The Best Things to Do in Hoi An, Vietnam

This blog post is all about things to do in Hoi An, Vietnam.

Travelling from South to North Vietnam was an adventure of a lifetime. What an amazing country!

From the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the serene landscapes of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam had so much to offer.

Now, let me tell you—while the night buses weren’t exactly fun (seriously, prepare for some bumpy rides and questionable stops), it was so worth it.

One place I completely fell in love with along the way was Hoi An. There’s a reason why it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site.

This blog post is all about the best things to do in Hoi An, Vietnam.

Don’t Miss Hoi An During Your Trip to Vietnam

This city is just beyond picturesque. It’s so adorable.

I could have spent hours wandering around its lantern-lit streets, peeking into little shops, and just soaking up the charm of it all.

It felt like stepping into a storybook, with every corner offering something so beautiful to discover.

If you’re planning your own trip to Hoi An, let me play the role of your friendly tour guide and share my list of the top 13 things to do in Hoi An, Vietnam.

These are the experiences that made me fall head over heels for Hoi An. And so I know you’ll love them too!

The Best Things to Do in Hoi An, Vietnam

Below are my top 13 things to do in Hoi An that I’d highly recommend you add to your list when visiting this incredible city!

1. Wander Through the Ancient Town

If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll know my favourite thing to do in any new city is to grab a coffee and wander. There’s something so special about soaking in the atmosphere, stumbling across hidden gems, and getting delightfully lost.

Hoi An’s Ancient Town might just be my all-time favourite place for this. Just wandering is one of the best things to do in Hoi An.

Walking through the Ancient Town feels like stepping into a postcard. The golden-hued buildings with their weathered shutters, vibrant lanterns swaying overhead, and the charming mix of Chinese, Japanese, and French architecture create a magical vibe.

Every street is an invitation to explore, with quirky shops, cozy cafes, and picturesque corners waiting to be discovered.

Morning strolls are peaceful, offering a chance to soak up the serenity before the town buzzes with life. In the evening, the atmosphere transforms as lanterns light up the streets, casting a warm glow that’s nothing short of enchanting. I spent hours wandering with no real plan, and it was honestly the best thing I did in Hoi An.

If you do one thing in Hoi An, make it this. Immerse yourself in the charm of its Ancient Town, and let its magic work on you.

2. Marvel at the Japanese Covered Bridge

The Japanese Covered Bridge, or Chùa Cầu, is easily one of Hoi An’s most iconic landmarks.

Built in the 18th century by the Japanese community, it’s more than just a bridge, it’s a historical treasure and even houses a small temple inside.

The intricate carvings and unique design make it a must-see, and it’s a symbol of the city’s multicultural history.

It’s supposed to be amazing, but unfortunately, when I visited, it was undergoing renovations. You could only peek at parts of it through the scaffolding, which was a bit disappointing. But honestly, it’s over 400 years old, so I can’t blame them for giving it some much-needed TLC.

Hopefully, it’ll be fully restored and ready for visitors when you arrive, as it’s meant to be stunning when you can see it in its entirety.

On the bright side, it gives me an excuse to return to Vietnam. Like I really needed one!

Make sure to check if it’s open before you go, but even just walking near it and learning about its history is worth it.

3. Join a Vietnamese Cooking Class

Cooking classes are such a brilliant way to dive into the local culture, and while I didn’t get the chance to do one in Hoi An (thanks to a packed schedule), it’s something I’ll 100% prioritise if I ever go back.

I did take a class in Hanoi later in my trip, and it was such a fantastic experience. Learning how to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes, starting with a visit to the bustling local markets to pick fresh ingredients, gave me a whole new appreciation for the cuisine.

RELATED blog post to read: The Best Traditional Cooking Class in Hanoi, Vietnam

Hoi An’s food scene is next level, so the idea of learning how to make its famous dishes like cao lầu or white rose dumplings sounds amazing.

If you’ve never done a cooking class, I can’t recommend them enough! We tried a few during our travels across Southeast Asia, and they were always a highlight. They’re hands-on, fun, and give you a deeper connection to the food you’re eating.

RELATED blog post to read: Chiang Mai: Grandma’s Cooking Class is the Ultimate Thai Experience

Now, will I actually make these dishes when I’m home instead of sticking to my usual five-meal rotation? Who knows.

But the hope is definitely there! Even if it’s just once or twice, having those recipes tucked away feels like bringing a little piece of Vietnam back with you.

4. Take a Lantern Boat Ride on the Hoai River

Hoi An at night is pure magic, and the Hoai River is where that magic truly comes to life.

Taking a lantern boat ride on the river is one of the most memorable experiences you can have in the city. Imagine floating gently along the water, surrounded by the soft glow of colourful lanterns reflecting on the surface. It’s absolutely breathtaking.

Even if you don’t hop on a boat yourself (though I highly recommend it), make sure you head down to the river after sunset to soak up the atmosphere.

The entire area comes alive with a romantic, almost dreamlike vibe as lanterns illuminate the streets and locals sell floating candles to release into the water. Watching the boats glide by, lanterns glowing brightly in the night, is such a beautiful sight.

