she shows you her family home, and be on the lookout for the details that make the home unique.

You’ll see carved Chinese beam supports, trap doors and a distinct Japanese influence in both architecture and decor.

Cantonese Assembly Hall

One of the most popular attractions in Hot An is the Cantonese Assembly Hall. Also known as the Quang Trieu, the assembly hall sits right next to the Cau Pagoda. As the name suggests, the assembly hall was constructed by Cantonese settlers during the 19th century.

Dedicated to the Thien Hau Holy Mother, the Cantonese Assembly Hall was a gathering place for worship and communication among Chinese visitors and residents. On a tour of the Cantonese Assembly Hall, you can admire the structure as well as the decor, which includes a striking dragon made from pottery.

Fujian Assembly Hall

Phuc Kien is the common name for the Fujian Assembly Hall. Like other assembly halls in the city, Phuc Kien served as the gathering place for residents, traders and visitors from a specific area in China called Fujian.

Later, the assembly hall transformed into a religious site to honor the deity Thien Hau. Visiting the Fujian Assembly Hall means being able to spot the colorful fountains in the courtyard, the ornate gates surrounding the property and the beautifully carved dragons in the main room.

The Fujian Assembly Hall is still a popular place among visitors and residents of Fujian origin and ancestry.

Dinner at The Cargo Club

We finished our day with dinner at The Cargo Club, a restaurant with a terrace overlooking the river. Lit with moody lanterns and candles, this was the perfect setting to end a wonderful day. I ordered a traditional Vietnamese curry, which was served inside a burning coconut shell, with a sticky rice mango pudding for dessert. The meal was outstanding and cost around $10 per head (although you can expect to pay a bit more if you order wine or cocktails).

As we walked back to meet our driver, we passed hundreds of lantern shops selling beautiful handmade lanterns that filled the skies above the Ancient Town.

Hoi An Night Market

There is no shortage of shopping opportunities in the city, but one of the most interesting is found at the Hoi An Night Market. The market is located on Nguyen Hoang Street, just opposite the Japanese Covered Bridge.

The market opens around five each evening, when more than 500 vendors open up their stalls to sell everything from souvenirs to clothing to fresh food. Perhaps the most-spotted item for sale is the paper lantern, which glows beautifully after nightfall.

You can buy a colorful lantern to cast a glow as you shop, or you can take it home as a way to remember the colors, vibrancy and excitement of the Hoi An Night Market.

An Bang Beach

One of the busiest beaches in all of Vietnam is Hoi An’s An Bang Beach. If after all the sightseeing and strenuous outdoor activities you want to kick back, relax and soak up some sun, then An Bang Beach is definitely the place to go. Located ten minutes drive north of the center, its pristine white sands are lined by deckchairs and palapas with cafes and restaurants also dotted here and there.

Facing the shimmering East Vietnam Sea and far off Cham Islands, sweeping sands stretch more than four kilometers in total. Due to recent erosion at the neighboring Cua Dai, it is an increasingly popular place to head with countless hotels, guest houses and eateries having sprung up over the last few years.

Countless vendors are lined up under the shade of the palm trees to feed hungry beachgoers throughout the day.

Take a Bike Tour

A wonderful way to see more of the city and its scenic surroundings is to take a bike tour around its charming center and the bucolic countryside just outside. From the Old Town, numerous companies rent out bikes and motorbikes with some also offering leisurely cycling tours to the area’s traditional temples, villages and nature spots.

As you slowly peddle along, you’ll pass pretty paddy fields, reflective rivers and rural villages with frequent stops planned all along the way. These often take you off-the-beaten-path and along rickety bamboo bridges to little local artisans’ workshops and isolated islands along the river delta.

At each stop, your guide will provide more information on the region’s rich history and culture with many tours also including tasty lunches, too. Amongst the most popular excursions are those run by Heaven and Earth and Hoi An Cycle Tours.

Trip to Cham Islands

Not to be missed when in town, are the idyllic Cham Islands that lie just nine nautical miles offshore from An Bang Beach. Easily reached in half an hour by ferry or speed boat , the eight untouched isles have superb sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving to enjoy.

Now protected as part of a nature reserve and marine park, the mountainous archipelago is mostly uninhabited with only the largest island, Hon Lao, housing a couple of quaint fishermen’s villages. Aside from enjoying sightseeing cruises along their secluded shores, you can also stay overnight in guest houses to gain a greater understanding of local life.

The most fun things to do here, however, is undoubtedly enjoying the archipelago’s breathtaking beaches and snorkeling in the teeming coral reefs.

Trip to Mỹ Sơn

Another memorable trip you can make when visiting Hoi An is to the impressive and extensive archaeological ruins of Mỹ Sơn. The sprawling site is an hour’s drive southwest of the center with crumbling old religious buildings and ornate carvings on show.

One of the longest inhabited archaeological sites in Southeast Asia, the collection of Hindu temples was erected between the fourth and fourteenth centuries by the Kings of Champa. Often compared to other complexes like Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Bagan in Myanmar, the wide valley in which it lies encompasses around seventy temples and tombs.

Wandering around is an awe-inspiring experience. Intricately carved inscriptions and statues peek out from beneath the undergrowth that threatens to engulf the ancient edifices. While some temples are still in good condition, much of the site sadly suffered a lot of damage during the American War.

Take a Vietnamese Cooking Class

After having tasted so many delicious dishes during your time in Vietnam, why not take a cooking class so you can replicate your favorite pho and fresh spring rolls when you get home? In Hoi An, countless restaurants and cooking schools run fun classes that usually also include a trip around the local markets to source ingredients.

As you peruse all the market stalls laden with fresh vegetables and fragrant herbs, your friendly teacher will explain a bit about the history and culture of cooking in the country. Back at the culinary school or kitchen, they’ll then teach you how to prepare the food and make tasty treats like spicy mango salad, crispy banh xeo and sweet and sour fish soup.

As this is one of the most popular things to do in Hoi An there are many cooking school with Gioan, Red Bridge and the Kumquat BBQ Restaurant among the most popular. All of which put on unforgettable experiences that see you master Vietnamese classics in no time at all.

Tra Que Vegetable Village

Fervent foodies can go one step further and tour the tranquil Tra Que Vegetable Village which lies just to the north of town on the way to An Bang Beach. A peaceful and picturesque spot, its fertile farms and fields are famed for their fresh veggies that are used in Hoi An and the surrounding region.

Named after the sweet-scented vegetables that are used every day to spice up locals’ dishes, the small village has rows and rows of gorgeous green vegetable patches for you to amble around. In addition to taking scenic shots of the crops stretching endlessly into the distance, you can also watch the farmers prepare the soil, plant seeds and harvest their produce.

Visitors can even help sow vegetables themselves and sample some with both cooking classes and guided tours available at the laidback village.

Thanh Ha Pottery Village

One of the oldest pottery villages in Vietnam, the traditional Thanh Ha can be found just fifteen minutes drive down the Thu Bon River from the city center. Here you can watch master craftsmen at work and pick up some beautiful pots, statues and other ceramic products to remind you of your time traveling around the country.

Still home to dozens of pottery workshops and small, family-run ceramics businesses, the quiet little village was formed sometime in the sixteenth century. As you wander about its charming old streets, you can see talented artists fire up their kilns and create amazing artworks using ancient techniques.

Besides admiring the impressive potters as they shape the clay and conjure up lovely creations, you can also have a go yourself as classes regularly take place. Afterwards, make sure to stop by the Thanh Ha Terracotta Park for interesting exhibits on the art form and remarkable replicas of the Arc du Triomphe and Colosseum, among other famous landmarks.

Best Time to Visit Hoi An

Unlike further north in Vietnam, Hoi An only has two seasons, the rainy and the dry, though temperatures remain hot throughout the year. The most popular months to visit are July, August and December as this is when most Europeans take their holidays.

Due to the almost daily downpours and occasional floods, the low season is from September through January. December is an expectation though as most of its rain falls across just five days. As the cooler temperatures of 25 to 31°C (77 to 88°F) are perfect for sightseeing, its old town is packed with prices higher as a result.

As the temperatures and humidity are relatively low, February, March and April also see lots of visitors. Numerous important and exciting events like Vietnamese New Year and the Lady Thien Hau Procession also take place then.

While May and June are very quiet due to the high temperatures, July and August are again among the busiest and most expensive of the year. While it rains a little most days, you can still sunbathe at its nearby beaches or attend its Mid-Autumn Festival.

The 14th day of each lunar month also sees the magical Hoi An Lantern Festival light up its river and old town – an absolute must when in town.

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Home » Travel Guides » Vietnam » 25 Best Things To Do In Hoi An (Vietnam)

25 Best Things To Do In Hoi An (Vietnam)

Hoi An has a reputation for being one of the prettiest cities in all of Vietnam and the Old Town here has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its 800 historic buildings. There is a definite ‘old town’ feeling here which is like stepping back into the Vietnam of ancient times, and the city is also famous as it was never bombed during the Vietnam War.

Hoi An is also located on the Thu Bon River which is flanked by bars, cafes and local markets and you can walk along the banks at night and take in the views across the rippling water. When you walk around the city, you can take in spots such as museums, ancient homes and pretty temples, and Hoi An also has a delicious local food scene. As if that wasn’t enough, the surrounding countryside of Hoi An is equally scenic and you can easily take a day trip out to glorious beaches or ruined cities.

Here are the 25 best things to do in Hoi An …

1. Get a suit made

Hoi An is famous across Vietnam for its textile industry and one of the reasons many people come here is to get clothes tailor made for them.

To that end, you will find amazing tailors all over town and you can choose from a plethora of silks, others textiles and patterns to make your own personalized creations.

Note however that you will probably need to leave around three days to get your clothes made if the design is simple and up to a week for more complicated pieces so plan accordingly to avoid disappointed.

The tailoring industry here is also highly competitive so you will be expected to bargain hard and it pays to shop around so that you get the best deal.

2. Walk around the Old Town

Hoi An is something of a rarity in Vietnam as it managed to escape most of the bombing that razed many other cities to the ground during the Vietnam War.

This means that the beautiful buildings here were spared, and so you will still find some gorgeous architecture here in the Old Town which makes the perfect place to go for a walk and take in all the sights.

The Old Town has now been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is said to date back some 2,000 years.

Suggested tour : Hoi An Old Town: Night Food Tasting Small Group Tour

3. Shop for local handicrafts

If you like local arts and handicrafts then you will be spoilt for choice on a visit to Vietnam.

Hoi An is known across Vietnam for being a hub for beautiful locally made products and you will be able to shop for these in places like the main central market.

There are also a number of handicraft villages dotted on the outskirts of the town and you can usually take a tour to these where you can learn about the historical and cultural background behind the making of these items.

Many of these are made by local minorities and make excellent gifts or souvenirs.

In the handicraft villages you can also take classes such as ancient weaving or calligraphy.

4. Learn to cook Vietnamese food

Hoi An is known for having a number of cooking schools where you can get stuck in and learn all about how to make some local dishes.

One of the more famous schools is the Gioan Restaurant and Cooking School and you can choose between either ordering something to eat here in the restaurant or you can sign up for a class.

These usually include a trip to the local market where you will learn all about the ingredients used in Vietnamese cooking and some of the dishes that you will get to prepare include pho noodles as well as spring rolls and banh xeo which is a kind of Vietnamese pancake.

Recommended tour : Hoi An Floating Cooking Class And Cruise: Half-Day Tour

5. Admire the Japanese Covered Bridge

The Japanese Covered Bridge is located in the centre of the city and is also one of its focal points.

The bridge spans some 12 meters and is famous for its ornate carvings, many of which are in the shape of monkeys and dogs.

This is also a very popular place for amorous Vietnamese couples who come here to take photographs as the bridge is considered a top romantic spot in Hoi An.

6. Visit Hoi An Museum

If you want to know more about the history of Hoi An then you need to come to its main museum.

Here you will find a huge range of pieces that tell the story of the area including antiques that date from the Cham period as well as the colonial period.

There are a number of galleries here that are filled with drawings, ceramics, paintings and photographs and you can also check out signature pieces like large bronze temple bells.

7. Visit Hoi An Silk Village

The Hoi An Silk Village is the place to come if you want to get outside the city and check out the ancient weaving techniques for which this part of Vietnam is known.

The village is located in Quang Nam Province which is around one kilometer from the centre of the city and you will find a quaint village with homes built in the traditional style.

The village is filled with artisans who will teach you how to make beautiful silk pieces and you can even feed the silkworms here and help to unravel their cocoons.

This is also a great place to buy some traditional silk pieces which make great gifts and souvenirs.

Related tour : Half-Day Hoi An Silk Tour with Lunch

8. Tour the Tan Ky Family House

The Tan Ky Family House is one of the most historically significant buildings in Hoi An and is located in the Old Town section of the city.

The family home was built in the 18th century and would have belonged to a family of merchants.

The architecture here is a mix of Japanese, Chinese and traditional Vietnamese design motifs and you can now take a tour of this amazing property.

Some seven generations of merchants lived in the home and you will still find their original furniture and memorabilia here which will give you an idea of how people would have lived in Hoi An in the days of old.

9. Grab a coffee

Vietnam is a country that is famous for its delicious coffee and Hoi An is no slouch when it comes to its own brews.

One of the best places to try the coffee in Hoi An is at Mia Coffee who roast their own beans and serve up some of the most delicious espresso in the city.

The coffee varieties on offer here vary according to the season and all the beans here are handpicked to bring you the freshest and tastiest cups of coffee around.

You can even buy bags of beans here to take home as a souvenir.

10. Shop at the Lantern Market

The pretty Lantern Market is located in An Hoi which is across the river from central Hoi An.

This is one of the most scenic markets in Vietnam and, as the name suggests, you can buy traditional lanterns here which come in all different shapes and sizes.

Many of these are made of gorgeous Hoi An silk and you can walk around at night and take in all the amazing illuminated lanterns which come in a range of different hues.

11. Sunbathe on An Bang Beach

Hoi An has a number of beaches, but locals will tell you that An Bang is one of the best around.

This beach is less crowded than many of the more famous strips of sand in the area and you will find pristine white sands that back on to the water.

If you come here for the day then you will also find a number of charming beachside restaurants here that serve up some delicious seafood.

If you are planning to stay by the beach a little longer then you can also rent a beachside villa here.

12. Sample Cao Lao

Vietnam, as you would expect, has a huge number of different kinds of noodles.

If you want to try the regional Hoi An variety, then you need to try Cao Lao which are brown rice noodles that are mixed with lye water.

This is ash from the lye that comes from the wood on the Cham Islands which are around 12 kilometers from the coast of Hoi An.

The noodles are hand cut and then topped with pork, rice crackers and fresh herbs, all soaked in a delicious meat broth.

One of the best places to try the noodles is at Cam Ga Huong which is located off Le Loi Street.

13. Take a trip to the My Son Ruins

If you want to take a day trip out of Hoi An then head for the My Son Ruins which consist of a collection of Hindu temples that were built from the 4th to the 13th century.

The temples are located to the west of Hoi An and it is possible to come here for the day from the city.

My Son is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it has been preserved and restored after the temples were abandoned for centuries.

The site sprawls over 140 hectares and you can learn all about how Hinduism would have been a key part of Vietnamese culture in the days of old.

Recommended tour : Hoi An: My Son Sanctuary and Boat Tour with Lunch

14. Shop at Hoi An Central Market

Lying along the lush banks of the Thu Bon River is the Hoi An Central Market which is the best place to shop for handicrafts while you are in town.

You will find a huge mixture of products here including silk pieces and other textiles as well as local foodstuffs and aromatic spices.

Another key reason to come here is to try the toothsome street food which is sold out of carts in the market.

15. Visit the Fujian Hall Assembly Hall

One of the most opulent buildings in all of Hoi An is the Fujian Assembly Hall which dates from the 17th century.

This was built by the Fujian Chinese community in Hoi An and is considered a sacred space.

The main hall here is covered in carved figures that feature around a gateway which is etched with carvings of mythical Chinese creatures.

There is also a large courtyard here and legend has it that if you pray in the Assembly Hall then you will be lucky when it comes to conceiving children.

This is down to the presence of the 12 Midwives which are carved fertility statues that stand in the grounds of the hall.

16. Explore the local countryside

Hoi An is famous for being surrounded by lush emerald green countryside.

As such, if you are staying in the city then make sure that you don’t miss a trip here so that you can take in the rice paddies, hills, and dainty villages firsthand.

You can sign up for a number of tours such as a cycling or trekking tour and you will get to discover pretty secluded beaches, mountain passes and much more.

Suggested tour (by bike or minivan) : From Hoi An: Interactive Rice Farming Tour

17. Admire Quan Cong Temple

Quan Cong Temple was founded in 1653 and is dedicated to Quan Cong.

This was the name of a famous Chinese general who was worshipped in Hoi An and revered thanks to his qualities of justice for all, loyalty, integrity and sincerity.

At the temple you will find a wood and papier mache statue of the general which is partially gilded and stands on a central altar.

You can make an offering to the general and a lone caretaker will strike a bronze bowl to commemorate the moment.

18. Try the local barbecue

One of the things Hoi An is famous for is its delicious barbecue.

The best place to try this is along the north bank of the Thu Bon River and if you go there after dark you will find dozens of small charcoal grills set up which sell tasty barbecued skewers.

You can choose from different options including pork, prawns, or chicken, and the skewers are served with herbs and some rice paper wrappers which you can wrap around the meat or seafood.

The barbecue also comes with a delicious spicy peanut sauce mixed with tomatoes and sesame seeds.

19. Visit Phung Hung Old House

If you are visiting the Japanese Covered Bridge then you can also combine this with a trip to the Phung Hung Old House at the same time which is just a few doors down.

The house is known for its ornate and colorful entrance hall which is covered in lanterns and embroidered wall hangings.

There is a pretty balcony here with some spectacular views and a charming suspended altar.

20. Check out the nightlife

If you are looking for some nightlife in Hoi An then the best thing to do is head over the central footbridge that will take you to An Hoi islet.

Here you will find a number of bars and cafes along the river which serve up ice cold beers or other drinks.

If you want to try the local tipple than ask for the locally brewed larger which is called bia hoi and which makes a crisp and refreshing choice after a hard day of sightseeing.

21. Take a boat to Cam Kim Island

Cam Kim Island is located around 30 minutes away from Hoi An and you can catch a local ferry over from D Bach Dang.

The main reason people come here is to check out the artisan woodcarvers who are known for having carved some of the most famous public buildings in Hoi An.

You can find the historic homes of many of the master carvers in the village of Kim Bong on Cam Kim Island and you can also pick up some woodcarvings here that make great souvenirs of your trip.

22. Visit Tra Que Village

Hoi An is known for its delicious fruit and vegetables and with that in mind you can come to Tra Que Village and check out the source in person.

The village is located between Hoi An and An Bang Beach and is made up of a local farming community who grow most of the produce that you will eat during your time in Hoi An.

On a trip to the village you can visit spots such as Water Wheel which has cooking classes so you can learn how the local produce is used, or you can have lunch at places like Baby Mustard which uses the freshest local ingredients.

23. Visit the Museum of Trading Ceramics

Located in a scenic restored wooden home, the Museum of Trading Ceramics is known for housing a collection of artifacts that come from all over the world.

Some of the pieces here originated in Egypt, and you can learn all about the history of trading in Hoi An in the days of old.

There is also an exhibition here which tells you about the restoration of old buildings in Hoi An which is great if you are interested in ancient Vietnamese architecture.

24. Take a trip to Da Nang

Da Nang is located just 40 minutes away from Hoi An, so if you want to get out of the city then this is an excellent choice.

Da Nang is mainly known for its gorgeous beaches, and it is less crowded and more rural than Hoi An.

As such, you can spend the day sunbathing here, or try some water sports like swimming and snorkeling.

You will also find a plethora or seafood restaurants here which are worth the trip alone.

25. Visit Tra Kieu

Tra Kieu is known as the Lion Citadel and used to be the capital of the Kingdom of Champa from the 4th to the 8th century.

Now you can travel here from Hoi An and check out the ramparts and also explore other spots in the area such as the Mountain Church which is located at the top of Buu Chau Hill.

You will also find Tra Kieu Church here which dates from the 19th century and there is a museum which has some Cham artifacts on display.

25 Best Things To Do In Hoi An (Vietnam):

• Get a suit made
• Walk around the Old Town
• Shop for local handicrafts
• Learn to cook Vietnamese food
• Admire the Japanese Covered Bridge
• Visit Hoi An Museum
• Visit Hoi An Silk Village
• Tour the Tan Ky Family House
• Grab a coffee
• Shop at the Lantern Market
• Sunbathe on An Bang Beach
• Sample Cao Lao
• Take a trip to the My Son Ruins
• Shop at Hoi An Central Market
• Visit the Fujian Hall Assembly Hall
• Explore the local countryside
• Admire Quan Cong Temple
• Try the local barbecue
• Visit Phung Hung Old House
• Check out the nightlife
• Take a boat to Cam Kim Island
• Visit Tra Que Village
• Visit the Museum of Trading Ceramics
• Take a trip to Da Nang
• Visit Tra Kieu

The Ultimate Guide: 25 Things to Do in Hoi An, Vietnam

Pham Huyen Trang

Planning a trip to Hoi An, Vietnam? Discover the top 25 things to do in Hoi An. From exploring ancient temples and historic sites to indulging in mouthwatering local cuisine and strolling through vibrant markets, this comprehensive guide will ensure you make the most of your time in Hoi An.

Are you looking for a destination that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and adventure? Look no further than Hoi An ! This charming city in central Vietnam is known for its well-preserved ancient town, mouth-watering cuisine, and picturesque beaches.

With so much to see and do in Hoi An , we’ve compiled a list of 25 must-see attractions and activities. From exploring the ancient town’s narrow alleys to taking a relaxing boat ride along the Thu Bon River, there’s something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready to experience the magic of Hoi An – one of Vietnam ‘s most enchanting destinations!

Table of Contents

Visit the Ancient Town

You can immerse yourself in the rich history of Hoi An by exploring its Ancient Town, a vibrant and bustling hub of cultural heritage that showcases the town’s unique blend of Chinese , Japanese , and European influences. As you wander through the narrow alleys and streets, you’ll discover the history, architecture, and culture of Hoi An ‘s ancient town. The ornate temples, pagodas, and communal houses are testaments to the town’s multicultural past.

But it’s not just about admiring the buildings; you can also explore the local lifestyle and traditions in the ancient town. You can watch as locals go about their daily lives – selling fruits at market stalls or making traditional crafts like lanterns or silk lanterns. You can even take a cooking class to learn how to make some delicious Vietnamese dishes using fresh ingredients from local markets. There’s no better way to experience Hoi An than by immersing yourself in its ancient town – it truly is a magical place!

