15 Best Things to do in Hoi An

Last Updated on December 28, 2023 by admin

Planning a trip to Hoi An and wondering what to do in Hoi An? This blog covers all the best things to do in Hoi An, the UNESCO Heritage town.

There is so much more to Hoi An than the lantern lit street and the bougainvillea laden canary coloured heritage houses on the banks of Thu Bon River. Whether you are spending 3 days in Hoi An or a week, there is plenty to keep you entertained.

Hoi An tourism is all about adventure, heritage, food as well as a staycation. Hoi An can be enjoyed by all age groups and there are activities for one and all.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN HOI AN

Wander Through the Hoi An’s Old Town

Hoi An’s ancient town is straight out of the postcards. Having escaped from bombing during the Vietnam war, Hoi An is well preserved with most of its ancient houses and heritage architecture intact. This is exactly why it is on the list of UNESCO Heritage Towns.

Because of its UNESCO status, more than 800 historic buildings have been preserved in Hoi An, so wandering through Old Town is like taking a trip back in time. 22 historic buildings and museums are open to the public which requires a separate entry. The Old Town is said to date back over 2,000 years.

Beautiful old houses, fancy shops, and art galleries fill the vibrant streets of Hoi An, ready to be explored and photographed. The old town is a must see in Hoi An.

Walk on the Japanese Covered Bridge

Having undergone 7 restorations, the Japanese Covered Bridge is one of the most important places to visit in Hoi An. 

The Cau Pagoda, also known as the Japanese Covered Bridge in Hoi An, was built in the 17th century with help from Japanese businessmen. It is 18 meters long and connects Tran Phu Street (Chinese quarter) to Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street (Japanese quarter) across the Thu Bon River. 

The bridge, made mainly of red lacquered wood, has a unique blend of Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese culture in its architecture, materials, and decorations. The stunning curved roof, adorned with yin and yang patterns, reflects both Japanese style and Vietnamese culture. While the Bridge was built by the Japanese, the temple is the work of both Vietnamese and Chinese reflecting the perfect harmony.

Tour the Tan Ky Family House

The Tan Ky Family House in Hoi An is a really important old building in the Old Town area. Visiting here is like stepping back in time to see how people lived in Hoi An a long time ago.

It was built in the 18th century and belonged to a merchant family. The design of the house is a mix of Japanese, Chinese, and traditional Vietnamese styles. Now, you can take a tour of the house and see the original furniture and things that belonged to seven generations of merchants. 

Visit the Fujian Hall Assembly Hall

One of the opulent buildings in Hoi An is the Fujian Assembly Hall, made in the 17th century. The Fujian Chinese community in Hoi An built it, and it’s considered a special place.

The main hall is full of carved figures, and the entrance has carvings of mythical Chinese creatures. There’s also a big courtyard. 

Legend says that if you pray in the Assembly Hall, you’ll be lucky in having kids. This is because of the 12 Midwives, which are carved statues for fertility in the hall’s grounds.

Learn to cook Vietnamese Food

If you’re into cooking, Hoi An has a bunch of classes to teach you Vietnamese food. You can choose full-day, half-day, or short evening classes. Hoi An is famous for its cooking schools, where you can dive into making local dishes. 

The classes often include a visit to the market to learn about Vietnamese ingredients. You’ll get to cook things like Cao Lầu, and Phở, Spring Rolls, and Bánh Xèo. Some even come with cool extras like boat rides and market tours.

Get a Tailor-Made Suit or Dress

Hoi An is famous for its tailoring. There are lots of tailors ready to help you get a custom suit or dress, and you can usually pick it up in 24 – 48 hours. It is one of the unique things to do in Hoi An and there are tailoring shops for every budget. 

People, like hotel staff and taxi drivers, might recommend a tailor to earn a commission. So, just be careful of some places that might overcharge you and sell low-quality clothes. 

It’s a good idea to do some research before you go. Once you’re there, check out different places, bargain, and check out fabrics. The best tailors will give you great clothes and service, making your time in Hoi An memorable.

Enroll in a lantern making class

All the Hoi An Instagram posts are about its vibrant lantern-lit streets. While it is one of the most popular souvenirs in Vietnam, it can be extra special if participating in a lantern-making workshop allows you to craft your own piece of this enchanting tradition.

In Hoi An, Vietnam, taking a lantern-making class is a delightful and creative experience. Guided by skilled artisans, visitors can learn the intricate art of lantern making, choosing colors, patterns, and designs to suit your taste. 

