Sitting on your sofa or at your office desk, silently browsing to make your long holidays happen. And I am sure you have decided which place to visit by skimming through these things to do in Hoi An, Vietnam.
Honestly, it’s the right choice for your vacation that will give you the blend of the traditional charm of Vietnam, as well as the best beach vibes.
So, no need to overthink what to do when the destination is Vietnam. Just a few minutes scrolling on Instagram or Google would have given you thousands of suggestions. However, the entire Vietnam Itinerary can be overwhelming if you are only exploring a single part.
And I have given you the best things to do in Hoi An, and any kind of traveller can experience this. Moreover, Hoi An, in general, is a less explored place where time slows down but gives an ache in your heart when it’s time to leave the place.
From lantern-lit lanes of the Ancient Town, enjoying a lazy afternoon at An Bang Beach, customising your dream outfit at a local tailor, or getting your hands coloured in a traditional lantern-making class, there’s no shortage of things to do in Hoi An.
Let me not gatekeep you from the life that awaits you at Hoi An, so take note of these 20 things and plan your day accordingly.
Here is a List of Things to Do in Hoi An
Shall we begin? Scroll down to see your top things to do and places to visit in Hoi An for a variety of experiences.
Each of these places says a great deal about the city’s beauty. You can see the beauty in the empty streets, artfully painted buildings or the gems hidden inside the museums.
And you should already know that Hoi An is just next to Da Nang, a city that draws people with its incredible places and is not your last stop. Just like Da Nang Beach, Hoi An offers the same experience but with fewer crowds and more peace.
However, I won’t let you miss out on any of the great things this place has to offer you.
Japanese Covered Bridge
The locals know this bridge as Chua Cau, which is a 400-year-old wooden bridge that is Hoi An’s most iconic symbol.
And this is not just a random boring bridge; you can also see a pagoda on the bridge. That is why it’s called Chùa Cầu (Chùa means temple, and Cầu means Bridge). And it’s not boring because when you stand on the bridge and look at the town and the river, it will soothe your mind.
To discuss the history of the bridge, in the 17th century, many Japanese merchants remained in Hoi An. They constructed a bridge to connect the trading area with the Chinese Quarter and the residential district.
Now, you can take a walk here and admire the ornate carvings and architectural details. Then, go to the small temple inside the bridge. The temple is devoted to the northern God Tran Vu, who is believed to have rescued the people of Hoi An from disasters.
An Bang Beach
Reach An Bang Beach in just a 10-minute ride from the ancient town. Be transported to a serene space with white sand and calm tides, where you can unwind in a peaceful atmosphere.
If your idea of vacation involves sunbathing, swimming, or enjoying local seafood, but all in a place that is not spoiled by over-tourism, then this is one of the best places to visit in Hoi An.
And when it comes to activities, there are endless possibilities. If you’re into sunny vibes and water sports, then the best times to visit are March and September.
So, now let’s see the things you can do at An Bang Beach-
- Swim in the clear blue water, which is safe for kids as well
- Snorkel alongside the marine life
- Visit beachside cafes and restaurants
- Go early in the morning to watch the sunrise and late at night for calm moonlight.
- Surfing through the waves
- For non-swimmers, try kayaking & paddleboarding to get into more adventurous water activities.
Hội An Night Market
The Hội An Night Market is the place where Hoi An comes alive after sunset. Hoi An may be known for its calmness, but here, you can enjoy a little bit of a bustling market, too.
You can just stop thinking about your diet and embark on a stroll to try local Vietnamese street food. Then, you will be willing to splurge your money on purchasing handmade lanterns and exploring stalls filled with colourful and unique souvenirs to take home.
And from the Japanese Bridge, the market is just 300 metres away. So, go to the bridge; you’ll get the best lantern views while walking across it as well.
This market is definitely one of the top places to visit in Hoi An, as famous attractions and fun activities are easily reachable from here.
