17 Things to Do in Hoi An for a Great Trip

Welcome to the charming town of Hoi An. This beautiful place is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its well-preserved Ancient Town and canals. It’s a spot where history feels alive on every corner.

I think you’re going to love your time here. Hoi An offers a wonderful blend of culture, history, and delicious food. The town is lovely during the day, with sunlight lighting up the yellow walls of the old buildings. At night, it transforms into a magical place filled with the soft glow of lanterns. There are so many special things to do in Hoi An waiting for you.

1. Interesting Things To Do in Hoi An

Coconut Basket Boat Ride

One of the most memorable activities just outside the main town is the coconut basket boat ride. You get to sit in a large, round woven basket boat and float through a peaceful water coconut forest. A local guide paddles you along the quiet waterways, showing you a side of Vietnam that feels completely different from the busy streets. It’s a relaxing way to see the local nature up close.

The trip is more than just a calm boat ride. The guides often make it very entertaining with special activities. They might show you how to cast a fishing net the traditional way or even spin the basket boat around quickly, which is a dizzying and funny sensation. Have you ever tried an activity that was both peaceful and thrilling at the same time? This is one of those moments. You’ll also get to see them create beautiful little trinkets, like rings or glasses, from the coconut leaves.

Hoi An Vespa Tours

If you want to see the town and its surroundings in style, I’d suggest a Vespa tour. Riding on the back of a vintage Vespa scooter is a fantastic way to see the sights. The tours often take you through the winding alleys of the Old Town and out into the green countryside, passing rice paddies and small villages. It gives you a much broader view of life in this part of Vietnam.

What I appreciate about these tours is that they often lead you to hidden spots you might not find on your own. The guides are local experts who know the best places for photos and the most interesting stories. It’s a great option for anyone who enjoys a bit of adventure and wants to get some amazing pictures without having to plan all the stops themselves.

Lantern Making Class

The lanterns are the heart of Hoi An’s visual identity, and you can learn how to make them yourself. Several workshops in town offer lantern-making classes. A local artisan will guide you through the process, from bending the bamboo frame to applying the colorful silk fabric. It’s a hands-on way to connect with a centuries-old tradition.

The best part is that you get to take your creation home with you. It’s a wonderful souvenir that holds a personal story. The class is usually short, just an hour or two, making it an easy addition to a busy day of sightseeing. Have you ever made a souvenir yourself instead of buying one? It feels so much more meaningful.

If you want to experience the best of the region without the hassle of planning every detail, taking a guided tour can be a great option. For a trip that covers the highlights, including the many great things to do in da nang vietnam, our Danang and Hoi An Discovery in 4 Days tour is a popular choice. Or, if you have a bit more time and want to really soak in the local atmosphere, the Hoi An Discovery Tour in 5 days offers a more in-depth experience.

Tailor Made Clothing

Hoi An is famous for its tailors. You can walk into a shop, pick a design from a catalog or show them a photo, and have a custom outfit made just for you. The streets are lined with tailor shops, each with a huge selection of fabrics. You can get anything from a formal suit to a casual dress or a stylish jacket.

The process is surprisingly fast. Many shops can have your clothes ready in a day or two, sometimes even on the same day if it’s a simple item. You’ll have a fitting to make sure everything is perfect, and they will make adjustments as needed. It’s a satisfying process to walk away with clothing that fits you perfectly, made from materials you chose.

2. Places To Visit in Hoi An, Vietnam

Tra Que Vegetable Village

Just a short bicycle ride from the Old Town is Tra Que Vegetable Village. This is where many of the fresh herbs and vegetables for Hoi An’s famous dishes are grown. The village is known for its organic farming methods, using seaweed from a local lagoon as a natural fertilizer. You can walk through the neat garden beds and see farmers tending to their crops.

Many visitors combine a trip to the village with a cooking class. You can learn to prepare local dishes using the very vegetables you see growing around you. Some tours even let you try your hand at farming activities like tilling the soil or watering the plants. It’s a refreshing break from the town and a great way to understand the local food culture.

An Bang Beach

When you need a break from walking around the historic streets, An Bang Beach is the perfect escape. It’s a beautiful stretch of sand with gentle waves, located just a few kilometers from the town center. The beach has a laid-back atmosphere with plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas for rent. You can spend the afternoon relaxing by the sea with a good book and a cool drink.

The area behind the beach is filled with casual cafes, seafood restaurants, and bars. Some places have live music in the evenings, creating a lively but relaxed vibe. It’s a popular spot for both locals and travelers to unwind. What’s your favorite way to relax on a beach trip? Do you prefer swimming and activities, or just lounging by the water?

My Son Sanctuary

For those interested in history, a day trip to My Son Sanctuary is a must. This is a complex of abandoned Hindu temples constructed by the Champa Kingdom. For travelers who love ancient sites, this is a great starting point before exploring the many historical things to do in hue vietnam, the country’s former imperial capital. Set in a lush valley, the site is visually stunning and full of ancient stories.

Walking among the brick ruins, you can see intricate carvings and imagine what the sanctuary was like in its prime. There are often traditional Cham dance performances held on-site, which add another layer to the visit. I believe it’s a rewarding trip for anyone who loves ancient history and wants to see something truly remarkable.

Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham)

Another fantastic day trip is to the Cham Islands, a cluster of eight small islands off the coast of Hoi An. This area is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, recognized for its rich marine biodiversity. The main island is the only one inhabited, and it offers beautiful sandy beaches and clear blue water.