It’s a hands-on adventure that not only provides insight into the local culture but also leaves you with a unique, handmade souvenir to illuminate your memories of Hoi An. The classes often take place in the charming Old Town, creating a magical atmosphere as you craft your lantern amidst the historic surroundings.

Experience the Central Market

To really enjoy Hoi An, you have to check out the Central Market. It sits by the river and is famous for its fresh fish, fruits, veggies, spices, and silk. The market is busy all day with locals and tourists.

The market also doubles as a food market with food stalls offering local delicacies such as Cao Lau, Mi Quang, Fried Spring rolls, and more. The prices are on the menu, so you won’t get charged extra just because you’re a tourist.

Another interesting and unique drink to try is the Snake Whiskey of Vietnam.

Taste the best coffee

Vietnam is known for its delicious coffee, and Hoi An boasts of some tasty brews. Grab a coffee at one of the many charming coffee shops, some of which have terraces that provide views over town. During the night, lantern-lit streets give a charming and romantic feel.

Most cafes roast their own beans and make yummy coffees. The coffee types change with the seasons, and they pick the beans by hand for the freshest and tastiest cups. 

It only makes sense to carry home some coffee as a Vietnam Souvenir.

Shop for local handicrafts

Hoi An is famous in Vietnam for having lots of pretty things made by locals. Some of these local handicrafts include Vietnamese Conical Hats, Lacquerware, Bamboo and Coconut Products, Vietnamese Silk Lanterns and 3D Pop Up Greeting Cards.

These products are available in the main central market. There are also special villages near the town where people make things by hand. Many are made by local groups and are great as gifts or souvenirs. 

Tourists can visit these villages where they can enroll in classes to learn ancient weaving or calligraphy.

Visit the Hoi An Night Market 

Most cities in South-east Asia offer visitors to experience the night markets. For the same reason, Hoi An Night market is a must visit. 

The market starts getting busy after sunset and a lot of vendors selling knick knacks and clothes. start appearing on the other side of the bridge.

The uniqueness of Hoi An Night Market is the presence of hundreds of glowing lanterns strung up along the streets. The view is extremely magnificent.

If you do not want to walk around, soak at a lazy pace and relax around the riverfront where each street is lit up in colorful silk lanterns, night markets with souvenirs and food stalls. 

This is a wonderful opportunity to take up an evening cruise on the river to behold the beautiful sight. Paper lanterns with candles are sold here and visitors can buy them and leave them in the river.

Relax at the Beach

Going to the beach is one of the best things to do in Hoi An and is looked forward to by many international visitors. Cua Dai Beach is the closest beach to Hoi An town. However, due to extensive erosion, the beach is used as a picnic spot by locals.

For the ultimate Hoi An beach experience, An Bang Beach is the place to be. An Bang is a beach with trees about four kilometers from the city center. It has white sand, palapas, sun loungers, and restaurants. Since it’s not overly built up, it’s perfect for relaxing or getting in the water. Visitors can rent lounge chairs from restaurants for 15,000 – 40,000 VND, or they’re free if you buy something. An Bang has amazing views of the Marble Mountains, Da Nang Bay, and Da Nang and Cham Island.

Hoi An also has a surfing community, so you can find classes for surfing and stand-up paddleboarding, as well as places to rent boards. An Bang is definitely a must-visit spot in Hoi An.

Another offbeat beach that has less tourist footfalls in the Hidden Beach. It is located between Cua Dai and An Bang beach. But there are no shacks in case you are thirsty or want to lounge around.

Ride in a Basket Boat

The round bamboo made from a basket is called the Thung Chai. It is a boat that goes way back to the time when the French were in charge in Vietnam. Back then, the French taxed the Vietnamese for lots of things, even their fishing boats. To avoid paying taxes, the Vietnamese fishermen came up with the Thung Chai and convinced the French that it was just a basket, not a boat, so it didn’t get taxed. 

The local fishermen have been fishing in these basket boats for decades. And it is now a tourist attraction. Even though it’s a bit touristy, one fun thing to do in Hoi An is to take a ride in this traditional round basket boat. Try steering it yourself, and you’ll see it’s really tricky not to spin around in circles because of the boat’s shape.

Explore the countryside on Bike

Many of the best things to do in Hoi An can be reached by bike, and cycling through the picturesque town and surrounding countryside is always a great way to explore Hoi An.

If you don’t want to set off on your own, there is a free bike tour available to get you acquainted with the countryside of Kim Bong and Duy Vinh. Kim Bong is a carpentry village known for making everything from budget-friendly knick-knacks to thousand-dollar statues. You can meet artisans along the way and even enjoy a boat-making workshop.

