14 Things To Do When Travelling to Hoi An, Vietnam

Introduction to Hoi An – A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Why Hoi An is a Top Travel Destination in Vietnam

Hoi An stands out as Vietnam's most atmospheric destination, earning its UNESCO World Heritage status in 1999. This ancient trading port captivates visitors with its blend of wooden Chinese shophouses, colorful French colonial buildings, ornate temples, and an iconic Japanese Bridge, all packed into a highly walkable town center.

Overview of Hoi An’s Rich History and Cultural Charm

Dating back to the 15th century, Hoi An served as a major Southeast Asian trading port, creating a unique fusion of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and European influences. Today, the town preserves its historic architecture remarkably well, with its famous yellow-walled buildings, lantern-lit streets, and traditional crafts like silk making and tailoring still thriving.

1. Explore the Ancient Town of Hoi An

Strolling Through Historic Streets and Iconic Landmarks

The Ancient Town is best explored by foot, particularly along Tran Phu and Nguyen Thai Hoc streets. The town's signature yellow-painted buildings and lantern-strewn walkways create perfect photo opportunities. A single ticket (150,000 VND) grants access to five historic sites of your choice and remains valid for the duration of your stay.

Must-See Architecture and Heritage Sites

Key landmarks to visit include:

• Japanese Covered Bridge (Cau Pagoda) - the town's most famous 16th-century symbol
• Tan Ky Ancient House - a pristinely preserved 200-year-old merchant's home
• Phuc Kien Assembly Hall - a stunning Chinese temple with ornate dragon statues
• Museum of Folk Culture - housed in a traditional wooden house
• Quan Cong Temple - dedicated to a Chinese general, known for its detailed architecture

2. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge

The History Behind Hoi An’s Famous Bridge

Built in the late 1500s by the Japanese community, this covered bridge connected the Japanese and Chinese quarters. The bridge's unique design includes a small temple, sculptures of dogs and monkeys (representing the years of its construction), and architectural elements from both Japanese and Vietnamese styles. Originally built to combat evil spirits, it remains the only known covered bridge with a Buddhist temple attached to its side.

Photo Tips for Capturing the Bridge’s Unique Design

Best photography opportunities:

• Early morning (5:30-7:00 AM) for minimal crowds and soft lighting
• Evening (around 6:00 PM) when lanterns illuminate the bridge
• View from Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street for the classic frontal shot
• Bridge reflections in water during calm weather
• North side view for capturing traditional boats passing underneath

Entry is included in the Ancient Town ticket, though you can admire it from outside without a ticket.

3. Admire the Lanterns at Night

Best Times and Spots to See Lantern Displays

Prime viewing locations and times:

• Bach Dang Street along the Thu Bon River (6:00-9:30 PM)
• Nguyen Hoang Night Market for dense lantern corridors
• An Hoi Bridge for panoramic views of illuminated boats
• Tran Phu Street for traditional hanging lanterns
• Japanese Covered Bridge area for classic photo opportunities

Best time to visit: 6:00-8:30 PM when shops are still open and lanterns are fully lit.

Lantern Festival Dates and What to Expect

The Lantern Festival occurs every full moon (the 14th day of the lunar month). 2024 highlights:

• Festival peaks from 6:00-10:00 PM
• All electric lights are turned off
• Hundreds of floating lanterns on Thu Bon River
• Traditional games and performances
• Local vendors selling lanterns (40,000-150,000 VND)
• Boat rides available (100,000 VND per person)

Tip: Book accommodation in advance during full moon festivals as the town gets extremely busy.

4. Take a Boat Ride on the Thu Bon River

Scenic Sunset Cruises for a Unique View of Hoi An

Best cruise experiences:

• Sunset timing: 4:30-6:30 PM for optimal lighting
• Views of traditional fishing methods
• Photo opportunities of riverbank life
• Ancient Town skyline from a water perspective
• Local fishing villages and water coconut palm forests
• Optional stops at pottery villages

How to Arrange a Memorable River Tour

Booking options and tips:

• Boat station near An Hoi Bridge (main departure point)
• Small wooden boats (30-45 minutes): 120,000-150,000 VND
• Sunset tours (2 hours): 200,000-300,000 VND per person
• Private tours available: 400,000-600,000 VND
• Book through the hotel or directly at the riverside
• Negotiate the price before boarding
• Morning tours (7:00-9:00 AM) less crowded

Tip: Combine with a Cua Dai fishing village visit for an authentic local experience.