Top Things to Experience:
- Boat ride to slide away the lanterns on the River
- Enjoy the vibrant street performances
- Take photos under glowing lanterns
- Walk in the bustling streets and try local food
- Have a fun time with Vietnamese folk games with the people of Hoi An on the streets
- Buy souvenirs, which include intricate handicrafts, pottery, textiles, and lanterns.
Explore Hoi An Ancient Town
When you plan to wander through Hoi An Ancient Town, you are going to be taking postcard pictures in every corner. It is also wonderful, given that it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with well-preserved architecture, colourful shops, houses, and French colonial buildings.
As it is packed with historical charm, relaxing riverside cafes, wooden bridges, and friendly people, it tells a great deal about the culture.
Multiple things can be done when you are here, like taking any local classes offered nearby, and you can be a newbie to all of them. You can explore all this on foot as you admire the Vietnamese, Chinese, French and Japanese stories in the architecture.
All you have to do is start your day in this Hoi An Ancient Town on foot, then step into the centuries-old merchant houses and temples, and keep walking to see the local artisans do their work.
I know many people get stuck in Da Nang for its vibrant nightlife, and somehow, they believe there’s not much to do in Hoi An. I’m telling you, Hoi An is less than an hour away from Da Nang, so you can witness for yourself what it has to offer.
In Hoi An, when the sun sets, the town transforms with the decorations of glowing lanterns and riverboat rides. Sitting in the boat and leaving lanterns in the river, or looking at them in the sky, can’t be explained, but it is truly magical to see in real life.
Hội Quán Phước Kiến
Hội Quán Phước Kiến is also known to tourists as the assembly hall, which was initially constructed as a place of worship for Chinese merchants. Here, you can find the idol Thien Hau Thanh Mau, a Goddess believed by the locals to safeguard merchants from ocean tragedies.
The main part is the Tam Quan Gate, which consists of three gates, with only two of them open and the middle gate closed. However, it is open for major holidays, weddings, or even funerals.
Then, upon entering, you will see a lush green garden and a beautiful fountain. To fully see what is in that place, start your walk from the gate, fountain, yard, rows of houses, the main hall and finally, the backyard.
This is a spiritual destination where you can send your prayers, or you can just go to idols. Also, take a moment to admire the decorated dragon statues, beautiful altars and murals.
However, if you’d like to learn more about this place, you can join a guided cultural tour. If you do that, they will explain the history to you or answer any other questions you may have.
Time: 07:00 am – 06:00 pm
Basket Boat Ride
The best thing to do in Hoi An for a thrilling and laughable experience is to take a coconut boat ride. The people who handle the boats are local, and they are very friendly, often singing folk songs.
When you are in the boat, the person spins the boat in circles. At times, it can be fast, and you might even end up feeling dizzy if you don’t like the thrill.
So, hold your belongings at night, and if you’re shooting the process, hold your cameras and phones as tightly as you can. There is a high chance you will skip them in the water.
Along with the basket dance, they will take you on a sail through to explore the seven-acre forest. And you can enjoy all this for 1 – 2 hours in the Coconut Village.
Cost: Approx. 400 INR per person
Tailor Your Clothes in Hoi An
Hoi An is Vietnam’s tailoring capital. You can find dozens of skilled tailors who will create custom-made suits, dresses, and shoes in just a few hours or a day.
They will perfectly measure your body and style preferences. All you have to do is choose what style you want and guide them through that.
And the fabrics there are unlimited. You will find several materials with 100s of designs to choose from. If you’re sceptical about what colour or pattern suits you, let the tailor assist you in making you the best outfit.
Trust me that any design you pick, the tailors can make you look perfect in it. So, it won’t just be a unique thing to buy; the whole process is a rare experience.
Before going there, do a little research on what you want. Take dress inspiration from Pinterest or Instagram, or simply select from the catalogues they show you.
Here are a few places you can go to make your custom-made clothes-
- Son ca tailors
- Be Be Tailor 2
- Lana Tailor
- A Dong Silk
Lantern-Making Class
When travelling, it’s not always about sightseeing; it really gets fun when you start learning the culture. And the best thing to do in Hoi An is to join a lantern-making class.