The islands are a popular destination for snorkeling and diving. You can join a boat tour that takes you to the best spots to see colorful coral reefs and marine life. It’s a great way to see a different side of the region’s natural beauty, away from the mainland. The tours usually include lunch at a local restaurant on the island, giving you a taste of fresh seafood.

3. Things To Do in Hoi An at Night

Join Hoi An Lantern Festival

If your visit lines up with the 14th day of the lunar month, you are in for a treat. This is when the Hoi An Lantern Festival takes place. On this evening, the lights in the Old Town are turned off, and the streets are illuminated solely by the glow of thousands of colorful lanterns. The atmosphere is truly magical.

A key part of the festival is releasing paper lanterns onto the Thu Bon River. You can buy a small lantern, make a wish, and set it afloat to join hundreds of others drifting on the water. It creates a beautiful spectacle of light and is a favorite activity for taking photos.

Thu Bon River Sunset Boat Trip

Even if you miss the festival, an evening boat trip on the Thu Bon River is a wonderful way to see the town at night. You can hire a small wooden boat for a short cruise as the sun sets. Watching the sky change colors and the lights of the Old Town begin to twinkle is a very peaceful and romantic way to end the day.

As darkness falls, the view of the riverfront glowing with lanterns from the water is something special. The boat ride gives you a different perspective of the town’s beauty. It’s a quiet, reflective activity that I find is a perfect contrast to the busy night market.

Go to Hoi An Night Market

Once the sun goes down, the Hoi An Night Market comes alive. Located on An Hoi Islet, just across the bridge from the Old Town, this market is a bustling hub of activity. The stalls are filled with a huge variety of items, from local handicrafts and souvenirs to clothing and accessories. It’s a fun place to wander around and practice your bargaining skills.

The market is also a fantastic place for street food. You can find many local snacks and dishes to try as you walk through the crowds. The combination of bright lanterns, sizzling food stalls, and lively energy makes the night market a key part of the Hoi An evening scene.

Watch Hoi An Memories Show

For a truly grand spectacle, consider seeing the Hoi An Memories Show. This is a large-scale outdoor performance that tells the story of Hoi An’s history through music, dance, and incredible visuals. With over 500 performers, the show takes place on a massive stage set on an island in the Thu Bon River.

The production is impressive, covering 400 years of the town’s history, from its beginnings as a small village to its time as a bustling international trading port. The costumes, lighting, and scale of the show are all top-notch. It’s a memorable evening of entertainment that brings the history of the area to life in a big way.

4. Food To Try in Hoi An

Mì Quảng (Quang Noodles)

You cannot visit this region without trying Mì Quảng. This is a signature noodle dish and one of the best culinary things to do in central vietnam. It features wide rice noodles with a small amount of flavorful broth, typically made with turmeric. The dish is topped with a variety of ingredients, such as pork, shrimp, peanuts, and a crispy rice cracker.

What makes Mì Quảng stand out is the combination of textures and the freshness of the herbs served with it. You’ll get a plate of fresh lettuce, mint, and other greens to mix into your bowl. Every restaurant has its own slight variation, so it’s fun to try it in a few different places.

Cơm Gà Hội An (Chicken Rice)

Cơm Gà is another iconic Hoi An dish. It might sound simple, but the preparation is what makes it so good. The rice is cooked in chicken broth with turmeric, giving it a beautiful yellow color and a fragrant aroma. The rice is then served with shredded chicken that has been seasoned with salt, pepper, and onion.

The dish is usually accompanied by a small bowl of clear chicken broth and a side of pickled onions and papaya to cut through the richness. It’s a comforting and delicious meal that is loved by locals. It’s a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create an amazing flavor.

Hồng Đào Wine

For a local beverage, you might want to try Hồng Đào wine. This is a traditional rice wine that is often present at festivals and special occasions in the region. It has a distinct flavor and is quite strong, so it’s usually enjoyed in small cups.

Trying local spirits is always an interesting part of my travels. It gives you a little taste of the local culture and traditions. Do you enjoy trying local drinks when you travel to a new place?

Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese Pancake)

Bánh Xèo is a crispy, savory pancake that is popular all over Vietnam, but the version in this region is particularly good. The pancake is made from rice flour, water, and turmeric, and it’s filled with ingredients like pork belly, shrimp, and bean sprouts. It’s cooked in a hot pan until it’s golden and crispy.

To eat it, you typically cut a piece of the pancake, wrap it in rice paper or a large lettuce leaf with fresh herbs, and then dip it in a sweet and savory fish sauce. The combination of the hot, crispy pancake and the fresh, cool greens is fantastic.

Cao Lầu (Pork Rice Noodles)

Cao Lầu is a dish you can only find in Hoi An. The story goes that the special noodles must be made with water from a specific local well, the Ba Le Well, and the ashes of a certain type of tree. This gives the noodles their unique texture, which is firm and chewy, almost like udon.

The dish is served with slices of roasted pork, fresh greens, and a small amount of rich broth at the bottom of the bowl. It’s topped with crispy fried noodle dough for crunch. Because of its connection to the town, trying Cao Lầu is like tasting a piece of Hoi An’s history.

A Final Thought

Hoi An is a destination where history and modern life come together beautifully. You can spend your days soaking in culture, relaxing in nature, and enjoying some of the best food in Vietnam. The town offers a wonderful balance of activities, from quiet moments in ancient temples to the lively energy of the night market.

I encourage you to wander beyond the main streets of the Old Town. Some of the most authentic and memorable moments happen when you just allow yourself to get a little lost. I hope this guide helps you plan a wonderful trip and discover all the amazing Things to Do in Vietnam.

FAQs About Things To Do In Hoi An