Few destinations in Southeast Asia possess the timeless beauty and irresistible charm of Hoi An. Located on Vietnam’s central coast, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has become one of the country's most beloved travel destinations thanks to its remarkably preserved architecture, colorful lantern-lit streets, rich cultural heritage, stunning beaches, and extraordinary cuisine.
For centuries, Hoi An served as an important international trading port where Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and European merchants exchanged goods and ideas. Today, visitors can still feel this fascinating blend of cultures while wandering through the ancient streets, exploring centuries-old temples, tasting local specialties, and discovering traditional crafts that have been passed down through generations.
Whether you are visiting Vietnam for the first time or returning to discover more of its treasures, this guide to the top 20 best things to do in Hoi An will help you experience the very best that this enchanting town has to offer.
1. Stroll through the Ancient Town
Without question, the most iconic experience in Hoi An is simply wandering through its beautiful Ancient Town.
Unlike many modern cities, Hoi An has preserved much of its original character. The old quarter remains largely free of heavy traffic, allowing visitors to leisurely explore its narrow streets lined with mustard-yellow buildings, traditional wooden houses, colorful lanterns, and charming cafés.
As you stroll through the town, you will discover historic merchant houses, traditional Chinese assembly halls, ancient temples, art galleries, tailor shops, riverside restaurants, hidden courtyards.
The atmosphere changes throughout the day.
Early morning offers peaceful streets and beautiful light for photography. During the afternoon, the town becomes lively with visitors exploring its cultural attractions. In the evening, thousands of lanterns illuminate the streets, creating one of the most magical scenes in Vietnam.
Walking without a fixed itinerary is often the best way to appreciate the true beauty of Hoi An.
2. Visit ancient houses, temples and pagodas
One of the most rewarding cultural experiences in Hoi An is visiting its remarkable collection of historic buildings.
Many of these structures date back more than 200 years and provide valuable insight into the lives of wealthy merchants who once controlled trade throughout the region.
Tan Ky ancient house
Built over two centuries ago, Tan Ky house is one of the finest examples of traditional merchant architecture in Hoi An.
The house combines Vietnamese architecture, Chinese decorative elements, Japanese structural influences.
Visitors can admire intricately carved wooden beams, antique furniture, and historical artifacts preserved by the same family for generations.
Phung Hung house
Another beautifully preserved residence, Phung Hung house reflects the prosperity of Hoi An during its golden age as a trading port.
The architecture demonstrates how local builders adapted to seasonal flooding while maintaining elegance and functionality.
Chinese Assembly Halls
The Fujian, Cantonese, Hainanese, and Chaozhou Assembly Halls showcase the strong influence of Chinese communities that settled in Hoi An centuries ago.
These magnificent buildings feature ornate gates, elaborate carvings, incense-filled courtyards, beautiful temples.
Traditional pagodas
Several peaceful pagodas throughout Hoi An offer visitors opportunities to learn about Vietnamese Buddhism while enjoying serene surroundings.
Together, these historic sites reveal the multicultural heritage that makes Hoi An unique.
3. Discover Hoi An at night
If Hoi An is beautiful during the day, it becomes truly magical after sunset.
As darkness falls, thousands of colorful lanterns begin to glow throughout the Ancient Town, transforming the entire city into a dreamlike setting.
Many visitors consider nighttime the most memorable part of their stay.
Popular evening activities include walking along the Thu Bon river, exploring the night market, watching street performances, enjoying rooftop bars, sampling local street food, taking photographs of illuminated lanterns.
The combination of soft lighting, traditional architecture, and riverside scenery creates a romantic atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Vietnam.
The monthly Lantern Festival
If your visit coincides with the Lantern Festival, you are in for an unforgettable experience.
On this special evening, electric lights are turned off in parts of the Ancient Town, leaving only traditional lanterns to illuminate the streets.
The result is breathtaking.
4. Take a lantern boat ride on the Thu Bon river
A lantern boat ride is one of the most iconic experiences in Hoi An.
As you glide along the calm waters of the Thu Bon river, hundreds of lanterns reflect beautifully on the surface.
Small wooden boats are available throughout the evening, especially near An Hoi bridge.
During the ride, visitors often purchase floating lanterns and release them onto the river while making wishes for happiness, good health, prosperity, safe travels.
The peaceful atmosphere, combined with the glow of countless lanterns, creates an unforgettable experience for couples, families, and photographers alike.
For the best experience, choose a ride shortly after sunset when the town is fully illuminated.
