Not only famous for its ancient charm, Hoi An also offers countless exciting experiences. If you’re wondering about the top things to do in Hoi An, this article from Hoi An Royal Beachfront Villas will serve as the perfect guide—featuring the most captivating activities, from exploring the old town and enjoying local cuisine to discovering stunning natural attractions—helping you make the most of your trip in a memorable and fulfilling way.
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ToggleStrolling Around Hoi An Ancient Town
Starting your journey in Hoi An, it would be a miss to skip walking through the peaceful ancient town, which fully preserves its nostalgic charm and serene atmosphere. Recommended experiences include:
- Visiting the Japanese Bridge (Chua Cau): The symbol of Hoi An, where you can stop to take photos and listen to stories about its history and cultural meaning.
- Exploring Cantonese and Fujian Assembly Halls: Admire the intricate architecture, ancient statues, paintings, and discover a deeply spiritual Eastern space.
- Touring Old Houses like Tan Ky and Phung Hung: Step into the past, learn about merchant families’ lifestyles, and see ancient objects that remain intact through time.
- Walking along the Hoai River: Relax in the peaceful scenery and watch the sunset sparkling on the water. At night, you can float lanterns on the river to make wishes.
- Taking photos with Hoi An lanterns: Capture sparkling moments under bright lantern lights in charming alleyways and vintage cafes—every corner is full of poetic beauty.

Trying Your Hand at Making Handmade Lanterns
Making handmade lanterns is one of the top things to do in Hoi An, offering a blend of creativity, culture, and personal expression. This experience allows you to create a unique lantern while learning about the town’s long-standing traditional craft, bringing Hoi An’s rich craft culture to life.
The process begins by building the lantern frame using bamboo. Guided by local artisans, you’ll learn to bend and tie the bamboo securely and symmetrically.
Next, you choose your favorite silk fabric, cut it to size, and wrap the frame—this step reflects your creativity in color and material selection.
Then, you will learn the technique of attaching fabric to the frame, ensuring the fabric is smooth and wrinkle-free, making the lamp more delicate and harmonious.
During decoration, you can add traditional patterns like flowers, birds, and leaves, or even brush calligraphy to make your lantern meaningful and lively.
Finally, the lantern is fitted with a light or candle, ready to be taken home as a memorable souvenir from Hoi An.

Visiting Hoi An Night Market
At night, Hoi An Night Market glows with the vibrant colors of lanterns, becoming a must-visit destination filled with exciting experiences. Some activities you can enjoy include:
- Wander through the craft stalls, admire and choose unique products such as lanterns, embroidered paintings, pottery, and wickerwork.
- Enjoy the distinctive street food, tasting delicious dishes like Banh Mi Hoi An, Cao Lau, Banh Dap, Che Bap, sugar cane juice, and mango shake.
- Shop for souvenirs, selecting small and cute gifts like keychains, mini lanterns, and embroidered paintings to take home as mementos.
- Stop and enjoy traditional musical instrument performances and folk songs in the lively yet distinctly Hoi An atmosphere.
- And of course, don’t forget to take photos at the night market, where the colorful lantern lights create the perfect backdrop for vibrant photos.

Enjoying Hoi An’s Local Specialties
Your trip to Hoi An will be more fulfilling when you explore its food paradise, which features traditional, flavorful dishes of Central Vietnam.
Must-try dishes include:
- Mi Quang: A flavorful bowl of noodles paired with sweet and aromatic broth, topped with chicken or fresh shrimp, and served with crisp, fresh herbs.
- Cao lau: A signature noodle dish featuring chewy yellow noodles, tender char siu pork, fresh herbs, and a special savory broth.
- Hoi An Baguette: A crispy baguette generously filled with pate, cold cuts, fragrant herbs, and a delicious secret sauce.
- Rice paper rolls with grilled pork: Soft rice sheets rolled with fragrant grilled pork and fresh herbs, served with rich sweet and sour fish sauce.
- Finally, cool down with corn sweet soup or sugarcane juice, refreshing and rustic drinks that help beat the Central Vietnam heat.