It really is a must-do activity in Hoi An, whether you’re on the water or simply enjoying the view from the riverside. Trust me, it’s one of those moments that will stick with you long after your trip.

5. Explore the Cantonese and Fujian Assembly Halls

Hoi An’s assembly halls are cultural gems.

The Cantonese Assembly Hall is known for its vibrant dragon sculptures, while the Fujian Assembly Hall impresses with its elaborate carvings and serene courtyard.

The assembly halls are such a unique part of Hoi An’s history. They were originally built by Chinese merchants, and the Fujian Assembly Hall was my favourite. Its courtyard and intricate carvings were absolutely stunning.

6. Cycle Through the Countryside

Hoi An isn’t just about its charming town, it also has some of the most peaceful countryside I’ve ever seen.

One of my favourite things to do in Hoi An was renting a bike. This was super easy and affordable (around 30,000 VND for the day), and riding through the rice paddies and vegetable gardens was so relaxing.

Areas like Cam Thanh and Tra Que Vegetable Village offer a peaceful escape from the bustling town.

7. Try a Basket Boat Ride in Cam Thanh

If you’ve spent any time scrolling on TikTok, you’ve probably seen videos of those spinning round boats in Vietnam. It’s become a bit of a viral sensation!

These are the famous basket boats, and Hoi An’s nearby Cam Thanh Coconut Village is the perfect place to try them for yourself.

This quirky and fun activity takes you through the lush coconut forests in round, woven bamboo boats guided by local experts.

They’ll show you how to paddle, share some of the area’s history, and, if you’re lucky, put on a bit of a show with their impressive spinning skills. Be prepared to laugh and maybe get a little dizzy, it’s all part of the experience!

It’s a unique way to explore the water coconut forest and a great opportunity to support local families who run these tours.

Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as a family, it’s one of those activities that’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Plus, it makes for some amazing photos and videos to share later!

8. Visit An Bang Beach

After days of sightseeing, a beach day is exactly what you might need.

An Bang Beach is about a 15-minute drive from the Ancient Town, and it’s perfect for some downtime. Think golden sands, clear waters, and little beachfront restaurants where you can grab fresh seafood.

9. Discover the My Son Sanctuary

Located about 1.5 hours from Hoi An, My Son Sanctuary is an ancient cluster of Hindu temples built by the Cham civilization and steeped in history.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is often compared to Angkor Wat on a smaller scale, making it a must-visit for history buffs.

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It’s the perfect half-day trip to dive into Vietnam’s pre-colonial history. To make the most of your visit, head there early to beat the heat and enjoy the serene atmosphere as you explore these remarkable ruins.

I’ll be honest, if you’re planning to visit Angkor Wat in Cambodia or have already been, you might want to give My Son Sanctuary a miss, unless you’re a true temple enthusiast.

Having explored Angkor Wat just a few weeks before arriving in Hoi An, I found myself feeling a bit “templed out.” But if you love diving into ancient history and architecture, it’s still worth checking out!

10. Get Tailor-Made Clothes

Hoi An is famous for its custom tailoring. So bring your Pinterest board or favourite outfit, and the city’s talented tailors will recreate it for you in no time.

Popular spots include Yaly Couture and BeBe Tailor, but smaller shops can also deliver excellent results.

This was one of my favourite things to do in Hoi An and I just wish I had more room in my backpack to make even more clothes!

Top tip: Allow for at least 2–3 days to finalize your pieces, including fittings.

11. Dive into Hoi An’s Food Scene

Hoi An’s food scene is nothing short of legendary. Eating your way around is also one of the best things to do in Hoi An to learn more about its culture.

So don’t miss these great places:

Banh Mi Phuong: Anthony Bourdain dubbed it the best banh mi in Vietnam.
Madam Khanh: Known as the Banh Mi Queen, locals swear by this spot.
Le Hoi Banh Mi Chay: Amazing vegan Banh Mi! Might have been my favourite of all three banh mi spots.
Cao Lau: This noodle dish is unique to Hoi An, featuring a medley of pork, local greens, and also crispy rice paper.
White Rose Dumplings: These delicate shrimp or pork dumplings are best enjoyed at the White Rose Restaurant.

12. Attend the ‘Memories of Hoi An’ Show

So if you want a cultural evening, this show is perfect. It’s like a theatrical journey through Hoi An’s history, with stunning visuals and also traditional music.

I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it completely blew me away.

13. Try Lantern-Making or Other Cultural Workshops

Get hands-on with Hoi An’s traditions by joining a lantern-making workshop. You’ll leave with a one-of-a-kind souvenir and also a deeper appreciation for this iconic craft.

Some other options include pottery and silk weaving classes.

The Best Things to Do in Hoi An

Hoi An is a city that charms everyone who visits.

From its magical Ancient Town to the tranquil countryside and also delicious food. There’s no shortage of things to do in Hoi An.

Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or someone just looking for a relaxing escape, Hoi An has something special for you.

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This blog post is all about the best things to do in Hoi An, Vietnam.

Don’t Miss Hoi An During Your Trip to Vietnam