Things to Do in Hoi An, Vietnam: Magical Experiences You’ll Love

Hoi An is the kind of place that lingers long after you leave. I’ve been twice now, and each time felt like stepping into a perfectly lit movie set — crumbling yellow walls, paper lanterns swaying in the breeze, the scent of lemongrass and grilled pork drifting through the air. It’s Vietnam at its most romantic, without trying too hard.

This isn’t just a town for pretty photos (though you’ll take plenty). There’s substance behind the charm: tailors who can whip up a custom outfit in a day, locals eager to teach you how to make proper bánh xèo, riverside cafes where time genuinely feels like it stands still.

This guide is best for first-time visitors, slow travellers, and anyone who wants more than just a lantern photo and a tailor receipt.

Best hotels in Hoi An

• Best 5-Star Hotel: Almanity Hoi An Wellness Resort (Award winner)
• Best 4-Star Hotel: Hoianan Boutique Hotel ( this is where I stayed)
• Best Boutique Hotel: Boutique Hoi An Resort
• Most Romantic Hotel: Cozy Savvy Boutique Hotel Hoi An
• Perfect for Families: Hoi An Histoic Hotel
• Best Pool:  Allegro Hoi An

If accommodation is next on your list, I’ve put together a neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood guide to Where to Stay in Hoi An, with hotel picks for different travel styles.

Stroll Through the Charm of Hoi An Old Town

If you only do one thing in Hoi An, make it this. The UNESCO-listed Old Town is the heart of the action — no cars, no honking scooters, just cobbled streets, mustard-yellow shophouses, wooden shutters, and riverside calm. It’s one of the few places in Vietnam where time slows down (and where crossing the street doesn’t feel like a contact sport).

I spent hours here just wandering — popping into art galleries, boutiques, and tea houses. The vibe changes by the hour: quiet and golden in the morning, bustling by mid-afternoon, and glowing after sunset.

Old Town ticket (quick explanation)

You can stroll around Hoi An Ancient Town without paying, but if you want to go inside the main heritage sights (old houses, assembly halls, museums, and the Japanese Covered Bridge), you’ll need an Old Town ticket. It’s usually around 120,000 VND and lets you choose 5 attractions from the list. Buy it at the small official booths around the Old Town (near the bridge and along the main streets) and ask for the map so you can pick the best five

What the Ticket Includes:

The entrance ticket to Hoi An’s Old Town typically costs around 120,000 VND (about 5 USD) for international visitors. Each ticket allows entry to five out of the 22 designated historical and cultural attractions within the Old Town.

These tickets help fund the preservation of Hoi An’s unique heritage, so purchasing them not only adds to your experience but also helps support the local community!

Cross the Japanese Covered Bridge

This 18th-century bridge is one of Hoi An’s most iconic sights, and yes — it really is as photogenic as it looks. Built by the Japanese community to link them with the Chinese quarter across the stream, it’s part bridge, part temple, and a proper slice of history right in the middle of the Old Town.

I first visited early in the morning, before the tour groups arrived — the bridge was practically empty, and the light was soft enough to catch those intricate carvings. On my second trip, I walked across again at sunset, and it had a completely different energy. Locals were out chatting, a couple was doing wedding photos, and a monk passed through the arched walkway like something out of a movie.

Tip: You’ll need one of the Old Town entrance tickets to go inside the bridge itself (there’s a small shrine tucked away inside too). Best to buy the ticket in advance — they’re sold at booths dotted around the Old Town.

Good to know: The bridge is lit up beautifully at night, but it does get crowded. If you’re after a quiet photo, go early or late.

Get Lost in the Backstreets

Some of my favourite Hoi An moments happened when I had no plan at all. Turn off the main streets and you’ll find hidden courtyards, quiet temples, pastel walls draped in bougainvillaea, and the occasional sleepy cat stretched out in the shade.

I wandered down one lane thinking it led nowhere and ended up at a tiny riverside café with the best iced coconut coffee I’ve ever had. No name, no sign — just a woman smiling and pointing to a stool.

Tip: Skip the map for a bit and follow your curiosity. That’s where the good stuff hides.

Why Is Everything Yellow in Hoi An?

Hoi An’s golden glow isn’t just for the aesthetics (though it does look amazing at sunset). The yellow hue is said to symbolise luck, prosperity, and royalty in Vietnamese culture. It also holds up well against heat, humidity, and time — which explains why so many of those 200-year-old shophouses are still standing strong and looking fabulous.

Eat Your Way Around Hoi An’s Local Specialities

Hoi An might just be my favourite food town in Vietnam — bold statement, I know. But between the night market snacks, riverside restaurants, and tiny plastic-stool joints tucked into alleyways, there’s a lot to get excited about.