Taste the Local Cuisine

Indulge in the delectable flavors of Hoi An ‘s culinary offerings. The local delicacies will take your taste buds on a journey like never before. Start with a bowl of Cao Lau, a dish that is unique to this region. It is made with thick noodles, tender slices of pork, and fresh greens, all served in a savory broth. Pair it with some crispy fried wontons for an added crunch.

For those who are more adventurous, the street food experiences in Hoi An are not to be missed. Head over to the Night Market where you can find vendors selling everything from Banh Mi sandwiches to grilled seafood skewers. Try some Banh Xeo (Vietnamese pancakes) stuffed with shrimp and bean sprouts or sample some Banh Beo (steamed rice cakes) topped with ground pork and scallions. With so many options to choose from, make sure you come hungry!

Take a Boat Ride

Looking for a relaxing and scenic activity in Hoi An ? Take a boat ride along the Thu Bon River! You’ll have the opportunity to visit nearby islands, where you can explore secluded beaches and take part in water activities. As you cruise along the river, don’t forget to soak up the stunning sunset views – it’s an experience you won’t want to miss!

Cruise Along the Thu Bon River

Cruising along the Thu Bon River is a must-try experience when visiting Hoi An . As you board the boat, you’ll feel the gentle sway of the water beneath your feet and hear the soft lapping of waves against the hull. The riverbanks are lined with lush greenery, and as you glide past, you’ll catch glimpses of local fishermen casting their nets into the water.

As you continue on your journey, take in the stunning sunset views that illuminate the sky with hues of orange and pink. Nestled in between these vibrant colors are traditional fishing boats bobbing up and down on the water’s surface. You can also indulge in some delicious river seafood while enjoying this tranquil setting. Savor fresh prawns, crabs, and fish caught by local fishermen earlier that day. This cruise will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated – a perfect way to end your day in Hoi An !

Visit the Nearby Islands

If you’re looking for a picturesque escape from the bustling city life, visiting the nearby islands is a perfect way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Vietnam’s coastlines. Island hopping around Hoi An will take you to stunning destinations where you can witness pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, and thriving marine life. This adventure will surely satisfy your craving for freedom and excitement.

One of the most popular activities when island hopping is snorkeling adventures. You’ll get to explore underwater landscapes that are teeming with colorful corals and exotic fish species. The islands surrounding Hoi An are known for their diverse marine ecosystem, making it a haven for snorkelers and divers alike. So pack your gear, put on your sunscreen, and get ready for an unforgettable experience as you discover the hidden treasures of these serene islands.

Enjoy the Sunset Views

Watching the sunset is a must-do activity in Hoi An , and nothing beats relaxing with a cold drink as you soak up the stunning views of the sun dipping below the horizon. As you sit back and take in the breathtaking panorama, you’ll be amazed by how different each evening’s display can be. The sky transforms into an artist’s canvas as it blends together hues of pink, purple, orange, and blue to create a unique masterpiece every time.

If you want to capture this unforgettable moment forever, be sure to bring along your camera! The sunset in Hoi An provides excellent photo opportunities that will make your social media followers envious. While admiring the natural beauty of this peaceful cityscape, don’t forget to also admire its impressive architecture. Some of Hoi An’s most notable buildings are illuminated by the setting sun, providing an even more spectacular view that will leave you breathless. So go ahead and savor this magical moment – it’s one of those special memories that will stay with you long after your trip has ended!

Shop at the Markets

So you want to do some shopping in Hoi An ? Well, you’re in luck! The markets here are a shopper’s paradise. Bargain for souvenirs such as silk lanterns and traditional clothing, buy handmade crafts like pottery and wood carvings, and explore the night markets for a truly unique experience. Get ready to haggle with vendors and discover some fabulous finds!

Bargain for Souvenirs

Explore the vibrant markets of Hoi An and practice your bargaining skills to score unique souvenirs that will remind you of your trip for years to come. The bustling streets are lined with vendors selling everything from traditional clothing to handmade ceramics, and you won’t want to miss out on the chance to take home a piece of Vietnam’s rich culture. Be sure to bring cash and don’t be afraid to haggle – it’s all part of the experience!

When it comes to finding the best souvenirs in Hoi An , there are a few tips you should keep in mind. Look for items that are made locally, such as silk lanterns or wooden carvings, as these will be more authentic than mass-produced trinkets. Don’t be afraid to ask vendors about their products and the materials used – this can help you determine if an item is worth its asking price. And remember, bargaining is expected in Vietnam so don’t hesitate to negotiate for a fair price. With some patience and persistence, you’re sure to find the perfect souvenir that captures the spirit of Hoi An.

Buy Handmade Crafts

If you’re looking to take home a unique and authentic piece of Vietnam , the current section on buying handmade crafts in Hoi An is where you’ll want to be. This ancient town is known for its craftsmanship culture that has been passed down from generation to generation. It’s not just about buying a souvenir; it’s about supporting the local artisans who pour their heart and soul into each creation.

Walking through the streets, you’ll find an array of shops selling everything from hand-embroidered table runners to intricate wooden carvings. Each piece is a testament to the skill and dedication of the craftsmen who create them. Take your time browsing, ask questions, and learn about the history behind each item. Not only will you leave with a beautiful memento, but you’ll also have a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of this charming town.

Explore the Night Markets

After buying some handmade crafts in Hoi An , it’s time to continue your adventure and explore the night markets. This is where you can experience the true essence of Vietnamese culture. Night market shopping is an absolute must-try here, as it offers a wide range of locally-made products such as clothes, shoes, bags, accessories, and souvenirs. You’ll be amazed by the unique designs and intricate details of each item.

Aside from shopping, don’t forget to try out some street food while you’re at it! The night markets are also known for their mouth-watering delicacies that will surely satisfy your cravings. From Banh Mi sandwiches to Pho noodles to fresh seafood dishes – there’s always something for everyone. So go ahead and indulge in the local cuisine while immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Hoi An ‘s night markets.

Visit the Temples

Immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere of Hoi An by checking out the stunning temples. The temple architecture is striking and unique, showcasing intricate carvings, colorful murals, and beautiful pagodas. Each temple has its own story to tell and offers a glimpse into Vietnam ‘s rich cultural heritage.

In addition to their aesthetic appeal, these temples hold great spiritual significance for locals who come to pay their respects and seek blessings. You can witness devotees lighting incense sticks, offering flowers and fruits, and performing rituals that have been passed down through generations. Visiting these temples is not only a chance to admire their beauty but also an opportunity to learn about the role they play in Vietnamese culture and spirituality.

Experience the Lantern Festival

You’ll love experiencing the Lantern Festival in Hoi An, where colorful lanterns light up the night sky and create a magical atmosphere. This annual event is celebrated on the 14th day of every lunar month, where locals release paper lanterns onto the Thu Bon River to bring good luck and happiness. The river becomes illuminated with thousands of floating lanterns, creating a breathtaking sight that will leave you in awe.

The light decorations are not only beautiful but also hold cultural significance. The festival dates back to when Hoi An was a busy trading port and ships would come from all over Asia to trade goods. To avoid accidents during their journeys, sailors would hang lanterns on their boats for safety. The locals then adopted this practice as a way of bringing peace and prosperity to their own lives. So not only is it visually stunning, but it also holds historical value that reflects the city’s rich history and culture.

Learn to Cook Vietnamese Cuisine

Are you ready to immerse yourself in the rich culinary culture of Vietnam? Take a cooking class and learn how to prepare authentic Vietnamese dishes like pho, banh mi, and spring rolls. Before you begin cooking, visit the local market with your instructor to select fresh ingredients and gain insight into traditional Vietnamese cooking methods. Then roll up your sleeves and get ready to create a delicious meal that you can enjoy with new friends!

Take a Cooking Class

If you’re looking to expand your culinary skills, why not sign up for a cooking class in Hoi An? The cooking class experience allows you to learn techniques and taste creations that will leave your palate wanting more. You’ll explore culinary traditions and fully immerse yourself in the world of Vietnamese cuisine.

During the class, you’ll be taught by experienced chefs who will take you through every step of the process. From selecting fresh ingredients at the market to learning how to chop and prepare them, you’ll get hands-on experience in creating authentic dishes. You’ll also receive recipes to take home with you so that you can continue practicing your new found skills once back home. Taking a cooking class is an excellent way to not only learn about Vietnamese cuisine but also gain insight into their culture and way of life.

Visit the Local Market

Now that you’ve learned how to cook some of Hoi An’s most delicious dishes, it’s time to explore the city’s vibrant local market. This bustling hub of activity is a must-see for anyone visiting the area and offers a unique opportunity to experience Hoi An’s culinary culture firsthand. As you make your way through the maze of vendors, take in the colorful sights and sounds of this lively marketplace.

The market is an excellent place to find all sorts of fresh produce, from exotic fruits and vegetables to succulent seafood. Take your time as you wander through the stalls, stopping to chat with local vendors and learning about their products. You’ll discover new flavors and ingredients that you may never have encountered before. So why not grab a basket and see what treasures you can find? Exploring the unique produce at this market will open up a whole new world of flavor for you! Meet the local vendors who work tirelessly every day, bringing their freshest goods straight from farm to table. This is where Hoi An really comes alive – in its bustling markets filled with authentic Vietnamese culture!

Cook and Enjoy Your Meal

After perfecting your cooking skills through a market tour and culinary workshop, it’s time to savor the fruits of your labor and enjoy a delicious meal in the comfort of your own space. Hoi An offers an abundance of opportunities to cook and dine like a local, with various cooking classes available for every level of expertise. From learning how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes such as pho or banh mi, to mastering the art of rolling fresh spring rolls, you’ll be able to impress your friends and family back home with newfound skills.

To fully immerse yourself in the culinary culture of Hoi An, consider visiting the local market beforehand to purchase fresh ingredients for your meal. With vendors selling everything from exotic spices and aromatic herbs, to locally caught seafood and organic produce, you can truly taste the authentic flavors that this city has to offer. Once you’ve gathered all your ingredients, head back to your kitchen space where expert chefs will guide you through each step until you have created a mouth-watering dish that will leave you feeling satisfied and fulfilled. So go ahead and indulge in one of Hoi An’s most unique experiences – cook up a storm and relish in the flavors!

List of ideas:

• Attend a cooking class
• Learn how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes
• Purchase fresh ingredients at the local market
• Use exotic spices and aromatic herbs
• Create a mouth-watering dish

Relax at the Beach

Take a break and unwind at the serene beaches in Hoi An. The sandy shores are perfect for beach activities like swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. You can rent a beach chair or bring your own towel to lay on as you soak up the warm sunshine and listen to the calming sound of waves crashing onto the shore.

After working up an appetite from all that fun in the sun, head over to one of the many beachside restaurants. Here, you can indulge in delicious seafood dishes while enjoying breathtaking views of the ocean. Sip on a refreshing cocktail as you watch boats sail by and take in all that Hoi An has to offer. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, spending time at the beach is a must-do activity when visiting this beautiful city.

25 Things To Do In Hoi An Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any popular hiking or trekking trails near hoi an.

Looking to explore Hoi An’s natural beauty on foot? You’re in luck! There are a variety of hiking and trekking options available to you. For those looking for an easy hike, try the Marble Mountains trail which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. If you’re up for a more challenging trek, head to Bach Ma National Park where you can choose from several recommended routes ranging in difficulty. Along the way, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas, cascading waterfalls and abundant wildlife. So lace up your shoes, pack some snacks and get ready to experience the freedom that comes with exploring nature on foot!

What are some lesser-known tourist attractions in Hoi An?

Looking for something different to do in Hoi An? Look no further than the city’s hidden gems! These off-the-beaten-path attractions are perfect for those looking to explore Hoi An beyond the typical tourist hotspots. Indulge in local cuisine as you venture through the lesser-known parts of town, experiencing a side of Vietnam that many visitors miss out on. And if you’re interested in art, culture, and history, be sure to check out some of Hoi An’s unique museums – they offer an immersive look at this fascinating city’s past and present. So why stick to the beaten path when there’s so much more to discover in Hoi An? Head off on your own adventure today and let yourself be free!

How do I get around Hoi An without a car or taxi?

Ready to explore Hoi An without relying on a car or taxi? You’re in luck! There are plenty of options available for the adventurous traveler seeking freedom. Why not try a biking tour and wind your way through the city’s charming streets, taking in all the sights and sounds along the way? Or, if you prefer water travel, hop aboard one of the many boat rides available. Glide along the Thu Bon River and soak up stunning views of Hoi An as you go. Whether you choose to pedal or paddle, getting around Hoi An without a car or taxi is an exhilarating experience that will leave you feeling liberated and free.

Are there any restrictions on taking photographs in Hoi An?

When it comes to taking photographs in Hoi An, it’s important to keep in mind the photography etiquette and cultural sensitivity. While snapping away at the beautiful architecture and bustling streets may seem harmless, it’s crucial to respect the local customs and traditions. For example, if you want to take a photo of someone, always ask for their permission first. Additionally, avoid taking photos during religious ceremonies or in sacred places. By being mindful of these guidelines, not only will you capture stunning images but also show respect towards the locals and their culture. So go ahead and explore this charming town with your camera in hand while keeping cultural sensitivity top of mind.

What is the best time of year to visit Hoi An?

When planning a trip to Hoi An, it’s important to consider the climate conditions and crowd levels. The best time of year to visit is during the dry season from February to May, or during the autumn months from August to October. During these times, you’ll experience warm temperatures and clear skies without having to battle large crowds of tourists. However, if you don’t mind some rain and want to save money on accommodations and activities, visiting during the rainy season from September to January might be your best bet. Regardless of when you go, Hoi An offers a sense of freedom with its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful scenery that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

So, there you have it! 25 amazing things to do in Hoi An. You’ve explored the Ancient Town and tasted the delicious local cuisine, taken a serene boat ride and shopped at bustling markets. You’ve visited stunning temples and experienced the magical Lantern Festival. And if that wasn’t enough, you even learned how to cook Vietnamese cuisine!

But don’t forget to take some time to unwind at one of Hoi An’s beautiful beaches. After all these adventures, you deserve a little R&R. Whether you choose to bask in the sun or take a dip in the crystal clear water, Hoi An’s beaches are sure to provide some much-needed relaxation.

Overall, Hoi An is truly a remarkable destination with an endless array of activities for travelers of all kinds. So go ahead and start planning your trip – we promise it will be an unforgettable experience!

Oh, you cannot miss out on the exhilarating journey that awaits you in Vietnam! Trust me, and it’s an adventure you won’t soon forget. Book a tour with us to ensure you don’t miss a stunning moment of this unforgettable experience. But hey, if you’re feeling bold and ready to plan your adventure, we’ve got you covered! Head to our website to devour our insider tips and map your dream trip. Don’t wait any longer. Dive into the mesmerizing natural beauty and fascinating cultural experiences that Vietnam offers – book the tour or start planning your trip today!

Hi guys, I am Trang. I am a Vietnamese who loves to travel and you could describe me as someone with a strong passion to explore the world, I seek adventure and experience, and always ready to discover new things. I have a passion for discovering new places and experiencing the cultures of different countries and peoples. I love meeting new people and sharing my experiences with others. Hope this will help you can find out exciting and challenging journeys, and finally, do not forget to enjoy moments of peace and relaxation.

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15 Places to Visit in Hoi An + Things To Do

There are times when an uncrowded getaway is all we need. With that, Vietnam has Hoi An for an answer. It’s a quaint ancient town in Quảng Nam province, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.

Hoi An maintained its untainted beauty amid the recent bold march of progress. The easygoing vibe and fewer crowds in every attraction within the city make it appealing to those who want to unwind by taking a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Its exceptionally well-preserved vintage architecture of French, Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese styles is one of its top-rated attractions. Roam around the old town and marvel at the fusion designs of the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Ancestral House, and Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall.

The closest international airport to Hoi An within the 35-kilometer range is Da Nang International Airport, which serves daily flights to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Busan, Macau, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Phnom Penh, Taipei, and Hong Kong.

To help with your trip planning, I’ve added links to the locations on Google Maps. Feel free to click/tap on the links posted below. Then, use the “save” feature on the Google Maps app for easy reference. But before you start ticking goals off your bucketlist, here are travel essentials & discounts you’ll need to check. Pre-book online for a hassle-free trip!

Hoi An travel essentials

Click below to compare rates & read reviews:

Hoi An Hotels Tours + discounts Flights

Popular tours & discounts booked by other travelers:

My Son & Hoi An Private Day Tour from Da Nang

Basket Boat Ride Admission Ticket in Hoi An

Hoi An City and Countryside Tour

Marble Mountain and Hoi An Day Tour from Da Nang

View all travel tips on: Hoi An .

1. Japanese Covered Bridge

Location : Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam 564010, Vietnam . Save on Google Maps .

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2. Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Location : Old Town, Hội An, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam . Save on Google Maps .

See rates & book online

Hoi An Private Car Charter

Hoi An Motorbike and GoPro Rental

3. Museum of Folk Culture

Location : 33 Nguyễn Thái Học, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam . Save on Google Maps .

4. Tan Ky Old House

Location : 101 Nguyễn Thái Học, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam . Save on Google Maps .

5. Cantonese Assembly Hall (Quang Trieu)

Location : 176 Trần Phú, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam . Save on Google Maps .

6. Hoi An Riverside (Thu Bon River)

7. Com Ga (Rice Chicken) at Ba Buoi Restaurant

Location : 22 Phan Chu Trinh, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam . Save on Google Maps .

8. Hoi An Central Market

Location : 73 Phan Bội Châu Sơn Phong tp. Hội An Sơn Phong, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam . Save on Google Maps .

9. Minh Huong Ancestor Worship House

Location : Trần Phú, Cẩm Châu, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam . Save on Google Maps .

10. Fujian Assembly Hall (Phuoc Kien)

Location : 46 Trần Phú, Cẩm Châu, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam . Save on Google Maps .

11. Duong Thuong Chinese Assembly Hall (Trung Hoa)

Location : 64 Trần Phú, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam . Save on Google Maps .

12. Chua Ong Temple

Location : 24 Trần Phú, Cẩm Châu, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam . Save on Google Maps .

13. Confucius Temple

Location : Trần Hưng Đạo, Phường Cẩm Phổ, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam . Save on Google Maps .

14. Duc An Old House

Location : 129 Trần Phú, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam . Save on Google Maps .

15. Cam Pho Temple

Location : 52 Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam . Save on Google Maps .

16. My Son Temples – UNESCO World Heritage

Location : Thôn, Mỹ Sơn, Duy Xuyên, Quảng Nam, Vietnam . Save on Google Maps .

My Son Temples day tour from Hoi An

My Son Early Morning Tour by Bus

17. Basket Boat & Coconut Forest Village

Location : Hội An, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam . Save on Google Maps .

Eco Cooking and Basket Boat Tour

Coconut Forest Tour by Bicycle and Basket Boat in Hoi An

18. Cua Dai Beach

Location : Cẩm An, Hội An, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam . Save on Google Maps .

Location : Hải Châu District, Da Nang, Vietnam (South Central Vietnam) . Save on Google Maps .

Da Nang Travel Essentials

Where to stay Tours + discounts

Da Nang Day Trip from Hoi An

Hoi An Private City Transfers for Da Nang, Hue & Ba Na Hills

Marble Mountain Trek from Hoi An

Top discounts

Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge Day Tour

Cham Islands Day Tour from Da Nang

Da Nang Airport (DAD) Private Transfers for Da Nang, Ba Na Hills & more

See more : Da Nang travel tips

Location : Thành phố Huế, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam . Save on Google Maps .

Hue Travel Essentials

Hue Private City Tour From Hoi An

Hue Private Day Tour from Da Nang

Hue heritage sites join-in tour

Phong Nha Cave Exploration from Hue

See more : Hue travel tips

What places have you added to your bucketlist? Have you been to beautiful places in Hoi An that should be on this list? Feel free to share your thoughts!

Places to visit in Hoi An

Hoi An tourist spots, things to do in Hoi An, where to go in Hoi An & more.

Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank.

Where to Stay in Hoi An

Click below & search recommended Hoi An hotels/hostels/home rentals within your budget. Remember to set your  min/max price , travel dates, and  sort by review ratings . I often book online with these trusted booking sites below for rock-bottom prices & convenient bookings.

Agoda Booking.com

Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

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Where is Hoi An?

Hoi An, located in the heart of Quang Nam Province in central Vietnam, is approximately 860 km from Hanoi to the north and 865 km from Ho Chi Minh City to the south. Its strategic location along the North-South axis has made it a culturally rich and diverse town, where cultures from the two regions intersect. The architectural and cultural values of the Hoi An Ancient Town gained recognition on the travel map in the 1980s and were officially designated as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999. As a result, Hoi An has become a must-visit destination for international travelers visiting Vietnam.

Hoi An tourist map

Having a detailed map can save you from any hassles and allow you to fully enjoy your visit. We have provided one for you that includes information on destinations, restaurants, cafes, bars, and other public services. You can easily download it to your phone for offline use or print it out.

When you should travel to Hoi An?

Hoi An is situated in a tropical climate with only two seasons: the dry season from February to August and the rainy season from September to January of the following year. Despite its location in the central region near the South Central Coast, Hoi An’s weather is still impacted by the cold winter in the North. The best time to visit Hoi An is from February to April, when the weather is agreeable and there is less chance of rain and flooding.

How to get to Hoi An?

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As a popular tourist destination, Hoi An is very accessible from all parts of the country.

1. Getting to Hoi An from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City

To reach Hoi An from either of the two major cities, you will first have to land in Da Nang, which is located 30 km away from Hoi An, as there is no airport in the ancient town. You can book flights with airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietravel Airlines, and Vietjet Air, which operate routes from both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang.

Another way to get to Da Nang from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City is by train, with ticket prices ranging from $20 to $50 (470,000 to 1,200,000 VND). You have several options for train carriages, including 4-bed rooms and clean and comfortable V.I.P 2-bed rooms. The travel time varies from 14 to 20 hours, depending on the type of train you choose. If you have time and want to explore the country on the move, taking the train is a great option. You can book train tickets on the official website of the Vietnam Railway Corporation.

Buses are also an option for getting to Da Nang from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, with ticket prices ranging from $20 to $30 (470,000 to 700,000 VND). However, keep in mind that this mode of travel can be tiring and take a long time. Some recommended bus companies are Futabus, Phuc Thuan Thao Bus, and Quoc Hung Bus.

2. Getting to Hoi An from Da Nang

As soon as you arrive in Da Nang, there is a wide range of options to get to Hoi An.

Travel by bus

Bus number 1 from Da Nang can take you directly to the Hoi An Bus Station. You can refer to the bus route below to find the nearest bus stop.

