15+ Best Things to Do in Hoi An ,Vietnam 

Hoi An, Vietnam, is home to thousands of lanterns that light up the streets each night, creating a magical and charming atmosphere in Hoi An Vietnam. This beautiful town offers a rich mix of history, culture, and food. Imagine walking through old streets decorated with colorful lanterns, where every corner tells a story from long ago.

Hoi An wins the hearts of visitors from around the world with its culture, food, and beauty. Get ready to see secret  gems and special activities that make your trip unforgettable. Dive into a world of discovery and joy, showing the very best of Hoi An.

As you can see, there are many things to enjoy, and after our  trip to Hoi An, we are sharing our 15 best activities with you that we believe shouldn’t be skipped on any Hoi An travel plan.

My Favorite Hoi An Attractions on a Map

Explore Hoi An’s famous Ancient Town! This lively place is full of fun activities, views, and flavors that will make you want more. In this article, I’ll share my favorite spots on a map to help you find the best things to see and eat. Get ready for an adventure that will make your travel experience in Vietnam even better.

1. Wander Hoi An’s Ancient

Wandering through Hoi An’s Ancient Town feels like stepping into a living painting, with colorful lanterns lighting up the quiet, car free streets. As the sun sets, soft music flows from nearby cafés, and the town comes alive in a magical way.

Every corner shows a mix of Vietnamese culture and history, from red brick temples to old French buildings. The slow rhythm invites you to stop and enjoy the beauty around you.

Each moment lets you feel the spirit of Hoi An’s past, making you want to come back again. Enjoy refreshing coconut coffee at one of Hoi An’s best cafés while watching locals in traditional hats walk by, and enjoy the town’s simple charm and natural beauty.

We must have wandered through the Ancient Town at least 15 times, yet each visit revealed something new.Because this part of Hoi An has no cars, it’s an ideal place to walk or ride a bike and explore freely. You’ll often spot bicycle taxis passing by, making their riders look like giant kids in a stroller.

• Tip: Join theAncient Town Walking Tour to see all thehighlights, or takeLily’s Hoi An Food Tour for a tasty local adventure.

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2. Visit Ancient Temples with the Old Town Ticket

Exploring Hoi An’s Ancient Town with the Old Town Ticket gives you a special way to enjoy its rich culture and history. The ticket lets you visit five chosen places, allowing you to plan your own walk through time.

Walk along the lantern lit streets and see the Assembly Halls or the Japanese Covered Bridge, each sharing stories of the town’s bright past. Find the beautiful buildings that tell stories of trade, customs, and art. Go beyond famous spots to see quiet temples where locals pray and enjoy life.

The ticket turns simple sightseeing into a real bond with Hoi An’s heart and people. Every temple has a story, letting you make a trip that’s truly your own.

You can also get your Old Town ticket online here for the same price.

Is it worth it? In my opinion, yes,

The most popular and worth-seeing sights to visit with this pass are:

• Japanese Bridge
• Fujian Assembly Hall
• Cantonese Assembly Hall
• Old House of Tan Ky
• Museum of Folk Culture

you also get to enjoy a free 30-minute show. At first, we thought about skipping it, but we were glad we didn’t because it gave us a wonderful look into Hoi An’s culture and traditional dances.

3. Check Out the Free Réhahn Art Gallery

As you walk through the Free Réhahn Art Gallery in the heart of Hoi An, you’ll be surrounded by the colorful mix of Vietnam’s ethnic groups. This Heritage Art Gallery Museum gives a deep look into the lives of remote tribes through Réhahn’s world-class photography. Each picture shows not only amazing beauty but also real cultural stories that might otherwise be missed.

Every photo opens a view into Vietnam’s rich traditions and customs. As you enjoy the visuals, you’ll feel the strength and pride shown in each face. It’s more than an art visit. It’s a true connection to the heart of Vietnam.

This museum is one of the best we’ve visited in Vietnam, featuring stunning photos and rich details about the country’s indigenous tribes. Photographer Réhahn spent years reaching remote tribes to capture their clothing and traditions before they faded with modern times. We were amazed by his dedication to preserving Vietnamese culture.
 

We spent about an hour exploring, enjoying both the art and the cool air on a hot day 😅. If his work inspires you too, watch his short 2 minute video on the best photo spots in Hoi An. 📸

4. Eat Cao Lau – Hoi An’s Signature Dish

Cao Lau is more than just a dish, it’s a food journey filled with the history and culture of Hoi An. This special meal has chewy rice noodles made firm with water from old Cham wells and topped with soft marinated pork, fresh herbs, and crispy croutons.

Each ingredient is locally sourced, showing the city’s rich farming traditions. Crunchy bean sprouts and fresh herbs add a perfect balance of taste and texture.

