15 best things to do in Hoi An

Hoi An — a UNESCO World Heritage Site, no less — is one of Vietnam’s most charming and atmospheric towns. A major Southeast Asian trading port from the 15th to 19th centuries, it’s preserved its unique blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and European influences. Whether you’re cycling through the countryside, cruising the Thu Bon River, or enjoying full-moon lantern festivals in the Ancient Town, Hoi An delivers an intoxicating blend of heritage, beauty and tranquility that captivates every type of traveler, as revealed in this run-down of the 15 best things to do in Hoi An.

1. Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Exploring the Ancient Town is arguably the best thing to do in Hoi An. This beautifully preserved historic district is a living museum of narrow streets, mustard-colored buildings, wooden shop houses and centuries-old pagodas. 

Entry requires a ticket (valid for several days), which grants access to notable sites such as the Tan Ky Old House and stacks of traditional temples.

Car-free and laid-back, the area is ideal for strolling by day — charming cafés, boutiques, and street food stalls dot every corner.

Come the evening, the town transforms under a canopy of glowing lanterns, with riverside vendors and traditional music performances aplenty. Our tip is to visit during the full moon lantern festival for an utterly enchanting experience (more on that later).

On the subject of when to time your visit, find out when's the best time to go to Vietnam, depending on what you most want to see and do.

2. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge

The Japanese Covered Bridge is one of Hoi An’s most iconic landmarks.

Built by the Japanese community in the early 17th century to connect with the Chinese quarter across the stream, it's a unique architectural fusion of Japanese, Vietnamese and Chinese styles. 

The roofed structure is beautifully ornamented, featuring carvings of dogs and monkeys believed to represent the years of construction and completion. 

A small temple sits inside the bridge, adding spiritual significance to its notable historic value. 

In the early stages of planning your Vietnam itinerary? Work out how many days you need in Hoi An, and read our guide to how to plan a trip to Vietnam.

Alternatively, talk to our local Vietnam travel experts to have them to curate your perfect Vietnam itinerary. 

3. Cycle through rice paddies

Cycling the countryside around Hoi An is one of the most peaceful and picturesque things to do in this region.

In just a short ride from the Ancient Town, you’ll be surrounded by lush green rice fields, buffalo-dotted paths and quiet villages where time seems to stand still. 

In good news, many guesthouses offer bikes for free, with guided bike tours often including visits to local homes, artisan workshops and organic farms. 

Heading here from Hanoi?  Read up on getting from Hanoi to Hoi An, and discover the best things to do in Hanoi before moving on. 

4. Order custom-made clothes at a tailor shop

Hoi An is world-renowned for its custom tailoring, with hundreds of shops offering affordable, made-to-measure clothing in as little as 24–48 hours. 

In fact, whether you’re after a tailored suit, silk dress, winter coat, or casual wear, expert tailors can bring your ideas to life, and many shops also store your measurements for future online orders. 

The process typically includes choosing materials, fittings, and adjustments over a few days. While prices vary, they’re generally far lower than in Western countries for similar quality. 

Not sure where to stay? Wise up on Vietnam accommodation.

5. Take a cookery class

Classes typically begin with a market tour to shop for fresh ingredients, followed by hands-on preparation of regional specialties like cao lau, banh xeo, spring rolls and fish in banana leaf. 

Participants not only learn how to create classic dishes, but also techniques and tips, including using chopsticks, balancing flavors and presenting dishes artfully. 

6. Bliss out on An Bang beach

Just a 10-minute drive or bike ride from Hoi An Ancient Town, An Bang beach offers a peaceful coastal escape. 

Boasting golden sand, gentle waves and a relaxed vibe, it’s ideal for sunbathing, swimming, or enjoying a seafood lunch at one of the many beachfront restaurants. 

Unlike some overdeveloped beaches, An Bang retains a low-key charm. Clean and family-friendly, with calm waters most of the year, it’s a great place to head if you’re visiting Vietnam with kids and want a break from sightseeing in the busy city center.

Into beaches? Read up on the best beaches in Vietnam, including An Bang.

7. Cruise the Thu Bon River

Whether you opt for a daytime cruise, a sunset sail or a lantern-lit night ride, floating down the historic Thu Bon River allows you to appreciate the town’s architecture, riverside life and lush surroundings in one scenic sitting. 

Local boatmen and women offer affordable rides from the docks near the Ancient Town —just negotiate the price beforehand. 

For a more immersive experience, opt for a private wooden sampan or book a guided cruise that includes dinner and drinks. 

8. Visit Tra Que Vegetable Village

Located just a few kms from Hoi An, Tra Que Vegetable Village offers peacefully-sited insights into rural Vietnamese life. 

Known for its organic herbs and vegetables, this farming village practices sustainable methods that have been passed down for generations. 

Guided tours typically begin with a walk through the herb gardens, and reveal how farmers fertilize with seaweed from the nearby river, irrigate using traditional techniques, and cultivate crops like basil, coriander and lettuce. 

Afterwards, you’ll get to enjoy a home-cooked meal using fresh produce straight from the fields. 