• Advantages: inexpensive
• Disadvantages: long travel time (70-80 minutes), often crowded with limited space for luggage
• Cost: 30,000 VND ($1.25)
• Timing: buses run every 20 minutes from 5:30 AM to 6 PM
• Route: Da Nang Central Bus Station to Ton Duc Thang, Dien Bien Phu, Ha Huy Tap, Ha Khe, Nguyen Tat Thanh, Ong Ich Khiem, Le Duan, Chi Lang, Hung Vuong, Tran Phu, Trung Nu Vuong, Nui Thanh, Duy Tan, Tran Thi Ly Bridge, Ngu Hanh Son (The Marble Mountains), Le Van Hien, Tran Dai Nghia, and finally Hoi An Bus Station.

Travel by taxi

Travelers can book a taxi on arrival in Da Nang City or the airport to go directly to Hoi An.

• Advantages: convenient, comfortable, and flexible
• Disadvantages: slightly expensive
• Cost: 400,000 VND – 500,000 VND ($17 – $21) for a 4-seat car or 500,000 VND – 600,000 VND ($21 – $25) for a 7-seater
• Timing: unlimited, with a one-way trip taking about 45-55 minutes (depending on traffic conditions).

Travel by motorbike

Riding a motorcycle can be a great option if you’re comfortable with it. Note that a motorcycle license is required. The route from Da Nang to Hoi An is scenic with good road conditions.

• Advantages: flexible and interactive, with a great local experience of riding a motorbike
• Disadvantages: a motorcycle license is required
• Cost: 100,000 VND – 120,000 VND ($5) to rent a bike for one day
• Timing: a one-way trip takes about 45-55 minutes (the time may vary depending on the number of stops along the way, which you may make due to the stunning views along the route).

Generally, there are many cost-effective and comfortable options for traveling from Da Nang to Hoi An. The choice will depend on your budget, time availability, and desired experience. Regardless of your method of transportation, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind experience and when you reach the historic town of Hoi An, you’ll find that it was worth the journey.

Top 5 exciting activities in Hoi An

Aside from exploring Hoi An’s attractions and culinary offerings, there are several recommended activities to fully experience the town.

Watch the Hoi An Memories Show

The “Memories of Hoi An” is a stunning outdoor art performance featuring over 500 professional actors. It takes place on a massive stage measuring up to 25,000 square meters, and presents the history and cultural beauty of Hoi An through its costumes, dances, and props. This show will give you a breathtaking experience of light, sound, and movement.

Release paper flower lanterns

Hoi An takes on a mysterious beauty, particularly at night. One of the most profound experiences for visitors here is releasing lanterns on the tranquil Hoai River. You can purchase a lantern for approximately 20,000 VND and join the local community in this peaceful and sacred tradition.

Take an evening boat ride on the Hoai River

The Hoai River is a branch of the Thu Bon River that runs through Hoi An and is a symbol of the historic ancient town. Young people, particularly couples in love, enjoy rowing on the river at night and releasing flower lanterns as they believe the lanterns are witnesses to their commitment and carry their wishes. The best time to take a boat ride is from 4 PM to 5 PM, just before sunset, allowing you to take in the sunset view before being captivated by the magical lights along the river at night. A boat ride can accommodate 2 to 5 passengers and typically costs 150,000 VND ($7) per person for a 30-minute ride.

Join in traditional games

Every night, Hoi An attracts thousands of tourists for a stroll through the heart of the old town. In addition to sightseeing and trying the town’s specialties, visitors can also participate in the traditional folk games of the Vietnamese people. Games such as bingo and chess are hosted by a passionate team of locals, who use traditional costumes and instruments, making the experience exciting and entertaining.

Savor the coffee

While it may be a familiar refrain that you should try coffee when visiting Vietnam, this is especially true in Hoi An. The coffee here is not just a drink but an experience, with atmospheric coffeehouses featuring iconic yellow color themes. Each coffeehouse exudes a nostalgic and vintage ambiance that is difficult to describe in words. You must visit, sit on one of the small bamboo chairs, and savor a rich coffee or chocolate drink while immersing yourself in the peaceful and ancient atmosphere to truly capture the essence of this charming town.

Here are some recommended coffee shops to try:

• Reaching Out Tea House: 131 Tran Phu Street
• Hoi An Roastery: 135 Tran Phu Street
• Cocobana: 16 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street
• Chu Chu: 74 Tran Phu Street
• Cocobox: 94 Le Loi Street
• Mot Hoi An: 150 Tran Phu Street
• The Chef: 166 Tran Phu Street.

A detailed travel guide for Hoi An in 2023 is for those who are planning to explore the historic ancient town. We hope you will have a perfect trip with many exciting experiences in this town!

Top attractions in Hoi An

An bang beach, where to stay in hoi an, stay in hoi an, must-try dishes in hoi an, 8 must-try foods in hoi an, other destinations, mui ne, phan thiet, ha long bay.

Read More: A Perfect 2 weeks Vietnam Itinerary

Hoi An Itinerary: Top 15 Hoi An Things To Do

1. explore the old quarter in hoi an.

Let’s start your Hoi An itinerary by exploring the stunning Old Quarter. Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site , located on the central coast of Vietnam and is known for its well-preserved picturesque Old Quarter, which is cut through with canals.

The city’s past as a trading center is reflected in its architecture; a mix of eras and styles from wooden Chinese shop houses and temples to colorful French colonial buildings, ornate Vietnamese tube houses, and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge with its pagoda.

This fantastic ancient town tour will take you to all the best spots including the Japanese Bridge, a traditional pottery museum, and a traditional assembly hall. You’ll also get to head on a river ride in a traditional basket boat and go on a ‘handicraft tour’ of Hoi An where you’ll get to learn about how the locals make a living! Although you can always take a self-guided tour of the Old Quarter, you’ll get to learn so much more if you explore with a local guide.

Suggested Tour: Hoi-An Half-Day Ancient Town Tour

2. Enjoy the great local and fusion cuisine

Oh yeah! There is good food in Hoi An and great options for restaurants offering local dishes and the prices are very good too. I tried many different restaurants and I didn’t have one bad meal, they were all great.

The food is very fresh, and tasty, and with a large variety of options. There are quite a few restaurants that have modern twists on classic Vietnamese dishes as well as new creations and fusion dishes from talented chefs, so there’s a lot on offer. Here is a list of 10 restaurants in Hoi An

If you’d prefer a local’s advice then why not check out this walking food tour ? This tour is limited to twelve people and you’ll get to visit some of Hoi An’s best foodie hotspots. Not only will you get to try authentic cuisine but you’ll be given other recommendations during your stay!

Suggested Tour: Evening Walking Food Tour in Hoi An

3. V isit the rice paddies during your Hoi An itinerary

I stayed at the Hoi An Chic Green Retreat and it was a perfect location. It is located between large rice paddies and the main town, so as you can imagine the views were pretty special. I rented a motorbike and enjoyed the scenery and observed the people working in the paddies!

You can also rent a bicycle and ride on dirt roads and concrete paths among the rice fields. This is another great way to enjoy the beautiful scenery and observe the life of the locals who work in the fields.

Along the way, you’ll probably get to see water buffalo with their owners, but just be wary of taking photographs. Some locals don’t mind at all, whilst some will want to get paid for the opportunity. Of course, if you don’t mind paying then it’s not an issue! There are plenty of fantastic cafes in the area that offer views of the rice paddies too and they make for the perfect stop-off.

Suggested Tour: Hoi An Countryside full-day small group bicycle tour

4. Ride a bicycle around Hoi An

Bikes are very popular in Hoi An since the traffic is lighter than in the big cities.

The main sections of Hoi An are closed to cars and motorbikes, making it easier and safer to ride a bicycle around. You can easily just ride around yourself but if you’d prefer to go on a guided tour then I’ve got the perfect option for you!

Take a look at this countryside bike tour if you’re wanting to learn about the area whilst you ride! You’ll be cycling for around 4.5 hours and the guide will take you through the ancient town of Hoi An, through lush rice paddies, and past traditional villages.

Heading out on a bicycle is also a great way to explore the surrounding area as some of the tourist attractions are located outside of Hoi An!

5. Take Day Trips from Hoi An

There are so many places to visit around Hoi An. You can explore freely, for example, follow the river and observing all the fishing boats. There are also many restaurants around the river, where you can enjoy local beer and food whilst you have a phenomenal view.

You’ll be overwhelmed with options for a day tour from Hoi An, so here are some of my top picks for you:

• Bang Beach : Some hotels provide a shuttle bus from Hoi An to Bang Beach. The bars and restaurants are all quite small, but they offer delicious food, refreshing drinks, and entertainment. You will find many fun activities to do here, including paddle boarding, parasailing, and jet skiing.
• Danang: Take a 1-hour motorbike ride to the city of Danang and plan to visit the magnificent Marble Mountains . The best way to visit is by taking the Da Nang tour which will take you to Marble Mountain, Lady Buddha, and Am Phu Cave!
• My Son Hindu Sanctuary: You can also take a 1-hour car drive to visit the historic Hindu Sanctuary of My Son . If you don’t want to travel on your own, a great option is this My Son Sanctuary tour which includes a river cruise
• Hue: One of the best day trip options is this Hue city tour which includes a visit to the imperial city, a drive along the famous Hai Van Pass, and Lap An Lagoon. You’ll also get to visit other popular attractions including Thien Mu Pagoda and the Tomb of Khai Dinh.

Read More: Ultimate Guide How to Visit the Marble Mountains, Danang

6. Visit the Tailor Shops

Hoi An is famous for its Tailors. The streets and galleries are packed with tourists carrying designer magazines, and the local tailors can reproduce pretty much anything!

All you have to do is to pick your style, and your favorite fabric, and the next day you can go back to try it and make any final adjustments needed before you pick it up. I was so tempted to buy more, but thanks to the limited space in my backpack I controlled myself and ended up with only a couple of dresses and a pair of shoes that I absolutely love!

Do you want a replica Indiana Jones leather jacket? You can get one made to your size here. If you can think of it, they can make it – trust me! Many people choose to get suited and booted for upcoming events here such as weddings or christenings!

7. Stroll by the river

The Old Quarter of Hoi An is closed to cars and motorbikes. It’s only open to pedestrians, bicycles, and rickshaws, which makes it really pleasant to just walk around the ancient part of the town without worrying about the traffic.

The majority of Hoi An is located along the Thu Bon River which is also known as the ‘Mother of Rivers’ as it’s home to an abundance of fish. Its main purpose was to transport goods between the highlands and lowlands, as well as other countries such as Thailand and Laos.

Today, it’s a popular tourist attraction and you’ll find plenty of riverside bars and restaurants here. Although beautiful at any time of day, you don’t want to miss this part of Hoi An at night. All the lanterns alongside the river and on the boats are lit up meaning the river is illuminated in all its glory!

8. Take a boat trip down the Thu Bon River

Many locals, usually women, offer boat rides down the river in their wooden canoes. It’s a great opportunity to see more of the Hoi An Old Quarter from a different angle and isn’t an experience you want to miss!

These boat rides run throughout the day but for the best experience, you may want to head out in the evening. This night market tour of Hoi An includes a walking tour of the Ancient Town and then you’ll have a 30-minute cruise along the river. This will give you the perfect opportunity to see the city lit up at night!

There are also larger boats that offer dinner cruises on the river; an example being this romantic sunset dinner cruise . It’s a 2-hour cruise that includes a welcome drink, fresh seafood, and a tasty dessert. This dinner cruise will take you past some of Hoi An’s more hidden gems and you’ll get to learn about the local history.

Suggested Tour: Romantic Sunset Dinner Cruise in Hoi An

9. E xplore the historic buildings

Hoi An has many historic buildings from the 16 th to 18 th centuries, including the famous Japanese Covered Bridge . Explore some houses, as some of them have had their interiors turned into museums, giving visitors a glimpse at what life was like for wealthy merchants in the colonial and pre-colonial periods.

The Tan Ky and the Duc An homes are two of the more popular ones to visit, so make sure you allow some time for this! These two buildings have been inhabited for generations, with the Duc An House being around 400 years old.

Some of the other historical buildings that you should visit include Hoi Quan Phuoc Kien , Toc Tran , and the Hoi An Artcraft Manufacturing Workshop . As you can see, Hoi An has a lot to offer in terms of history and its unique architecture so take some time to simply wander around and admire the views.

Suggested Tour: Hoi An Private City Tour

10. Visit the Incredible Precious Heritage Project

The Precious Heritage Project is this amazing art gallery that displays photography from one of the best photographers in the world today, Rehahn . You cannot only find Rehahn’s photography on display, but you can also see his museum dedicated to the 54 native tribes of Vietnam.

This museum of ethnology was one of the most impactful and special experiences that I had in Hoi An . I had the incredible pleasure to meet Rehahn while visiting his gallery, and he’s a very genuine person! His passion for photography and Vietnam was very palpable, and he was gracious enough to spend time sharing precious stories of his projects with me.

Although this may not be one of the most popular things to do in Hoi An, it’s not something you should miss. The project aims to preserve tribal culture, including the Black Hmong , and document Vietnam’s different cultures, some of which are dwindling quickly in terms of population.

11. Enjoy the Nightlife in Hoi An

When nighttime comes, the Old Quarter transforms and the yellow lights from the lanterns hanging outside the buildings and in the streets add even more charm to this quaint place. The nightlife in Hoi An is very alive with all the restaurants, bars, night market, and boutique shops, attracting and inviting people to enjoy the outdoors.

Although Hoi An may seem like a quiet destination, you won’t be short of nightlife opportunities. First of all, if you’re looking to party then make sure you head to Tribee Kinh Hostel and Vietnam Backpacker Hostels.

If you’d prefer something a bit more low-key then there are endless bars to choose from including The Shamrock Irish Pub, Guitar Hawaii Bar, The Deck Hoi An, and Market Bar. Not only that but you’ve also got the famous night market where you can grab souvenirs and eat some delicious food!

Suggested Tour: Hoi An by Night with Dinner

1 2. Explore the Cafes in Hoi An

Hoi An also offers so many options for coffee shops and it’s hard to make a bad choice. I had one of the best breakfasts at Rosie’s café . It was so fresh and healthy, and I highly recommend you to try it. Rosie’s offers some very creative options on classic dishes. The café is tucked away and can be a challenge to find, but it was so worth the effort!

Some of the most popular cafes in Hoi An include:

• The Espresso Station,
• Mia Coffee.
• Phin Coffee & Restaurant and Faifo Coffee also have over a thousand reviews on Google, so you know that you’re in good hands!

You’re likely to find plenty of others hidden down alleyways too so stray away from the tourist area and find some of the city’s more secret spots.

13. Attend a cooking class

There’s no better way to understand a place’s cuisine than by taking a cooking class! Not only will you get to learn all about the local food, but you’ll also get to learn delicious recipes that you’ll be able to cook at home.

Now, there are plenty of fantastic cooking classes in Hoi An so you’ll be spoilt for choice. To save you from searching, why not check out this eco-cooking class ?

It includes a visit to the produce market where you’ll purchase your ingredients and a chance to fish for fresh crab the Vietnamese way! You’ll then have a 2-hour cooking class where you’ll get to learn new recipes including spring rolls and chicken noodles!

There’s also this awesome cooking class that takes place in someone’s home so you’ll get the ultimate local experience. Cooking with Jolie in Hoi An focuses on using the freshest ingredients possible and will teach you how to make four traditional Vietnamese dishes.

14. Go Snorkeling at Cham Island

If you’re looking to try a bit of snorkeling then you’ll want to take a day trip out to Cham Island. Located just 9 miles (15 km) from the shoreline of Hoi An, this beautiful area is home to an abundance of tropical coral reefs so you’ll find plenty of marine life. In fact, this area is recognized as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO so it’s quite the place to visit!

If you don’t want the hassle of getting there yourself then this awesome and very affordable Cham Island Day Tour is what you need. It includes a tour guide, entrance fees, your speedboat ticket, and snorkeling equipment so you’ll have everything covered. Not only that but lunch is included and so are pickup and drop-off in Hoi An.

Cham Island is undeniably beautiful so if you’re looking for a break from Vietnam’s chaotic cities then make sure you head here on a day trip!

Suggested Tour: Cham Island Day Tour: Speed boat, lunch, snorkeling and wonderful beach

This is one of my favorite things to do while I am traveling and exploring our Planet! Connect with the locals. While exploring new things, getting lost in the streets, trying the local food, and visiting beautiful sites are all amazing.

I find that the best way to really get to know a place and its culture is through interaction with locals, and Hoi An is perfect for it. They are extremely nice people, and they are also eager to get to know you and to practice their English.

I always opt to stay in a regular neighborhood as it gives me the chance to interact with the locals, outside the tourist areas. An example of this is when I rode my bike to the local restaurant for my meal, and one day I ordered a pho. A local gentleman at the table next to me joined me for dinner and shared his long story about when he fought in the American-Vietnam War. I thought it was simply amazing!

Planning Your Trip to Hoi An

Accommodations in hoi an.

Hoi An has some of the most affordable accommodation options in Vietnam. It all depends on your travel style. You can pay as little as $20-$30 for a 2 Star Hotel .  Also, there are plenty of options for good quality hotels, and the average prices are around $40-$80 or if you are looking for luxury accommodations, you can stay for $100-200 per night. Here are a couple of recommendations:

TOP OVERALL PICK: Little Riverside Hoi An

Rated: 9.2 Wonderful

This gorgeous hotel is situated along the Thu Bon River and is home to endless facilities including an outdoor swimming pool, an on-site spa, a restaurant, and a bar. There’s also a terrace area where you can enjoy the breathtaking views!

MID RANGE: Golden Holiday Hotel & Spa

Rated: 9.7 Exceptional

Not only are the rooms beautiful at this hotel but they’re super affordable, especially as breakfast is included with your stay. You’ll also benefit from an outdoor swimming pool, an on-site spa, a restaurant, and a bar so this place has a lot to offer.

LUXURY: Allegro Hoi An – A Little Luxury Hotel & Spa

This 5* hotel is located close to the Japanese Covered Bridge and offers free bicycle use so you’ll have no problems exploring Hoi An. They also offer a shuttle service to the old town and An Bang Beach, and there’s a 24-hour front desk where staff can help you with tour arrangements.

How to Get Around Hoi An

Hoi An was the second stop during my trip to Vietnam. I flew from Ho Chi Minh City to Danang and took a 30-minute Uber ride to my Airbnb in Hoi An for US$10 . You’ll pay around US$15-20 if you take a regular cab!

Luckily, you can also take a shuttle transfer from Danang Airport to Hoi An, where you can book a private or shared transfer. That means you can just sit back in comfort, and not have to worry about finding transport after your flight!

To rent a motorbike to explore Hoi An you will pay US$5 per day plus gas. However, if you’d prefer not to rent a motorbike then you’ve got lots of other options.

A private driver for a day tour to the My Son ruins cost me US$10 per person so getting around is extremely affordable. Many of the hotels in Hoi An also offer free or very cheap bicycle use, and this is how many people choose to explore the old town!

How Long to Stay in Hoi An

I spent a total of 6 days in Hoi An, including spending Christmas and having the opportunity to take side trips to Danang and My Son . If you’re visiting Vietnam, I recommend including Hoi An on your must-visit list and plan to stay in this beautiful town for at least 3 full days .

This gives you enough time to explore all the tourist spots, take part in some tours or classes, and relax too!

The dry season is from February until July , as these months provide plenty of sunshine, with warm temperatures. I visited Hoi An in December and the weather was just perfect!

The mornings started cloudy and overcast with mild temperatures, and by midday, it would warm up with temperatures in the low 70s. It rained briefly pretty much every day while I was in Hoi An, but it didn’t slow me down as I would take the opportunity to sit in one of the many cafés and enjoy watching the rain by the river.

The downside is that I was not able to go to the beach because the weather didn’t permit it so just keep that in mind when you’re planning your trip!

What to do in Hoi An Conclusion

If you were wondering what to do in Hoi An, I hope you’ve found many reasons to visit this fascinating town in Vietnam and add it to your itinerary!

I could even live in Hoi An because it seems to be a perfect and peaceful place to live. The natural beauty of the rice fields surrounding the town along with the river running through it creates a spectacular storybook river walk with boutique shops and restaurants.

Nearby are lovely beaches to soak up the sun, and there are many amazing places to visit on a day trip from Hoi An. In one day you can visit mountains, beaches, a city and rice paddies.

If you’ve enjoyed this guide then here are some others that you might find helpful:

• A Perfect 2-week Itinerary in Vietnam
• Vietnam Travel Tips: Everything You Need To Know Before Your Trip
• 3-Day Sapa Itinerary With Trekking & Authentic Homestay
• All you need to know about Sapa Homestay & Trekking with a Black Hmong Family
• Sapa Ethical Travel: 7 Reasons You Should Book With an Independent Guide
• Ultimate Guide to Visit the My Son Hindu Sanctuary
• 15 Best Things to do in Mui Ne
• Ultimate Hanoi Itinerary

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3 thoughts on “15 hoi an top things to do for a perfect hoi an itinerary”.

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, is an intriguing relic of Vietnam’s history, was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. Also known as the Hanoi Citadel, many artefacts and items dating back to between the h and h centuries were excavated in 2004, including foundations of old palaces, ancient roads, ponds and wells. Situated in Ba Dinh District, entrance fee to the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is at VND30,000 and opening time is from 08:00 to 17:00 every day except Monday. This prominent site is also within a 15-minute walk from attractions such as Quan Thanh Temple, Vietnam Military History Museum and Cua Bac Church.

This is a great list of things to do in Hoi An, it is such a beautiful part of Vietnam. Im so jealous that you met Rehahn! The Precious Heritage Museum was incredible and I recommend it to everyone as a must see when in Hoi An.

Thanks Christine, I am glad you like the list. I agree with you and I loved Hoi An. Rehahn is not only one of the best photographers in the world today, but also an amazing human being, I am so glad I had the chance to meet him and to talk to him about his projects.

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Hoi An Attractions

Famous & Unusual Hoi An Attractions

Hoi An, on the central coast of Vietnam, is unlike any other cities or towns in Southeast Asia. This city is a blend of styles which demonstrate the influences of different cultures on the region, including Japanese, Chinese, French, and Portuguese. Visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will have a chance to contemplate and explore up to 800 historic buildings. Not only possessing a lot of traditional houses, museums, bridges, and pagodas, Hoi An is also home to friendly locals, diversifying culture and vibrant colors, all of which make the city one of top tourist destinations in Vietnam.

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Home » Vietnam Travel » Attractions in Vietnam » 18 Must-See Hoi An Attractions – Places To Visit For Tourists

18 Must-See Hoi An Attractions – Places To Visit For Tourists

Updated: 11/14/2019

• 1. Cua Dai Beach
• 2. An Bang Beach
• 3. Cham Island

4. Hoi An Riverside

• 5. Hoi An Old Town
• 6. Gem Art Museum
• 7. Tan Ky House
• 8. Japanese Bridge
• 9. Cam Kim Island
• 10. Kim Bong Carpentry Village

Historic, graceful Hoi An (Hội An) is considered the most delightful town in Vietnam. Used to be a busy international commercial main port in the 16th and 17th centuries, this city boasts the beguiling setting of riverside and grand architecture that you hardly find anywhere else in Vietnam (Việt Nam).

