15 Unforgettable Things to Do in Hoi An, Vietnam

Nestled along Vietnam's central coast, Hoi An captivates visitors with its golden-hued ancient town, vibrant culture, and tranquil surroundings. This former trading port, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, seamlessly blends Chinese, Japanese, and European influences into a uniquely Vietnamese experience. From wandering lantern-lit streets to cycling through emerald rice paddies, here are 15 essential experiences to have in Vietnam's most charming destination.

1. Get Lost in the Ancient Town

Hoi An's Old Town is a living museum with its exceptionally preserved architecture spanning several centuries. The pedestrian-friendly streets make it perfect for aimless wandering. Start at the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, built in the 1590s by the Japanese community to link them with Chinese quarters. Then explore the Chinese assembly halls, ancestral houses, and French colonial buildings that line the narrow streets.

Pro tip: Purchase the Old Town ticket (120,000 VND/$5 USD) that gives you entry to five historical sites of your choosing. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid both crowds and the midday heat.

2. Experience the Magic of Lanterns After Dark

As the sun sets, Hoi An transforms into a magical wonderland as thousands of colorful silk lanterns illuminate the town. The best spots for lantern-gazing include An Hoi Bridge and the streets along the riverfront. For a special experience, purchase a floating candle lantern from vendors along the Thu Bon River and set your wishes afloat.

Best time: 6-9pm, when the lanterns create a fairy-tale atmosphere without the packed crowds of full moon nights.

3. Attend the Monthly Full Moon Festival

If your visit coincides with the 14th day of the lunar month, you're in for a treat. During this monthly celebration, motorized vehicles are banned from the Old Town, electric lights are turned off, and the entire area is illuminated solely by lanterns. Traditional games, folk music, and dance performances take place throughout the town, creating an atmosphere of festivity that feels like stepping back in time.

Planning tip: Check the lunar calendar before your trip and try to include a full moon night in your itinerary. Accommodation prices rise during this period, so book well in advance.

4. Get Measured for Custom Clothing

Hoi An's reputation as Vietnam's tailoring capital is well-deserved. With over 400 tailor shops, you can have anything made – from suits and dresses to shoes and bags – often in just 24-48 hours. Bring pictures of designs you like or browse through the shops' catalogs for inspiration.

Recommended shops: Bebe Tailor, A Dong Silk, and Yaly Couture are reliable choices with excellent English-speaking staff. Expect to pay $30-50 for a dress or shirt, $80-150 for a suit, depending on fabric quality.

5. Learn Vietnamese Cooking

Vietnamese cuisine is all about fresh ingredients and balanced flavors. Numerous cooking schools in Hoi An offer half-day classes that typically include a market tour, hands-on cooking instruction, and, of course, enjoying your creations afterward. Learn to make local specialties like cao lau (noodles with pork and greens found only in Hoi An), white rose dumplings, or banh xeo (crispy savory pancakes).

Recommended schools: Morning Glory Cooking School, Red Bridge Cooking School (includes a scenic boat ride), and Tra Que Vegetable Village cooking classes.

6. Cycle Through Rice Paddies

Rent a bicycle (around 30,000 VND/$1.30 USD per day) and pedal your way through the breathtaking countryside surrounding Hoi An. Just minutes from the ancient town, you'll find yourself immersed in a landscape of emerald rice fields, water buffalo lazing in mud ponds, and farmers in conical hats tending their crops. The flat terrain makes it an easy ride suitable for all fitness levels.

Suggested route: Cross Cam Nam Bridge and follow the rural roads toward Tra Que Vegetable Village for a picturesque countryside experience.

7. Relax at An Bang Beach

Just 4km from the Ancient Town lies An Bang Beach, a stretch of golden sand lined with thatched umbrellas and casual seafood restaurants. Less developed than nearby Cua Dai Beach (which suffers from erosion), An Bang offers a perfect balance between amenities and natural beauty. Grab a lounger, order a coconut, and soak in the South China Sea views.

Beach tip: Many beach restaurants offer free loungers if you order food or drinks. Soul Kitchen and Shore Club are popular options with good facilities.

8. Dive into Hoi An's Central Market

A feast for all senses, the bustling Central Market opens early as locals shop for the day's freshest produce. Navigate through stalls brimming with exotic fruits, fragrant spices, fresh seafood, and colorful fabrics. The food court area serves authentic local dishes at unbeatable prices—try the Hoi An specialty cao lau or a steaming bowl of mi quang noodles.