Eating Cao Lau lets you enjoy the skill and passion behind it. It’s not just food, it’s a true taste of Hoi An’s history. You’ll find Cao Lau in many street stalls and local restaurants throughout town, but to have the VERY BEST one, you’ll have to go outside the Old Town.

These are our two favorite places for Cao Lau:

• TIỆM ĂN SÁNG CÔ NHỊ (best Cao Lau in Hoi An)
• Cao Lau Mi Quang Loc Hội An (great Cao Lau in the Old Town)

Both only serve Cao Lau for breakfast, so make sure to get there in the morning.

• Tip: Cao Lau and many other must-try Hoi An food dishes are covered in this food tour hosted by local Lily 

5. Get High-Quality Clothing or Souvenirs

Imagine wandering through an open air art gallery, where the vibrancy of local culture is showcased in every corner. It’s easy to get swept away by the aesthetics, but this experience can be further enriched by investing in high-quality clothing and souvenirs that reflect the spirit of the destination.

Rather than settling for run of the mill trinkets, seek out artisans who pour their heart into every piece they create. When selecting clothing or souvenirs, opt for items that utilize sustainable materials and ethical production practices.

6. Experience Hoi An’s Lantern Festival

Every month at sunset, Hoi An turns into a bright scene of light and color during its Lantern Festival. Streets close to vehicles, letting visitors walk freely among thousands of handmade lanterns lighting up old buildings.

 For a deeper experience, take a calm boat ride along the Thu Bon River, surrounded by shining reflections. The festival brings you closer to locals and their lasting traditions. Whether you let a lantern float or enjoy tasty street food, every moment feels magical. It’s a lovely celebration of community, culture, and light.

Tip: Enjoy a smooth 20 minute river ride no haggling, Get tickets at riverfront booths or skip the line on GetYourGuide.

7. Float Down the River in a Coconut Basket Boat

Floating down the river in a coconut basket boat is an experience you shouldn’t miss, giving a calm break from daily life. This peaceful ride lets you enjoy nature while learning about the area’s rich culture. With Dịch vụ Thuyền Thúng Cô Mốt, you’re guided by locals who share stories beyond simple sightseeing.

Floating down the river in a coconut basket boat is an experience you shouldn’t miss, giving a calm break from daily life. This peaceful ride lets you enjoy nature while learning about the area’s rich culture. With Dịch vụ Thuyền Thúng Cô Mốt, you’re guided by locals who share stories beyond simple sightseeing.

8. Join A Delicious Vietnamese Cooking Class

Joining a Vietnamese cooking class is a special way to discover the country’s lively food culture. Begin your day at a busy market, choosing fresh herbs and spices needed for Vietnamese food. This activity helps you learn the stories behind each meal and its deep local traditions.

We visited Vietnam, we joined a Vietnamese cooking class, it was one of the best parts of our trip! We learned to cook traditional Vietnamese food like pho, spring rolls, and banh mi using fresh ingredients from the local market. The chef was so kind and made the whole experience easy and fun.

We loved tasting our own food and learning about Vietnamese cuisine. If you’re visiting Hoi An or any city in Vietnam, we highly recommend trying a Hoi An cooking class . It’s a tasty and unforgettable way to explore local culture.Depending on your interest and how much time you have in Hoi An, you could opt for:

• A Traditional Cooking Class with a Local Family
• A Cooking Class + Coconut Boat Tour Combo
• A Cooking Class + Basket Boat + Lantern-Making Combo
• A Vegan Cooking Class 🌱\

9. Eat Hoi An’s Best Banh Mi

To eat Hoi An’s best banh mi, try Banh Mi Phuong, known for its popularity and delicious, crispy-crusted sandwich.We ate the best Banh Mi in Hoi An, a food experience made famous by Anthony Bourdain. Each bite gave a perfect mix of crispy bread, tasty meats, fresh herbs, and sour pickled vegetables.

Local sellers use secret recipes shared for generations, making every Banh Mi special. The warm bread and fresh herbs create a mix of flavors that grabs you right away. It’s more than just a sandwich . It’s a celebration of Vietnamese street food and culture. Every bite shares a story worth enjoying.

10. Try Vietnam’s Best (And Craziest) Coffees

Vietnam’s coffee scene is full of rich tastes and fun twists. The famous egg coffee mixes beaten egg yolks, sugar, and condensed milk into a sweet, creamy drink served hot or cold in cozy, green cafes. Another favorite, coconut coffee, blends dark coffee with coconut milk for a smooth tropical flavor, often served in a coconut shell.

And for something bold, try salt coffee, where a little salt makes the taste deeper in a surprising way. Each cup gives a new experience, joining culture, flavor, and creativity. In Vietnam, coffee is more than a drink, it’s an adventure for the senses.