The ancient town of Hoi An, which is about 30 kilometers south of Danang (Đà Nẵng), lies on Thu Bon (Thu Bồn) River’s banks. Hoi An nowadays still has a distinct atmosphere with low, tile-roofed, houses and narrow streets with the structure still remained as the original ones. Hoi An is considered one of the most popular tourist attractions in Vietnam. With the ancient charm of shrines, temples, pagodas, Chinese style wooden houses, and the unique but harmony combination of Chinese and Japanese architecture, Hoi An lures a large number of both domestic and international tourists in Vietnam. There are a lot of Hoi An attractions for tourists to visit and a vacation in Hoi An would be an ideal suggestion for a break from the hustle and bustle city life with the tranquility around. If you are wondering which interesting destination to visit in your upcoming vacation is, then let Hoi An be your choice. Really, whoever coming to Hoi An, Vietnam cannot deny that it is strongly favored by nature with a lot of Hoi An attractions appreciated by international tourists worldwide. The weather in this town is typically tropical and comparatively warm, particularly throughout the year, and could be classified into two major seasons, namely dry and wet ones. The best time for tourists to visit Hoi An is from February to April, when the temperature is very comfortable with low rainfall. The temperature is rather high during summer; and from October to November, it could rain continually and there might be a high chance of typhoons and floods. If possible, you should plan your trip to Hoi An on the 14th day of any lunar month as there will be Full Moon festivals celebrated in Hoi An, which is the stage for dancing, games, food, and traditional songs with lanterns lining along the streets. Believe me, with tons of Hoi An attractions and its comfortable weather as well as atmosphere here, you will have the most memorable trip than ever before. Just simply take a quick look from this checklist of Hoi An attractions to see what to do and where to visit in Hoi An, Vietnam!

18 Hoi An Attractions – Where To Visit In Hoi An, Vietnam

1. cua dai beach (bãi biển cửa đại).

When it comes to Hoi An attractions, Cua Dai Beach should be the first one in this list. This is the main beach of Hoi An, which is situated at the end of the road that is predictably named Cua Dai road.

Cua Dai Beach means the “big sea mouth”, which is over 3km in lenth and up to 300m in width. The beach is closest to Hoi An, and is an incredibly long beach with a lot of space to wander off for a bit of personal relax, which is hard to find in Vietnam nowadays.

Being long and wide, Cua Dai beach has clear water with tropically blue waves which are gentle enough for floating and swimming around. Tourists will discover a few changing huts along with a couple of bungalows on this beach. Cham Island could be spotted from the distance on a sunny day with its willow tree supplying tourists with shade to enjoy the view. A few water sports are set up at this beach, not to mention a lot of deckchairs, parasols and a lovely line of trees giving shade; hence, it is not necessary for you to worry about spending many hours under the sun without being able to cool down. It is very great to visit this beach at sunrise and witness the fishermen and their boats trading what they have caught.

Wide and long Cua Dai beach, one of the most recommended Hoi An attractions, is a beautiful beach featuring with sloping soft white sands located 5km away from the ancient town of Hoi An.

Also, there is a series of seafood restaurants situated around the coast, so tourists can comfortably enjoy their dinner without having to walk too far. After visiting Cua Dai, tourists could expect to be offered a steam of vendors who sell souvenirs, drinks, fruits, and other goods. If you do not want to buy anything, politely make it clear that you will not buy and they will rapidly leave. And, if you want to buy something, remember that the prices tend to be much higher than anywhere else, so you had better bargain in order to buy your desired items at good prices.

Cua Dai, one of the most well-known Hoi An attractions, is another reason for tourists worldwide to visit Hoi An, where they could soak up all the celebrated historical and cultural sites before heading up to the beach and experience what is usually claimed to be the most stunning coastal shore of Vietnam. Deserted white sands and crystal blue sea water at Cua Dai Beach are hard to find in any other place in Vietnam.

2. An Bang Beach (Bãi Biển An Bằng)

Aside from Cua Dai Beach, An Bang Beach is another beach that should be added to the list of must-see Hoi An attractions. At An Bang beach, you will see a perfectly balance of convenient restaurant and bars, islands views, green lawns, year round swimming and the spectacular East Sea. An Bang beach is just 4km from Hoi An and approximately 30km from the Da Nang international airport. It is one of the most ideal places for tourists to lay their hat and enjoy airy breeze. Actually, this is among a few remaining stretching beaches which still remains nearly un-spoilt by the tourism development, offering castaway restaurants, blue sea, and bohemian beach bars. Not only does it flaunt the most spectacular mountain and island views that tourists do not even need to climb off their lounger to enjoy, but also many of the best fresh seafood in Hoi An. In fact, unlike other beaches, there is always something to do at An Bang Beach for whatever reason; whether you prefer some sunbathing or surfing, An Bang beach never disappoints you.

During summer months, local and domestic tourists come here mostly for sunrise and sunset swim, as well as for family beach barbecues. It also means that it is rather quiet during the day. However, the best time to visit the beach is the dry season, from March and September. If you love beach lounging and tanning, then you could easily hire a sun lounger with a small amount of money equally to the price of a bottle of water. In the wet season, the climate in An Bang is ideal for surfing as there will be six-foot waves rolling into the beach.

3. Cham Island (Đảo Chàm)

One of the most beautiful Hoi An attractions is Cham Island. This picturesque coastal spot offers tourists a chance to visit stunning beaches, lush forest, and a cute village, making their day trip to the island really worthwhile.

Just about 27km away from Hoi An coast, Cham Island is reckoned as a pristine paradise which is at best during summer months, from April to September. Especially, during those months, tourists can witness to some storm activities. In the cooler months, diving tends to be less worthwhile. In addition to the amazing beaches and breathtaking views, Cham Island also boasts itself as a popular diving and snorkeling spot. There are a few companies based out of Hoi An offering day trips to this island. Tourists should decide whether they would like to go for snorkeling or diving, or simply enjoying the island itself with its impressive beach and village.

One of the most famous Hoi An attractions is Hoi An Riverside, which is considered as the major landmark in Hoi An. This site is where both modern and traditional boats drop their anchors and where local people go to shop at the wet market daily morning.

The town is reintroducing the presence of colorful and gorgeous hand-crafted lanterns. Especially, on the special nights of a month, hundreds of them hang on windows and verandas as they normally did more than 300 years ago.

Hoi An Riverside is where you could sample good coffee, seafood, home-caked and international food as well. Travelers can enjoy the pleasant waterfront region which is the most popular for tourists to dine.

With local boats pass through, the view across Thu Bon River reminds the view of the old days in Hoi An. The elegant lamps illuminated nightly are always successful at charming people. Tourists simply could not get enough of it.

Not mention to the romantic, mysterious atmosphere that every tourist will experience when visiting Hoi An Riverside, the nightlife of this place is also worth experiencing. It brings to travelers the feel of a hippy-like atmosphere. This is where you could see both sophisticated and budget tourists are comfortable together. And, along with the magical atmosphere created by the reflection of the old-style Hoi An lanterns on the water, the Riverfront becomes the most out-of-town that tourists often hang out at night. Here, people can enjoy a simple meal and have friendly conversations while sipping a few drinks with their friends.

If you have a chance to visit Hoi An at special times of the year, you could also purchase beautiful floating lanterns and then release them onto the river at night. This is one of the most noticeable and lovely activity for both locals and tourists, particularly for couples and young kids.

When visiting Hoi An attractions, if you have enough time to relax, so one of the interesting suggestions for activities in Hoi An Riverside area is to hire a boat for fishing. For the aim of fishing and relaxing as well, there are a lot of local boats chartering at the docks.

5. Hoi An Old Town (Phố Cổ Hội An)

• It is small and peaceful enough for tourists to walk around on food
• The traffic is not as heavy as in the bigger cities.

Some streets in Hoi An Old Town just allow motorbike and bike traffic and some just allow pedestrian only. All of these features make Hoi An Old Town more inviting for the majority of tourists to Vietnam, particularly those who used to pass through frenetic Hanoi (Hà Nội) or Ho Chi Minh (Hồ Chí Minh) City (also known as Saigon (Sài Gòn)).

A number of buildings in this Old Town were built more than a century ago and characterize strong Chinese influences which originate from merchants from Fujian, Guangzhou, Hainan and Chiu Chow. And, some of the signboards bearing company names are gilded and carved in Chinese characters, which reflect the strong influence and present of the Chinese in Hoi An. In this Old Town, tradition is still alive impressively even though a few of the old shops have been recently converted to modern business in order to satisfy tourists’ experience. The shops like tailors, art galleries, souvenir shops, restaurants as well as cafes all have been converted with special care in order to preserve the past.

Tourists visiting here can enjoy a cycle riding tour as an alternative and interesting manner to explore this site. Many bars and cafes available in Hoi An offer happy hours and some even begins as early as 4 pm. Chilling out in a coffee shop on a comfortable and big sofas and enjoying a few snacks, drinks or a game of darts and pool are very exciting for tourists after a long day of walking on foot to discover this old town.

Keep reading this list of Hoi An attractions to visit more must-see places in Hoi An!

6. Gem Art Museum (Bảo Tàng Đá Quý)

If you are person who has a love for jewelries, the Gem Art Museum (GAM) is your ideal destination. It is a private museum, jewellery store, lounge and bar in a nice villa nearby Hoi An’s Japanese Bridge. This museum presents gems collected by a native Hanoian named Dung Duong. GAM is proud of being the most extensive collection of gem sculptures, rare minerals, and cut stones in Vietnam.

Admission to this museum is free if you order a drink at the garden bar located at the back area. This bar is opened up to late night.

7. Tan Ky House (Nhà Cổ Tấn Ký)

This house is established in two centuries ago by an ethnically Vietnamese family, and has been preserved through 7 generations. The architecture of this house is influenced by Japanese and Chinese styles. Japanese elements are shown through the ceiling, which is supported by three progressively shorter beams, each one placed on top of the other. The Chinese elements are shown on the 150-year-old panels featuring with images of birds gracefully portrayed in different positions of flight. The roof is made of tiles, from the outside; and inside, the ceiling consists of wood. These features keep this Tan Ky House warm in winter and cool in summer.

• Opening hours: 8 am – 11 am & 2 pm – 4 pm daily
• Location: No.101 Nguyen Thai Hoc (Nguyễn Thái Học) Street, Hoi An (Hội An)

8. Japanese Bridge (Cầu Nhật Bản)

One of noticeable Hoi An attractions, the Japanese Bridge is a signature landmark of Hoi An, which is also used widely as an emblem of Hoi An. It was established by Japanese merchants in 16th century.

Situated at the Western corner of Tran Phu (Trần Phú) Street, in the 16th century, this bridge connects the Chinese merchant community on the east side of the canal with the Japanese community on the western side. Though it has been rebuilt a few times since its establishment, it still retains its distinct characters as well as impressive Japanese elements.

The entrances of this bridge are guarded by weathered statues: a pair of dogs on one side and a pair of monkeys on the other side. While accessing to this bridge does not cost you, you might have to surrender a tick to see a temple built in the northern side of the bridge.

• Location: Tran Phu (Trần Phú) Street, Hoi An, Vietnam

9. Cam Kim Island (Đảo Cẩm Kim)

From Hoi An’s centre, a short ferry ride will take you to Cam Kim Island, an interesting place for an early morning cycle, which deserves to be added into this checklist of Hoi An attractions. Cam Kim Island is renowned for its woodcarving village (Kim Bong) and boasts peaceful countryside. Tourists could find other crafts here too, such as the basket fishing boats made by locals and the colorful woven sedge mats. One of the highly recommended activities when visiting Cam Kim Island is to peddle through corn and rice fields around it, even without the tour-guide. Don’t worry, you will not get lost there, and the experience will be particularly worthwhile.

10. Kim Bong Carpentry Village (Làng Mộc Kim Bồng)

The Kim Bong Carpentry Village has been originated in the north of Vietnam since the 16th century. This village has had its artisans work on furniture as well as houses across the country, from Hue royal and citadel tombs to gorgeous buildings in Hanoi or a lot of architectural projects in Hoi An’s heyday. It is said that the style of Kim Bong Carpentry is the mixture between Cham kingdom, Japanese, China,… and of course the skilful hands of Vietnamese craftsmen. Over many years, this village has developed strongly and formed 3 groups of artisans: civil wooden furniture, ancient architectural construction, and shipbuilding. Regardless of the group, the craftsmen of Kim Bong still remain their traditional way of starting out as apprentices and earning a high rank of master via many years of hard work.

Nowadays, tourism companies often plan their tours to Kim Bong Carpentry in the form of a half-day bike riding, allowing tourists to see the craftsmen as well as artisans working with their professional and skillful hands on the simple crafts. The common products of the village include religious statues, furniture, and finely crafted wooden doors that could be easily found and bought in the majority of souvenirs shops.

The prices range from a few dollars to thousands of dollars depending on the products. Many artisans in the village have shifted to work of recovering those historical monuments as well as relics, particularly the old houses in Hoi An.

Walking down this village, you will see two parallel streets with open-fronted buildings. A few of them are the working places of artisans. The most well-known shop belongs to Mr. Huynh Ni, where tourists might also have an opportunity to watch the shipbuilding area by themselves where wooden fishing vessels are established using most traditional techniques.

Just simply take a boat trip from the Hoi An’s Old Town (at Bach Dang (Bạch Đằng) street) and you will reach Kim Bong Village.

Are you fancy of enjoying something wild when visiting in Hoi An? Then you should add the following site to your list of must-go Hoi An attractions.

11. Tra Que Village (Làng Trà Quế)

This is a small village situated 3km north of the Old Town of Hoi An. The location of this village is between Tra Que alga pond and De Vong (Đế Vọng) River. Due to the particular condition of rich soil as well as water, this village has long been well-known for growing a lot of types of veggies, including basil, salad, lettuce, flagrant knouted, houttuynia, coriander vegetables, and so on. It also creates big fame for Hoi An in terms of traditional specialties. The name Tra Que is also the name of sweet vegetables, which spice up the daily meals of Hoi An locals.

Visitors coming to Tra Que Village are usually fascinated by observing the farming procedures of those local farmers, such as ranking the soil, sowing, watering, picking veggies and other activities that are rarely seen in the modern life nowadays.

Furthermore, visitors could listen to locals talking about organic farming techniques and even try out actual farming by themselves. Especially, the farmers here do not use fertilizers and chemicals yet a type of algae found only in the lagoon in the village. Due to this great technique, herbs and vegetables of Tra Que village are strongly and widely recognized for their safety, quality and particularly outstanding flavor and taste.

As a tourist, you could also learn some cooking lessons supplied by many tourism companies here. It is totally not a bad idea as you will be able to cook a Vietnamese dish by yourself – a great experience you can gain when discovering a lot of Hoi An attractions!

12. Tran Family Chapel (Nhà Thờ Tộc Trần)

Tran Family Chapel is considered as one of the most historical and oldest houses in Hoi An, also a must-see historical Hoi An attractions. Original, this place served as a worshipping place for the ancestors of the family and a reminder about the tradition to the following generations of the family. Nowadays, visitors could find this place one of the must-see Hoi An attractions in the old town.

Located amidst in a garden of about 1500 m2, this site is surrounded by flowers, ornamental plants, century-old plants, and fruit trees, with high surrounding walls. Tran Family Chapel is the work of a combination of Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese architecture, which has been remained almost the same as it was in two centuries ago. It is made of precious wood and pan-tiles-covered roof and famous for its architecture of Asian style. There are several parts in this house, one for worshipping, one for the leader of family as well as his guests. The garden and this house were established in a perfect combination of rules of Feng Shui. There are separate entries in the drawing room of this chapel, one for males and one for females. The left is for males and the right is for females.

In the center of this room, there is another door for souls of the ancestors to enter the house. This door is often used for different festivals like Tet.

Each year, the Tran Family Chapel is the place for every member of the family to meet as well as express their appreciation and thankfulness to their respectful ancestors.

For those visitors who are interested in the historical and unique atmosphere of those ancient sites, then visiting to the Tran Family Chapel will become one of the most remarkable routes of their trip. In order to get this site, you can use bike or even walk on foot as it is situated in the center of Hoi An.

• Location: No.21 Le Loi (Lê Lợi) Street, Hoi An

13. The Chinese Assembly Halls (Hội Quán Trung Hoa)

Another option among top Hoi An attractions is Chinese Assembly Halls. Built in 1960, The Chinese Assembly Halls is the place in which residents from China could meet up and socialize while living or visiting Hoi An. There are 5 assembly halls established by the Chinese, all are situated on Tran Phu (Trần Phú) Street, and faced Thu Bon (Thu Bồn) River. Recent days, these assembly halls become well-known Hoi An attractions.

In general, these halls follow a formula which has been popularly used by many other Chinese assembly halls in different cities: a nice garden, a grand gate with ornamental plants, an altar space, and a major hall. The decoration is meticulously carried out at every hall with lacquered boards, statues, murals, and so on. Nevertheless, as each Chinese community features with specific beliefs, so different assembly halls tend to worship different goddesses and gods.

In fact, among these five Hoi An assembly halls, the Fujian Assembly Hall might be the most well-known as well as biggest one, which is situated at 46 Tran Phu (Trần Phú) Street. Other assembly halls are Ngu Bang (Ngũ Bang) Assembly Hall (aka Trung Hoa Assembly Hall), Trieu Chau (Triều Châu) Assembly Hall, Quang Dong (Quảng Đông) Assembly Hall, and Hainan

Assembly Hall. Tourists who want to visit these halls could take a bike or walk on foot to get there. As Tran Phu Street is in the centre part of this town, so it is not hard to find these halls.

14. My Son Sanctuary (Thánh Địa Mỹ Sơn)

My Son Hindu Sanctuary , one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is a worth-visiting sample of the ancient Champa (Chăm pa) civilization. Situated in Vietnam’s southern part, it is a definitely worth-visiting Hoi An attractions, in particularly, and Vietnam attractions, in general. Used to be an independent state during the centuries of 2nd-17th, those Hindu-themed ruins are featured with a lot of beautiful stone sculptures, towers and temples in tropical jungle surroundings.

Actually, My Son was a political centre consisting of over 70 structures devoted to Hindu gods as well as goddesses. The most recognized one is Shiva, who was reckoned as the protector of Champa’s kings. Visiting here, you will be impressed by their skillful techniques of using sandstone and bricks.

Similar to other historic sites all over the world, My Son was damaged by wars and time and after being neglected for a prolonged period of time, it was finally rediscovered and carefully renovated by the French. However, after being bombed by the Americans, the site was ruined fiercely but the central complex was still survived the bombs. A few parts of the ruins have been reestablished.

My Son Sanctuary is really one of worth visiting Hoi An attractions for tourists, particularly those who love history. It is said that the best time to visit this site is early in the morning as it is not too hot and the tourists coming there is not too busy.

• Location: Duy Xuyen (Duy Xuyên) District of Quang Nam (Quảng Nam) Province (approximately 70km southwest of Danang and about 40km from Hoi An)

Looking for somewhere to shop? Continue checking this list of Hoi An attractions!

15. Hoi An Central Market (Chợ Hội An)

If you are a person who loves bargaining and shopping, then Hoi An Central Market is your option. Despite it is not among definitely must-see Hoi An attractions, it still attracts a lot of tourists who want to buy something as gifts for their family and friends. Here, you can sharpen your bargaining skill. Rich in the beautiful colors of Vietnamese silk and smell of fragrant spices and herbs, this market has a huge array of stuff for sale, such as spices, including cinnamon and saffron – the superb purchases in the market. Because of the riverside location, a vast selection of fresh fish is available here.

Being well-known for silk, in the market, you will find good quality silk much cheaper than anywhere else in Hoi An. Especially, garment makers here could run up a shirt, dress, jacket or even full suit within just 24 hours. Local handicraft and souvenir hunters could also find a lot of things to browse through when shopping in this market.

16. Museum Of Trade Ceramics In Hoi An

It is really worth your visit to the Museum of Trade Ceramics where you could see greatly restored timber house in which this museum resides. When stepping inside, tourists will discover a huge selection of Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese ceramics which were found during archaeological digs in the area, majorly during the period of 8th – 18th centuries.

Situated in the old quarter of Hoi An, this museum offers a historical and cultural insight into the town’s history as well as foreign relationships with different Asian counterparts, such as Japan, India, and China. Also, there are many fascinating drawings displaying the different kinds of architecture in Hoi An.

Nowadays, Hoi An is often regarded as the fishing town, but it was one of the leaders in Asian in terms of trading of pottery from different nations, like Thailand, China, India, Japan and the Middle East, in the past.

While visiting the site, you will see exhibition signs showing English, which are often presented in details, letting tourists thoroughly understand the treasures on display.

• Location: No. 80 Tran Phu (Trần Phú) Street, Hoi An

17. Ba Le Well (Giếng Bá Lễ)

Ba Le Well is a square well that is said to be the source of water for making authentic Cao Lau (Cao Lầu), one of specialties of Hoi An. There are a lot of stories about the water in Ba Le Well. It is believed that this water is the sweetest and coolest in Hoi An.

Nowadays, the well is taken care by Ms Ba Le, who recently gave his money to restoring the well. Daily, he takes the well water and delivers it to those poor families nearby, who use this water for cooking Cao Lau, a traditional medicinal watercress soup. It is thought that without Ba Le Well’s water will become tasteless. Besides, the sacred water is also used for making tea, yet never for normal washing.

Actually, Ba Le Well might not be among the must-see Hoi An attractions but it is thought to be one of the most well-known. As a tourist, the better time for you to visit this Well is about 3 pm or at dawn.

• Location: 45 Phan Chau Trinh (Phan Châu Trinh) Street, Hoi An

18. Duc An Old House (Nhà Cổ Đức An)

The last but not least worth coming destination in this list of Hoi An Attractions is Duc An Old House. With more than 180 years old, it is a charming site decorated with a few attractive pieces of anteak work. This is a place that has welcomed hundreds of tourists to visit and witness the ancient beauty as well as quietness of the moss tile roof every day. It is marked by a series of activities of the Vietnamese Organization – The Vietnam Revolutionary Youth in Hoi An in – in terms of renovation.

• Location: No. 129 Tran Phu (Trần Phú) Street, Hoi An

There, you have discovered 18 out of must-see Hoi An attractions. Now, all you have to do is to book a tour and arrange the schedule for an interesting, worth well trip to the central area of Vietnam. Enjoy at least a few of these Hoi An attractions and after that, let me know your ideas and experiences when traveling Hoi An, Vietnam by dropping words below this post. We welcome all contributing ideas about this topic – Hoi An attractions!

