Top 10 Things to Do in Hoi An, Vietnam - VietnamAndCambodiaTours

Hoi An is a city located in central Vietnam, renowned for its ancient town, which has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, and for its many historical landmarks. To this day, Hoi An has preserved its cultural beauty and values, with thousands of unique architectural structures from the feudal era, including roads, houses, bridges, and more. Additionally, it offers traditional cuisine and a simple, rustic cultural charm. If you’re planning a trip to Hoi An, here are 10 suggestions for things you should do while you’re there.

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Walk or Bike Around Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An is best known for its ancient town, so exploring this area is a must when you visit. Walking through the town might tire you out, as it is quite expansive. Every street, every corner, and the yellow-painted shops and houses offer interesting photo opportunities.

If you walk in the evening, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a light festival, a canvas blending the serenity of ancient architecture with the rustic imagery and vibrancy of modern life. Perhaps the most beautiful spot is along the Hoai River, where the shimmering colors reflect on the water’s surface.

The traffic in Hoi An isn’t too busy, so you can rent a bicycle to explore the town. However, keep in mind that bicycles are prohibited in the central area of the ancient town during the evening.

Visit the Ancient Houses

The ancient houses are priceless heritage assets of Hoi An. They have been preserved for hundreds of years, surviving wars, natural destruction, and the socio-economic development of the city.

Among these ancient houses, the most famous is Tan Ky Old House, the first to be recognized as a national heritage site in Hoi An. It has also welcomed many domestic and international leaders. Besides Tan Ky, you can visit other notable ancient houses like Phung Hung and Quan Thang, or explore the Chinese-inspired architecture of the Fujian and Cantonese Assembly Halls.

Visiting these ancient houses will give you a deeper understanding of Hoi An’s history and culture.

Enjoy Hoi An Cuisine

Hoi An street food is rich in tradition, offering a wide variety of delicious dishes. Some of the most iconic dishes that have helped define Hoi An’s culinary reputation include Hoi An Banh Mi, Mi Quang, Cao Lau, and Hoi An Chicken Rice.

Hoi An Banh Mi

Banh Mi is a famous Vietnamese dish, but the version found in Hoi An has a unique flavor. The bread is crispy and golden, filled with a generous amount of minced meat, roast pork, sausage, pâté, butter, cucumber, herbs, pickled vegetables, and more. What sets Hoi An Banh Mi apart is the special, flavorful sauce that gives it its distinct taste.

There are many places to enjoy a good Banh Mi in Hoi An, but the two most famous are:

Madam Khanh Banh Mi – 115 Tran Cao Van, Hoi An.
Phuong Banh Mi – 2B Phan Chau Trinh, Hoi An.

Quang noodle

Quang noodle is a signature dish of Hoi An and Quang Nam province in general. This simple yet refined dish features noodles made from rice, which are white, chewy, and soft. The fragrant noodles blend perfectly with the rich, flavorful broth and toppings of meat, shrimp, eggs, and roasted peanuts, served with fresh vegetables and crispy rice crackers—an ideal combination.

Cao Lau

Cao Lau is somewhat similar to Mi Quang and is considered a pride of Hoi An’s culinary culture. This dish has Chinese origins but has been adapted over time to become a local specialty. Cao Lau is typically served with pork, shrimp, char siu, fresh herbs, and crispy rice crackers, with a small amount of rich broth that is the “soul” of the dish. When eating, you simply mix everything together, and you can add chili to taste.

Hoi An Chicken Rice

As you walk through the ancient town of Hoi An, you’ll notice many restaurants with the name “Hoi An Chicken Rice.” This dish is a staple for lunch or dinner in the area.

Several factors make this dish stand out compared to other places: the chicken used is a local breed raised in Hoi An, the meat is tender and shredded by hand rather than chopped, and the rice is cooked with fragrant chicken broth, giving it a golden hue. A plate of Hoi An Chicken Rice typically includes rice, chicken, vegetables, and a light, sweet broth. It’s traditionally served with chili sauce, and you can also add lemon or chili to enhance the flavor. Don’t miss out on the delicious chicken salad, which costs 120,000 VND.

