9 Best Things To Do In Hoi An

Walking around the ancient town is always the top thing to do in this beautiful city. Hoi An recalls a dynamic trading port dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries with a lot of traders from all over the world. The impressive architecture of houses, bridges, temples, and shrines is the result of the unique cultural interference of Vietnam, France, Japan, and China. While strolling around the town, you can admire yellow tiled-roof houses in traditional design, the well-preserved Japanese Bridge, Quan Cong Temple in Chinese architecture, Tan Ky Old House - a typical house with ornate furnishings of Hoi An traders, etc. Stop by the roadside to take a few photos with colorful bougainvillea flowers, drink a cup of water made from natural herbs, or simply walk along the Hoai River! That slow pace of life will certainly make you forget all the hustle and bustle and totally enjoy life.

* Entrance fee: VND 150,000/person

As a part of the majestic Thu Bon River, Hoai River is the eyewitness of so much change in Hoi An and its people for centuries. Gliding along the heart of Hoi An, Hoai River is the best spot for visitors to capture the panoramic view of the town. Hop on a sampan boat rowed by a local, witness the ancient corners of Hoi An under a sunset backdrop, or enjoy a glowing night with flower lanterns floating on the water. The boat tour costs around VND 50,000/person and lasts 20-30 minutes. Each boat usually carries 4 people. You may want to experience releasing the flower lantern at VND10,000 - 20,000/piece.

Hoi An cuisine deeply expresses the cultural interference, creating a unique flavor that visitors will not forget quickly. That’s Cao lau - the mixture of big and chewy noodles like udon in Japan, sliced pork belly like char siu in China, and broth and fresh herbs such as lettuce, mint, basil, banana flower,...in Vietnamese style. That's Com ga Hoi An - a signature dish with white rice cooked with chicken broth and turmeric, shredded chicken, herbs, papaya salad, and a small bowl of chicken soup. That's My Quang - flat and big rice noodles with a yellow color from turmeric, topped with meat, shrimp, eggs, vegetables, herbs, rice crackers, and broth. And many more delicacies you will never regret trying.

Thanks to the popularity of the textile industry since the 17th century, Hoi An is the go-to place for tailor-made clothing when coming to Vietnam. Over 500 tailor shops line up on Tran Hung Dao Street and plenty of corners around the town. Since processing time may take a few days to a week, finding your preferred design and material would save much time for the final product. Otherwise, don't hesitate to refer to countless design samples and ask for a consultation from the tailor. The price varies depending on the budget or high-end materials and complications of the design. However, you can try to bargain to get the best deal for yourself.

Holidaymakers will find it amazing when Hoi An is more than just a culturally rich town and beautiful rustic countryside. The 7-km coastline with alluring beaches makes Hoi An a perfect destination for a sun-soaked escape. Get ready to spend a day indulging in the sea, kick back on a white sandy beach, and sip refreshing coconut juice under the shady palm trees. Just 5 km from the town center, An Bang and Cua Dai are close enough to reach but far enough to stay away from the bustle. An Bang was voted among Top 10 most beautiful beaches in Asia in 2024 while Cua Dai was among the Top 25 most beautiful beaches in Asia in 2015 by Tripadvisor. In case you crave more privacy and quietness, some secluded beaches like Ha My Beach, Binh Minh Beach, or Tam Thanh Beach are ideal for a carefree vacation with your loved ones.

Continue to uncover Hoi An charms by a local experience - biking to the idyllic countryside. Hoi An boasts many rustic villages with different signatures such as silk villages, ceramic villages, vegetable villages, lantern villages, etc. Biking in these villages invites you to admire the peaceful scenery of rice fields or green hills, watch the excellent skills of local artisans, try to make a handicraft by yourself, or even try to be a real farmer to understand the daily life of locals. You can either rent a bike or book a day tour with a local guide for this experience. Some must-see villages are Thanh Ha Pottery Village, Tra Que Vegetable Village, Hoi An Silk Village, Cam Thanh Coconut Village, and Kim Bong Carpentry Village.

Not only a paradise for foodies, this charming town offers a bunch of cooking classes to discover Vietnamese and Hoi An unique cuisine. These classes bring you through a step-by-step process, from selecting ingredients in the market to preparing, cooking, and tasting. You will see the variety of fresh vegetables and herbs - the ingredients found in almost all dishes and understand the healthy cooking method that balances the taste and nutrients in Vietnam. Enjoying the food made by you and bringing the secret recipe home must be a fun experience you should not miss. The cooking class costs around $25-30/person and lasts around 2 hours to half of day.

Your journey will be incomplete without immersing yourself in the nightlife here. Since the sun sets over the town, Hoi An becomes more sparkling and magical than ever thanks to plenty of colorful lanterns hanging on every street and candle-lit paper lanterns floating on the river. Moreover, a stroll around the night market to taste local street food, shop for craft souvenirs, or chill at cafes or bars until late at night would undoubtedly make your trip memorable for your whole life.

If you have an extended stay in Hoi An, a visit to My Son Sanctuary - the ruins of the Champa Kingdom, should be added to your to-do list. A bit far from the city (1-hour drive), My Son Sanctuary takes you to the political and religious capital of the Champa Kingdom. Constructed in the 4th century CE and experiencing wars, the area was extremely destroyed but still maintains some ruins of striking Cham temples. Here you can witness amazing Cham architecture, learn the history through pictures and artifacts in the museum, and watch beautiful traditional Cham dances by locals.

* Tips:

- Entrance fee: VND 150,000/person

- Open time: 7:30 - 17:30, Mon - Sun

- Cham dancing time: 9:30 am and 14:30 pm, Mon - Sun