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The Top 20 Things To Do In Hoi An Every Traveller Should Not Miss!

Posted on Last updated: December 15, 2023

Categories Vietnam

Expert travel storyteller Jordan Adkins, founder of InspiredByMaps.com, brings a decade of adventures across 101 countries and 450+ UNESCO sites into rich, off-the-beaten-path narratives, melding ecological expertise with genuine, seasoned travel insights. His full bio can be found here.

Wondering what to do in Hoi An? You’re not alone – but trust me, there is so much more to this beautifully preserved river trading port than meets the eyes!

Bare with me, as I show you a few of the top things to do in Hoi An, proving that while the Old Town of Hoi An might be very Disney-esque .  If you know where to look, you can find both substance and style!

Sadly many travelers never get to discover the true essence of Hoi An, only stumbling around it’s -admittedly picturesque – old town, managing only a few hours of admiring grand architecture in the hot midday sun before beating a hasty retreat back to their hotel pool.

Frazzled and a tad bewildered, they seem to quickly spread word up-and-down Vietnam that Hoi An is a one day stop at best with overpriced Old Town restaurants of dubious quality and not much else. Unless, of course, you visit for the insanely awesome Lantern Festival held annually.

I promise if you look a bit harder – and explore outside the old town – Hoi An will quickly become your favorite destination in Vietnam. This is thanks to Hoi An’s incredible food scene, relaxed pace of life, varieties of shopping and events on offer – not to mention plenty of day trips, tropical beaches on its doorstep, and some of the most foreign-friendly nightlife in Vietnam!

Most of these top things to do in Hoi An I gathered through local recommendations, stumbling around and more than a little research – and after your visit, you will probably have your own, so feel free to come back and let other readers know.

If you’re heading to Hoi An for the first time (as this list assumes!), you really should have at least three full days to really get a feel for this UNESCO listed town. Vietnam tour itineraries often only stay a night — but it simply just isn’t enough! 

If only because the most common regret I heard from other travelers once they got to know the real Hoi An was ‘I wish I had more time here…..’

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The Top 20 Things To Do In Hoi An Every Traveller Should Not Miss! 🇻🇳

Page Contents

1. Make Your Own Hoi An Bike Tour

2. experience one of the world’s best food tasting tours with the original taste of hoi an, 3. relax at bars/restaurants at an bang beach, 4. make a day trip to my son sanctuary, 5. dine at the best restaurants in hoi an.

• 6.  Go A Bit Wild And Indulge In The Hoi An Nightlife

7. Indulge In Some Shopping And Find the Best Tailor in Hoi An

8. get out in the water with cham island snorkelling, 9. relax in one of hoi an’s rooftop cafes, 10. easy rider hoi an to hue, 11. relax at a hoi an beach resort, 12. escape to the serenity of bach ma national park, 13. enjoy a day trip to the incredible golden bridge and ba na hill, 14. drink your way through history on a secret cocktail experience, 15. scoot around the gorgeous hoi an countryside, 16. travel back in time at the hoi an memories show at the hoi an impression theme park, 17. have tons of fun at vinpearl land, 18. unwind with a soothing massage, 19. challenge yourself on a marble mountain trek, 20. see contemporary performance meet vietnamese culture at the a o show, where to stay in hoi an.

You may think it’s boring, just riding around on a bike – but if you do, you’ve clearly never been to Hoi An before. Often devoid of motorized traffic, the majestic Old Town is a remarkable collection of ancient buildings, temples and meeting halls that can easily be seen all on a casual bike trip (and with a breeze no less!).

Yet within minutes, a completely different world awaits – in no time at all, you can be in the center of a rice field , amongst ducks, pigs, and wild birds. The contrast is quite remarkable and thanks to Hoi An’s pancake-flat environment and relative lack of traffic (well compared to Hanoi or Ho Chi Min anyway), exploring Hoi An by bicycle allows you freedom, flexibility and an escape from the ‘tourist trail’ where you can really see local life on display! Just like I was about to in magical Ninh Binh.

You never know what will be around the corner…

If you don’t want to navigate by yourself or just want to explore Hoi An with some new friends and a guide by bike, there are also a few popular small-group bike tours in Hoi An that explore both the city and countryside.  

I don’t say this lightly, but anybody passionate about discovering, sampling and understanding the foods of Vietnam and Hoi An needs to sign up to the Original Taste of Hoi An tour and organize to have it on the first day you arrive in Hoi An.

Out of all the food tours I have taken over the years around the world (including Taipei , Medellin , and Copenhagen ), none have come close to the level of passion, community involvement, professionalism, knowledge, and fun I found here with Neville the Teacher and his team.

I don’t want to give away too much – but the tour is split into two parts, one discovering the markets, street-side stalls and small restaurants of an authentic Hoi An neighborhood (with plenty of food samplings, photo opportunities and anecdotes) and the second part back at Neville’s custom-designed home workshop he and his team attempt to stuff you with as much food and knowledge as you can possibly handle.

Hint: You’re never going to think about SPAM the same way ever again!

I sampled around 45-50 different Vietnamese dishes (there are over 1,700 at last count), and these are no small portions. It’s a tasting tour, so you eat what you want, and everything is based on recognizing that you have distinct taste buds. You either like it, or you don’t like it, and there is no wrong answer here. Well, except when it comes to the Vietnamese Coffee Ice-Cream —  because anyone who doesn’t 100% love that must be a little deranged.

Beyond Neville and his team’s passion and pride (they have been running this tour in one form or another for ten years), I also loved their commitment to social responsibility within the community, and the cost of the journey directly benefits over 40 people – many of whom you will meet on the tour.

They also help support a local orphanage (I’ll let Neville explain that better).

If you take the tour when you arrive, you will also get Neville’s planning services, which basically means he will tell you all the best places in town for whatever your heart desired, including cocktails, shoes, bags, coffee, pizza. You name it, which is excellent!

The top reviewed food tasting tour in Hoi An (hell, it’s one of Hoi An’s top attractions!) you won’t ever regret heading out with the Original Taste Of Hoi An …and will probably never look at Vietnam or food the same again!

Make a day of it at the beach. At any of the seaside bars/restaurants, you’re welcome to a deck chair just meters from the water’s edge – and it’ll only cost you a bottle of water.

Relax in between swims with a good book and a snooze – but don’t forget your sunscreen as I did! Choosing somewhere to eat can be daunting with so many options, so let me make it easier and say hands down you need to just head straight to Ms. Tuyet and her self-named seafood restaurant Tuyet with the Worlds Best Spring Rolls (trust me, they are * colossal *), excellent service, cute little-thatched umbrellas and an enviable position just 30 meters from the surf!

If you still have energy head to the Soul Kitchen for some sunset sundowner drinks – often joined by live music making the whole thing extremely atmospheric!

The ruins at My Son hark back to the early centuries AD when the Hindu Champa civilization ruled much of central Vietnam. But in the case of the My Son ruins, it hasn’t just seen the ravages of time at play. In 1969, during the American War, the Nixon administration targeted My Son from the air (because it was a Viet Cong haven) and blew most of it to smithereens. The 70 or so well-preserved towers and attendant structures were hammered, but all considered, some of the buildings are remarkably intact among the bomb craters. 

Today, like many of Vietnam’s famous sites, mass tourism has taken its toll and My Son Sanctuary – in large part thanks to its UNESCO World Heritage listing.

My Son Sanctuary is generally swarming with tour groups and tourists wandering around with very little clue as to what is going on. You can either brave the heat and hire a private driver to take you to My Son in the afternoon when the crowds have all returned to Hoi AN (around 1 pm 99 % of tour groups have gone) – or sign up to any of the huge tour buses taking groups out for sunset on a half-day morning tour.

If you read up about the site in advance and ditch your guide once you are through the entrance gate. Its actually pretty nice, and you can avoid most the lumbering groups and explore a few quiet spots on your own.

Definitely worth a visit for history buffs or those who have not seen Angkor Wat. If you love the abandoned feel you could also try to visit the abandoned waterpark in Hue.

Let’s just be clear right off the bat: the best restaurants in Hoi An are not in the old town, and while some restaurants have beautiful fit-outs, decent food, and average service.

You will be paying 2-3x at a minimum for the privilege of dining here, and are unlikely to be impressed. Ignore your hotel as they will get kickbacks and commissions for sending customers to one place over another (when we were in town hilariously every shop and hotel recommended one place, and yet every traveler and Tripadvisor review said it was terrible.).

None of this is to say there aren’t great restaurants in Hoi An. There are —you just need to explore, ask other travelers, pick the brains of Neville at the Original Taste of Hoi An. By no means comprehensive, here are a few of the best restaurants in Hoi An we heard about that you should try:

• Am.  Get on your bike or hail a cab for this one, but you will not regret heading to this atmospheric restaurant whose owner Helen is someone you will not soon forget. The Japanese Okonomiyaki / Cabbage Pancakes was divine, but you really can’t go wrong here as everything is vegetarian and oh-so-good. You will probably head back multiple times to work your way through the menu!  33D Ly Thai To Street 
• The Sea Shell Restaurant by Nu Eatery. Newly opened in a restored fisherman’s house, gorge yourself with contemporary Asian fare by the same people who brought you the now overly famous Nu Eatery.  119 Tran Cao Van Street
• Bep 1919.  A hidden gem in the old town of Hoi An serving modern Vietnamese in a stylish setting. 108 Nguyen Thai
• Son.  Fun Vietnamese with exotic dishes such as lotus or cassava salad and the house specialty Duck with orange sauce!  232 Cua Dai Road
• ANA 32. Always busy like some sort of open secret, here you will find the best smoothies in Hoi An (and get the chance to try the famous Vietnamese Egg Coffee).  32 Phan Bội Châu
• Pho Xua.  Hoi An is probably the most expensive city we visited in Vietnam, but luckily here, you can find insanely low prices for the national dish of Vietnam, Pho! Also, don’t ignore their Bun Cha, or Salad Nunu, which are divine.  35 Phan Chau Trinh Street
• Thuan Y. Another Old Town of Hoi An hidden gem, stop by for shabby chic decor, calamari with Lemongrass & Chilli, Fish in Banana Leaf and some of the cheapest beer in this part of town.  94 Bach Dang Street

6.   Go A Bit Wild And Indulge In The Hoi An Nightlife

What else can I say? Hoi An is the most tourism orientated city in Vietnam, and while the heat of the day keeps many people back at their hotel poolside, at night – Hoi An comes alive. Happy hours, bucket drinks, free tequila shots, or entire bottles of vodka, anything can be negotiated here or offered, but the quality might not be the best.

My picks for the best Hoi An Nightlife are Q Bar, with their opulent cocktails amidst upscale oriental decor, White Marble Wine Bar for its extensive well wine, Tam Tam for its second-floor balcony views and happy hour and of course – Tiger Tiger for its dance-until-you-drop, cheap drinks and backpacker vibes with the parties to end all parties.

Whatever your preference, budget, or style, Hoi An nightlife can provide!

Finding a tailor in Hoi An is about as hard as shutting your eyes, turning around and pointing to the nearest shop. But getting the actual clothes made is a lot trickier – it may turn out to be the greatest thing you’ve ever done or an unmitigated disaster. Of course, if you’re Vietnam Itinerary doesn’t end in Hoi An, you might want to hold off to avoid carrying anything around with you.

Either way, there are many tips to prevent a tailoring disaster, but the most important ones are:

• Make SURE your sales assistant understands what you want. She’ll say ‘yes, yes’ but you can be almost certain – unless you go over it, get her to repeat it and even draw it – that she won’t get your full drift.
• Take time to choose the right material; after all, a poor material choice is one of the main reasons for tailoring disasters. Ask the tailor’s advice but remember, you don’t have to limit yourself to their range. Try specialist fabric shops as well.
• Get recommendations from other travelers (not your hotel or guide!) who actually have brought a suit. I hear great things about Kim Only (not Kimmy’s) located opposite Lac Viet Jewelry or Ms. Lee at Trung Duc found at 37 Tran Hung Dao. But take my advice with a grain of salt.

If you’re one of those selfish types who hate sharing your tropical paradise with the general public, check out this largely unspoiled marine-protected island, one of the least developed islands in Vietnam.

Day-trippers flock to it on public holidays and weekends, but pick a weekday, especially out of peak season, and you may just find yourself alone with the locals. Cham Island’s coral reefs attract divers and snorkelers alike, with some operators offering scuba diving, snorkeling and trekking packages at pretty reasonable rates – but with only two shops, quality is low, and many trips are canceled without reason.

We found this snorkeling excursion to Cham Island to be the best value, however, and accommodation transfers are included so you can book in advance and not waste time on the ground. The ferry only takes about 90 minutes to get to Cham Island so why not head out to this UNESCO Biosphere and see what all the fuss is about!

While the coffee or drinks can be of dubious quality, why not spend the day trying to find unique views of the Hoi An old town from above…

This was one of our favorite things to do in Hoi An, popping up to the 2nd or 3rd floor of restaurants and considering the coffee or cocktail an admission charge to set from above and watch the busy streets below or look out over the tiled rooftops of the old city! Sometimes we were pleasantly surprised by the coffee quality – like at the beautiful rooftop of Faifo Coffee – and many times, we were not.

There are probably 100 or more restaurants with views across Hoi An, and half the fun is discovering your own personal favorite. Just keep a keen eye on the sky as your walking along and when something looks intriguing head up!

If you’re heading to Hoi An, chances are you are either going to or coming from Hue – so while this is not technically a thing to do in Hoi An, you should still consider taking an Easyrider over the bus or private car!

So what is an Easyrider in Vietnam?

Well – basically it’s an experienced Vietnamese man who takes you on the back of his bike to where-ever you want to go, and boy is it a rush! Having no interest in navigating Vietnamese roads at high speed, I contacted Hue Riders (the original guys who started this idea, with the best reviews and reputation for organizing motobiking in Vietnam! ).

I organized a one day trip with them between Hoi An and Hue stopping at a remote fishing village, a white-sand beach for lunch, traversing the famous Hai Van Pass, and even swimming by Da Nang Beach and Marble Mountain.

No prior experience is needed, they are pros at everything (including transporting bulky luggage), and since you can’t really sleep, you will have an entirely new appreciation for Vietnam life by merely looking around as you go! I loved it so much. I’m planning to head back for a multi-day Easyrider in Vietnam—but if you’re not sure, just start with the Easy Rider Hoi An To Hue first!

You won’t regret it!

It’s hot as hell in Hoi An, and sometimes you just need the beach to cool off – so why not check-in for a few nights of luxury pampering and poolside cocktails only 15 minutes drive from Hoi An Old Town.

And if you’re visiting the whole of Vietnam, you’re around about half-way now and probably long overdue for some much-needed rest and relaxation. I checked into the Naman Retreat and loved its multiple pools, daily activities program including learning how to basket boat (well trying at least), chic modern design complete with minimalist bamboo architecture, and world-class spa facilities.

It is also very family-friendly if you are wondering where to stay in Hoi An with kids!  We did, however, get bored after a few days, so if you are like us and don’t know quite how to relax, we recommend a high-energy and quick day trio, like Rock Climbing in Marble Mountain , to make sure you leave the resort walls and feel too couped up!

With a myriad of palm trees, live music, and spectacular sunsets, the evenings are never dull here, and they conveniently had free shuttle services to Hoi An if you wanted to visit by day-or-night.

Not only that but on check-in I was allocated our own personal ambassador contactable 24/7 via Whatsapp to answer any questions and help with absolutely anything we needed, so needless to say I felt like I was living the high-life at a mere fraction of what it would cost in a more developed country.

A couple of hours from Hoi An, you’ll find this vast and peaceful national park covering an area of 22,031 hectares. Within these hectares, you’ll find tropical rainforest, boulders and rocky slopes, a summit with a panoramic view, and several beautiful lakes.

Bach Ma summit, 1,450 meters above sea level, offers the stunning sight of the mountains cascading down to the sea, dotted with villages, lakes, and forests. You feel totally immersed in the natural beauty as you stroll through the jungle and take a dip in the freshwater lakes to cool off after hiking. It’s a beautiful way to experience Vietnam’s countryside properly and really makes you appreciate the country more, particularly if you’ve only visited the towns and cities up until this point.

There are also lots of rare animals living in the National Park, so if you’re lucky you’ll get a sighting of some extraordinary wildlife.

While Hoi An is home to many incredible things to do, it’s also ideally based for some fantastic day trips to some of Vietnam’s most striking spots. Case in point: the sights of the Ba Na hills. An early start will give you plenty of time to explore the lush green slopes and valleys here.

You can soar above the scenery on the Suoi Mo funicular railway, a breath-taking trip that culminates at the Golden Bridge. This is a fantastic feat of construction, a curve of golden metal that rests in two vast stone hands, with views for miles across the landscape and down to the sea.

After the Golden Bridge, spend some more time in the hills. The famous Linh Ung pagoda is charming, and we loved seeing the French village, an intricate recreation of one you might find in the Loire valley. In addition to looking like France, it also has some French wines on offer – win! Stroll through the D’amour flower garden and the food stalls, nibbling on snacks that take your fancy. Then take the cable car back down (warning: not for those with a fear of heights!).

Sure, it’s nice to kick back on the beach with a beer, but sometimes you feel like something a bit fancier. This totally unique experience allows you to sample some delicious cocktails, learn more about Vietnam’s history, and see some hidden venues all at the same time. Some of these secret spots aren’t even bars, so you’d never find them on your own, which is part of what makes this tour so unique.

The other thing that makes the experience so special is the way the cocktails link in \aspects of Hoi An’s history. You’ll learn about how the French, Japanese, and Chinese have influenced life in Vietnam and played a role in creating Hoi An life as we know it today.

An amazing host tells you all about it while you try specially-created cocktails in each spot, all of which use local ingredients and recipes . It’s a night you won’t forget (no matter how many cocktails you have!).

If you’ve ever wanted to whoosh around the Vietnamese countryside on an electric scooter (of course you have, you’re only human!), then now’s the time to do it. The city’s streets and outlying land are endlessly fascinating, making them the ideal place for a scooter trip. You can start off in Cam Nam island, a place where tradition is still strong.

If you’re feeling sociable, ask the locals about life there; you can chat with fishermen by trade, shoemakers, or those involved in making rice crackers. Local industry is vital here, and it’s good to learn more about it as a visitor.

Once you’ve explored villages and commerce spots, take your scooter out among the rice paddies. These are the iconic images of Vietnam, where buffalo graze and farmers work to supply the nearby towns and cities with food. Wind up on a beach with a beer. Spending a day exploring on scooters widens your horizons, meaning you can fully appreciate how diverse and complex Vietnam is. Additionally, it’s a lot of fun!  

This might be called a theme park, but it’s so much more than that. It’s not about the rollercoaster thrills here; it’s about exploring Vietnam’s rich history and experiencing the country’s culture. Within the grounds you’ll find a traditional themed village that paints a picture of what life has been like throughout the 400 years of this port town’s history. It’s a bit like walking through a diorama, complete with bridges, pagodas, and workshops.

The highlight of the Hoi An Impression Theme Park experience is, of course, the breath-taking Memories Show. This is a mega-performance that takes you on an adventure through Hoi An’s history, from simple beginnings in a farmer’s house to its growth as a trading port and the international influences that made their mark. It takes place on a purpose-built island, and water is an integral part of the show.

A combination of dance, music, and mime that keeps the city at its heart through fantastic scenery, this is a show that transcends language to teach the audience about the path of history and the passage of time.

Once you arrive in Vietnam, we’re sure you’ll hear people talking about this enormous recreational complex, and it’s definitely one of the most enjoyable things to do in Hoi An. Unashamedly fun, lively, and entertaining, Vinpearl Land is the perfect place to come if you want to let your hair down a bit. It’s also ideal if you’re traveling with a group who all like doing different things because there’s a huge range of stuff to do here.

There are exciting rides for all ages, spread out across five zones, as well as almost 100 indoor activities and games. Adrenaline junkies will love the Tree Swing and Swiss tower drop. If you feel like something a bit more sedate, explore the Handicraft Village on Folk Island where weaving and pottery-making take place.

We also loved the River Safari, which is exactly what it sounds like – a safari seen from the river! Once you’ve been on the water, you’ll want to get in it, so head to Water World for a splash about. Do you see what we mean? There’s almost nothing you can’t do here!

When you’re traveling, there’s no better treat than a r elaxing spa treatment. Muscles that are sore and tired from walking or carrying bags finally loosen up under the skilled hands of the masseuses in Hoi An. The even better part? It’s not only soothing for your soul – but you’ll also feel your worries float away!

Lots of spas offer a range of treatments, from Thai massages to Swedish ones, or even a combination of both! Naturally, there’s also a traditional Vietnamese style. Start your treatment with an herbal tea and a snack – and finish with more. The perfect antidote to a busy itinerary that will leave you ready to explore even more of Hoi An.

South of Da Nang, you’ll find a group of five limestone mountains rising dramatically above the surrounding landscape. These five peaks are said to represent the five natural elements – water, wood, fire, earth and metal – and as such are immensely spiritual places. You’ll see lots of Buddha statues and pagodas as you wind your way up the trails, tunnels and staircases that bring you to the top (get a guide to help you find all the hidden nooks and crannies).

We can’t pretend it’s a walk in the park, but the views from the top are more than worth a little huffing and puffing. The panoramic vistas of the valleys below and the city beyond are so awe-inspiring that even the non-religious among us will feel something a little bit holy.

Often called the Vietnamese Cirque du Soleil, the spectacular A O show brings old and new Vietnam together in an exhilarating mix of dance, story, and acrobatics. The way the production uses wood and bamboo in its minimal sets is wonderful and perfectly mirrors the story of how rural living is affected by the fast-paced urbanization happening here.

It all takes place in the Lune Performing Centre in Hoi An, a space shaped like a dome that provides the perfect backdrop to this thoughtful and fascinating piece. You’ll even see the traditional art of bamboo cirque incorporated into the spectacle. It’s a beautiful way to spend an evening in Hoi An and leaves you even more in love with this complex and changing country.

Wondering where to stay in Hoi An?

I’ve put a few of my favorite options together to help you decide. There is so, so, so much choice in this little city – but if you want to wade through them all, you can find the best Hoi An Hotel deals here.

Want to relax poolside with a cocktail?

Stay in a super-social hostel or indulge in unparalleled luxury? 