Cycling Through the Countryside
One of the most enjoyable experiences in Hoi An is cycling through the peaceful rural areas surrounding the ancient town. You’ll have the chance to ride past lush green rice fields, stop to take photos, and witness everyday life—from farmers harvesting rice to children innocently flying kites in the fields.
Continuing your journey, you can visit the famous Tra Que vegetable village. Here, you’ll explore refreshing green vegetable gardens, learn about traditional farming techniques, and even harvest fresh herbs yourself.
The trip also takes you to traditional craft villages like Thanh Ha pottery village and Kim Bong carpentry village, where you can watch skilled artisans diligently crafting intricate handmade products, preserving the cultural beauty of traditional village life.
After the ride, rest by the riverside, breathe in the fresh air, enjoy the tranquil scenery, and release paper boats or lanterns carrying wishes of peace and happiness.
Don’t forget to taste some simple yet flavorful local treats like cool sugarcane juice, crispy baguettes, or fresh fruits from roadside stalls. These are the idyllic but unforgettable moments when discovering Hoi An in the most peaceful and authentic way.

Relaxing at An Bang Beach
An Bang Beach is an ideal stop to unwind after days of exploring Hoi An. It features clear blue waters and long stretches of smooth white sand, offering a poetic setting for travelers to enjoy peaceful moments.
You can swim freely, soak in the cool water, or simply lounge on a beach chair under the coconut trees, reading a book or listening to music in a calm and relaxing atmosphere.
Those who enjoy activities can join fun beach games like volleyball, kite flying, or kayaking along the coast.
And don’t forget to enjoy fresh seafood at beachfront eateries, where you can savor delicious dishes while gazing out at the vast ocean—an amazing blend of cuisine and nature.
In the evening, take a stroll along the white sand and watch the fiery red sunset reflect on the sea—a romantic experience to remember.

Visiting Lo Gach Cu Farm
A nostalgic and unique destination on the outskirts of Hoi An is Lo Gach Cu Farm—a place that preserves traditional values in a cinematic setting. Here, you will:
- See the ancient brick kilns and learn about the once-common brick-firing process in Central Vietnam.
- Take vintage-style photos beside moss-covered red brick walls—perfect backdrops for “vintage” photography.
- Interact with locals and listen to stories passed down through generations about the brick-making trade.
- Try hands-on activities like shaping bricks manually or stacking bricks under guidance—a fun way to connect with village craft culture.

Taking a Boat Ride on the Thu Bon River
A must-do in Hoi An is a boat ride on the Thu Bon River—a gentle yet poetic journey through some of Central Vietnam’s most picturesque scenes.
- The trip begins from Bach Dang Wharf or other small docks within the old town, where you can observe riverside life unfold slowly—from fishermen casting nets to moss-covered tiled roofs along the water.
- As the sun sets, the golden glow over the river creates a magical moment you’ll want to remember forever.
- The journey ends as the boat returns you to the old town. From the water, you can admire the Cua Dai Bridge and historic rooftops bathed in warm yellow lights—a perfect conclusion to a relaxing Hoi An experience.

Visiting Traditional Craft Villages
To deeply feel the cultural richness of Hoi An, don’t miss the journey to explore its long-standing traditional craft villages. Each village tells a vivid story of skilled hands and the creative spirit of the Quang people.
- Kim Bong carpentry village: Renowned for its woodworking tradition, this village offers a fascinating look as artisans meticulously carve fine details into wood—from everyday items to artistic sculptures, showcasing rare precision and delicate.
- Thanh Ha pottery village: A peaceful village by the Thu Bon River, where you can observe the entire process of creating pottery—from shaping the clay to firing it in traditional brick kilns. You can even try making a small ceramic piece yourself as a memorable keepsake.
- Tra Que vegetable village: Away from the bustling town, Tra Que welcomes you with lush green gardens and the fragrance of native herbs. You’ll experience organic farming using old methods and enjoy fresh dishes made from the garden’s produce.
Moreover, your journey becomes even more engaging when you participate in traditional crafts. Creating unique handmade souvenirs or selecting exquisite artisan products to take home adds deeper meaning and completeness to your trip.

