If you are planning a trip to central Vietnam, Hoi An is undoubtedly a destination you cannot miss. Known for its well-preserved Ancient Town, lantern-lit nights, delicious food, and unique countryside, this charming city offers travelers a perfect mix of culture, relaxation, and adventure. In this guide, we’ll explore the best things to do in Hoi An, including sightseeing spots, activities, food experiences, hidden gems, and practical travel tips.
Table of Contents
Sightseeing in Hoi An
Hoi An Ancient Town
The Ancient Town is the soul of Hoi An, with yellow-painted houses, tiled roofs, and lantern-lit streets that feel frozen in time. During the day, you can wander slowly through the alleys, visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, or step inside Tan Ky Old House, one of the best-preserved merchant homes. At night, the town glows under thousands of colorful lanterns, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
💡 Tip: Buy the entrance ticket (~ 120,000 VND) to access historic sites, and don’t miss the full-moon lantern festival when the entire town turns off electric lights.
Japanese Covered Bridge
This 16th-century wooden bridge is one of Hoi An’s most iconic landmarks. Built by the Japanese community, it connects two parts of the old town and is decorated with intricate carvings of dogs and monkeys. The bridge not only served as a practical crossing but also as a symbol of cultural connection between East and West.
💡 Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and capture beautiful photos in soft light.
Tan Ky Old House
With more than 200 years of history, Tan Ky Old House showcases a harmonious blend of Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese architecture. Inside, you’ll find antique furniture, mother-of-pearl inlays, and detailed wood carvings that reveal the prosperity of Hoi An’s trading past. The house is still owned by the same family after seven generations.
💡 Tip: Ask the guide about the flood marks on the walls – they tell the story of Hoi An’s seasonal floods.
Phuc Kien Assembly Hall
Built in the late 17th century, this assembly hall is a colorful Chinese temple dedicated to the sea goddess Thien Hau. Its ornate gate, dragon statues, and incense-filled halls make it one of the most photogenic places in town. The temple is still active today, so you may see locals coming to pray for luck and prosperity.
💡 Tip: Combine your visit here with other assembly halls, such as the Cantonese Hall nearby, for a deeper look at Hoi An’s multicultural roots.
Sa Huynh Museum (Hoi An Museum of Sa Huynh Culture)
If you want to look deeper into Hoi An’s history beyond the Ancient Town, the Sa Huynh Museum is the place to go. Located right inside the Old Town, this museum displays more than 200 artifacts from the Sa Huynh culture, dating back over 2,000 years. From burial jars, jewelry, and pottery to everyday tools, the collection offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of the earliest settlers in Central Vietnam.
Unlike the busy streets outside, the museum is often quiet, making it a great stop for those who love history and want to escape the tourist crowds for a while. Spending about 30–45 minutes here is enough to enrich your understanding of Hoi An’s cultural layers—beyond the lanterns and architecture that most visitors see.
💡 Tip: The museum is already included in the Ancient Town entrance ticket, so you don’t need to pay extra.
Hoi An Night Market
When the sun sets, head across the bridge to Hoi An’s lively night market. Here you’ll find endless stalls selling souvenirs, local snacks, and, of course, the famous lanterns. It’s the best place to buy gifts or just soak in the buzzing evening atmosphere. Street food options are abundant, from grilled skewers to sweet desserts.
💡 Tip: Bargaining is expected, but keep it friendly – it’s part of the experience.
Cycling Through the Rice Fields
Just outside the Ancient Town lies the largest rice field area in Hoi An. Rent a bicycle and pedal through the green paddies, passing water buffalo, farmers, and peaceful villages. It’s one of the best ways to see the authentic countryside beyond the tourist center.
💡 Tip: Start your ride early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and catch golden light for photos.
Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village
Located at the foot of Marble Mountains, this traditional village has been producing stone sculptures for centuries. You’ll see artisans skillfully shaping marble into statues and decorative items. It’s a great stop if you’re heading to Da Nang and want to pick up a unique souvenir.
💡 Tip: Even if you don’t buy anything, watching the craftsmen work is worth the visit.
My Son Sanctuary
About an hour from Hoi An, My Son is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ancient Cham temples built between the 4th and 13th centuries. Surrounded by jungle-clad hills, the ruins exude a mystical charm, often compared to Angkor Wat but on a smaller scale.
💡 Tip: Arrive early in the morning to avoid both crowds and midday heat.
An Bang Beach
If you need a break from sightseeing, An Bang Beach is the place to relax. With soft white sand, calm waters, and beachfront bars, it’s ideal for swimming, sunbathing, or sipping cocktails by the sea. In the evening, the beach often comes alive with live music and beach parties.
💡 Tip: Many restaurants offer free sunbeds if you order food or drinks.
Activities in Hoi An
Be a Farmer at Tra Que Vegetable Village – Best things to do in Hoi An
Experience local life by spending a day as a farmer in Tra Que Village. You’ll learn traditional methods of planting, watering, and harvesting vegetables, then prepare a meal using fresh produce. It’s both educational and fun, perfect for families.
💡 Tip: Wear comfortable clothes and expect to get a little muddy—it’s part of the charm!
Pottery in Thanh Ha Pottery Village
At Thanh Ha, you can try shaping clay the traditional way, with guidance from skilled potters. The village has been making pottery for centuries, and visitors can see everything from household items to artistic sculptures.
💡 Tip: Bring your creation home as a unique souvenir—it’s baked in a kiln for durability.