Hoi has something for you…

LUXURY Allegro Hoi An

Exemplifying the heart of Hoianese people: hospitable, honest, and welcoming, this luxe hotel is spacious and well-appointed with charming heritage touches, carved-wood furnishings, and hip accents.   –> Check it out

MID-RANGE Atlas Hoi An Hotel

Located close to the heart of Hoi An ancient town, this industrial-chic hotel offers 48 stylish rooms & suites is next to Hoai River, thus creates an impressive hotel surrounded by Vietnamese lifestyle greenery.    –> Check it out

BUDGET Tribee Ede Hostel

Get ready to connect, make friends, join new groups of housemates every day, and any day through enjoyable, funky, and – most of all – free activities. Our favorite Hoi An Hostel – and just a hop, skip, and a jump from the Old Town! –> Check it out

And there you have it – all the best things to do in Hoi An for a first visit. While the well-preserved Ancient Town is a clear drawcard, there is so much more to this former city – a melting point of cultures, architecture, food, and now tourism. No wonder it is a top highlight of Vietnam…

I honestly can’t recommend enough trying The Original Taste of Hoi An tour to get a true sense of the city, but if you follow every one of these things to do – I personal guarantee you will fall in love with Hoi An just as I did and be booking your flights with Vietnam Airlines back to this iconic city faster than you can say Tạm biệt!  

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Nearby places.

• How To Get There

Hoi An is a place where the bold march of progress peters into a leisurely amble. In this one-time trading port, the Thu Bon River meanders past crumbling shop houses and weathered pagodas, while sampans come and go from the old ferry quay. Outside the Old Town, two-lane roads slice through waving rice fields and emerge at a frothy coastline. Stay a couple of days, and Hoi An's easygoing beauty and lantern-lit nights may leave you hopelessly beguiled. Your journey to Hoi An awaits! Check out these Hoi An explorations to prepare for your upcoming trip!

Click the image below for a 360-degree tour of hoi an.

Top things to do in Hoi An

Get lost in the Old Town

Merchants from China, Japan and later Europe settled in Hoi An from the 15th to 19th centuries, creating a unique architectural fusion. Bring your camera as you tread the Japanese Bridge, Tan Ky ancestral house, and Phuc Kien Assembly Hall.

Treat your taste buds

Dining in Hoi An is pure pleasure. Farms and fishing boats contribute just-picked vegetables, seafood, herbs and fruit to the markets daily. Three quintessential Hoi An dishes are Cao Lau, Hoanh Thanh, and white rose dumplings.

Cycle in the countryside

Sunrise in Hoi An is a prime time to grab your hat and hop on a bike. With any luck, you’ll find yourself in a sea of green, with water buffalo flicking their tails. In Cam Thanh and Tra Que, you’ll pass vegetable farms and frond-fringed ponds.

Hit the beach

An Bang Beach, just a 10-minute drive from the Ancient Town, promises seafood lunches, sandy stretches and cool waves. Bring your books, beach blankets, and bikinis; or board a boat to the pristine shores of the Cham Islands.

Marvel at My Son

My Son Sanctuary is a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site 40 kilometres from Hoi An. Tucked into a valley near a shaded stream, these temples were built by the Cham people. The surviving structures date from the 7th to the 13th century.

Hoi An Weather

Expect rainy days and several storms from October to January. If you arrive at the start of the year, bring a few extra layers to stay warm. March to May are the best months to visit, but you can also see Hoi An from June to August if you don’t mind the heat.

Hoi An Transport

The international airport in Da Nang is a 50-minute drive from the Ancient Town. There are domestic flights from Vietnam’s major cities to Da Nang, as well as direct flights from regional hubs. Hoi An can also be reached by bus or shuttle vans from nearby destinations, such as Nha Trang, Da Nang or Hue. Walking and cycling is ideal for sightseeing in the Ancient Town and the countryside. Taxis and ride-hailing apps can also take you around. Ask your hotel about a private car for trips further afield.

In this article:

Palm Garden Resort

Golden sand resort & spa, the nam hai resort, sunrise hoi an premium, hoang gia hoi an, hội an beach resort, victoria hoi an beach resort and spa, muong thanh hoi an.

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Hoi an journey: top 10 must-visit tourist attractions.

Coming to the tourist attractions in Hoi An , visitors will be immersed in timeless charm within the ancient features of many rows of old tiled houses. Here, everything has a gentle and loving beauty, the scenery is poetic and charming, and the people are gentle, friendly, and hospitable. Let’s explore the following Top 10 tourist destinations that attract tourists!

Must-Visit Tourist Attractions in Hoi An: Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An Ancient Town , nestled along the Thu Bon River, is a charming UNESCO World Heritage Site with many of the following famous landmarks:

Assembly Hall Of Fujian Chinese Congregation

The majestic and spacious Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation is one of the prominent Hoi An tourist attractions, captivating visitors with its grandeur. Dating back to the 17th century and embellished through various renovations, the hall emanates splendor. Exploring the Fujian Assembly Hall allows you to marvel at its unique architectural features, showcasing the artistic essence of Chinese architecture. Visitors are drawn to this historical site, appreciating its cultural significance and intricate design.

• Address: At the beginning of Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Hoi An City.

Temple Bridge/ Japanese Bridge

The Japanese Bridge, or Chua Cau, is one of the most captivating tourist attractions in Hoi An , frequented by many tourists. Its unique architecture features a wooden roof adorned with intricate Japanese-style decorations. This iconic landmark represents the essence of Hoi An tourism, attracting visitors with its distinctive design and cultural significance. The bridge stands as a testament to the rich history and architectural fusion that defines the charm of Hoi An.

• Address: Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Minh An Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam.

Museum of Sa Huynh Culture

One of places to visit in Hoi An that attract many tourists is the Museum of Sa Huynh Culture capturing. Established in 1994, this museum showcases a unique collection of ancient artifacts from the Sa Huynh culture. With nearly 950 objects unearthed through geological and archaeological surveys in locations like An Bang, Hau Xa, and Thanh Chiem between 1989 and 1994, it provides a fascinating insight into the Sa Huynh civilization. Explore the rich history and cultural heritage preserved within its walls.

• Address: No. 149 Tran Phu Street, Minh An Ward, City. Hoi An.

Ancient Houses

Speaking of tourist attractions in Hoi An , Hoi An’s ancient houses have stood the test of time, preserving their original architectural charm for centuries. Visiting these historic homes, tourists experience a journey back to the bustling trading port of Hoi Pho in the past. Some renowned ancient houses include the Phung Hung House, Tan Ky House, and Quan Thang House, each telling a unique story of the city’s rich heritage. Explore these well-preserved architectural gems to immerse yourself in Hoi An’s vibrant history.

• Address: Hoi An Ancient Town.

An Bang Beach

Hoi An’s tourism allure extends beyond its heritage sites to include stunning beaches, with An Bang Beach standing out prominently. Located just 3 km from the ancient town, An Bang has earned a spot on the list of the world’s top 50 beaches. Despite its modest 4 km length, the beach captivates with pristine white sand, crystal-clear waters, and diverse greenery. An Bang is an ideal destination for beach lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat amid nature’s splendor.

• Address: Hai Ba Trung Street, Hoi An City.

Bay Mau Coconut Forest

Located approximately 3km from the ancient town center, the Bay Mau Coconut Forest is often dubbed the “Mekong Delta in the heart of Hoi An.” Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant river life with activities like paddling traditional bamboo boats through the coconut groves. The serene journey includes witnessing basket boat performances, fishing net demonstrations, and engaging in hands-on experiences such as crafting coconut leaf souvenirs. Exploring the Bay Mau Coconut Forest promises a refreshing and memorable escape into the rustic charm of Hoi An’s waterways.

• Address: Cam Thanh Commune, Hoi An City.

Tra Que Vegetable Village

Although longstanding, Tra Que Vegetable Village gained popularity in recent years. It offers an immersive experience into the local farming practices, allowing visitors to become “Tra Que vegetable farmers” for a day. Engage in hands-on activities, learn about traditional Quang cuisine, and savor the unique Tra Que vegetable specialties. For those eager to delve deeper, the village provides cooking classes, empowering participants to create and relish their culinary masterpieces using the fresh produce they cultivate. It’s a delightful journey into the heart of Vietnamese agrarian traditions.

• Address: Cam Ha, Hoi An, Quang Nam.

Thanh Ha Pottery Village

Hoi An, known for its Thanh Ha Pottery Village, rivals Hanoi’s Bat Trang in pottery fame. The village showcases exquisite ceramic artwork crafted by skilled artisans. Visiting Thanh Ha, you can witness the intricate pottery creations and even try your hand at crafting personalized items to bring home as unique gifts for friends and family.

• Address: Pham Phan, Thanh Ha, Hoi An, Quang Nam.

Kim Bong Carpentry Village

A place in the top tourist attractions in Hoi An is Kim Bong Carpentry Village, a traditional craft villages, renowned for its artistic structures and culturally rich products. Welcoming visitors from all around, the village showcases skilled artisans breathing life into wood, creating exquisite and culturally valuable items. A day spent exploring Kim Bong offers an opportunity to delve deeper into this unique traditional craft village, providing firsthand experiences and insights into the artistry and allure of the local woodworking heritage.

• Address: Nong Thon street, Trung Ha village, Cam Kim, Hoi An city.

Cua Dai Beach

Another Hoi An attraction’s renowned beaches is Cua Dai Beach, an intriguing destination in the exploration of this heritage-rich region. Cua Dai captivates visitors with endless stretches of pristine white sand surrounded by towering coconut palms. Here, tourists can immerse themselves in the crystal-clear waters or lounge on the beach, indulging in delicious and fresh seafood offerings. Cua Dai Beach is a must-visit spot, providing a perfect blend of natural beauty and culinary delights for all travelers.

• Address: Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province (about 5km from the ancient center).

Cham Islands (Cu Lao Cham)

Besides the charm of the ancient town, pristine beaches, and traditional craft villages, Hoi An boasts the enchanting Cham Islands, also known as Cu Lao Cham. This island paradise, increasingly alluring to visitors from Hoi An and Da Nang, offers breathtaking landscapes with crystal-clear beaches and lush vegetation. With a refreshing climate and delightful cuisine, Cham Islands guarantee an enjoyable experience, allowing travelers to not only indulge in the beauty of the sea but also explore vibrant coral reefs through snorkeling adventures.

• Address: Tan Hiep commune, Hoi An, Quang Nam.

Hoi An Central Market

This place is a bustling hub where you can explore, taste an array of local specialties, and indulge in some vibrant photo opportunities. In contrast to the serene ambiance of the ancient town, the market is lively and bustling. Here, you’ll discover a myriad of dishes like Cao Lau, Mi Quang, and delightful desserts. The market also offers various souvenirs and memorabilia. Don’t miss capturing a super chill shot at the entrance gate, a perfect blend of Hoi An’s dynamic charm.

• Address: 19 Tran Phu, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An City.

Hoi An Night Market

While the daytime ambiance in the old town is serene, the night market in Hoi An comes alive with bustling stalls. Unlike other tourist night markets, Hoi An’s exudes a unique charm that captivates visitors. Offering handmade crafts, the market stands out for its distinctiveness. The lively atmosphere and local craftsmanship make it a delightful experience for those seeking authentic mementos. Notable markets include An Hoi Night Market and Nguyen Hoang Night Market.

Discover tourist attractions in Hoi An through its must-visit destinations. This curated list by Asia Legend Travel ensures you don’t miss the captivating gems that define the charm of this ancient town. Prepare for an enjoyable journey exploring the cultural richness and scenic beauty that Hoi An has to offer!

Tours related to Hoi An

Vietnam Package Tour – 14 Days 13 Nights

$ 1,997 $ 1,307 +

Vietnam Package Tour – 12 Days 11 Nights

$ 1,406 $ 871 +

Da Nang – Hoi An – 4 Days 3 Nights

$ 280 $ 261 +

Da Nang – Hoi An Special Tour – 5 Days 4 Nights

Discover Vietnam – Scenic and Short Trek – 15 Days 14 Nights

Highlights of Vietnam – 15 Days 14 Nights

Shirleen Bui

Related travel guides.

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52 Fun & Unusual Things to Do in Hoi An

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It’s no surprise that Hoi An is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the magical Vietnamese town will transport you to bygone eras and worlds away in an instant.

Once a bustling trading port from the 16th century, the coastal town saw many sailors and tradesmen landing at its harbor. Some of these foreign travelers and merchants stayed in Hoi An, creating an amalgamation of varying cultures, which are still prevalent in Hoi An today.

There are some attractions to see and things to do in Hoi An that celebrate Vietnamese, Japanese, French and Chinese heritage. The famous Ancient Town has remained untouched over the years, with little modernization done to the old town… This is perhaps one of the reasons why this part of Hoi An is so magnificent.

It feels like you’re wandering the streets of a French-cross-Vietnamese cross-Japanese village. The ocean is conveniently around the corner from the center of Hoi An, and not even five minutes from the Ancient Town, come across countryside scenes.

From rice paddies to coconut forests along riverbeds, local craft or fishing villages, there’s much to be discovered. Plus, Hoi An probably has the best shopping experiences in all of the country and Vietnamese cuisine in these parts is next-level yum.

Spend the day cycling around town, take a day trip, and Da Nang and its many famous attractions are 45-minutes away.

Plan to spend at least two days in Hoi An and don’t regret it later. Even though the town appears small, there’s so much to check out and experience.

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• Hoi An tours

1 – Spend most of your time exploring Hoi An Ancient Town

Without question, Hoi An Ancient Town is one of the most magical things about Hoi An, and no trip to Vietnam is complete vithout visiting it.

The Hoi An old town is made up of cobbled streets covered in lanterns, terracotta buildings and wooden balconies with overgrown florals… The streets all connect and intersect and are filled with shops and stalls selling unique, handcrafted items, from leather backpacks to tailor-made suits.

There are also local markets set up in this part of town, as well as many of Hoi An’s must-try restaurants and cafes. Apart from all the shopping and eating, there are some must-see attractions to check out.

The historical town dates back to the 15th century and is famous for remaining its originality throughout the years. Explore its wonderful mix of Japanese, French and Chinese influences.

Touring Ancient Town, discover temples, pagodas and even museums. Visit the mythical Japanese Covered Bridge, also known as Chua Cau, or Cau Pagoda. It was built in 1593 by the Japanese community living here at the time, and its wooden rooftop is also a temple top.

Take a guided tour inside Hoi An’s oldest house, the Tan Ky Old House constructed in 1741. Today, it’s considered a ‘living museum’ and shows off a fusion of Japanese, Vietnamese and Chinese design.

Don’t miss the Phung Hung Ancient House either, dating back to 1780. Just look out for the dark wooden exterior reminiscent of Japanese structures.

• Hoi An Ancient Town tours

2 – Act like the locals and try a basket boat ride

When venturing through Hoi An, you’ll spot many round woven basket-shaped boats floating on the rivers, sometimes even on beach shorelines.

Used by locals for fishing, and transport, enjoy an authentic basket boat ride in Hoi An. (This mode of transport has been employed for decades, from around the time of the Sino-French War. Constructed as a means to escape imposing boat taxes, these basket boats were created, and according to locals then, were baskets, not boats.)

Many basket boat rides happen along the waters of the Bay Mau Coconut Forest. The wetlands area is home to forestry of coconut trees, fanning the banks of the river as you row by. There are also local villages that live here and some tours stop by for a visit, or even a Vietnamese cooking class.

Have fun rowing your coracle boat (as they’re officially known), and you can even try a trick or two like spinning wars.

Specific tours even pitstop on the river and let you throw in a traditional fishing net from the boat!

• boat tours in Hoi An

3 – Cruise around Hoi An by bike

One of the best ways to discover Hoi An is via bicycle. The town itself is not overly large and it’s a great way to get from place to place easily.

The small roads and alleys are perfect for bikes, so spend the day in the sunshine touring around Hoi An and the surrounding areas. Opt to visit the town’s must-see attractions via bike tour, or you can head a little further out and venture into the countryside and rice paddies.

Take a guided tour to a farm, like Tra Que Vegetable Village, or head to the Thu Bon River where you will stop off at traditional Vietnamese villages.

Bicycle through lush landscapes and rice fields, and stop for a chat with the locals. Note, these types of countryside bike tours include transport via vehicle or boat, and then the bicycle adventure begins afterward. If you’re up for a challenge, enjoy a 25-kilometer-peddle and discover the famous My Son Sanctuary by bike.

As everything is within close proximity, it’s a fun way to explore this part of the country and many accommodations offer bike rentals.

• bike tours in Hoi An

4 – See the famous ‘Madame Xong’ portrait in person at Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum

What better way to glimpse into Vietnam’s heritage than through a visual exhibition, just like the set-up of the Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum ?

The museum boasts five rooms to explore, each one filled with photographic images shot by famous French photographer, Réhahn who is based in Hoi An but travels the world photographing his travels.

Housed in a French-colonial building, his moments captured on film explore Vietnam’s varying ethnic groups from all around.

The country has a total of 54 local tribes, and you can learn about 49 of these ethnic groups at the gallery museum. Divided into different rooms, take your time wandering through each one.

The Fine Arts Room is where the majority of the photographic works are on exhibition, and take a journey “Into the Land of Indigo” inside the Indigo Room.

Fun fact, many fabrics in Vietnam are dyed using the indigo plant, found in regions like Sapa.

The Northern Vietnam Room and the Central and Southern Vietnam Room are two of the most impressive art gelleries in the country, highlighting the culture and history of these regions.

5 – Spend the day chilling at An Bang Beach

Hoi An’s most popular beach is the place to be in the peak of summer and has everything you need around it for the ultimate beach day.

Made up of soft white sands and light blue-colored waters, it’s a great spot for families, groups of friends and couples. Down here you’ll find a plethora of seafood restaurants, as well as some local Vietnamese spots and others that are western-inspired.

Soul Kitchen is always a good idea, with a diverse menu, and patrons can use the beach loungers for free. You can also check out traditional music here too.

Grab a cocktail and hang out on beanbags and under private bamboo umbrellas at Shore Club , and Kahuna’s Hoi An Beach Club is always lively and sports a private pool. There are many accommodation options along An Bang beach, from villas to boutique stays.

Work on your tan, catch up on some reading, enjoy lunch with your feet in the sand, or a round of beach badminton among friends.

Try out water activities too, from jet skiing to parasailing, surfing, snorkeling, and more!

6 – Visit 300-year-old Tra Que Vegetable Village

Just a 20-minute walk, or a 10-minute bicycle ride away from An Bang Beach, leave behind the oceanic vibes and enter the countryside to find Tra Que Vegetable Village.

(A popular thing to do in Hoi An is a bike ride from the ancient town to Tra Que Vegetable Village. It’s located three kilometers apart.)

The vegetable village is super scenic offering passer-bys an abundance of greenery to take in.

The gardens are divided into rows of fresh, organic produce and herbs and you can learn about the cultivation of vegetables in this part of the country. Tra Que supplies much of Hoi An with its produce, and they are renowned for growing organic goods only, completely free from chemicals.

Instead, the farm used a special kind of algae that grows in the Tra Que lagoon close by as fertilizer. Try your hand at watering the fields just like the locals do, skillfully balancing a scale of two watering buckets on your shoulders.

It’s said by locals you can taste when a dish uses traditional Hoi An herbs that come from Tra Que Vegetable Village, and if you’re keen to find out more, there’s a cooking school here, as well as an on-site restaurant.

• Tra Que Village tours

7 – Cambodia or Vietnam? Transport yourself on a day trip to My Son Sanctuary

Considered the “Angkor Wat” of Vietnam, head one hour from Hoi An to My Son Sanctuary.

Consisting of a group of ancient Hindu temples dating back to the Kingdom of Champa, the sacred grounds have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. Out of all of the religious structures, today 70 temples remain.

Built between the 4th and 13th centuries CE, walk among the ancient complex’s tower temples constructed to honor Hindu divinities including Shiva, Krishna and Vishnu.

Although Mahayana Buddhism was affluent at the time in this part of the world, during the Champa reign, the principal religion was Hinduism.

After years of fighting against the Champa, the Dai Viet people of Northern Vietnam eventually excavated the ruling kingdom. The grounds were left wild and the jungle swallowed up My Son, however, it was later rediscovered by a French adventurer.

Forming a base for the Viet Cong Army during the Vietnam War, the temples were then sadly bombed during wartime. Surrounded by a mountainous backdrop, spend a good few hours wandering from one ancient temple to the next one engulfed by moss and overgrowth. It’s magical.

• My Son Sanctuary tours

8 – Divulge into over 800 artifacts inside the Hoi An Museum

During a visit to the Hoi An Museum, learn about the town’s historical and cultural past through the 800-odd artifacts that it holds.

To understand the collection, the museum is divided into four rooms that each hone in on different topics.

Starting with the History and Culture exhibition, learn about Hoi An’s three major time periods; the protohistory period, the Champa period, and the Đại Việt period through to the Đại Nam period.

Changing with the times, the Revolutionary History exhibit hosts 337 artifacts and documents pertaining to resistance wars in Vietnam, mainly during the French colonization period and the US-Vietnam War.

Following on from these times, the Hoi An Ascent from hardship exhibition space explores some of the problems locals have had to face since Vietnam’s liberation in 1975.

Finally, the Art Gallery celebrates the beauty of Hoi An through a collection of paintings by local artists.

9 – Treat your tastebuds during food tours

Home to local fishing villages, as well as the ocean, expect to find a lot of seafood, as well as many Hoi An specialties during a food tour.

Although the cuisine has many influences from the south and north, many dishes originate in Hoi An and have become famous in their own right.

(If traveling to Saigon or Hanoi, you will often find Hoi An restaurants that specifically serve these dishes only.)

During a food tour, travel around the city and get to try the iconic foods yourself.

There are various foodie expeditions and dining experiences to choose from … Enjoy a 2.5-hour evening walking food tour around Ancient Town, or opt for a half-day food tour via motorbike.

Stop by fresh markets, famous street food stalls, a local bakery and favorite neighborhood restaurants. The Madam Khanh (or Banh Mi Queen) is one of the best places for sandwiches on the go.

Some private tours head outside the city streets and into the local countryside and river villages.

• food tours in Hoi An

10 – Explore the ancient craft at Thanh Hà Terracotta Park

This entire park is dedicated to ceramics, and Thanh Ha Terracotta Park is right near the 500-year-old Thanh Ha Pottery Village.

The open-air park acts as a museum that explores the history of the Thanh Ha Pottery Village next door, but it draws in the crowds because of the impressive grounds filled with terracotta statues.

There is a building besides the gardens where you can look at ancient tools, techniques and pottery items made throughout the years, including sketches of ceramics.

Check out the traditional potter’s wheel and some porcelain items.

Outside there are mini replicas made from clay of famous sites around Vietnam, showing off intricate details.

Some of these miniature reconstructions include My Son Sanctuary and Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon.

Not just limited to Vietnam, spot replicas of other world-famous attractions like the Taj Mahal, Sydney Opera House, Statue of Liberty and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

11 – Relax away from the crowds at Cua Dai Beach

Just outside of Hoi An town, if you’re scouting a beach to spend the day in peace and quiet, Cua Dai beach is the ideal location.