Same-Day Tailoring Service
Hoi An is famous for its express tailoring service, allowing you to own a custom-made outfit in just one day. The tailoring process is fast and professional:
- Choose fabric and design at reputable tailor shops.
- Get personalized consultation, measurements, and on-site fittings with easy adjustments.
- Watch your outfit being tailored within the day, with the option to request fine details.
- Receive the finished product the same day—for personal use or as a thoughtful gift.
Recommended tailors: Yaly, Bebe Tailor.

Basket Boat Ride in Bay Mau Coconut Forest
One of Central Vietnam’s iconic experiences not to be missed in Hoi An is exploring the Bay Mau water coconut forest by basket boat. This activity reflects the cultural identity of local fishermen.
Sitting in a round basket boat steered by locals, you’ll drift through lush green coconut groves, enjoying a pure and peaceful natural environment. The chirping of birds and the soft sound of water beneath the trees form a gentle symphony that melts away stress.
The trip becomes even more exciting as you witness skilled boat performances, including boat dancing and crab fishing by local fishermen.
Don’t forget to capture memorable moments amidst this wild nature. A photo of you in a basket boat or among the coconut trees will be a beautiful souvenir of your Hoi An journey.
This activity often includes a local guide who helps you understand the history of the Bay Mau forest and the humble, peaceful life of the locals.

Day Trips from Hoi An
If you’re looking to extend your trip, Hoi An is the perfect starting point for several exciting day tours:
- My Son Sanctuary:
- Located about an hour move from Hoi An, My Son Sanctuary is a complex of ancient Champa temples recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site.
- Here, you can explore unique brick architecture built with mysterious construction techniques and admire intricate bas-reliefs depicting the spiritual life and mythology of the once-mighty Champa Kingdom.

- Da Nang City:
- A day trip to Da Nang offers many exciting options. You can enjoy the cool mountain air at Ba Na Hills, admire the iconic Golden Bridge, visit the unique Dragon Bridge, or relax in the clear waters of My Khe Beach. You’ll immerse yourself in the lively yet poetic vibe of this charming coastal city.
- Cu Lao Cham:
- For sea lovers seeking relaxation in untouched nature, spend a day discovering Cu Lao Cham—a beautiful island in a designated world biosphere reserve.
- Here, you can go snorkeling, fishing, swimming, explore island fishing villages, learn about marine ecosystems, and experience the peaceful life of local fishermen.
Helpful Tips for Visiting Hoi An
To make your Hoi An journey complete, keep in mind these useful tips:
- Best time to visit: Travel between February and April for dry, pleasant weather with mild sunshine—ideal for outdoor activities.
- Clothing and footwear: Bring soft, comfortable shoes for easy walking and to avoid sore feet after exploring the old town and craft villages.
- Photography gear: Hoi An is an Instagrammable paradise full of poetic corners. Prepare a camera or keep your phone fully charged so you don’t miss any beautiful moments.
- Accommodation: Hoi An offers various stays—from luxury hotels to nature-inspired homestays. Look into the best place to stay in Hoi An based on your preferences and budget to make the most of your experience.
- Cuisine: Dishes like cao lau, mi Quang, or banh mi Phuong are must-tries. To experience the full culinary scene, check out the list of can’t-miss eateries to do in Hoi An for a complete food journey.
Hoi An is an appealing destination offering a wide range of experiences—from heritage and culture to exciting outdoor activities. We hope this list of top things to do in Hoi An suggested by Hoi An Royal Beachfront Villas helps you plan a memorable and fulfilling trip.