Hoi An truly is one of Vietnam’s true gems… So much so that this picturesque town comes with UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
Known for its famous yellow architecture, street lanterns, and some of the best seafood Vietnam has to offer, you’ll be sure to enjoy exploring this beautiful coastal town on the Thu Bon River.
Here’s a list of the best things to do in Hoi An to help ensure you make the most of your stay in this beautiful town…
Explore Hoi An Ancient Town’s Natural Beauty
Hoi An’s quaint old town is simply stunning and utterly unique… Weathered prettily painted French-colonial buildings and mesmerizing colorful lanterns scattered throughout the town, be sure to take your camera wherever you go here.
The architecture throughout the old town makes this Town without doubt one of Vietnam’s most beautiful travel destinations. The town radiates a much more relaxing and peaceful aura than most other towns and cities scattered throughout Vietnam.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Old Town is said to be around 2,000 years old and is arguably one of the best places to visit in Vietnam.
Take A Look At The Japanese Covered Bridge
A key emblematic focal point in the center of Hoi An, The Japanese Covered Bridge spans 12 meters and was built in the 1590s. Originally built by the Japanese community, this ornately designed bridge stands true to its past centuries on, surviving the tests of time.
Each entrance stands guarded by weathered statues… A pair of monkeys on one side, and a pair of dogs on the other, symbolizing the year of the Monkey (1593) and the year of the dog (1595), the start and end of the bridge’s initial construction.
The Japanese Covered Bridge is a must-see during your visit to Hoi An, often popular amongst Vietnamese tourists too.
Basket Boat Tour (Coconut Garden Tour)
If you’re in search of a truly unique cultural experience whilst in Hoi An, you must experience the Coconut Garden Tour on a local basket boat.
Most guides will take you on a 60-minute journey on the Cua Dai river, slowly meandering within the local network of calm canals amongst the coconut gardens.
The boating guides often put on a little show for tourists, demonstrating their skills including speed and balance to name a few.
Nothing compares to this mesmerizing exploration of these lush green coconut groves – most definitely one of the best things to do in Hoi An.
Enjoy Hoi An’s Best Beaches (An Bang & More)
Situated on the coast, Hoi An is fortunate to be graced with various beautiful beaches close by, yet the locals say An Bang is the best of the bunch.
Other beaches include An Bang South, Ha My, Cua Dai, and Binh Minh. Read on below to find out more…
An Bang Beach
Although Hoi An’s main beach and tourist hotspot, this well-kept beach stretches for miles and offers plenty of amenities for your classic day at the beach, including sun-loungers too!
An Bang’s water may not be as clear as other South East Asia beaches, but don’t let that put you off… It’s still swim-worthy by all accounts.
The beach is home to many of Hoi An’s bars, restaurants and accommodation too – Be sure to check them out during your beach day and enjoy a cold drink during your sunbathing session.
An Bang South Beach
Although the same beach, the southern side of An Bang has a slightly different vibe to the main An Bang beach…
Slightly softer sands, calmer waters and a little more relaxing. An Bang South offers its own unique charm on this seaside sweet spot.
Again, plenty of accommodation and homestays to soak up the true local culture if that’s what you prefer.
Ha My Beach
Another beautiful beach located nearby and well worth a visit, also accompanied by eateries and bars to keep that appetite at ease and quench your thirst.
Cua Dai Beach
Cua Dai Beach stretches miles in length along the Southern side of Hoi An’s coastline.
Although Cua Dai enjoys a few private beaches and tranquil scenery, for the most part, it’s another tourist favorite and can become popular depending on the time of year.
Enjoy endless amounts of food and cocktails whilst sunning it up on Cua Dai beach with friends and family.
Binh Minh Beach
The term Binh Minh quite literally translates to “Sunrise”, so we recommend trying out Binh Minh or any of the local beaches at sunrise to soak up the gorgeous view of the seaside. You’ll also spot Cham Islands in the distance over the horizon.
Relaxing beach days have their place on any vacation, but especially as one of the best things to do in Hoi An.
Visiting The My Son Ruins (Temples)
Located 1 hour West of Hoi An, the phenomenal My Son ruins are made up of a cluster of Hindu temples, built between the 4th and 14th Century by the Cham people.
The ruins sit surrounded by the deep green luscious mountains of the Duy Xuyen district and can be visited easily as part of a local day trip.
The complex covers 140 hectares and consists of 71 monuments in total – A true marvel and without doubt one of the best things to do in Hoi An.
Read more about the My Son UNESCO World Heritage site to understand the history of the My Son Temples and Hindu relations.