Unlike An Bang beach, the main tourist beach, there are no restaurants or beach bars down here and the landscape feels wilder.

Enjoy a beach picnic, spend the afternoon journaling, and for surfers, the waves at Cua Dai Beach can reach a few meters high in October creating epic surf conditions.

There are a few luxury resorts located along the shores, or you can find some cute beach villas and homestays down the roads leading to Cua Dai Beach.

Unfortunately, in the last few years, the beach has undergone some erosion, so you will notice sandbags allocated along the banks to help restore the natural landscape.

Arrive in time for sunset and then enjoy a bonfire with your mates afterward — but remember to leave no trace and please clean up afterward. There are no on-site facilities so it’s up to beachgoers to responsibly care for our natural habitats with this one.

12 – Create your own Hoi An souvenir during a lantern-making class

Lanterns are synonymous with Hoi An and once you arrive, you’ll totally understand why.

If you look up, many streets are lined with colorful lanterns in all shapes and sizes, and plentiful shopfronts are dripping in them, or selling the iconic Hoi An lanterns.

Remember your trip to Hoi An forever and take a lantern-making class where you make your own lantern to take home with you.

If you’re traveling to Hoi An with kids, this is an especially great activity to try.

Enjoy a 2.5-hour workshop where you’ll learn to construct your lantern souvenir, and creatives, book a lantern-making and painting class in one.

During the class, learn to make a lantern step by step using a bamboo frame and silk fabric of your choosing.

As this is a traditional art form, make the experience extra authentic and take the class at a nearby local village.

• lantern making classes in Hoi An

13 – Understand the importance of pottery at the Museum of Trade Ceramics

The Museum of Trade Ceramics is another one of Hoi An’s museums that displays the town’s history.

Storing and exhibiting a collection of real-life items and artifacts that can be traced as far back as the 9th century, many of the objects are made from pottery.

It’s pretty cool to investigate the progression of ceramics throughout Hoi An’s past, and the museum also showcases works up to the 19th century, including some sketches and drawings.

Throughout the years, these artifacts have been discovered all around Hoi An, including fragments found washed ashore after a shipwreck, as well as during archaeological excavations.

Its collection of 268-odd items and relics are displayed behind glass cabinets, line the walls and hang from the ceiling, and there is also a model of a traditional sailing ship inside.

Founded in 1995, the museum was specifically chosen to be housed inside an ancient two-story dark wooden building — these buildings were typically erected by Japanese communities in the late 1900s.

14 – Get involved in a local cooking class

Near the ocean but surrounded by thriving countryside, you’ll find the best of both worlds when it comes to eating in Hoi An.

Learn how to cook a scrumptious Hoi An dish just like a local professional with a cooking class.

Located in central Vietnam, this part of the country mixes flavors from the northern and southern parts.

A typical cooking class in Hoi An begins with a trip to a local market to shop for ingredients, while other cooking classes take place on local farms where you will pick your fresh produce to be used.

With the guidance of a professional chef or local expert cook, recreate your own dish and take home the recipe to cook up for friends and family.

During the class, master how to make a Vietnamese specialty, the fresh rice paper spring roll, as well as main dishes.

For something extra special, take a cooking class at a local village along the Thu Bon River.

• cooking classes in Hoi An

15 – There are so many things to do and see at the Son Tra Peninsula

The Son Tra Peninsula, or Monkey Mountain as it’s also known, is a fantastic day trip from Hoi Anoption and is only one hour away.

Apart from the numerous hiking trails, nature walks and phenomenal panoramic views, there are many private and secluded beaches along the way (but they require some trekking to reach).

One of Monkey Mountain’s most iconic sites is Đỉnh bàn cờ i.e. Chess Board Top.

Climbing to the top of the Son Tra Peninsula, find the statue of the chess player and his unfinished chess game — which is impossible to end! Many day tours travel to the Son Tra Peninsula, stopping off at its most famed sites.

Jeep tours travel here too, and if even just to take in the scenery from the open road, it’s pretty spectacular.

Stop by Man Thai Fishing Village and visit the 1,000-year-old Giant Banyan Tree. Drink in the scenery from the mountain, and the views are unending.

Some of the best can be seen from the regal Lady Buddha, also located in the Son Tra Peninsula.

16 – Delight all your senses during a visit to the Hoi An Central Market

Running along the riverside, the best time of day to hit the Hoi An Central Market is in the early morning.

It’s a sensory overload in the best way possible, from the colorful scenes of unique fruits and vegetables for sale, to the smells of fresh seafood or street snacks cooking up.

Not only is the produce for sale the freshest at this time of day, but it’s a fantastic place to try out a super local breakfast (for ridiculously cheap prices too).

Apart from the usual Banh Mis (Vietnamese baguette sandwich), try other morning dishes such as Banh Xeo (a pancake filled with shrimp, pork and spring onions), Bun Bo (beef breakfast noodle soup), and Cau Lau (a dry noodle dish with pork and local greens).

Don’t miss tasting Vietnamese spring rolls or White Rose dumplings (steamed prawns wrapped in rice dough).

Located inside the Ancient Town, the market is conveniently situated and links the bottom road.

Some of the streets running up from the market sell handicrafts and interesting kitchen utensils and homeware items.

17 – Venture through to Marble Mountains

Gaining its name from the striking white color of these marble and limestone mountains, Marble Mountains consists of temples, caves and sweeping views.

Five limestone peaks make up the mountain range, and each one is named in Vietnamese after the five natural elements; earth, fire, water, wood and metal.

Tackling the Marble Mountains requires some trekking, and as you ascend the hills, pass by its must-see attractions.

Entering the range, visit the Marble Village, Non Nước Village, filled with white-stone carved statues.

Climbing the stone steps from one peak to the next, visit Huyen Khong (the largest of all the caves) and the Am Phu Cave.

Inside this cave find statue depictions of Naraka (what Buddhists refer to as ‘hell’).

Other epic caves to check out are Hoa Nghiem Cave on the Water Mountain (Thuỷ Mountain) and Tang Chon Cave is located inside the Kim Mountain, also known as Metal Mountain.

Head to Tam Thai Pagoda for a tranquil setting, and Xa Loi Tower is home to 200 Buddhas.

• Marble mountains tours

18 – Cross the famous Golden Bridge at Sun World Ba Na Hills

You’ll want to spend at least half the day at this one-of-a-kind theme park with countless things to see, activities to do and attractions to choose from at Sun World Ba Na Hills .

Where to begin? … Stroll through a French-inspired village, or wander through Luna Castle. Catch all the thrills inside Fantasy Park where you’ll discover fun rides, games and a 5D cinema.

Check out Vietnam’s first-ever Wax Museum for life-like figurines of famous musicians, actors, sports heroes and political figureheads throughout history. Another first for the country and special feature is a 3-meter high Quartz crystal cave which you can step inside.

One of the most photographed spots in Vietnam in its later years, the Golden Bridge i.e. Cầu Vàng, is also located inside the park.

Seen all over social media feeds, finally get the opportunity to check out the famous Vietnamese walking bridge. The walkway is held up by two giant stone hands on either side, stretching onwards for 150 meters and with the most breathtaking views below!

The bridge was opened in 2018 and is reachable by cable car only. Speaking of, for some of the best views of the park and Danang, take a ride in the Ba Na Hills Cable Car.

The cable car ride runs throughout the park, dropping passengers at different locations around the area.

To travel around the park, take the Dream Spring Station to Ba Na Station cable car ride line, or if you just want to ride the cable car and not visit any park attractions, book a ticket on the Toc Tien Station to L’Indochine Station line.

But there’s more … Not just fun and games, Ba Na Hills is home to pagodas, temples, stupas, and a monastery. You can also find your inner zen at the Rain Sheltering Teahouse during an ancient tea ceremony, or sit back and relax with a glass of vino at the Debay Wine Cellar’s bar.

• Golden Bridge tours

19 – Feel like Sherlock Holmes, but in Vietnam, with these epic scavenger games

Uncover the secrets of the ancient town or unravel the sites around all of Hoi An with a fun and immersive scavenger game — one of the exciting things to do in Hoi An for families. This is also a terrific way to introduce your kids to the attractions around town without trawling them through a typical sightseeing tour. 

Given a map and a set of clues, you will solve each riddle one by one, moving from one landmark or location to the next. Arriving at each stop, decipher clues using local imagery, signs or even by striking up conversations.  

There are short one to two-hour games (favoring locales smack bang in the Hoi An Old Town), or opt for an extensive city treasure hunt lasting four.

The Japanese Covered Bridge, Thu Bon River and the Museum of Sa Huỳnh Culture are examples of places of interest to see during shorter scavenger games, or veer further out the city during longer stints, exploring Tra Que Vegetable Village.

• scavenger games in Hoi An

20 – Famous for its leathermakers, shop insanely cheap leather goods!

When it comes to getting anything leather-made, Hoi An is where it’s at, and you’ll be shocked to find how affordable custom-made leather goods are in this part of Vietnam … So take advantage!

If there’s something you can imagine made from leather, chances are you’ll find it in one of the leather shops, or one of the craftsmen can create your dream design for you, whether it’s a pair of shoes or a guitar bag.

The predominant leather used in Vietnam is made from buffalo, and you can choose from an entire range of different colors and textures.

Blue Lotus Leather offers both already-made and custom-ordered leather items sporting quality modern designs. They host leather workshops too.

Frequented by many travelers, find a beautiful selection of leather goods for very affordable prices at Buffalo Leather Shop, from Birkenstock-type sandals to leather jackets, belts, purses, and much more.

Find your perfect leather travel bag at Da Bao Real Leather and their excellency lies in their fine details and craftsmanship of bags, from backpacks to wallets.

21 – Looking for the best snorkeling near Hoi An? Boat trip over to Cham Island!

Did you know that surrounding the central city Da Nang (a 45-minute drive from Hoi An), are many neighboring islands?

Spend a day having fun in the sun and take part in oceanic activities with a trip to Cham Island , also known as Cù Lao Chàm.

Located inside the Cu Lao Cham Marine Park, it forms part of a protected biosphere reserve known for its marine and wildlife.

The Cham Islands are made up of an archipelago of several small islands, the biggest of them is Cham Island (Cù Lao Chàm), which is also called Hon Lao. It’s a famed snorkeling destination known for its crystal blue waters and beaches filled with soft white sands.

Cham Island snorkeling tours are very popular and there are five beaches to explore. The waters at Bai Xep beach are particularly great to snorkel around, and Bai Bim beach and Bai Ong beach are two other favorites for travelers.

Choose a half-day snorkel tour out at sea traveling to Cham Island by speed boat, or you can stay overnight on the island and there are multiple accommodation options. The group of Cham Islands holds particular importance in this part of Vietnam as it’s believed that this is where the Champa people first landed in the country.

Around the multiple islands, scout temples, shrines, pagodas and hidden forests. Apart from Hon Lao, the other islets include Hon Tai, Hon La, Hon Dai, Hon Kho Me, Hon Kho Con, Hon Mo and Hon Ong.

• snorkeling tours in Hoi An

22 – Learn how to work with this traditional material at Taboo Bamboo Workshop

The Taboo Bamboo Workshop is an amazing activity for all ages.

Bamboo is one of the most widely used materials in Vietnam, known for its strength and stability, as well as for being easy enough to manipulate for carving and crafting.

A family-run business operating for more than three generations, get involved and join a workshop. Learn about how some of the traditional bamboo handicrafts are created and get the chance to make your own with the help, knowledge and expertise of the family.

If there’s something in particular you’d love to construct, just let them know and you will also learn how to treat the bamboo material afterward so that it keeps.

Light fixtures, sconces, mugs, cups, bowls, instruments, straws, chairs, hanging features and even helmets and bicycles… It seems like Taboo can make anything from bamboo!

Making houses and structures from bamboo is one of Taboo Bamboo’s main sources of income, and you can explore a bamboo house on-site too.

23 – Look into the past at the Assembly Hall Of Fujian Chinese

As one of the oldest historical sites in Hoi An Ancient Town, walk around the Assembly Hall of Fujian Chinese and explore the temple grounds dating back to 1690.

During the 15th to 18th centuries, the port town saw many merchants from different countries enter through its waters, and although now a temple, originally the building served as an assembly hall for Chinese traders arriving in Hoi An from Fujian, China.

Then in 1697, according to the stories, a statue of the Chinese goddess of the sea, Mazu, also known as Thien Hau in Vietnamese, washed up onto the shore on Hoi An’s beach.

It was then decided by the locals to turn the assembly hall into a temple dedicated to the Chinese deity.

Today, travelers can explore three halls that celebrate distinctive architecture. Visit the Main Hall, Front Hall and Back Hall and the courtyard is home to mythical statues, shrines and bonsais.

Inside the Main Hall, spot two golden figures on the altar feature. One is of Avalokiteshvara, a  Bodhisattva of compassion, and the other is of the goddess, Mazu.

• walking tours in Hoi An

24 – Get your fix at the best coffee shops

Caffeine addicts, you’ve come to the right country! Vietnam’s famous cà phê đá (Vietnamese iced coffee made using a phin that drips coffee into a glass of ice), is now found on many specialty coffee shop menus worldwide.

All around Vietnam, the coffee game is on point, and it’s no different in Hoi An.

Known as one of the best coffee shops in town, Phin Coffee roasts its own coffee beans and the specialty store serves an amazing drip coffee.

For those that like it strong, grab a cup at The Espresso Station supplying creative concoctions. Try their Black Latte, or order Coffee Ice Cubes. Their courtyard setting is extra cute, and they also have a barista training school.

Set in a traditional house, Bill Coffee & Tea has a great selection of specialty coffees and techniques and is a super ambient coffee shop.

It feels like you’re somewhere in Bali at Nourish Eatery and they offer a fantastic French press.

Designed as a farm-to-table experience, Cocobox only used fair-trade certified and organic coffee beans that are locally sourced from around Vietnam. They have a great pour-over coffee.

For super-local vibes, 11 Coffee House serves a mean coconut coffee (cà phê cốt dừa) and a cà phê sữa đá (Vietnamese iced coffee, but instead of having it black, condensed milk is added for a milky consistency — and buzz!).

25 – Update your social media pages during a visit to Bich Hoa Village

Check out the little beachside village, Bich Hoa Village, also known locally as Làng Bích Họa Tam Thanh (add this version to your maps).

Over recent years the sleepy coastal town has become a tourist attraction because the buildings and street walls are covered with gorgeous artworks and murals.

Artists regularly repaint the walls and so you’ll often spot new works of art popping up, and it’s an awesome destination filled with many photo opportunities around every corner.

Nearly every single building is brightened with art, from portraits of locals to scenery typical of Central Vietnam — even the fishermen’s basket boats are decorated.

Heading one hour from Hoi An in the opposite direction from Da Nang, the village is located in the Tam Ky area.

After you’re done snapping all the street art, spend some time at the secluded and picturesque Tam Thanh beach, and grab lunch at a local restaurant before trekking back to Hoi An.

26 – Enjoy a scooter tour through the Hoi An countryside

If you’ve never ridden a motorized bike before, Hoi An and a scooter are excellent starting points. Take advantage and try an epic scooter tour.

The roads around Hoi An are very chilled in comparison to some parts of the country, like Hanoi for example, and are lined with countryside scenes.

Scooters are also very easy to drive … Hop on the bike, lift the kick-stand, engine on and accelerate.

If you don’t feel comfortable enough, no problemo. Choose a scooter tour in Hoi An where you ride as a passenger with a guided driver.

With multiple types of scooter tours, choose an option that bests suits you.

You can tour around Hoi An, the ancient town and must-see attractions around the area, or drive out of town and into the countryside and through rice paddies and hillsides.

Instead of a day tour, choose a night ride instead. Take an evening scooter foodie tour, stopping by numerous restaurants and bars along the way.

• scooter tours in Hoi An

27 – Discover 484 artifacts divided into four themes at the Museum of Folklore

Whilst many of the museums explore the city’s historical past, the Museum of Folklore focuses on highlighting Hoi An’s productive cultural side.

Stepping inside the museum, there are four main categories to delve into, divided into different exhibitions inside a 150-year-old two-story building. Apart from the artifacts and photos it hosts, the museum utilizes some of these items to recreate scenes illustrating cultural activities and local traditions.

The four topics that the Museum of Folklore covers include Picture art, Performing arts, Traditional craft villages and Folk activities.

Explore varying art forms used throughout Hoi An’s history like sculptures, bronze relics, wood carvings and paintings inside the Picture art space. The Performing arts exhibit on the other hand explores traditional folk songs and dance through displays and statues.

Learn about the local Tengu Dance, the game Bai Choi, and Ba Trao songs used during fishing ceremonies.

Get acquainted with silk production when wandering around the ‘Traditional craft villages space’, and the ‘Folk activities’ exhibit focuses on topics such as wedding customs and traditional costumes.

Right next to the river, take in the views from the balcony on the second floor. There is a small souvenir shop selling local handicrafts, like embroidered shopping bags and tins of tea leaves.

28 – Cycle through Cam Kim Island’s verdant rice fields

Traveling just 15 minutes by bicycle, reach the rural Cam Kim Island nestled in Hoi An’s countryside and beside the Thu Bon River.

To reach Cam Kim, cross the New Bridge, which also links the island to Thanh Ha Village.

It’s famous for its endless rice paddies which you can weave in between, stopping to take photos in the fields or scenic shots with locals cultivating rice for the day in the background.

Thanks to its makeup, a popular activity to try at Cam Kim Island is learning how to make rice paper which is used across a variety of Vietnamese food dishes.

There are a few local villages to stop by other than Thanh Ha Village, including Triem Tay Village and the Kim Bong Carpentry Village.

You can also reach Cam Kim Island by boat and right by the ferry dock is the Boat Building Yard where traditional round-weaved basket boats are made.

There’s a small market nearby selling handicrafts and souvenirs.

• Cam Kim Village tours

29 – Go Kayaking through Hoi An’s riversides

Running through Hoi An is the Thu Bon River and it extends to other areas around the main town.

One popular way to discover the surrounding locations near the river is by kayaking along the waters, passing by coconut groves and tropical wetland scenes … It truly feels like you’re deep in the jungle.

You can book a kayaking expedition where private drivers transport you to the Cam Thanh area and you start your kayak ride. For something extraordinary, a sunset kayak tour is unparalleled.

As you cruise down the river, the sun dances off the water and creates magnificent silhouettes as it drops low between the coconut trees.

If you’re not keen on veering out of the Hoi An Old Town, the Thu Bon is in the center, and kayaking along the river in this part only is totally doable for those who want to enjoy a short, authentic boat ride.

• kayaking in Hoi An

30 – Put your skills to the test and go golfing

Surrounded by nature, the ocean, and offering a relatively flat terrain overall, Hoi An is the perfect location for a golf range. Since Hoi An and Da Nang are only 45 minutes away from each other, you have plenty of options for golfing available.

The nearest course is the opulent Hoiana Shores Golf Club providing players and guests with the most gorgeous views, from the beach to Cham Islands. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., it offers golfers “challenging-yet-rewarding” holes.

Heading 30 minutes outside the center of Hoi An, perfect your backswing at the 18-hole Vinpearl Golf Nam Hoi An .

The Montgomerie Links is named after its founder, Colin Montgomerie, and the course is suitable for all-level golfers. Set to international standards, the course is surrounded by forestry and throughout the 18 holes, find well-positioned bunkers and impressive fairways.

At the BRG Da Nang Golf Resort (also known as the Danang Golf Club), choose between not one but two courses. The main course is the Nicklaus Course (of Jack Nicklaus designs) and offers a Par 73 over an 18-hole range.

The Dunes Course , also known as the Norman Course as it was designed by Greg Norman, offers a links-style layout. The furthest from Hoi An, if you’re visiting Sunworld at Ba Na Hills, golfing enthusiasts take advantage and visit Ba Na Hills Golf Club .

Surrounded by gorgeous mountainscapes, its received multiple awards including Vietnam’s Best and Asia’s Best Golf Course five years in a row!

31 – Sip on flavors you’ve never tasted before during a cocktail experience

For when you throw your next dinner party or a fancy birthday bash, impress your friends back home with new flavors and concoctions that have inspired you from your cocktail experience in Hoi An.

Tantalize your (drinking) tastebuds with local0 herbs, spices, florals and spirits, expertly shaken by pro mixologists. These shakers really understand Vietnamese flavors and what works with local spirits too.

During the tour, visit four to five secret spaces where impressive cocktails are fired up, and you’ll also have the chance to mingle with the creators. Rượu gạo (rice wine) is the country’s most popular liquor, and so you can definitely expect a cocktail made from the distilled fermented rice.

Occurring in the evenings, these excursions last around three hours, and to line your stomachs, are accompanied by a traditional snack with each round.

(A sample menu includes the likes of Vietnamese pancakes, bruschetta and fusion spring rolls.)

• cocktail experience in Hoi An

32 – Range over Hoi An with a fun countryside jeep tour

Leave behind the shopping and eating in Ancient Town for the day and adventure around the coastal city via jeep tour.

Out of the many things to do in Hoi An, this is a perfect way to discover the natural landscapes other than the oceanic scenes.

In an army jeep, zip through rice fields, cruise alongside the riverbanks, and pitstop at traditional villages for something to eat and activities, like basket boat rides and food-tastings. Cruise past local farms where your guide enlightens you along the way with knowledgeable information.

If My Son Sanctuary is on your Hoi An bucket list, opt for a fun jeep tour here instead. Adding to the jungle feels, whizz around with an open roof and take in the sights en route to the sacred grounds

Some tours even head through Da Nang to Marble Mountains, Monkey Island and even the Hai Van Pass. If you plan on sightseeing in these spots, consider a jeep tour here!

• jeep tours in Hoi An

33 – If you’re fascinated by wood-work, head to Kim Bong Carpentry Village

Throughout its time, Kim Bong Chau as it’s locally known has been a part of Hoi An’s evolution, helping to manufacture building structures, furniture and even boats.

Today, the woodworkers at Kim Bong Carpentry Village specialize in crafting sculptures, but you will find an array of other wooden products made here too.

Like many of Hoi An’s traditional villages, the carpentry village has been around for centuries, and it’s situated on the banks of the Thu Bon River. Apart from investigating wooden works of art, learn about the village’s ancient history.

In the 15th century, woodworkers from the northern regions landed in this part of Vietnam and continued doing what they did best as an occupation. Originally, the carpenters worked on building bamboo homes and wooden huts and later began constructing ships and boats when Hoi An’s trading port hit a massive boom.

From here, they moved on to crafting household items and appliances until the modern era hit. When visiting Kim Bong Carpentry Village in the 21st century, wooden sculptures are now the main focus.

34 – Visit a traditional fishing village, Tra Nhieu

Driving 30 minutes from the old town, the peaceful Tra Nhieu fishing village is located inside the Tra Nhieu Nepa Palm Forest.

