Top 25 Must-Do Activities in Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An is acclaimed as one of the most picturesque cities in Vietnam, with its Old Town recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its 800 historic structures. The atmosphere of the town provides a fascinating glimpse into ancient Vietnam, and it is noteworthy that the city remained unscathed during the Vietnam War.

Situated along the Thu Bon River, Hoi An features an array of bars, cafes, and local markets where visitors can stroll along the riverbanks in the evening, enjoying the scenic reflections on the water. The city invites exploration with its museums, ancient residences, charming temples, and a vibrant local culinary scene. Additionally, the surrounding countryside offers equally breathtaking landscapes, making it convenient to plan day trips to beautiful beaches or historical ruins.

Here are the 25 best experiences to enjoy in Hoi An:

1. Get a Suit Made

Renowned for its textile industry, Hoi An attracts many visitors seeking custom-tailored clothing.

A multitude of skilled tailors can be found throughout the city, offering a wide selection of silks, textiles, and patterns for personalized creations.

It is advisable to allocate around three days for simple designs and up to a week for more intricate garments to ensure timely completion.

Given the competitive nature of the tailoring industry, negotiating prices is encouraged, and exploring various options will likely yield the best value.

2. Walk Around the Old Town

Hoi An stands out in Vietnam for its preservation, as it successfully evaded extensive bombing during the Vietnam War.

Consequently, many stunning edifices remain intact, allowing for a delightful exploration of the Old Town, which is an ideal location to appreciate its captivating architecture.

The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with roots tracing back approximately 2,000 years.

3. Shop for Local Handicrafts

For enthusiasts of local art and craftsmanship, Hoi An provides an extensive array of options.

The city is celebrated as a hub for exquisitely crafted local products, readily available in the main central market.

In addition, numerous handicraft villages on the city’s outskirts offer opportunities for guided tours, allowing visitors to explore the cultural and historical context of these artisanal goods.

Many items are produced by local ethnic minorities, making them excellent choices for gifts or keepsakes.

Visitors may also participate in workshops focused on traditional crafts such as weaving or calligraphy in these villages.

4. Learn to Cook Vietnamese Food

Hoi An is home to numerous culinary schools, providing an excellent opportunity to learn how to prepare authentic local dishes.

The Gioan Restaurant and Cooking School is one of the most reputable options, offering both dining and cooking classes.

These experiences often begin with a visit to the local market to familiarize guests with the ingredients used in Vietnamese cuisine. Some of the dishes included in the classes are pho noodles, spring rolls, and banh xeo (Vietnamese pancakes).

5. Admire the Japanese Covered Bridge

The Japanese Covered Bridge is situated at the city’s center and serves as a significant landmark.

Spanning approximately 12 meters, it is renowned for its intricate carvings, many of which depict monkeys and dogs.

This bridge is also a favored location for couples seeking romantic photographs, as it is regarded as a top romantic destination in Hoi An.

6. Visit Hoi An Museum

For those interested in the history of Hoi An, a visit to the main museum is essential.

This museum hosts a diverse collection of artifacts that chronicle the area’s history, including antiques from both the Cham and colonial periods.

Several galleries are filled with drawings, ceramics, paintings, and photographs, featuring signature items such as large bronze temple bells.

7. Visit Hoi An Silk Village

The Hoi An Silk Village offers an opportunity to explore traditional weaving techniques that characterize the region.

Located about one kilometer from the city center in Quang Nam Province, this quaint village features homes built in the traditional style.

Artisans in the village are available to teach visitors how to create exquisite silk pieces, and participants can even get involved in nurturing silkworms and extracting silk from cocoons.

This venue is also an excellent choice for purchasing unique traditional silk souvenirs.

8. Tour the Tan Ky Family House

The Tan Ky Family House is one of Hoi An’s most historically significant structures, situated within the Old Town.

This family residence, constructed in the 18th century, once belonged to a merchant family.

The architecture showcases a blend of Japanese, Chinese, and traditional Vietnamese design elements, and tours are available for visitors to explore this remarkable site.

Seven generations of merchants lived in this home, and you can find original furnishings and artifacts that illustrate how families lived in Hoi An during earlier times.

9. Grab a Coffee

Vietnam is renowned for its exceptional coffee, and Hoi An certainly contributes to this culinary landscape.

Mia Coffee is one of the top destinations to sample local brews, roasting their own beans to offer some of the finest espresso available in the city.

The coffee selections change with the seasons and feature handpicked beans for the freshest experience.

Visitors can also purchase bags of roasted coffee to bring home as a memento.

10. Shop at the Lantern Market

The picturesque Lantern Market is found in An Hoi, across the river from Hoi An’s center.

Renowned as one of the most beautiful markets in Vietnam, it specializes in traditional lanterns available in an array of shapes and sizes.

Many lanterns are crafted from exquisite Hoi An silk, and an evening stroll allows visitors to enjoy the sight of these colorful illuminated decorations.

11. Sunbathe on An Bang Beach

While Hoi An has several beaches, An Bang is frequently recommended by locals as one of the finest.

This beach is less frequented than other popular beaches in the region, boasting pristine white sands adjacent to the shoreline.

If spending the day at An Bang, visitors can enjoy a variety of charming beachside restaurants serving delicious seafood.

Those wishing to extend their stay can opt for beachside villa rentals.

12. Sample Cao Lau

Vietnam offers an extensive variety of noodle dishes, and Hoi An’s distinct contribution is Cao Lau, consisting of brown rice noodles mixed with lye water.