Boat Ride on the Hoai River and Floating Lantern Release at Night

Taking a boat ride to view a corner of Hoi An’s Ancient Town at night and releasing floating lanterns is a popular activity among couples, especially those visiting Hoi An for their honeymoon. However, you don’t have to be in a couple to enjoy this experience; it’s also perfect for families and friends. You’ll personally release the small, shimmering lanterns into the river, with hopes that they bring good luck to your loved ones. Alongside the traditional lanterns, floating lanterns have become a hallmark of Hoi An tourism.

Before the boat sets off down the river, you’ll need to wear a life jacket, which is provided on the boat. Although the water is calm and not very deep, it’s important to follow safety regulations. Each boat is adorned with two colorful lanterns, making them stand out and helping avoid collisions with other boats.

As the boat reaches the middle of the river, you’ll realize just how stunning Hoi An is at night. From here, you can take photos with the glowing lanterns floating on the water and capture the distant rows of lanterns hanging along the pedestrian streets. Unlike the lively walking streets, the Hoai River is peaceful and quiet, allowing you to fully appreciate the simple, tranquil beauty of Hoi An’s ancient town.

After about 10 minutes, it’s time to start releasing your lanterns. The boatman will lend you a lighter to ignite the candle inside the lantern. Before releasing it into the water, make a wish for whatever you desire. This will undoubtedly be one of the most memorable moments of your trip to Hoi An.

After 20 minutes, the boat will return you to your starting point, concluding the journey. But don’t rush off just yet—head over to An Hoi Bridge to finish capturing those stunning nighttime photos of Hoi An.

Many visitors have asked, “Does releasing all those lanterns pollute the Hoai River?” The answer is no. After the candles burn out, the lanterns are collected by Hoi An management staff and brought ashore.

Boat Ride Prices

Boat for 1–3 guests: 150,000 VND/boat
Boat for 4–5 guests: 200,000 VND/boat

These prices do not include the cost of lanterns, which can be purchased for 5,000–10,000 VND each.

Enjoying Coffee in Hoi An

As you stroll through Hoi An’s ancient town, you’ll notice numerous cafes lining both sides of the streets. Some are quite small, while others are larger and occupy prime spots, such as street corners. Most cafes here are decorated in a classic style, blending seamlessly with the surrounding scenery. The wooden furniture is simple and often set up close to the sidewalks, making it perfect for sipping coffee while watching the street life go by. The coffee is made from beans grown in Vietnam’s highlands, ensuring a rich and authentic flavor. In addition to coffee, you can also order other drinks like fruit smoothies, ice cream, and fresh juices.

Here are some well-known cafes in the ancient town with reasonable prices:

Cocobox Hoi An – 94 Le Loi, Hoi An
Chu Chu – 74 Tran Phu, Hoi An
The Chef – 166 Tran Phu, Hoi An
Hoi An Roastery – 135 Tran Phu | 47 Le Loi, Hoi An
Faifo Coffee – 130 Tran Phu, Hoi An

Explore the Bay Mau Coconut Forest by Basket Boat

From the center of Hoi An’s ancient town, follow the Hoai River for over 3 km to Cam Thanh commune, where you’ll find the vast Bay Mau water coconut forest, covering more than ten hectares. The service of rowing basket boats through the coconut forest has emerged in Cam Thanh in recent years and has become a “must-try” experience for Hoi An tourists. Each boat is limited to a maximum of two passengers. For 200,000 VND per person, you can enjoy an hour-long journey in a basket boat, weaving through the narrow channels of the river, surrounded by lush green water coconut trees.

In addition to the boat ride, visitors can enjoy boat dance performances and learn how to make small souvenirs from coconut leaves, such as flowers, grasshoppers, bracelets, glasses, rings, or hats. If you’re brave enough, you can even join the local fishermen in the boat dance—a thrilling experience that might scare you a bit, but one you’ll remember for a long time.

Explore the Bay Mau Coconut Forest by Basket Boat

To learn more about cruising the Mekong River, check out: Discover the Mekong River on a Luxurious Cruise

Get Custom-Made Fashion in Hoi An

The express tailoring service in Hoi An has been around for over 30 years. Despite the rise of ready-made fashion, custom tailoring shops in the ancient town have maintained their unique appeal. As you stroll through the streets of the ancient town, you’ll easily spot these shops. From perfectly tailored suits, ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dresses), and dresses to swimsuits and bikinis, everything can be made within a few hours according to your fabric choice, design preference, and measurements. Most importantly, you can collect your items the same day. This service is particularly popular with international visitors.