You can learn to craft Hoi An’s iconic silk lanterns. These classes are entertaining, family-friendly, and deeply rooted in local tradition.
The host will tell you about the history of lantern making in Hoi An, and you can ask them any doubts or curious questions that pop into your head. The classes typically last for about 2-3 hours.
Here are the classes you go to –
- Hang Dung Lantern Making & Painting Class
- Lantern Making Class With Lynn
- Tieng Vong Pho Lantern workshop
- The Lantern Lady
Cost: Approx 800 INR per person
Tra Que Vegetable Village
The Tra Que Vegetable Village is the best place to visit in Hoi An, offering a lush farming experience. This place is known for its organic herbs and traditional cultivation methods.
When you visit, you can get a glimpse into rural Vietnamese life and cuisine, from farm to table, and enjoy a healthy meal. This is the place you have to go to get surprised by things.
I know you must be exhausted from your work, and a trip to Vietnam will free up your mind. But deciding to go here will help you uncover the other part of life that leads to finding peace in your mind. So, here are the things you can expect to do here-
- Join a guided village tour with a local farmer
- Learn how to plant and harvest vegetables
- Participate in a cooking class using fresh produce
- Take a relaxing foot bath
- Watch the sunset in the field
Cost: Approx 2,000 INR per person
Museum of Trade Ceramics
The museum is small but holds great importance for Hoi An. This is an impressive centuries-old house with original wooden elements from the time, which has now been turned into a museum of ceramics.
You can see more than 400 locally found ceramics. Some of the displays feature smaller parts of plates and other pottery, such as cups, teapots, bowls, jugs, and more that are beautifully glazed.
This is a beautifully restored wooden house that has been converted into a museum, tracing Hoi An’s ancient trade history with countries such as Japan, China, and India and showcasing pottery from centuries past.
Time: 07:00 am to 09:00 pm
Cost: 300 INR per person
My Son Sanctuary
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, My Son is a collection of Hindu temple ruins from the Champa Kingdom, and it’s often referred to as the Angkor Wat of Vietnam.
If you plan to visit this place, take as much time as you can to walk among the ancient red brick temples. And as an Indian, or if you are someone who is following Indian regions, you must go here. You can admire the carvings of Shiva, Krishna, and Vishnu or send your prayers as well.
Visiting this place is not just a spiritual or architectural journey, but you will also have a lovely, blissful day in nature. This sanctuary is nestled amidst the jungle, 37 km away from Hoi An, and offers the best way for you to get away from the crowd.
What can you do here?
- Learn about Cham culture and Hindu influence
- Watch a traditional Apsara dance performance
- Take a guided archaeological tour
- Visit the small museum within the sanctuary
- See the American War bomb ruins
Time: 06:00 am – 05:00 pm
Cost: Approx 1,300 per person for a guided tour
Old House of Tan Ky
The Old House of Tan Ky is an 18th-century merchant house, one of the best-preserved historical remains in Hoi An. This place is filled with antiques and traditional furnishings that date back centuries. People even refer to this as a living museum.
With a striking fusion of Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese architectural techniques, it reflects the multicultural charm of the town.
Vietnamese architecture is evident in the dragon tail, fish head, peach, and bat patterns. The Chinese architecture is evident in the tube house structure, which features no windows, and the Japanese influence can be seen in the building’s tiles.
In 1961, the house was destroyed by the flood, but the story and the architecture that symbolise the values remained.
There is one family that manages the house, called Le’s family, and they live on the top floor. The ground floor is open to tourists.
Timings: 08:00 am – 5:30 pm
Cost: 120 INR per person
Hoi An Memories Land
For an eye-mesmerising time, go to Hoi An Memories Land. It’s like stepping into a time machine, as you will be taken back in history. The setting, costumes, and all the performances showcase 400 years of Hoi An’s history on a massive 25,000 m² outdoor stage.
Trust me, this is not just any cultural place; this is seriously epic. With almost 500 actors, this place is referred to as the artisan village where you get the best folk takes that are brought to life.