Enjoy the Water puppet show

Water puppetry is a special kind of folk art linked to Vietnam’s history. In Hoi An, watching a water puppet show is a must because it’s really unique. The show has different parts, all carefully put together and performed by skilled artists. They prepare everything, from the story to the water stage, puppets, lights, and sound system.

I really loved this amazing performance and strongly suggest it to anyone visiting Hoi An or other cities in Vietnam.

PLACES TO VISIT NEAR HOI AN FOR ONE DAY

Visit the My Son Ruins

An hour away from Hoi An is the remains of the old capital of the Champa Kingdom, called My Son. It was a religious and political center from the 4th to the 13th centuries. My Son Sanctuary is a special place because it follows Indian Hinduism, not Buddhism like many other sites in Southeast Asia. The temples there were built for Hindu gods like Krishna, Vishnu, and Shiva.

Even though it’s smaller than other famous ruins like Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka or Angkor Wat, Cambodia the ruined buildings surrounded by plants are really beautiful and definitely worth a visit. There’s a flat trail you can walk to see the best parts. Make sure to go to My Son early to avoid big crowds and the hot weather.

You can hire a private driver to take you to My Son, but the easiest and most affordable way is to join a guided tour from Hoi An.

Cham Islands 

If you like snorkeling more than just chilling on the beach, you should book a boat tour to the Cham Islands nearby. There are eight small islands in this UNESCO Biosphere reserve, and they offer some of the best diving and snorkeling in Vietnam. The biggest one, Hon Lao, has a pretty white sand beach, calm clear water, and a few places to get drinks and food.

These islands are about 25 minutes away from the Vietnam coast. Most boat trips to the Cham Islands last about seven hours, from 8 am to 3 pm, and you get to do a bit of swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on the beach.

Golden Hand Bridge

Vietnam’s Golden Hand Bridge has become very famous on Instagram. It is set high in the mountains outside of Danang. It has the appearance of two stone hands rising out of the ground to hold a golden bridge that overlooks the valley below. You can see why it’s a popular place for photography.

What most people don’t realize is that this bridge is just a single attraction in a sprawling theme park known as Sun World Ba Na Hills. You’ll find everything from a French wine chateau to a German-theme beer hall.

The different areas of the amusement park are linked by soaring cable cars. There is also a three-story “fantasy zone” full of rides, arcade games, and even a rock-climbing wall. Sun World Ba Na Hills is both weird and impressive, and it’s definitely a fun day trip from Hoi An if you have time for it!

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR HOI AN TRAVEL

How to reach Hoi An?

By air

Da Nang airport is the closest to Hoi An. Although it has very few international flights, the domestic flights are pretty good. I flew from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An and our flight got delayed by over 4 hours and I reached only at midnight!

From Da Nang airport there are 2 options to reach Hoi An – by bus or hire a private car. I chose later and requested our Homestay to do it for us at an extra $25 one way.

By train

There is no railway station in Hoi An and one needs to get down at  Da Nang and then take a bus/ taxi to Hoi An. Da Nang Railway Station is connected with domestic trains from Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Nha Trang etc. Online train booking and payment is possible but does not give you a reserved seat number as in the case of India.

By Bus

Hoi An is well connected from Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Nha Trang, Dalat, etc. through direct bus service. It is comfortable and cheap.

Local transportation in Hoi An

The town is small enough to be explored on a bicycle/bike and most tourists do just that. It is an extremely bicycle-friendly town and at many places, motorbikes/cars are not allowed as it is a heritage town.

Bicycles are available at most homestays/hotels or can be rented from the old town. They are also available with restaurants. If you are feeling lazy, you can opt for this chauffeur driven shaded bicycle!

FAQs for BEST THINGS TO DO IN HOI AN

What is the best time for Hoi An travel?

Hoi An has a dry season from February to May. This is the best time to visit the town since its weather becomes pleasant with moderate temperature, low humidity and less rain. The months of May-June are also quite beautiful to plan a visit as well. I went in August and the humidity was sky high with high temperatures. It did get uncomfortable during the day but the nights were pleasant. However, the heat from lanterns made it humid again in the old town.

Hoi An has two seasons – the wet season and the dry season. The rainy season runs from about September to January, and the dry season stretches from February to August. Contrary to popular trends, the tourist season in Hoi An actually coincides with the rainy season because of the hot summers.

What to wear during Hoi An travel?