The fabric shops and fashion stores in Hoi An are located along streets like Nguyen Thai Hoc, Tran Phu, Tran Hung Dao, and Le Loi. These shops not only sell fabric and clothing but also offer custom tailoring services. Each shop typically has 5 to 10 skilled tailors on hand to help you choose fabrics and designs according to your preferences.

When getting custom-made clothing in Hoi An, it’s a good idea to inquire about prices, inspect the fabric quality, and prepare sample images of the outfits you want to make it easier for the tailor to understand your needs. If your stay in Hoi An is short, it’s best to place your order early to allow time for any necessary adjustments after your items are made.

Beach Activities

In addition to exploring the ancient town, you shouldn’t miss the chance to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Hoi An.

An Bang Beach is located in Cam An ward, just 3 km from Hoi An’s city center. The beach is known for its clean, clear water and serene atmosphere, providing just the right amount of space for relaxation. In 2011, CNN named An Bang Beach one of the 50 most beautiful beaches in the world.

Cua Dai Beach is another popular destination in Hoi An. In 2013, Tripadvisor ranked it among the top 25 most beautiful beaches in Asia. Located 5 km from the center of Hoi An, Cua Dai Beach boasts wide stretches of white sand, clear blue waters, and gentle waves. Visitors can spend hours sunbathing, listening to the soothing sound of the waves, or engage in activities like shore fishing, renting a boat to sail with the local fishermen, or participating in water sports.

If you want to learn more about traveling to Ha Long Bay, see: Halong Bay: Information and Must-Do Activities

Explore Cham Island

Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham) is about 15 km from Hoi An’s Ancient Town and is a must-visit destination when in the area. Although tourism services on Cham Island are still developing, this is part of its charm, allowing the island to retain its natural beauty. On Cham Island, you can enjoy activities like snorkeling to see coral reefs, camping, staying in local homestays, and savoring fresh, affordable seafood.

If you’re starting from Hoi An, there are two ways to get to Cham Island: by speedboat or wooden boat. Speedboats usually depart from Cua Dai, and within 20 minutes, you’ll arrive at Cham Island, with tickets costing between 150,000 and 200,000 VND per person. The wooden boats, departing from Bach Dang Pier, take nearly two hours but are cheaper, with tickets ranging from 50,000 to 80,000 VND per person. If you’re bringing a motorbike, it costs an additional 30,000 VND per bike.

Some notable attractions on Cham Island include the Cham Island Marine Museum, Hai Tang Pagoda, Cham Ancient Well, Tan Hiep Market, Yen Island, and Da Chong Beach.

If you’re looking to learn more about the main attractions in Ho Chi Minh City, take a look at: Top 15 Must-Visit Attractions in Ho Chi Minh City

Visit Traditional Craft Villages

Hoi An is also home to several traditional craft villages that have survived and thrived to this day, such as Tra Que Vegetable Village, Thanh Ha Pottery Village, Kim Bong Carpentry Village, and Phuoc Kieu Bronze Casting Village. When visiting Hoi An, you should explore these two noteworthy villages:

Tra Que Vegetable Village is famous for its fresh and delicious vegetables grown in fertile soil. Located in Cam Ha commune, just 3 km from Hoi An’s center, this village offers you the chance to learn about the diverse varieties of leafy greens and herbs grown through organic farming methods. The vegetables from Tra Que have a distinctive fragrance and are harvested daily to supply all the restaurants in Hoi An.

By purchasing a ticket to visit the village, you can experience the life of a farmer firsthand by tilling the soil, planting, and harvesting vegetables yourself. Afterward, you can enjoy Hoi An specialties made with the freshly harvested produce, such as white rose dumplings, mixed mussels, shrimp spring rolls, Quang noodles, and cao lau.

Another fascinating village is Thanh Ha Pottery Village, which dates back to the late 15th century. Located about 3 km west of Hoi An’s ancient town, near the Thu Bon River, the village produces not only pots, bricks, tiles, and dishes but also unique souvenirs. Visitors can learn about the craft and even try their hand at molding their own pottery.

Conclusion

Hoi An is not only renowned for the harmonious beauty of its traditional architecture, with its characteristic yellow walls and ancient houses, but also for its delicious cuisine, the warm smiles of the locals, and the remarkably affordable travel costs. With the 10 things to do in Hoi An that we’ve suggested, your trip is sure to be even more memorable. Don’t hesitate to contact our travel advisory team for free advice on visiting Hoi An.