Buy A Tailored Dress Or Suit
Hoi An is well-known across Vietnam for its textile industry, and many visitors come here to have their garments custom-made, especially suits.
To that end, fantastic tailors can be found all across town, and you can select from a wide range of clothing silks, different textiles, and designs to create your unique masterpieces.
But since the tailoring infrastructure in this country is so competitive, you should expect to haggle hard and look around to get the best rates – You’ll be sure to leave Hoi An with a few steals to freshen up your wardrobe back home.
A Variation Of Shops Sells Local Handicrafts
On a trip to Vietnam, you will be spoiled with choices if you enjoy Vietnamese arts and handicrafts.
Hoi An is known across Vietnam as a hub for beautiful, handcrafted items, which may be seen in tourist attractions such as the main central value chain.
There are various handicraft villages on the outskirts of cities where you can generally take a tour and understand the history and contemporary backdrop of the items being manufactured.
Many are handcrafted by local ethnic minorities and make excellent gifts or souvenirs.
Classes in antique weaving and calligraphy are available in artisan communities.
Learn How To Make Vietnamese Cuisine
Hoi An is known for having several cooking schools where you can enroll and learn how to prepare some traditional Vietnamese dishes.
The Guoan Restaurant and Cooking School are one of the more well-known schools, and you can either order food from the restaurant or enroll in a class.
An excursion to the local market quite often does include, where you may learn about the ingredients used in Vietnamese cuisine and prepare areas of expertise such as pho noodles, spring rolls, and Banh xeo, different kinds of Vietnamese small plates.
Hoi An Museum Is Worth Visiting
To understand much more about the city’s history, visit the main museum in Hoi An.
Here you’ll find a diverse collection of artifacts that represent the story of the region, including antiquities from both the Cham and colonial periods.
You can see drawings, pottery, paintings, and pictures in numerous galleries here, as well as iconic objects like big bronze temple bells.
The Tan Ky Family House Is Open To The Public For Tours
The Tan Ky Family House, in Hoi An’s Old Town, is one of the city’s most historically significant structures.
A merchant family lived in a family home, which was built in the 18th century.
You may now take a tour of this incredible property, which features a combination of Japanese, Chinese, and traditional Vietnamese design influences.
Elderlies of merchants lived in the house, and their original furniture and mementos may still be found here, giving you an idea of how people in Hoi An lived in the past.
Grab A Cup Of Coffee
Vietnam is known for its wonderful coffee, and Hoi An does not disappoint when it comes to the beverage.
Mia Coffee, which roasts its beans and serves some of the city’s most wonderful espressos, is one of the best places to experience the coffee in Hoi An.
The coffee varieties available change with the seasons and all of the beans are chosen to ensure that you get the freshest and best cup of coffee possible.
Visit The Silk Village In Hoi An
Whether you want to get out of the city and see the ancient weaving techniques that this part of Vietnam is famed for, the Hoi An Silk Village is the place to visit.
The village is in Quang Nam Province, about a kilometer from the city center, and it is a charming village with traditional homes.
Artists abound in the town, ready to teach you how to make gorgeous silk masterpieces then you can feed the silkworms and help them unravel their cocoons.
This is also an excellent spot to acquire traditional silk pieces that make wonderful gifts and souvenirs.
The Lantern Market Is A Great Place To Shop
The charming Lantern Market can be found in An Hoi, which is just across the river from Hoi An’s core district.
This is one of Vietnam’s most picturesque markets, where you can purchase traditional lanterns in a variety of forms and sizes, as the name suggests.
Most of those are made of beautiful Hoi An silk, and you can go around at night and see all of the magnificent illuminated lanterns in a variety of colors.
Sample The Famous Cao Lao Dish (Noodles)
As you may guess, Vietnam has a wide variety of noodle dishes. Cao Lao is a local Hoi An dish that consists of brown rice noodles mixed with lye water.
This is ash from the lye wood on the Cham Islands, about 12 kilometers off the coast of Hoi An. Hand-cut noodles are topped with pork, rice crackers, and fresh herbs before being steeped in a savory meat broth.
Cam Ga Huong, off Le Loi Street, is one of the best sites to try noodles.
Shop At Hoi An Central Market
The Hoi An Central Market is the best place in town to buy handicrafts, as it is located along the verdant banks of the Thu Bon River.
Silk and other textiles, as well as native cuisine and aromatic spices, are all available here.
Another challenging incentive to go is to enjoy the excellent street food offered by market carts and local vendors.
Phuc Kien (Fujian) Assembly Hall
The Fujian Assembly Hall, which originates from the 17th century, is one of Hoi An’s most luxurious buildings and a sacred spot built by the Fujian Chinese people.