Inside, the theme park will give you various experiences-
Hoi An Memories Show: Experience various performances featuring royal weddings, rural life, trading port scenes, and modern dance.
Mini shows: Many short performances honour the silk-making profession, the life of indigenous people, and dances that showcase scholars and young women of ancient Vietnam, among others.
These two are the main attractions of visiting Hoi An Memories Land, which will reveal a lot about Vietnam through its performances. Plus, you have Hoi An Memories Resort, where you can stay.
Then there are gift shops to buy souvenirs, various restaurants and a bar to hop in when you get hungry.
The ticket price depends on the activities you choose to participate in. You can check out this official ticket page to see different combo options, activities, and seat preferences, such as VIP, High, and Eco.
Time: 04:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Thanh Ha Pottery Village
Pottery in general, is an expensive hobby to learn. You know, in the workshops, they charge you 2000-3000 INR just for one session. However, here you can do it for a low cost and also enjoy a great cultural experience.
A 10-minute ride from the Old Town, you can reach Thanh Ha, a centuries-old village where artisans create beautiful pottery. They use traditional methods that have been handed down for generations.
You can find a museum of ceramic art and works here. Also, try making your pottery item. And get the best chance to learn the history of Thanh Ha’s ceramic experts. You can also learn about the process of clay preparation, shaping, drying, refining, glazing, and firing.
If not, consider shopping for handmade pottery to take home at a reasonable price. Then, explore the village on foot or by bike and take photos of the unique clay.
Time: 08:30 am- 05:30 pm
Cost: Approx 600 INR per person.
Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum
This Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum is a curated art space featuring the work of celebrated photographer Réhahn. This museum displays the outstanding photographs and cultural relics of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups.
It’s a moving tribute to diversity and heritage, spreading knowledge and joy through its portraits. Here, you can find hundreds of photographs and a variety of traditional costumes.
Inside, it is categorised into room settings, including The Fine Art room, The Indigo room, The Northern Vietnam area, and The Central and Southern Vietnam area.
Each of these rooms tells a different story of Vietnam, including the utensils, accessories, and clothes used. Another part talks about the customs of ancient people. So, if you’re interested in learning about the culture and discovering the country beyond the popular tourist destinations, you should visit here.
Time: 08:00 – 08:00 pm
Cost: Free
Hoi An Handicraft Tours
When Hoi An is famously known for its lantern-making, there are numerous authentic examples of Vietnamese craftsmanship. You can join a guided Hoi An Handicraft Tour, where you will get introduced to a lot of things like –
- Tasting & making the Vietnamese Coffee and Tea
- Learn how to make Hoian incense
- Take a ride with the locals and listen to Hoi An’s untold stories
- Take cooking classes
- Pottery making
- Lantern making
- Silk weaving
A guided Hoi An Handicraft Tour introduces visitors to the city’s traditional trades like wood carving, silk weaving, calligraphy, and paper mask making. These immersive experiences allow you to not only observe but also try your hand at creating something uniquely Vietnamese.
Hội An Lune Centre
If you’re in Hoi An and craving something genuinely unique, don’t miss the Hội An Lune Centre for the Performing Arts. It’s Vietnam’s first and only bamboo theatre, set right in the heart of the ancient town near the Thu Bon and Hoai Rivers.
The architecture itself is stunning; the giant bamboo dome you will see is inspired by the full moon and is surrounded by vintage yellow walls and red clay tiles.
It is much more beautiful than what you see outside. You can catch world-class performances, such as the Vietnamese Bamboo Circus, where traditional stories are told through breathtaking dance, music, and acrobatics.
Beyond the shows, the centre also hosts art exhibitions, workshops, and community events, making it the perfect spot for both cultural discovery and gorgeous sunset views.
Cost: Each show starts at 2,500 INR per person.
Quan Thang Ancient House
The Quan Thang Ancient House is believed to have been constructed in the 17th century. The building is named after the person who built it, Quan Thang.
The moment you step in, it feels like time has stood still. Everything, from the carved wooden furniture to the crab-shell tile roof, has been beautifully maintained throughout the year.