Lantern-Making Workshop
Hoi An’s lanterns are world-famous, and making one yourself is a memorable experience. Workshops guide you through every step, from choosing the fabric to assembling the frame. At the end, you’ll have your own lantern to take home.
💡 Tip: Choose an evening class to enjoy your finished lantern glowing in the Ancient Town.
Vietnamese Cooking Class
Join a cooking class to learn how to prepare signature Hoi An dishes like Cao Lau, Banh Xeo, and fresh spring rolls. Most classes include a market tour where you shop for ingredients with your chef before cooking.
💡 Tip: Check if the class includes a boat ride or farm visit—it makes the experience even more special.
Basket Boat Ride in Cam Thanh Coconut Forest
Sitting in a round bamboo basket boat, you’ll explore the lush coconut forest of Cam Thanh. Fishermen often perform boat-spinning tricks, making the ride both thrilling and fun.
💡 Tip: Go in the morning when it’s less crowded and cooler.
Nightlife at An Bang Beach
When night falls, An Bang Beach transforms into a lively hub with bars and cafes. From chilled reggae spots to vibrant beach clubs, it’s the perfect place to enjoy cocktails and live music under the stars.
💡 Tip: Check out Soul Kitchen or Shore Club for a great vibe.
Local Food in Hoi An
Cao Lau
This signature noodle dish is unique to Hoi An, made with chewy noodles, slices of pork, fresh herbs, and crispy toppings. What makes it special is the water used to prepare the noodles, sourced from ancient Cham wells.
💡 Tip: Try it at Ba Le Well restaurant or local street stalls for the most authentic flavor.
Mi Quang
Another must-try dish in Hội An is Mi Quang, a flavorful noodle dish from Quang Nam province. It’s made with wide rice noodles, fresh herbs, peanuts, and crispy rice crackers, topped with pork, chicken, or shrimp. Unlike other Vietnamese noodles, Mi Quang comes with just a little broth, making it light yet deeply satisfying.
💡 Tip: Try Mi Quang at a small local eatery rather than tourist restaurants for the most authentic taste.
Banh Mi (Hoi An Bread)
Hoi An’s Banh Mi is world-famous after being praised by Anthony Bourdain. Crispy bread stuffed with pork, pâté, herbs, and sauces makes for the perfect street snack.
💡 Tip: Visit Banh Mi Phuong or Madam Khanh (“Banh Mi Queen”)—both beloved by locals and travelers.
Com Ga (Chicken Rice)
Fragrant yellow rice topped with shredded chicken, fresh herbs, and chili sauce makes this dish a must-try. It’s simple but deeply satisfying.
💡 Tip: Try Com Ga Ba Buoi, one of the most famous spots for chicken rice in Hoi An.
White Rose Dumplings
These delicate dumplings filled with shrimp are shaped like roses, giving them both beauty and taste. They are unique to Hoi An and best enjoyed fresh.
💡 Tip: The only place that makes them is a family-run business, so most restaurants source from there—quality is guaranteed.
Vietnamese Coffee at Sunrise
Start your morning like a local with a cup of strong Vietnamese coffee. Sip it at a riverside café while watching the sunrise over the Thu Bon River, and you’ll see Hoi An slowly come alive.
💡 Tip: Try both hot black coffee (ca phe den) and iced coffee with condensed milk (ca phe sua da).
Hidden Gems in Hoi An
Fishing Village Experience
Just outside the tourist center, you can visit a traditional fishing village where locals still live off the sea. It’s an authentic way to see daily life, watch fishermen mend nets, and maybe even join them on a boat trip.
💡 Tip: Early morning is best to catch the action when boats return with the day’s catch.
Off-the-Beaten Paths of Tra Que Village
Beyond the organized tours, simply walking or cycling through the smaller lanes of Tra Que Village reveals a quieter, more authentic side of rural Hoi An.
💡 Tip: Stop by a local tea shop for a refreshing herbal drink.
Secret Cafés in the Ancient Town
Hoi An is full of hidden cafés tucked away in alleys or upstairs balconies. They’re perfect if you want to escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere.
💡 Tip: Look for rooftops overlooking the Thu Bon River—sunset views here are unforgettable.
Where to Stay in Hoi An
Hotels
If you prefer being in the center of the action, HoiAnAn Boutique Hotel is a fantastic choice. Located right by the night market and facing the Ancient Town across the Thu Bon River, it offers convenience and comfort at reasonable rates.
Villas
For families or groups, renting a villa is ideal. Min’s House Vacation Villas System in Hoi An provide private pools, spacious living areas, fully equipment, and beautiful views. Staying here feels like having your own home in the countryside while still close to town.
Resorts
Hoi An also offers luxury beachfront resorts, especially around Cua Dai and An Bang. These properties focus on relaxation, with private beaches, lush gardens, and spa services.
💡 Tip: Resorts are best if you want a quiet escape by the sea rather than staying in the busy center.
Best Time to Visit
Hoi An is beautiful year-round, but the dry season (February to August) is most popular.
However, if you visit during the Hoi An rainy season, keep in mind that some activities like cycling or visiting the beach may not be possible. On the bright side, fewer tourists and lower prices can make your trip even more enjoyable.
Conclusion
From sightseeing and cultural experiences to delicious food and hidden gems, there are endless things to do in Hoi An. Whether you’re here for one day or a week, this city will charm you with its unique mix of tradition and modernity.