Accessible by bike from town, it’s a wonderful cultural experience that connects visitors to the land, and to the rhythms of daily life in Hoi An’s countryside.

Keen to gain deeper insights into Vietnam? Consider following a longer itinerary that covers more ground in more depth. 

For example, this 14 days in Vietnam itinerary covers scenic Sapa, Fansipan Mountain, Ninh Binh, Tam Coc, Hoa Lu and Hanoi, as well as Hoi An.

9. Explore Hoi An Central Market

For a different slice of authentic daily life, head to the Hoi An Central Market.

Handily located by the river near the Ancient Town, this is where locals shop for fresh produce, spices, seafood, meat and household goods.

Here you can watch skilled vendors prepare local dishes like banh xeo, cao lau and fresh spring rolls, and pick up pretty much anything you might need for your onward travels.

For foodies and culture lovers, it’s an unmissable way to soak up the sights, smells and tastes of local life.

10. Be illuminated by a lantern-making workshop

Hoi An’s glowing lanterns are world-famous, and joining a lantern-making workshop is a creative, hands-on way to to appreciate this deep-rooted cultural tradition. 

These sessions, offered at local family-run studios, allow you to learn the step-by-step process of creating a silk lantern from bamboo frames. 

You’ll get to choose colors and patterns, then assemble, glue, and finish your very own lantern.

Workshops usually last 1–2 hours and are suitable for all ages, making them a popular activity for families and couples. 

Beyond the fun, it’s a chance to support local artisans and understand the cultural significance of lanterns in Vietnamese festivals and spiritual life. 

11. Visit My Son Sanctuary

About an hour from Hoi An lies the UNESCO-designated My Son Sanctuary — a cluster of ancient Hindu temple ruins set in a lush jungle valley. 

Once the spiritual heart of the Champa Kingdom (4th–13th centuries), My Son is often called the “Angkor Wat of Vietnam”, albeit on a smaller scale. 

Comprising red-brick towers and shrines, some partially restored, others crumbling into the forest, the setting really does exude mystical vibes.

While all guided tours provide valuable historical context about the Champa people and their architectural techniques, try to book one that includes cultural performances with traditional music and dance. 

Planning an independent trip to Vietnam? Wise up on getting around Vietnam, and find out about exploring Vietnam by motorbike.

12. Paddle a basket boat in Cam Thanh Coconut Village

Cam Thanh Coconut Village (also known as the Bay Mau Water Coconut Forest) offers a fun, interactive escape just outside Hoi An. 

Here, visitors can take a guided ride in a traditional round basket boat — a unique Vietnamese watercraft used by local fishermen. 

As you float through the narrow canals shaded by nipa palms, guides often perform tricks like spinning the boat, singing folk songs, or weaving palm-leaf souvenirs. 

As such, it’s entertaining and educational, giving you a glimpse into the region’s fishing culture and mangrove ecosystem. 

The village area is also home to cooking classes and eco-tours, making it easy to spend a half-day here. 

13. Stretch out on Cua Dai Beach

Located just a few kilometers from the Ancient Town, Cua Dai Beach is another scenic seaside option.

Though affected by erosion in recent years, restoration efforts have revived parts of the shoreline, making it suitable for sunbathing and gentle swimming. 

Lined with palm trees and a few laid-back resorts and seafood restaurants, it’s the perfect place for a quiet afternoon, and less commercialized and more tranquil than An Bang.

While not the best for water sports, Cua Dai is a good option for reading, relaxing or escaping tourists 

14. Visit a traditional assembly hall

Hoi An’s Chinese assembly halls are ornate, temple-like structures that once served as communal gathering places for Chinese immigrants. Today, they’re some of the Ancient Town’s most beautiful and culturally rich sites. 

The Fujian Assembly Hall (Phuc Kien) is the most famous, featuring elaborate gates, dragon statues, incense coils, and shrines dedicated to the sea goddess Thien Hau. 

Other notable halls include the Cantonese Assembly Hall and Trieu Chau Hall, each of which reflects the architectural and artistic styles of different Chinese communities. 

Note that these halls are still places of worship, so respectful attire and behavior are appreciated, and entry is typically included in the Hoi An Ancient Town ticket. 

15. Experience the magical Full Moon lantern festival

We mentioned this at the start, but it’s worth a whole entry in its own right!

Held monthly on the 14th day of the lunar calendar, the Hoi An Full Moon Lantern Festival is a magical event that transforms the Ancient Town into a glowing dreamscape. 

Electric lights are turned off, and the streets and river are illuminated as thousands of handmade lanterns of all shapes and colors are released onto the Thu Bon River for good luck

The atmosphere is festive, with traditional music, folk games, food vendors, and costumed performers enlivening the streets. 

While no ticket is needed to join the festivities, booking accommodation and boat rides early is advised.

Keen to discover Vietnam for yourself? Ahead of your trip, wise up with our Vietnam travel advice to help you plan.

Not keen on planning? Contact our local Vietnam travel experts to have them to curate your perfect Vietnam itinerary, whether you're in the market for a swift 7 day Vietnam itinerary, or are looking to follow 10 days in Vietnam itinerary, or longer.