Start with Cao Lầu, a noodle dish you’ll only find here. Thick rice noodles, slices of pork, crunchy croutons, fresh herbs — all soaked in a rich, smoky broth. Legend has it the water has to come from a specific ancient well in town. Authentic or not, it’s delicious. I had mine at Ba Le Well, and it was love at first bite.

Then there’s White Rose Dumplings (banh bao vac) — delicate, flower-shaped parcels filled with shrimp or pork. These are handmade daily by one local family and supplied to restaurants all over Hoi An. You can try them at White Rose Restaurant to taste the real deal.

Oh, and don’t skip the banh mi. I tried Banh Mi Phuong, made famous by Anthony Bourdain, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. Crispy, fluffy bread, punchy fillings, and that magic Vietnamese mix of savoury, spicy, sweet, and fresh.

If food is a big reason you’re coming to Hoi An, a market tour or cooking class is the easiest way to understand the local dishes properly.

Tip: Book a street food tour or a cooking class. I did both — and came home dreaming about fish sauce.

🤩 Recommended: Market Tour, Basket Boat Ride and Cooking Class – I have done 3 different cooking classes in Hoi An. This one is my favourite.

Browse the Bustling Local Markets

Hoi An’s markets are chaotic, colourful, and full of character — exactly what you want in Vietnam. The biggest one is Central Market, right by the river, where you’ll find everything from lanterns and lacquerware to flip-flops and fish sauce.

The early morning buzz is the best. I went just after sunrise and watched locals bartering over slabs of fresh tofu and piles of herbs. Inside, the covered market is packed with stalls selling steaming bowls of mì Quảng and freshly made spring rolls. Yes, it’s busy. Yes, it’s a bit frantic. But that’s half the fun.

Tip: Don’t be shy about haggling — it’s expected. Just keep it friendly, and maybe learn a word or two in Vietnamese. A little goes a long way.

My buy: I picked up a beautiful lanterns I never knew I needed, plus some fragrant tea that made my suitcase smell amazing.

Cycle Through the Rice Paddies

One of the best ways to soak up the countryside around Hoi An? Hop on a bike and just pedal. You’ll be dodging water buffalo, waving at farmers, and cruising past rice paddies so green they look photoshopped.

The half-day bike tour that takes you through Tra Que Vegetable Village and some sleepy fishing hamlets you will never find on your own.

Tip: Most hotels offer free bikes, but if you’re going further afield, book a guided tour — it’s a relaxed, local experience with proper insight into rural life.

🤩 Recommended: Hoi An Countryside: Guided Morning or Afternoon Bicycle Tour

Step Inside Hoi An’s Temples and Historic Houses

Hoi An isn’t just pretty — it’s packed with history, and you’ll feel it the moment you step inside one of its old merchant houses or temples tucked between lantern shops.

Start with the Tan Ky Old House, which has been home to the same family for seven generations. It’s beautifully preserved, with Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese design influences — and if you’re lucky, a family member might be there to show you around. I loved spotting the watermarks from past floods halfway up the walls. Real life, right there.

Temples-wise, Quan Cong Temple is a stunner — think red columns, gold details, and clouds of incense. It’s right in the heart of the Old Town but often quieter than other spots.

Tip: Your Old Town ticket includes entrance to a mix of temples, houses, and assembly halls. You can pick and choose, so don’t feel like you have to tick off every single one.

Personal highlight: I ducked into the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall during a downpour — the rain on the tiled roof, the scent of incense, and zero crowds made it strangely magical.

A Quick Pause on the Bridge Over the Thu Bon River

The main bridge across the Thu Bon River isn’t fancy — but stop in the middle, especially around golden hour, and the view is magic. Boats drift past, lanterns start to glow, and the whole river shimmers in that soft Hoi An light.

Tip: Great spot for photos just before sunset — and perfect for watching the town slowly switch into night mode.

Soak Up the Magic of Hoi An at Night

Hoi An after sunset is a whole vibe. Lanterns flicker to life, boats glide across the river, street food sizzles, and the Old Town hums with that soft, golden glow. It’s romantic, chaotic, and a little surreal — in the best way.

I loved wandering aimlessly with a sugarcane juice in hand, watching street performers pop up near the bridge and browsing stalls at the night market (where I may or may not have bought too many silk scarves).

Tip: Head to the riverside just after dinner — it’s when the lantern boats are at their prettiest. If you’re up for it, hop in one and float beneath the lights for the full fairy-tale effect.