Inside, you can find a shrine in the hallway, followed by a courtyard that features windows allowing air and natural light to enter the house. When you visit, take a moment to appreciate the extremely clever design. The central courtyard is the main part that keeps the house cool even on the hottest days.
The artisans created the house with delicate, detailed, and entirely handmade pieces that make every one of us notice. Each room tells a story of the merchant lifestyle of the past.
Visiting here will not take up much of your time; spending just 30 minutes is enough to glimpse into the cultural blend of Hoi An’s traditions.
If you get a ticket for Quan Thang Ancient House for 250 INR, you can visit 4 more historical sites in Hoi An. (The places are set and not flexible, which you can know at the ticket counter)
Museum of Folk Culture
Among the six museums, the Museum of Folk Culture, situated within the Ancient Town, should be your next stop. There is more than just a portrait hanging on the wall. Here, you can see the old life of Hoi An, primarily during the period when it was a trading port.
The building is in a Chinese design, and inside, you can see nearly 500 art with four main themes-
- Folk arts: This division displays paintings, wood carvings, statues, porcelain reserves, and a lot of pottery work.
- Folk performing arts: This was the area where people used to dance, sing, and gather.
- Traditional villages: Here, you can find items and stories related to agriculture and fishing.
- Folk activities: A section that shows what Hoi An is famous for: pottery, silk making, tailoring, lantern making, embroidery and production of traditional medicines
Apart from all these experiences and the knowledge you will get about Vietnam, there is also a room inside where you can take a calligraphy class.
Cham Islands
When you are in Hoi An, don’t miss out on the opportunity to have a short island time. You can take a speedboat or a wooden boat from Cua Dai Port.
As the island is very close to Hoi An, you will reach it in just 15 minutes by speedboat, and for a scenic slow travel, take a wooden boat that leaves you in 2 hours.
This is a tiny island, measuring just 15 square kilometres, but you can still find a place to stay, markets to shop in, and enjoy some of the best local food.
When you arrive, you can see local men standing there to guide or offer you motorbike services. You can go snorkelling, sunbathing, and have a bonfire at night. The cost to travel to Cham Island by speedboat is 1,300 INR for adults and 800 INR for children. Then, if you are taking a snowboarding tour, it comes to around 600 INR.
Conclusion
Hoi An is more than a picturesque ancient town. It’s not just a place where you go to take a bunch of Instagram photos and like in the digital world. It is a place that stops you at every corner to marvel at the city’s heritage and artistry that captures the soul.
Whether you’re roaming in lantern-lit streets, crafting your souvenir, or tasting the yummy yet freshly prepared herbs in Tra Que Village, the list of things to do in Hoi An is endless.
Hoi An is the place that invites you to slow down on your busy life, where you forget to notice little things. Here, you can connect with people and enjoy the stories they share.
And when you return home, you will gain a more positive view of life. You will give greater importance to calmness and avoiding rushing things, mainly noticing the little beauty in everyday things you do.
Frequently Asked Questions on The Best Things to Do in Hoi An Vietnam when on a Trip
How many days should you spend in Hoi An as a tourist?
3 to 4 days is ideal for enjoying both the Ancient Town and having a nice beach day. And you will still have plenty of time to explore museums and create art by joining lantern-making and cooking classes.
When is the most suitable time to visit Hoi An?
February to April is the traveller’s season, as you get the lovely weather. It’s not too hot or cold, you can spend your night on the beach and take a sunbath in the afternoon. Also, it’s best to roam around the city to explore more places.
May to August is the hottest weather, as you can do a lot of water activities, but other than that, you might get tired of walking on the streets in the afternoon.
September to January are the months to avoid if you want to explore outdoor activities and beach days. These months are rainy, but the flight and accommodation costs can be lower.
What should I buy from the Hoi An Night Market?
One of the top places to visit in Hoi An for endless shopping is the Hoi An Night Market. You can buy unique lanterns, custom clothing, leather goods, and silk products, taste a variety of local food, and so many souvenirs.