Find fun facts about Vietnam’s coffee scene and the best places to enjoy a cup in our guide to Hoi An’s best cafes ☕️

11. Soak up the Sun on Hoi An’s Best Beach

An Bang beach one of the Top 100 best beaches in the globe.An Bang is a happening and joyful beach in Hoi An, it welcomes ever-increasing international and local tourists annually. An Bang Beach, just a short ride from Hoi An’s Old Town, is a calm getaway with soft golden sand and local charm. Lined with beach cafes and small restaurants, it’s great for relaxing or exploring. Stop by BK Coffee for a fresh cup and enjoy the gentle sound of the waves, they even give free bike parking.

The beach mixes quiet seaside beauty with a lively mood full of kind locals and visitors. Try yummy seafood from nearby huts or join a yoga class by the sea. Our first visit showed us not just its beauty but the kindness of its people.An Bang Beach is not just a place, it’s a beautiful memory waiting to be made by the sea. 

12. Explore Hoi An’s Rural Ricefields by Bike

Cycling through Hoi An’s rice fields feels like riding through a real life postcard. As you ride along winding paths, green paddies shine under the golden sunset, a view you’ll always remember. A guided tour takes you to hidden spots like Tra Que Village, where friendly farmers share their simple, lovely way of life.

Stop at Cafe Slow, a quiet place among the fields, for fresh coffee and local snacks. The calm feeling makes it easy to enjoy every moment surrounded by nature. Each push of the pedal brings you closer to Hoi An’s culture and charm. It’s a journey of colors, stories, and lasting memories.

13. Stay with a Vietnamese Family

Staying with a Vietnamese family gives a real look into the local culture that is often missed in regular places to stay. In Hoi An, for example, choosing a long-term stay at a homestay like Hoi An Aroma Villa is popular among travelers looking for a closer connection to the local people.

Here, you can join daily life, from sharing meals made with family recipes to taking part in traditional customs, all while enjoying the friendly hospitality of your hosts.

• 💡 Tip: Find lots of homestays in Hoi An on Booking.com

14. Eat Hoi An’s Best Pho

What excites the pho in Hoi An are the collection of toppings that attend your steaming bowl. Fresh herbs, lime wedges, and fiery chili peppers create a blend of textures and flavors that improve each sip. Some local spots even let you choose, allowing you to make your pho the way you like whether you like the warm softness of tender brisket or the tasty crunch of bean sprouts.

Trying Hoi An’s best pho isn’t just about filling your stomach, it’s about enjoying a food journey that shows the lively heart of Vietnam.

15. Day Trip to Da Nang

Da Nang is only 30 kilometers (28 miles) from Hoi An, so it is perfect for a day trip. We chose the fun of renting a motorbike, a typical Vietnamese experience that cost us about 200,000 VND (8 USD). Riding along the coastal roads, the ocean breeze made us feel fresh as we went to our destination, full of excitement.

When we arrived in Da Nang, we were amazed by the big Lady Buddha statue, an amazing sight that shows the local respect and belief. Praying there with our new friends added more cultural meaning to our visit that we didn’t expect.

If you are short on time, you can also opt for a guided day trip to Da Nang that starts in Hoi An and will bring you to all the sites listed above, except the Dragon Bridge

Hoi An Attractions You Can Skip

Hoi An Food Market
While the outdoor area is pleasant for a stroll, the indoor food hall feels overly touristy. Aggressive vendors with overpriced menus can take away from the authentic culinary experience. Instead, explore local food stalls throughout the town for genuine flavors without the tourist markup.

Hoi An Night Market
Although lively and colorful, many items sold are mass-produced souvenirs lacking local charm. 

For a more authentic experience, visit nearby artisan villages where craftspeople share their skills and unique creations. Prioritizing these encounters over tourist traps will make your Hoi An adventure more memorable.

🚨 That “perfect photo” in Hoi An can be a scam! Ladies with fruit baskets will quickly place them on your shoulder and ask for a photo then request money. We bought some overpriced fruit and called it part of the experience 📸🍌

HOI AN TRAVEL CHECKLIST

• These are the sites we found super helpful when planning and booking our trip to Hoi An. For more, check out our Travel Resources.
• ✔ SafetyWing – Our top pick for travel health insurance. We’ve been insured with them for 4+ years and love how simple and affordable it is to get covered.
• ✔ Airlo – The eSIM we used for mobile data in Vietnam. It’s set up in minutes, cheap and worked great in Hoi An.
• ✔ 12Go – Where we booked all our buses and trains across Vietnam, including to and from Hoi An. It’s easy to use and shows you many options.
• ✔ Booking.com & Agoda – Where we found the best hotels and homestays in Hoi An. If you’re staying longer than a week, Airbnb can also be a great option.
• ✔ GetYourGuide & Klook – Where we found lots of fun activities in Hoi An like a local food tour, cooking class, lantern workshop and coconut basket ride.
• ✔ Grab – Works like Uber and is super popular in Hoi An. So be sure to download the app before you go.

Hoi An Travel Tips + FAQs