5. Visit Hoi An’s Traditional Markets

Exploring Hoi An Market and Night Market

Central Market (Cho Hoi An):
Operating 6:00 AM-5:00 PM on Tran Quy Cap Street, this bustling market offers fresh local produce, spices, and authentic Vietnamese breakfast. The best experience is early morning between 7:00-9:00 AM when locals shop for their daily needs.

Night Market:
Located on Nguyen Hoang Street (5:00 PM-11:00 PM), this tourist-friendly market features street food stalls, handicrafts, and souvenir shops. While more touristy than the Central Market, it offers a lively atmosphere with better prices for traditional crafts.

Shopping Tips for Souvenirs and Local Products

Best local purchases:
Traditional silk lanterns, Vietnamese coffee beans, local spices, handmade soaps, and tea are popular choices ranging from 40,000 to 300,000 VND depending on the item.

Smart shopping tips:
Start bargaining at 70% of the asking price, compare prices between vendors, and carry small bills. Visit the morning market for authentic local items and the night market for better-priced souvenirs.

6. Join a Vietnamese Cooking Class

Learn to Prepare Authentic Vietnamese Dishes

Most classes include A morning market visit to select fresh ingredients, hands-on cooking of 4-5 dishes, a recipe booklet to take home, and English-speaking instructors. Popular dishes taught include pho, banh xeo (crispy pancakes), spring rolls, and cao lau (Hoi An's signature noodle dish).

Top Cooking Classes in Hoi An

• Tra Que Cooking School offers an intimate experience in a charming herb village setting. For around $35-45, you'll cook in small groups while surrounded by organic gardens. It feels more like cooking with friends than a formal class.
• Red Bridge is a local favorite, set in a stunning riverside location. Their $55-65 full-day experience includes a peaceful boat ride and cooking in a professional kitchen that'll make you feel like a chef.
• Green Bamboo keeps things cozy with just 6-8 people, perfect if you want lots of hands-on attention. At $45-55, it's a sweet spot between value and personal attention.

Quick tip: Book a couple of days ahead, especially in peak season. Most hotels or tour packages can help arrange your class, usually with free pickup – just ask!

7. Visit the Ancient Houses and Assembly Halls

Discovering Hoi An’s Unique Chinese-Vietnamese Heritage

Stepping into Hoi An's ancient houses feels like traveling back in time to when Chinese merchants made this port town their home. These buildings beautifully blend Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architectural styles, with many still inhabited by descendants of the original families who share fascinating stories passed down through generations.

Highlights: Tan Ky House, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, and More

• Tan Ky House (101 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street)
  A remarkably preserved 18th-century merchant's home showcasing intricate mother-of-pearl inlays and original furniture. The guide here often points out fascinating details like flood markers and unique Japanese crab shell ceiling designs.
• Phuc Kien Assembly Hall (46 Tran Phu Street)
  Built-in 1690, this stunning temple honors Thien Hau, the goddess of the sea. Look for the amazing ceramic murals and giant incense coils hanging from the ceiling. The peaceful courtyard is particularly beautiful in the morning light.

Tip: Both sites are included in the Old Town ticket (120,000 VND for entrance to five attractions). Visit early morning (8:00-10:00 AM) when the light is perfect for photos and before the midday heat sets in.

8. Cycle Through Hoi An’s Countryside

Self-Guided and Guided Bike Tours

Most hotels and guesthouses offer bike rentals for about 30,000-40,000 VND per day. The roads are relatively flat, making it perfect for casual cyclists. If you're going solo, download an offline map - the countryside paths can be tricky to navigate.

For guided tours (around $25-35), local companies like Grasshopper Adventures and Heaven & Earth Bicycle Tours offer half-day trips with knowledgeable guides who share local insights you might miss on your own.

Exploring Rice Paddies, Villages, and Local Farms

The best cycling route takes you through:

• Tra Que Herb Village, where farmers still use traditional methods
• Kim Bong carpentry village on Cam Kim Island
• Local fishing communities along the Thu Bon River
• Endless green rice fields (most photogenic early morning or late afternoon)

Insider tip: Plan your ride for early morning (around 7:00-10:00 AM) to avoid the heat. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. The route to Cam Kim Island includes a new bridge, making it much easier than the old ferry crossing.