This unique lye is derived from ash produced from wood on the nearby Cham Islands, situated around 12 kilometers off the Hoi An coast.

Hand-cut, these noodles are typically topped with pork, rice crackers, and fresh herbs, all steeped in a savory meat broth.

One of the prime establishments to sample Cao Lau is Cam Ga Huong, located off Le Loi Street.

13. Take a Trip to the My Son Ruins

For a rewarding day trip, consider visiting the My Son Ruins, a collection of Hindu temples constructed between the 4th and 13th centuries.

Located to the west of Hoi An, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has been meticulously preserved and restored after lying dormant for many centuries.

The site encompasses over 140 hectares, allowing for exploration of the significant role Hinduism played in ancient Vietnamese culture.

14. Shop at Hoi An Central Market

Located along the picturesque banks of the Thu Bon River, Hoi An Central Market is the premier destination for handicraft shopping.

A wide array of products awaits, including silk items and textiles, as well as local delicacies and aromatic spices.

The market is also noted for its delicious street food options offered from various food carts.

15. Visit the Fujian Hall Assembly Hall

The Fujian Assembly Hall, a remarkable structure dating back to the 17th century, is among Hoi An’s grandest buildings.

Established by the Fujian Chinese community, it is recognized as a sacred space.

The main hall features carvings of mythical Chinese creatures, along with beautifully adorned gateways.

A spacious courtyard is present, and folklore suggests that prayers for fertility made here will yield success, owing to the presence of 12 Midwives, fertility statues that stand within the grounds.

16. Explore the Local Countryside

Surrounded by vibrant green countryside, Hoi An is an ideal base for exploring natural landscapes.

Tourists should not miss the opportunity to discover the rice paddies, hills, and charming villages in the vicinity.

Many tour options, including cycling and trekking excursions, allow for exploration of picturesque secluded beaches, scenic mountain passes, and diverse terrain.

17. Admire Quan Cong Temple

Founded in 1653, Quan Cong Temple pays homage to the revered Chinese general of the same name, celebrated for his judicial integrity and loyalty.

The temple features a wooden and papier-mâché statue of the general, elegantly gilded, prominently displayed on a central altar.

Visitors can offer their respects to the general, with a caretaker accompanying the experience by striking a bronze bowl to mark the occasion.

18. Try the Local Barbecue

Hoi An is recognized for its delectable barbecue offerings.

Positioned along the northern bank of the Thu Bon River, numerous charcoal grills can be found during the evening, providing a variety of tasty barbecued skewers.

Options include pork, shrimp, or chicken, each served with fresh herbs and rice paper wrappers for an excellent wrap.

The barbecues are complemented by a flavorful spicy peanut sauce that features tomatoes and sesame seeds.

19. Visit Phung Hung Old House

A visit to the Phung Hung Old House is easily paired with a trip to the Japanese Covered Bridge, as they are conveniently located nearby.

The house is distinguished by its vibrant, ornate entrance hall adorned with colorful lanterns and embroidered wall hangings.

It also features a charming balcony with stunning views and a unique suspended altar.

20. Check Out the Nightlife

For those seeking nightlife options in Hoi An, venturing over the central footbridge to An Hoi is a recommended activity.

This area features several bars and cafes along the river, offering refreshing drinks and chilled beers.

For a local beverage experience, try bia hoi, a locally brewed lager that is a crisp and revitalizing choice after a day of exploration.

21. Take a Boat to Cam Kim Island

Cam Kim Island is situated around 30 minutes from Hoi An and is accessible via a local ferry departing from D Bach Dang.

Visitors are drawn to this island to observe skilled artisan woodcarvers, renowned for crafting some of Hoi An’s most notable public structures.

The historic residences of master carvers can be explored in the Kim Bong village on Cam Kim Island, where unique wood carvings can also be purchased as souvenirs.

22. Visit Tra Que Village

Recognized for its exceptional fruits and vegetables, Hoi An invites visitors to Tra Que Village to witness the local source of produce.

Located between Hoi An and An Bang Beach, this village features a community of farmers responsible for the majority of the produce consumed in Hoi An.

Visitors may explore locations such as the Water Wheel, which offers cooking classes to showcase how local ingredients are utilized, or savor a meal at Baby Mustard, known for its commitment to using fresh local produce.

23. Visit the Museum of Trading Ceramics

Housed in a beautifully restored wooden home, the Museum of Trading Ceramics features a comprehensive collection of artifacts sourced globally.

Visitors will find items from as far as Egypt, alongside exhibitions detailing Hoi An’s historical trading activities.

The museum also showcases information about the restoration of Hoi An’s old buildings, perfect for those with an interest in ancient Vietnamese architecture.

24. Take a Trip to Da Nang

Situated just 40 minutes from Hoi An, Da Nang provides an excellent alternative for those wishing to escape the city.

Da Nang is celebrated for its stunning beaches, which offer a more tranquil environment compared to Hoi An.

This makes it an ideal location for sunbathing or engaging in water sports such as swimming and snorkeling.

Visitors can also explore numerous seafood restaurants that are well worth the journey.

25. Visit Tra Kieu

Tra Kieu, known as the Lion Citadel, served as the capital of the Kingdom of Champa from the 4th to the 8th century.

Traveling from Hoi An, visitors can explore the ancient ramparts and other significant sites, including the Mountain Church atop Buu Chau Hill.

Additionally, the 19th-century Tra Kieu Church and a museum featuring Cham artifacts can be found within the area.