Since it is a hot and humid country, anything which is comfortable to you should be worn – preferably cotton t-shirts and shorts which will give ample protection to your skin. The country is liberal in terms of what you prefer to wear however you will be required to cover your shoulders (scarf is not allowed) and knees while visiting temples of Vietnam.

How long to spend in Hoi An?

I stayed for three days but could have easily stayed for another 2 or 3. There’s so much to do in and around Hoi An, with many popular day trips available. Visitors can easily enjoy a week in Hoi An without feeling bored.

What to eat in Hoi An

Hoi An is a popular tourist spot, offering a variety of cuisines like Italian, Indian, Moroccan, Malaysian, and more. Just check Tripadvisor ratings, and you’ll find plenty of options. Don’t miss trying traditional dishes like Pho, Banh Xeo (a crispy turmeric pancake), Banh Mi (a baguette sandwich with cold-cuts and secret sauces), and Cao Lau (a Hoi An specialty similar to Pho but without broth).

If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, there are many choices. Along Le Loi street in the old town, every other place is a café or restaurant, offering great vegetarian options. I had delicious pizza at ‘Good Morning Vietnam’ for lunch and enjoyed dinner at an Indian restaurant called Baba’s Kitchen. Both are highly recommended!

When and Where is Hoi An Lantern Festival?

The Hoi An lantern festival takes place on a full moon night every month, where the town shuts off all the (electric) lights, and people light up paper lanterns to float in the river.

WHERE TO STAY IN HOI AN, VIETNAM

There are all sorts of options for staying in Hoi An – luxurious 5-star resorts by the beach, charming hotels in old town and homestays near the town. The range in price and what it has to offer is never-ending. I stayed at the beautiful Volar Homestay for 3 nights which included breakfast and free bicycles.

Some of my suggestions are:

Hostels: Bed Station Hostel, Tribee Cotu Hostel

Homestays: Volar Homestay, Puravida Homestay

Hotels: A Tran Boutique Hotel, Basil Boutique Villa

Luxurious Resorts: Anantara Hoi An Resort, Sea’lavie Boutique Resort & Spa

VEGETARIAN FOOD IN HOI AN

Vietnamese food is really good! With so much delicious food, you’ll never be unsure of what to do in Hoi An because there’s always something interesting to eat. Whether it’s from street food stalls or five-star restaurants, Hoi An offers the tastiest treats in all of Vietnam.

Unfortunately, the vegetarian versions of Vietnamese food are very few. Being a vegetarian you might have to stick to Margarita pizza or Indian cuisines (there are a lot of Indian restaurants in Hoi An). However, check-out the must-eat dishes in Hoi An that offer vegetarian and vegan options.

Vegetarian Bowls at The Fishermen

Vegan and vegetarian wraps and bowls are great tummy fillers as well as healthy. The Buddha bowl with avocado, brown rice, black beans, satay sauce, sweet potato and mushrooms is delicious. 

Vegetarian buffet at Ba Dam

Ba Dam is the most affordable vegetarian restaurant in Hoi An. The food is served buffet-style, allowing you to choose what you want, and then it’s dished up for you. The menu includes a variety of options like morning glory, pulled jackfruit, sweet corn fritters, fresh spring rolls, and sautéed vegetables.

Indian Food at Baba’s Kitchen

If you are craving Indian food or want some spicy food or simply looking for some sure shot vegetarian options, Baba’s Kitchen is a great choice. They serve authentic Indian food like dal, rice, paneer, roti and other dishes. They will make it less spicy on request.

Vegetarian spring rolls at Ấm Vegetarian Restaurant 

Ấm Vegetarian Restaurant serves delicious fresh spring rolls and pad Thai. Most of the dishes can be made vegan, on request.

SUSTAINABLE TIPS FOR BEST THINGS TO DO IN HOI AN

• Ride the bicycle instead of a car/motorbike and burn the calories you’ll gain from that amazing Vietnamese food.
• Walk at night. The streets can be very busy and navigating them with a bike can be a pain
• If you are at leisure, choose traveling by train across Vietnam. It is pretty convenient, cheap and comfortable.
• Try not to participate in lighting the paper lanterns in the river at night. Those lanterns burn out soon and the paper remains there for days making the river look dirty aesthetically and smelly.
• Do not dispose of garbage on the streets and in the river and keep the sanctity of UNESCO intact.

More Posts from Vietnam:

• Temples of Vietnam
• 2 days in Hanoi
• Reasons to visit Ho Chi Minh City

I hope this blog on Things to do in Hoi An is helpful to plan a trip. Done something else too? Let me know in the comments below!

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