Carved sculptures and inscriptions of mythological Chinese monsters adorn the main hall, which also has an entrance.
Also, there is a vast courtyard here, and legacy has it that praying in the Administration Building will help you conceive children.
The appearance of the 12 Midwives, carved fertility figures that appear in the courtyard of the hall, accounts for this.
Quan Cong Temple Is Worth Seeing
The Quan Cong Temple, dedicated to Quan Cong, was founded in 1653.
This would be the name of a legendary Chinese general who has been revered in Hoi An for his traits of fairness, loyalty, and sincerity.
On the central altar of the temple is a somewhat gilded wood and similar materials statue of the general.
If you continue contributing to the general, a lone attendant will strike an antique bowl to mark the occasion.
Investigate The Nearby Area.
Hoi An is known for its lush, emerald green surroundings. As a result, if you’re staying in the city, don’t forget to venture down here to see the farmlands, hills, and charming villages for yourself.
You can ally with a variety of trips, such as a cycling or trekking tour, to see beautiful isolated beaches, mountain passes, and more.
The local BBQ Is Worth A Try.
The best area to sample Hoi An’s delicious BBQ’s is along the Thu Bon River’s north bank, where you’ll find dozens of little charcoal barbecues selling excellent barbecued skewers after dark.
Skewers of pork, prawns, or chicken are provided, together with herbs and dumpling wrappers to wrap the meat or shellfish around.
A tasty spicy peanut sauce comprising tomatoes and pumpkin seeds is also included with the BBQ.
Phung Hung Old House Is Worth A Visit.
If you go to the Japanese Covered Bridge, you can also go to the Phung Hung Old House, which is just a few houses down.
The beautiful and colorful reception area is notable for its lighting and embroidery wall hangings.
A lovely balcony with great views and a wonderful hanging altar may be found here.
Explore Hoi An’s Vibrant Nightlife
If you want to experience Hoi An’s nightlife, there’s something for everyone… Cross the central footbridge to An Hoi islet.
Along the river, several taverns and cafes are serving ice-cold beers and other beverages, as well as tonnes of eateries.
If you wish to sample the local ale, ask for bia hoi, a crisp and delicious beer brewed locally.
There are several nightclubs open late for those backpackers looking to mingle with like-minded travelers letting loose on late nights.
Summary: Best Things To Do In Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An is a stunning example of a South-East Asian trading port that has been beautifully preserved. This budget-friendly Vietnamese metropolitan area is a great place to visit if you want to escape the cold winter weather.
The town appeals to a wide range of people due to its diverse culture and history, coupled with its zen-like relaxing vibes.
Although the town is fairly easy to navigate by foot, we recommend hiring a bicycle where possible to make the most of your stay and enable easy travel to Hoi An’s local beaches.
Now you know all of the best things to do in Hoi An, be sure to explore and enjoy this one-of-a-kind relaxing town. You have everything to explore, from bridges to mountains, bustling markets, temples, and beaches.
For more inspiration for your Vietnam travels, check out The Best Places To Visit In Vietnam.
How to get to Hoi An, Vietnam
The easiest way to get to Hoi An, Vietnam is to fly into the Da Nang International Airport. That being said, depending on where you’re coming from, Bus or Train could be more suitable… Here’s a summary of the best ways of getting to Hoi An, Vietnam.
Getting to Hoi An by Plane
The nearest airport to Hoi An is Da Nang International Airport (DAD), located around 30 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or shuttle bus, which will take around 45 minutes to reach the city center.
Getting to Hoi An by Bus
There are several bus companies that offer bus services from nearby cities to Hoi An. From Hanoi, you can take a direct bus that takes around 10 hours. From Da Nang, there are frequent buses that take around 1.5 hours. You can also take a bus from Hue, which takes around 2.5 hours. 3.
Getting to Hoi An by Train by Train
The nearest train station to Hoi An is Da Nang Train Station, which is located around 30 kilometers away. From the train station, you can take a taxi or shuttle bus which will take around 45 minutes to reach the city center.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An in Vietnam is known for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancient town, its iconic yellow-painted buildings, its wide range of delicious cuisine, and its bustling night market. It is also known for its beautiful beaches, its numerous tailor shops, and its unique lanterns.
Yes, Hoi An is worth visiting. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is known for its historic architecture, traditional culture, and great cuisine. The city is also home to many shops and restaurants, as well as a bustling nightlife.
The best time to visit Hoi An, Vietnam is during the months of March through June and September through November, when the weather is warm and sunny. The summer months of July and August tend to be the hottest and most humid, and the winter months of December through February tend to be cooler and wetter.
Map of Hoi An
Hoi An by Video