9. Spend a Day at An Bang Beach

Beach Activities and Relaxation Spots

Located 4km from the Ancient Town, An Bang offers a more laid-back alternative to Cua Dai Beach. The best stretch runs from Soul Kitchen to Villefranche Annam, with clean sand and gentle waves perfect for swimming.

Beach chair rental: 50,000 VND per day (free if you order food/drinks from beachfront restaurants)
Best times:

• Swimming: 6:00-10:00 AM or 3:00-6:00 PM
• Sunbathing: umbrella coverage available all-day
• Sunset views: spectacular from 5:00-6:30 PM

Where to Eat and What to Do Near An Bang Beach

Popular spots:

• Soul Kitchen: Mediterranean-Vietnamese fusion, great sunset views
• La Plage: French cuisine with beachfront seating
• Salt Pub: Western comfort food and cold drinks
• Shore Club: Modern Vietnamese and seafood
• Luna d'Autunno: Italian dishes with beach views

Activities:

• Surfing lessons (beginner-friendly waves)
• Stand-up paddleboarding
• Beach yoga (morning classes at several locations)
• Massage services right on the beach

Getting there: 10-15 minutes by taxi (around 80,000 VND) or 20-25 minutes by bicycle from Ancient Town.

10. Try Hoi An’s Famous Street Food

Must-Try Dishes: Cao Lau, Banh Mi, and White Rose Dumplings

• Cao Lau - Hoi An's iconic noodle dish with pork and local greens, found at Thanh Cao Lau (26 Thai Phien Street). Authentic versions use water from the ancient Ba Le well.
• Banh Mi Phuong (2B Phan Chau Trinh) - Anthony Bourdain's favorite, known for crusty baguettes filled with a perfect mix of meats and fresh herbs.
• White Rose Dumplings (Banh Bao Banh Vac) - handmade shrimp dumplings, best at the original White Rose Restaurant (533 Hai Ba Trung).

Where to Find the Best Street Food Stalls

• Morning Glory Street Food Tour Cooking School (106 Nguyen Thai Hoc) - great for com ga (chicken rice)
• Central Market food court - try mi Quang (turmeric noodles) and fresh spring rolls
• Around Tran Phu Street after 4 PM - street vendors serve authentic local snacks
• Price range: 20,000-50,000 VND per dish

Tip: Look for busy stalls with plenty of local customers, especially early morning or dinner time.

11. Experience Hoi An’s Tailoring Services

Getting Custom-Made Clothes in Hoi An

Hoi An's tailoring tradition dates back to its trading port days, with over 400 tailoring shops now operating in the town. Most tailors can create anything from suits and dresses to shoes and bags within 24-48 hours. Bringing reference photos helps communicate your desired style, and quality fabrics range from everyday cotton to premium silk and wool. Expect at least 2-3 fittings for the best results, so plan to stay in town for a minimum of 3 days if you want custom clothing.

Tips for Choosing a Reputable Tailor

Established shops like Yaly Couture (47 Nguyen Thai Hoc), A Dong Silk (40 Le Loi), and Bebe Tailor (95 Phan Chau Trinh) maintain consistent quality and service standards. These shops offer a wide fabric selection and experienced staff who can guide you through the process. Mid-range pieces like dresses start around $40-50, while suits range from $100-200 depending on fabric quality. Reading recent reviews, asking your hotel for recommendations, and checking the shop's fitting process can help ensure a satisfactory experience. Price ranges:

• Dresses: $40-100
• Suits: $100-300
• Shirts: $20-50
• Coats: $60-150

12. Discover Cam Thanh Coconut Village

Take a Basket Boat Ride through the Coconut Forest

Located 5km from Hoi An's center, Cam Thanh's water coconut palm forest offers a glimpse into Vietnam's coastal ecosystem. Local guides navigate traditional round bamboo basket boats (thung chai) through narrow waterways beneath a canopy of coconut palms. The journey takes about 45 minutes to an hour, with opportunities to learn basketboat handling techniques and witness the daily activities of local fishermen.

Learn About Traditional Fishing and Local Life

The village provides insights into traditional Vietnamese coastal living, where fishing techniques have remained largely unchanged for generations. Local families demonstrate net casting, crab catching, and the art of steering basket boats. Guides share stories about how the dense coconut forest served as a shelter during wartime and continues to protect the coastline from storms.