Thanks to its location, it’s a popular day trip in Hoi An, whether you choose to drive, bicycle ride, scooter tour or catch a boat ride cruise here.

Upon arrival, you’re greeted by rows of tropical palms on either side of the road leading to the village. Explore local life and get the chance to see the fishermen in action, and you can also try your hand at traditional fishing techniques.

Speaking of, learn how a bamboo basket boat is made, and then paddle your own through a lush coconut forest!

Apart from the activities that revolve around aquatic life, spend time with local families and get involved in traditions learning how to weave colorful mats or make rice paper.

Don’t miss the opportunity to sample classic central coastal specialties such as cá hấp (steamed fish), tôm rang muối (crispy, salt-roasted shrimp) and cháo (congee).

• Tra Nhieu tours

35 – Swim and sip on cocktails from the highest rooftop, The Deck Hoi An

Insane views over magical Hoi An, impressive cocktails to boot, and a pool … The Deck Hoi An is one of the hottest hangouts.

Not to be confused with The Deckhouse (on An Bang beach), this rooftop destination is situated on the ninth floor of the Hotel Royal Hoi An – MGallery.

Built adjacent to the Thu Bon River, Hoi An’s highest rooftop bar and lounge is the place to be whether you’re here in the late afternoon for a light bite to eat and a round of drinks, or for sundowners as the sun begins to fade.

Distinctly more upmarket, or rather, not as casual as many of the bars in town, this is a wonderful pick for couples too, and the setting reflects this — cue the poolside cabanas, pin-stripe umbrellas and wrought-iron bar stools.

Food is sent from the hotel’s The Attic restaurant, with its delish menu comprising tapas and loads of seafood!

36 – Calling all yogis, take a yoga class

Unlike some of Vietnam’s bustling cities and towns, there’s a real serene feeling in Hoi An and you can’t help but feel instantly relaxed … Perhaps it’s because it’s right near the ocean which makes everything feel calmer? …

Hoi An is a lovely place to practice yoga, especially if you’ve been missing out on your daily/weekly classes whilst traveling.

There are yoga classes to join conveniently located near Hoi An’s ancient town, or for a really special experience, enjoy a yoga session in the middle of unending green rice fields!

As you unwind and re-center, feel invigorated by the natural landscapes around you and there are classes available to suit all levels and styles.

Choose a beginners class, or a Yin, Vinyasa or Hatha yoga class. It’s a beautiful setting to enjoy your sun salutation series.

Aum Yoga is a studio in town, but they also are a yoga teacher training center for any yogis wanting to take their practice to the next level.

• yoga classes in Hoi An

37 – Watch a live show at Hoi An Memories Land

Yes, technically Hoi An Memories Land is a resort, however, it’s open for daytime visitors who want to have some fun at Hoi An Memories Land cultural theme park.

Situated on a private islet on the Hoai River, the resort and park have been designed to recreate the feeling of Hoi An’s Ancient Town, but without the overload of tourists walking its streets.

If you stay the night at Hoi An Memories Land, the villa options are replicas of the famed terracotta buildings.

Visiting the park for the day, watch the Hoi An Impression Show. It’s a live art performance where you can get a glimpse of what life was like in the town during the 16th century.

Explore a recreation of a Japanese Village during the 17th century in Hoi An and the Love Bridge is located inside this section. Investigate architectural features in the Spirituality section, such as traditional pagodas and temples that have been erected over the last centuries in central Vietnam.

The main part of the cultural village highlights the fusion of different nationalities that once lived in Hoi An when it was a major trading port, like France and the Nederlands.

The unique setting is a great place for families to stay, and the resort has an outdoor guest pool, restaurant, bar, spa and fitness center.

38 – Don’t miss out on visiting the Imperial City of Hue

Known as the Imperial City, it would be silly to miss a day trip to Hue when you’re in this part of Vietnam.

One of the biggest reasons why many make the journey here is for its amazing plethora of historical and cultural sites, rich in history, stories and of course, it was the land of the royals way back when.

From tombs to temples, palaces and pagodas on the riverside and monasteries in the mountains … there is just so much to explore in the regal ancient city.

One of the biggest attractions is the Imperial City itself, or the Old City, which is located within the Citadel (a wall built around the city in later years to protect the royal families).

Inside there are tons of ancient sites, and you will pay an entry fee at one of the citadel’s entrances for access to the historical attractions.

Traveling from Hoi An to Hue, you will pass through the Hai Van Gate, a national city relic dating back to 1470.

There aren’t just outdoor attractions to see, and Hue is home to a buzzing creative side!

To get to Hue, you can catch a train ride from Da Nang. Join a private tour from Hoi An or motorbike ride here driving via the picturesque Hai Van Pass.

• Hue day trips from Hoi An

39 – Feel like a true local navigating Hoi An on an adventurous motorbike tour

For something more adventurous than a scooter tour, opt for a motorbike tour around Hoi An and the surrounding areas.

Take a bike trip to local villages and communities in Hoi An, where you will have the chance to venture a bit off-road and cross through rice paddies and countryside roads.

If a few hours around Hoi An isn’t enough, take a motorbike tour through Danang, traveling 1.5-hours to the famous Hai Van Pass — it’s known as one of the most beautiful roads to drive.

Extend your motorbike trip even further and cross the Hai Van Pass all the way into Hue.

A Street Food Tour by motorbike inside Hoi An’s ancient town ticks off two tours in one. Stop by street stalls, vendors and local dining hotspots and try famous delicacies and Hoi An dishes.

There’s no need to worry about falling into a food coma, as you’re driven from one spot to the next.

• motorbike tours in Hoi An

40 – Ride the tallest free-falling tower in Vietnam at Asia Park – Sun World Da Nang Wonders

Kids and adults enjoy a fun day at Asia Park , an amusement and cultural theme park.

The park is built along the Han River which adds all the ambiance, and from certain rides like the ginormous ferris wheel, the views across the river are breathtaking!

The setup of the park represents local and traditional Vietnamese designs, as well as its culture.

There are rides and attractions for all ages … Kiddies enjoy duck-boat rides on the lake or spinning in teacups at the Fairy Tea House.

Adrenaline junkies hit the Singapore Sling, Queen Cobra or the Paradise Fall rollercoaster!

One of the major park features is the Cultural Section which focuses on varying countries in Asia.

Within the different zones, it highlights India, China, Korea, Japan, and of course, Vietnam.

Inside the Vietnam Zone explore a traditional dragon boat and wander past replicas of famous country attractions or landmarks.

Taste flavors from around Asia that are renowned for their cuisine, including Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, India, Nepal, Japan, Korea, China and Vietnam at the on-site restaurant.

41 – Visit one of Vietnam’s oldest pottery villages, Thanh Ha Pottery Village

With its origins dating back to the 16th century, Thanh Ha Pottery Village is one of the first pottery villages to arise in the country, and it’s remained to this day.

The entire village is filled with local homes where the families work to create the ceramics made from red clay found on the banks of the Thu Bon River.

When first forming the pottery village, the locals at the time specifically chose this location as it’s next to a river. This made it very convenient to transport products along the water via boats.

Today, mainly ceramics are manufactured as household items and decorative pieces, and the village also produces bricks and tiles. Whilst visiting Thanh Ha, get the opportunity to see the skilled potters in action, and the village still uses a traditional two-man pottery wheel and a red-brick kiln.

If you want to give potting a go, there are workshops to take part in where you can create your own terracotta ceramic. The Thanh Ha Pottery Village is right beside Thanh Ha Terracotta Park.

• Thanh Ha Pottery Village tours

42 – Photography enthusiasts, join a photo tour

Once you’re in Hoi An, you won’t want to leave your camera far away for a second!

Ancient Town alone is made up of endless photo opportunities, phenomenal backdrops and tons of architectural delights to snap away at.

Get the inside scoop from a local professional and discover Hoi An’s hotspots with a photo tour!

As one of the most photogenic cities, there are many types of photo tours to choose from.

Enjoy a half-day tour around Hoi An and discover the most mesmeric spots, alleyways, and cultural sites to photograph.

For serious enthusiasts, book a sunrise photo tour where you’ll capture moments in Hoi An before the daily bustle begins, or record Hoi An’s golden hour with a sunset tour.

If you’re not keen on doing the filming, there’s the option to book a private photoshoot.

Heading to picturesque settings around Hoi An, your private photographer will capture all those holiday moments with you, your family, friends or partner in the pics!

• photo tours in Hoi An

43 – Getting married soon? Bring your design and get a tailor-made suit

Did you know many international travelers fly into Hoi An to get suits, tuxedos, and even wedding dresses made here, as the town is famous for its impeccable tailoring … And at ridiculously affordable prices!

With plenty of options available, find a tailor to suit your budget from high-end ones specializing in formalwear to designers making suits for everyday occasions. Visiting a tailor, decide on a design and style, then color and your fabric. Next, your personalized measurements are taken and the process begins.

You will usually be called in for one final fitting, before leaving as a happy customer with a brand new suit! As one of the first tailor shops in Hoi An, you won’t be disappointed with Mr Xe’s work.

Still run by the original tailor himself, he’s known for his incredible quality and designs of men’s suits, especially wedding attire. Find him at 71 Nguyễn Thái Học, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam.

Looking for a modern, high-end tailor? Bebe Tailor is owned by a young couple, one half of the duo is a local and the other a foreigner, and you see the fusion of design in their work.

P.s. The tailor shops around Hoi An aren’t limited to just suits, and you can get pretty much anything tailor-made in Hoi An.

Stop by Two Ladies Tailor Shop, a family-run biz that pumps out fast fashion — literally and figuratively. Choose from their pre-designed patterns, or bring your specific design in and the ladies will whip up a playsuit, dress or pajama set in a jiff.

44 – Visit the country’s tallest Buddha, Lady Buddha

Whilst driving through Da Nang and the Hai Van Pass, you can’t help but notice the regal statue of Lady Buddha that stands proudly overlooking the mountains.

Drive along the ocean roads to reach Lady Buddha found within the Son Tra Peninsula.

The biggest Buddha statue in all of Vietnam is made up of 17 floors and each level is dedicated to a different Buddha.

Reaching the 17th floor, treat your eyes to the most awe-inspiring views of the surrounding areas, including oceans, islands and mountain ranges.

Although many travel to see the 67-meter tall statue, Lady Buddha is located inside the courtyard at Linh Ung Pagoda, which is worth exploring whilst you are here.

Today, Linh Ung Pagoda is Da Nang’s largest pagoda, but interestingly it was only constructed, along with Lady Buddha, in 2004.

You cannot miss the iconic attraction on a day trip via Da Nang or Hue.

45 – Find an explosion of flavors at Hoi An’s best restaurants

Food is a major part of Vietnamese culture, and because the port city has seen a multitude of nationalities cross its waters through the decades, there’s an international blend of restaurants in Hoi An.

For incredible French food, views and all the ambiance, head to The Cargo Club. It’s located right next to the riverfront and there are French and international dishes on the menu, as well as an in-house pâtisserie.

Put on your fancy clothes and visit Aubergine49 Restaurant for a fine-dining experience. Foodies, the head chef here, Thinh, has worked under some mega chefs, including Rick Stein!

For incredible Vietnamese with a modern twist, visit Spice Viet Restaurant which only uses recently harvested, local produce from an organic farm in the area. Treat yourself to an evening of champagne and cheese at Le 20 Hoi An which focuses on serving fresh and simple produce in French techniques.

If you’re in the mood for seafood, have an authentic experience with your feet in the sand at Phuong’s Beach Restaurant down at An Bang Beach.

Whilst this side, stop by The DeckHouse which serves Vietnamese fusion, including seafood, and has fantastic cocktails, a private pool, and is a serious vibe.

Or if you’re craving prawns or oysters in the Ancient Town, visit Madame Lân . The menu is filled with local dishes and many seafood options, including hotpots. With a stunning riverside location, feast on French flavors at bistro-style Le Cabanon, or book a table at MÙA which highlights seasonal local ingredients presented in fun and contemporary ways.

Fill your sushi craving at Hoshigami Sushi Japanese Restaurant, or grab healthy and hearty grub from Nourish Eatery .

46 – Learn all about the delicate fiber at the Hoi An Silk Village

Don’t be fooled, the Hoi An Silk Village is not only a silk village, it’s also a spa and offers accommodation options too.

However, it did in fact form part of the famous Maritime Silk Road in Vietnam some 300 years ago, and locals have been creating beautifully handcrafted silk fabrics ever since.

Back in the day, this was Quang Nam Province’s main silk producer, and the textile was shipped straight from the village to Europe and other parts of the western world.

The original Silk Village closed down, but it was later reopened to aid in reviving the traditional handicraft in Hoi An.

Today there are still artists who skillfully manufacture and weave silk in the village, creating beautiful tapestries, fabrics and garments of clothing. Learn about the silk manufacturing process here, as well as watch the weavers in action.

There is also a gallery, the Tailor Showroom, where you can discover the most beautiful pieces of silk work and garments on display.

Situated just outside of the main town, staying at the Hoi An Silk Village guests can enjoy a peaceful and authentic location. There’s an on-site restaurant, and a wellness center including a spa, gym and sauna.

• Silk Village tours

47 – Shop for souvenirs at the Hoi An Night Market

The Old Town is split in two by the Thu Bon River, and connecting both sides is also the An Hoi Bridge.

Walking across the waterway from one side, find the Hoi An Night Market running down Nguyen Hoang Street on the islet considered the Japanese and entertainment district of the old town.

Just look out for the road filled with street vendors and colorful lanterns and you’re in the right spot.

There are over 50 local market stalls offering all the usual night market finds, like bags, jewelry, affordable clothing, and other nicknacks and native handicrafts.

There’s also street food galore to try at the Hoi An Night Market.

When you’re done shopping, take a stroll around this part of the old town.

There’s a handful of restaurants and bars here, and you can find the most delicious Vietnamese rolled ice cream alongside the riverfront.

48 – Book yourself a relaxing spa day

The moment you enter Hoi An you get all the holiday feels, and it’s the perfect vacation destination for unwinding, dining and shopping.

A luxe getaway just isn’t complete without a day at the spa, or at least an afternoon massage.

Try one of La Spa by La Siesta ’s signature treatments like a 90-minute Cloud 9 Package which includes a hot stone massage, and the spa is set inside a gorgeous garden villa.

Relax at the multiple award-winning Aira Hoi An Spa where they offer all types of treatments from facials to massages to body wraps and rituals.

For traditional Vietnamese wellness treatments, White Rose Spa utilizes herbs, plants and minerals used in ancient healing throughout the centuries.

While enjoying a rejuvenating massage in the gardens of La Soie Spa , take a visit afterward to Hoi An’s Silk Village, which is in the same location. (Some spa treatments even include using silk extracts.)

For an incredible Thai massage, stop by Ozone Spa and you can get a mani/pedi or a facial here too.

Something more casual than the rest but with a great central location, book a massage at Blue Gift Spa .

• spas in Hoi An

49 – Dance through the nightlife scene and meet like-minded travelers

As one of the most famous places to visit in Vietnam, Hoi An welcomes an overload of tourists every day, no matter the time of year. With its heave of travelers, backpackers and expat community, its nightlife pleases multiple crowds.

In a serious mood to dance? The beats booming out speakers at Velvet Club Hoi An are a mix of Vinahouse and European dance tunes, drawing in both local and international party-goers.

It’s favored for its impressive sound, spacious dance floor, serious lighting and air-conditioned rooms (much appreciated in a place like hot and sticky Hoi An).

Do you prefer an alternative night out? Look no further than rocking Guitar Hawaii Hoi An Live Music Bar . Live artists take to the stage, including Vietnamese and international musicians, and if you play any instruments of your own, feel free to join in for open mic nights.

Or get sweaty on the D-floor at New 92 Club. Professional dancers bust it out in front of the DJ booth, MCs are on the mic and, if you’ve visited Hanoi’s Hero Bar before, this nightclub has a similar vibe.

50 – Lap up 17 kilometers of ocean and mountain views along the Hải Vân Pass

Firstly, one of the best ways to experience the iconic Hải Vân Pass is to rent a scooter or motorbike (or take an organized motorbike/scooter tour) and drive the open mountain road that runs between Da Nang and Hue.

Take in the sights and scenery of one of the most beautiful roads in Vietnam with the ocean on one side and hillsides on the other … the wind blowing in your hair …

As you drive along the pass, there are many stops along the way and attractions to visit.

At the top of the mountain, visit a former military bunker, or stop by Cafe Hòn Đá Cụ Rùa i.e. Turtles Stone for coffee with a view.

Venture into Bạch Mã National Park filled with waterfalls and walking trails or for some insane photos, head to Don Ca Arch Bridge (locally known as Cầu Vòm Đồn Cả), or Minh Mang Tomb.

Dubbed as one of the most beautiful roads to drive in the world by TopGear presenter, Jeremy Clarkson, don’t miss the chance to witness it for yourself.

• Hai van Pass tours

51 – Take a romantic sunset dinner cruise

As an old port city, Hoi An is revered today for its naturally romantic riverside location, and so a sunset dinner cruise only seems apt for the occasion.

Leaving Ancient Town, cruise along the Hoai River and enter the Thu Bon River where you’ll sail past local villages and through lush tropical trees.

Embark on the waters around 5 PM before the sun begins to disappear, and by the time you’ve left the Old Town, the sky will start changing shades. This time of day is especially romantic on the Thu Bon River, and the excursion lasts approximately two hours.

Feast on a seafood extravaganza, indulge in a five-course menu or some dinner cruises offer onboard BBQ options.

Sip on cocktails and rice wine, and on the way back to the old town, let off lanterns filled with tealight candles. Make a wish before releasing it along the river.

• dinner cruises in Hoi An

52 – Adults and kids will both be enthralled at the Hoi An Lune Center

Conveniently located in the middle of Ancient Town, watch a local live performance that celebrates one of the country’s oldest cultural activities at the Hoi An Lune Center .

While bamboo is one of Vietnam’s most popular building and crafting materials, for hundreds of years bamboo has been utilized by artists and performers.

If you’ve ever visited a local homestay, chances are you’ve tried traditional Bamboo Dancing, a folk game that’s considered a dancing art in the country.

Building from this, watch the Vietnamese Bamboo Circus in action at the Hoi An Lune Center.

During the show, learn about mythical stories and folklore, as well as ancient history through the performance art, accompanied by live musical acts.

The theatre itself is very special, and the 13-meter tall dome is constructed entirely from bamboo.

The walls inside are made from terracotta clay to resemble the traditional houses of Ancient Town.

How to get to Hoi An?

Hoi An doesn’t have an airport, and the closest one is Da Nang International Airport, a 45-minute drive from Hoi An’s Ancient Town.

Forget about organizing a taxi only once you land; pre-book airport transfers in Hoi An for when you touch ground in Da Nang, and be privately transported to your stay in Hoi An, hassle-free.

Book an airport transfer for the journey back when you fly out of Da Nang.

Arriving via boat or planning on visiting nearby islands? Consider pre-booked shore excursions in Hoi An for an easy and efficient trip.

Visiting Hoi An on a budget?

Vietnam is an incredible country to travel on a budget, from its affordable accommodation options to cheap street food, and then there are alternatives like free walking tours in Hoi An .

Led by a local, over the next 2.5 hours, discover the Old Town and get to know it like the back of your hand.

There are a handful of different free Hoi An walking expeditions to choose from.

A classic tour explores the ins and outs of the Ancient Town, meandering its cobbled roads and exploring the tourist attractions and landmarks dotted in between the shops and alleyways, like temples and markets.

You can also pick a tour focusing on Hoi An’s food, showing you secret local favorites. Other walking tours highlight local heritage, stopping with many locals to swap stories and this is great for history enthusiasts.

Where to stay?

Choose to stay in the heart of the Ancient Town, along the riverfront, or slightly out of the main town bustle and down near An Bang Beach.

There are many hotels, boutique stays, and private villas for incredible rates!

Offering the most romantic riverside location, check into Little Riverside Hoi An which is perfect for couples.

With its own private beach, Four Seasons The Nam Hai is the epitome of luxury, and their private villas are super stylish, mixing classic and contemporary design.

The Mulberry Collection Silk Marina celebrates Hoi An’s heritage, evident in its traditional style and decor and it offers all the extras you expect in a large resort.

All room and suite options at Ann Retreat Resort include private balconies with views, and it’s a great family option offering connecting rooms.

Millennials fall in love with the tropical G Boutique Resort Hoi An , or An Nhien Boutique Villa is another trendy and colorful option.

Situated away from the crowds, stay at the five-star The Five Villas & Resort .

It’s slightly out of town, and Ancient Town is a 20-minute drive away and features a private beach.

La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa is suitable for all types of travelers, from families to couples, and all room options are spacious.

Right near Cua Dai Beach and built next to the De Vong River, stay in bungalows perched in between the lagoon set-up, and the little ones will especially love Koi Resort & Spa .

• best hotels in Hoi An

Where go next?

Is your time in Central Vietnam kinda limited? Trust us, once you arrive, you’ll wish you had more! An awesome way to travel around its coastal settings is with multi-day trips from Hoi An .

To reach Hoi An, you will travel from Da Nang, and as most travelers land in Da Nang, it makes sense to book at least one night in the major seaside city.

There are tons of oceanfront resorts, beaches and restaurants to choose from, and the journey from Hoi An to Hue takes just two hours. Motorbiking along one of the world’s most beautiful roads, crossing the famous giant hand bridge or learning how to surf are examples of the magical things to do in Da Nang .

Mermaids and beach babes, for another ocean-centric destination, discover all the things to do in Phu Quoc , the country’s most beautiful island!

Hoi An is located in the center of Vietnam, but the northern and southern parts of the country offer totally different feelings, and experiences to try.

Leaving Da Nang International Airport, take a 1.5-hour flight to Hanoi, or you can travel 15 hours by public transport or private car. Capital of Vietnam has so much to offer, and incredible things to do in Hanoi include walking around its lakes (Hoan Kiem, West Lake and Truch Bach), coffee drinking, history and war museum visits, and shopping and eating around the Old Quarter.

From Hanoi, visit iconic Vietnamese destinations like Sapa, or tour the Northern Loop in Ha Giang.

To reach the south, catch a 1.5-hour flight from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City, or opt for the driving route which is an 18-hour journey.  Things to do in Ho Chi Minh comprise the likes of visits to the famous Cu Chi tunnels, a cruise along the Mekong Delta, and spending a few days in Vietnam’s thriving urban Saigon.

Final thoughts

From the cultural to historical, there are many things to do in Hoi An other than just shopping and eating. Dedicate at least three days to Hoi An … You will need one whole day just to explore the Ancient Town, and that’s before you discover the surrounding countryside!

If you’ve visited Hoi An before, what are some of your favorite things to do and see? Let us know and share your thoughts in the comments below.

Happy travels and enjoy the magic that is Hoi An.