Timing tip: Visit between 6 and 8 am to see the market at its liveliest and most authentic, when local chefs and residents do their daily shopping.

9. Take a Sunset Boat Ride

For around 100,000 VND ($4.50 USD) per hour, hire a traditional wooden boat to cruise the gentle Thu Bon River. The golden hour just before sunset casts a magical light on the ancient town's ochre buildings. Some boat operators offer the experience of fishing with traditional nets, while others focus on the scenic journey past riverside markets and quieter backwaters.

Photo opportunity: Position yourself on the boat to capture Hoi An's colorful waterfront buildings illuminated by the setting sun—a quintessential Hoi An moment.

10. Visit Tra Que Vegetable Village

This organic herb and vegetable village supplies the fresh produce that makes Hoi An's cuisine so distinctive. Located between the town and An Bang Beach, Tra Que welcomes visitors to experience traditional farming methods that have remained unchanged for centuries. Join the farmers in activities like watering, planting, and harvesting using their traditional techniques.

Recommended experience: Several establishments offer "farmer for a day" programs, including Water Wheel restaurant, where you can farm in the morning and enjoy a meal made with your harvest afterward.

11. Explore My Son Sanctuary

A day trip to the My Son Sanctuary offers a glimpse into the region's ancient Cham civilization. Located about 40km from Hoi An, this UNESCO World Heritage site features partially ruined Hindu temples built between the 4th and 14th centuries. Though damaged during the Vietnam War, the remaining structures showcase the impressive architectural and artistic achievements of the Champa Kingdom.

Visit tip: Join an early morning tour (departing around 5am) to avoid both heat and crowds. The atmospheric morning mist among the ruins creates a mystical experience worth the early wake-up.

12. Become a Vietnamese Coffee Connoisseur

Vietnam is the world's second-largest coffee producer, with a unique coffee culture centered around robust, slow-dripped coffee often sweetened with condensed milk. Join a coffee workshop at places like The Espresso Station or Hoi An Roastery to learn about Vietnam's coffee heritage, from bean selection to the perfect brewing technique for ca phe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk) or egg coffee.

Tasting suggestion: Try the coconut coffee, a delicious Hoi An specialty that blends coffee with coconut cream for a dessert-like treat.

13. Discover Vietnam's Ethnic Diversity

The Precious Heritage Museum, created by renowned photographer Réhahn, houses an impressive collection of portraits and traditional costumes representing all 54 of Vietnam's ethnic groups. Located in a beautifully restored French colonial building, this free museum offers fascinating insights into Vietnam's cultural diversity beyond the more familiar Kinh majority.

Don't miss: The photographer is often present and happy to share stories behind his decade-long journey documenting Vietnam's indigenous communities.

14. Navigate the Water Coconut Palm Forest by Basket Boat

In the nearby water coconut palm forest of Cam Thanh, experience riding in a traditional round bamboo basket boat (thung chai). Originally designed to avoid colonial-era boat taxes, these surprisingly stable vessels are now a tourist favorite. Local guides demonstrate impressive spinning techniques and help you try your hand at paddling these unique boats through the tranquil mangrove forests.

Tour option: Combined basket boat tours often include stops at woodcarving villages, fishing demonstrations, and even impromptu musical performances by your boat operators.

15. Embark on a Street Food Adventure

Hoi An's street food scene deserves dedicated exploration. Must-try local specialties include White Rose dumplings (banh vac), crispy cao lau noodles, chicken rice (com ga), and Vietnamese pancakes (banh xeo). For the most authentic experience, look for modest establishments filled with locals or join a guided food tour to discover hidden culinary gems with expert commentary.

Recommended spots: Try Ms. Phuong's banh mi (made famous by Anthony Bourdain), Madam Khanh (the "Banh Mi Queen"), and the food stalls at the edge of the Central Market for authentic local flavors.

Best Time to Visit Hoi An

Hoi An enjoys pleasant weather year-round, but February to April offers the perfect balance of sunshine and comfortable temperatures. The rainy season (September to January) brings periodic flooding to the Ancient Town, though watching locals navigate their daily lives by boat has its own charm. May to August brings hot temperatures but is ideal for beach activities.

Whenever you choose to visit, Hoi An's blend of history, culture, nature, and culinary delights ensures an unforgettable Vietnamese experience that will leave you planning your return before you've even departed.