Tour options:

• Morning tours (8:00-11:00 AM): best for photography and cooler temperatures
• Combined tours with cooking classes available
• Group tours: 250,000-300,000 VND per person
• Private tours: 400,000-500,000 VND
• Most tours include hotel pickup and drop-off

Best booked through your accommodation or reputable tour operators in town, with booking recommended during peak season.

13. Visit the Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum

Exploring the Ethnic Heritage of Vietnam

Located at 26 Phan Boi Chau Street, this free museum houses French photographer Réhahn's extensive documentation of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. The collection features over 100 photographs and 62 traditional costumes, each telling unique stories of Vietnam's diverse cultural heritage. The museum spans 500 square meters across several restored ancient houses, creating an intimate space where traditional artifacts and contemporary photography merge.

Why Precious Heritage is a Must-Visit for Culture Enthusiasts

The museum presents a rare glimpse into Vietnam's lesser-known ethnic communities through compelling portraits and detailed historical documentation. Each exhibition room focuses on different regions and ethnic groups, with informative descriptions in both English and Vietnamese. The curator's decade-long journey across Vietnam adds depth to the collection, with personal stories behind each photograph and artifact.

Practical information:

• Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM daily
• Free admission
• Guided tours available upon request
• Gallery shop sells photography books and prints
• Best visited in morning hours for optimal lighting
• Average visit duration: 1-2 hours

The museum's central location makes it easily combinable with other Ancient Town attractions, and the staff's knowledge adds valuable context to the exhibits.

14. Take a Day Trip to My Son Sanctuary

Exploring the Ancient Cham Ruins Near Hoi An

My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site 40km from Hoi An, showcases the remarkable architecture of the Champa civilization from the 4th to 13th centuries. The site contains over 70 temples built using a unique construction technique that didn't use mortar. The ruins are nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains, creating a mystical atmosphere enhanced by the early morning mist.

History and Photography Tips for Visiting My Son

The complex served as a spiritual center for the Champa kingdom, with temples dedicated to Hindu deities, particularly Shiva. Despite damage during the American War, the remaining structures provide valuable insights into Cham architecture and religious practices. Some photography tips when visiting My Son:

• Early morning light creates dramatic shadows
• Temple B1 offers the most photogenic viewpoint
• Long shots from the Group B entrance capture the mountain backdrop
• Bring wide-angle lens for temple interiors
• Consider a tripod for low-light morning shots

Practical Tips for Visiting Hoi An

Best Times of Year to Visit Hoi An

• Peak season (February-April):
  Ideal weather with moderate temperatures and low rainfall. Expect clear skies, temperatures around 24-28°C, and comfortable humidity levels. Perfect for photography and outdoor activities.
• Shoulder season (May-July):
  Hot and dry, with temperatures reaching 35-38°C. Morning activities recommended. Lower tourist numbers mean better hotel rates and less crowded attractions.
• Rainy season (October-January):
  Brief but heavy afternoon showers. Possible flooding in October-November. Lower prices and fewer tourists, but some boat tours may be canceled. The ancient town is particularly atmospheric after rain.

Getting Around Hoi An – Transportation Options

• Walking remains the best way to explore the Ancient Town, with most attractions within a comfortable 15-20 minute stroll of each other. The pedestrian-only zones make evening walks particularly enjoyable.
• Bicycles rent for 30,000-40,000 VND per day from most hotels, offering an ideal way to explore both the town and the countryside. The flat terrain makes cycling accessible for all fitness levels.
• For longer distances, both traditional taxis (Mai Linh or Faifoo) and Grab services provide reliable transportation. Expect to pay around 80,000-100,000 VND from Ancient Town to An Bang Beach, or 350,000-400,000 VND for airport transfers.

Conclusion

Why Hoi An is a Must-Visit Destination in Vietnam

Hoi An captivates visitors with its golden-hued ancient streets, vibrant food scene, and living traditions. This UNESCO site offers authentic experiences from traditional cooking classes to cycling through the timeless countryside. Whether you're watching the sunrise over the Thu Bon River or bargaining in centuries-old markets, each moment here reveals another fascinating layer of Vietnam's heritage.

Making the Most of Your Hoi An Experience

The magic of Hoi An lies in its gentle pace and rich experiences. For the perfect Vietnamese journey that includes this enchanting town and beyond, Threeland Travel can craft your ideal itinerary. Let us help you discover authentic Vietnam, from Hoi An's lantern-lit streets to the country's other hidden gems.

Ready to start your Vietnam adventure? Contact us to transform your travel dreams into reality!