🟡 PS: I’ve written a separate post all about the Hoi An Lantern Festival if you’re planning to time your trip with the full moon.

Kick Back at the Beach

Need a break from sightseeing and scooter-dodging? Hoi An’s beaches are just a short bike or taxi ride away — and they’re a welcome slice of coastal calm.

An Bang Beach is the local favourite. It’s got a relaxed, barefoot vibe, plenty of beachfront cafés, and enough loungers to keep you horizontal all afternoon. I spent a lazy morning here with a coconut in one hand and a banh mi in the other — no regrets.

Cua Dai Beach is another option, a bit quieter and slightly more upscale, though erosion has taken a toll in recent years. Still worth a visit if you’re after peaceful vibes.

Tip: Go early or late in the day to avoid the heat. Sunset swims here are dreamy — and the water’s warm year-round.

Take a Day Trip to the Cham Islands (Cù Lao Chàm)

If you’re craving turquoise water and a bit of island time, the Cham Islands are an easy escape from Hoi An. Just a 30-minute speedboat ride away, this little archipelago is all palm trees, sandy beaches, and snorkelling spots.

I did a day trip with snorkelling and a seafood lunch — simple setup, but the water was crystal clear and the fish put on a good show. You won’t find luxury here, but that’s part of the charm.

Tip: The islands are part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, so pack reef-safe sunscreen and leave no trace. Boats usually run March to September — avoid the rainy season when trips are cancelled more often than not.

🤩 Recommended: Cham Islands Snorkeling Trip by Speedboat with Lunch

Try a Lantern-Making Class

Hoi An’s lanterns aren’t just for admiring — you can actually make your own. These workshops are fun, hands-on, and surprisingly relaxing. I joined one on a whim and left with a slightly wonky (but very charming) souvenir that still hangs in my office.

Most classes take around an hour and are suitable for all ages — plus, they make a great break from the heat.

• Book ahead: These workshops are popular, so reserve your spot in advance.
• Let your creativity shine: There are no rules when it comes to designing your lantern—have fun with it!

🤩 Recommended: Vietnamese Foldable Lantern Making Class

Hop in a Basket Boat

You haven’t really done Hoi An until you’ve spun around in a bamboo basket boat. These round boats are iconic in the coconut palm groves of Cam Thanh village, just outside town. Expect a bit of paddling, a bit of spinning (yes, they twirl you around like a theme park ride), and a lot of laughs.

Tip: Go early to avoid the heat — and bring your sense of humour. It’s touristy, sure, but still good fun.

Top Tips:

• Bring a waterproof camera: You’ll want to capture the unique experience of navigating through the palm forests.
• Dress appropriately: You might get splashed, so wear something that can handle a little water.

🤩 Recommended: Basket Boat Ride in the Coconut Forest

Take a Tour to My Son Sanctuary

If you’re into ancient ruins, jungle backdrops, and a bit of Indiana Jones energy, don’t miss a trip to My Son Sanctuary. This cluster of crumbling Hindu temples dates back over a thousand years and was once the spiritual heart of the Champa Kingdom.

It’s about an hour from Hoi An, and going with a guide really brings it to life — especially if you’re like me and enjoy history but don’t always love reading every sign in the heat.

🟡 Tip: Book a morning tour to beat both the crowds and the sun. Some options include a boat ride back to Hoi An, which makes for a pretty scenic return.

Top Tips:

• Go early: To beat the heat and the crowds, visit first thing in the morning.
• Hire a guide: A knowledgeable guide can provide valuable insights into the history and significance of the site.

🤩 Recommended: My Son Sanctuary Early Morning Tour with Breakfast

Fancy a Side Trip? Add the Marble Mountains

If you’ve got time for a quick detour, the Marble Mountains near Da Nang are worth a look — a cluster of dramatic limestone peaks dotted with caves, temples, and incredible views. It’s an easy half-day trip from Hoi An, and tours usually include hotel pickup and a guide to help decode the history.

🟡 Tip: I’ve got a full post on visiting the Marble Mountains — worth checking out if you’re planning to add it to your Hoi An itinerary.

🤩 Recommended: My Son Sanctuary & Marble Mountains Guided Tour

Visit Tra Que Herb Village

Just a short bike ride from the Old Town, Tra Que Herb Village offers a peaceful peek into traditional Vietnamese farming. Locals here grow fragrant herbs like mint, basil, and coriander using age-old organic methods — all in neat little rows that make the place look almost too perfect.

I joined a tour that included a cooking demo, a bit of farming (muddy hands and all), and one of the strangest drinks I’ve ever tried — a sweet, herbal concoction with floating basil seeds. Slightly weird, totally refreshing, and oddly satisfying in the midday heat.

Tip: Most half-day tours include lunch and a foot soak. It’s a great way to slow things down and see the countryside in action.

🤩 Recommended: Tra Que Herb Village Cooking Class – I loved learning about the local herbs ….. beware of the fish herb!

Join a Vietnamese Coffee Workshop

Love Vietnamese coffee? Wait until you learn how to make it properly. Hoi An has a few great workshops where you can dive into the world of robusta beans, egg coffee, phin filters, and condensed milk magic. It’s part tasting session, part crash course, and all very caffeinated.

I joined one near the Old Town and learned to brew a silky egg coffee I still dream about — plus, I finally understood why Vietnamese coffee packs such a punch. Hoi An Roastery became a frequent stop.

Tip: Great option for a rainy afternoon or a break from the heat. Many classes include a bag of beans to take home too, which makes a fab gift (or just for you).

Top Tips:

• Book in advance: Coffee workshops can be popular, especially during peak tourist season.
• Come caffeinated: You’ll be tasting several cups, so be prepared for a caffeine kick!

🤩 Recommended: Vietnamese Coffee Culture and Coffee Making Class

Do The Original Taste of Hoi An Food Tour

If you’re after a proper deep dive into Hoi An’s food scene, this is the one to book. The Original Taste of Hoi An is a half-day tour that kicks off at the local market, winds through a few street vendors and hidden gems, and ends with a sit-down tasting of even more local favourites.

I’ve done my fair share of food tours over the years, and this one easily makes my top five. The concept is brilliant, the pace is relaxed, and the hosts are seriously passionate about what they do — which makes all the difference. Come hungry, and definitely wear your stretchy pants.

Enjoy a cocktail or two

Enjoy a cocktail at one of the many bars that line the river and watch the sunset. I like Thang Long’s upstairs deck not only for the views but also for the most generous happy-hour cocktails I have ever had.

Shop for Local Handicrafts

Hoi An is a treasure trove for handmade everything — lanterns, ceramics, leather goods, embroidered textiles, and jewellery you won’t find anywhere else. It’s one of the few places where shopping feels like a cultural experience rather than a tourist trap.

I picked up a hand-painted bowl that somehow survived the flight home and a pair of custom leather sandals that are still going strong. Bonus: many of the shop owners are makers themselves, so you get the story behind what you’re buying.

🟡 Tip: Head to the quieter streets just outside the Old Town for better prices and more interesting finds.

Get Something Tailor-Made (Because You Can)

Getting clothes made in Hoi An isn’t just a fun souvenir — it’s kind of a rite of passage. The town is famous for its tailors, and whether you want a linen suit, a silk dress, or just a pair of perfectly fitted trousers, someone here can whip it up in a day or two.

I had a couple of pieces made on my second visit, and was genuinely impressed — quick fittings, decent prices, and way better quality than I expected. The whole process feels surprisingly personal, and most places will store your measurements in case you want to order more later (dangerous, I know).

🟡 Tip: Bring photos or inspiration for what you want. There are hundreds of tailors in Hoi An, so do a little research before you commit — or ask your hotel for a solid recommendation.

How to Get to Hoi An

Hoi An doesn’t have its own airport or train station, but getting there is still easy. You’ll most likely arrive via Da Nang, which is about 45 minutes away by car.

I flew into Da Nang both times and arranged a transfer through my hotel — super straightforward. You can also grab a taxi, book a private driver, or hop on a shuttle. If you’re coming by train or bus from elsewhere in Vietnam, Da Nang is your stop.

🟡 Tip: If you’re flying into Da Nang, sit on the left side of the plane for the best coastal views. Trust me — the approach is stunning on a clear day.

Is Hoi An walkable?

Yes — and wonderfully so. The Old Town is pedestrian-only in the evenings, and you can walk everywhere easily. Just be prepared to dodge a few bicycles and selfie sticks along the way.

Can you swim at the beaches in Hoi An?

You can — and should! An Bang Beach is the most popular spot for a swim, with plenty of loungers and cafés. The water’s warm most of the year, and it’s perfect for a sunset dip.

Is Hoi An worth visiting?

100% yes. It’s one of those places that lives up to the hype — beautiful, laid-back, and packed with character. I’ve been twice, and I’d happily go again.

Hoi An is one of those places that quietly steals your heart. It’s not just the lanterns or the tailor shops or the food (though all three help!) — it’s the slower pace, the friendly faces, and the way the town seems to glow, day and night. I’ve been twice, and I’d go again in a heartbeat. If you’re heading to Vietnam, make time for Hoi An — and don’t be surprised if you start planning your return before you’ve even left.