5. Relax on the beaches of An Bang, Ha My, hidden beach, and Cua Dai
While Hoi An is famous for its cultural heritage, many travelers are surprised to discover that it also boasts some excellent beaches.
An Bang beach
An Bang beach is widely regarded as the best beach near Hoi An.
Just a short drive from the Ancient Town, it offers fine golden sand, clear waters, beachfront restaurants, relaxed atmosphere.
Unlike some larger beach resorts in Southeast Asia, An Bang has maintained a charming and authentic character.
Visitors can spend hours swimming, sunbathing, reading, or enjoying fresh seafood by the sea.
Ha My beach
Often overlooked by tourists, Ha My beach is ideal for travelers seeking tranquility.
Its long stretches of sand and relatively low visitor numbers make it perfect for peaceful walks and relaxation.
Hidden beach
Situated between An Bang and Cua Dai, hidden beach lives up to its name by offering a quieter alternative to more popular coastal areas.
Cua Dai beach
Although coastal erosion has affected parts of the beach over the years, Cua Dai remains an attractive destination for swimming and enjoying beautiful ocean views.
6. Visit Tra Que vegetable village
Located only a few kilometers from Hoi An, Tra Que vegetable village offers a fascinating glimpse into rural Vietnamese life.
For over 300 years, local farmers have cultivated vegetables and herbs using traditional organic techniques.
Unlike industrial agriculture, Tra Que continues to rely on natural fertilizers derived from seaweed collected nearby.
Visitors can participate in various farming activities, including preparing the soil, planting vegetables, watering crops, harvesting herbs.
The village supplies many restaurants throughout Hoi An, particularly those serving traditional dishes that require fresh aromatic herbs.
Many tours combine a village visit with cooking classes, allowing guests to experience the journey from farm to table.
7. Explore the My Son Sanctuary
Located approximately 40 kilometers from Hoi An, My Son Sanctuary is one of Vietnam’s most important archaeological sites.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, My Son served as the religious and political center of the Champa Kingdom from the 4th to the 13th century.
The site contains dozens of ancient Hindu temples constructed from red bricks and decorated with intricate carvings.
Despite damage sustained during various conflicts, many structures remain remarkably impressive.
Visitors can learn about Cham civilization, Hindu influences in Southeast Asia, ancient construction techniques, archaeological preservation.
Traditional Cham dance performances further enhance the experience.
For history enthusiasts, My Son is an essential excursion from Hoi An.
8. Discover the cuisine of Hoi An
Food lovers will quickly discover that Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s greatest culinary destinations.
The city's unique history has produced a distinctive cuisine that differs from both northern and southern Vietnam.
Some of the local specialties include:
Cao Lau
The most famous dish in Hoi An, featuring thick noodles, pork, fresh herbs, and crispy rice crackers.
White Rose dumplings
Delicate steamed dumplings filled with shrimp and shaped to resemble flower petals.
Mi Quang
A flavorful noodle dish originating from Quang Nam province.
Banh Xeo
Vietnamese crispy pancakes filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts.
Fresh seafood
Thanks to its coastal location, Hoi An offers an abundance of freshly caught seafood prepared in countless ways.
Exploring local restaurants, street-food stalls, and hidden family eateries is one of the greatest pleasures of visiting Hoi An.
9. Explore Hoi An central market
Located along the riverfront, Hoi An central market is one of the most vibrant places in town.
The market provides an authentic glimpse into daily life and serves as an excellent introduction to local culture.
Visitors can browse stalls selling fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, spices, traditional snacks, souvenirs.
The food court is particularly popular.
Here, visitors can sample many local specialties at affordable prices while observing the bustling atmosphere of a traditional Vietnamese market.
The market is also an excellent place for photography thanks to its colorful displays and lively interactions.
10. Visit Thanh Ha pottery village
Among the most fascinating cultural experiences in Hoi An is a visit to Thanh Ha pottery village, a traditional craft village located about three kilometers west of the Ancient Town.
Founded more than 500 years ago, Thanh Ha became famous for producing high-quality pottery that was once supplied to royal courts, merchants, and households throughout Central Vietnam.
Today, the village continues to preserve techniques passed down through generations.
As you walk through the village, you will see artisans skillfully transforming clay into bowls and plates, decorative vases, ceramic sculptures, traditional household items, souvenirs and ornaments.
One of the highlights is the opportunity to participate in a pottery workshop. Visitors can sit beside local craftsmen and try shaping clay on a traditional pottery wheel.
Even beginners usually leave with a unique handmade souvenir.
Thanh Ha terracotta park
Another attraction worth visiting is the terracotta park, a fascinating museum showcasing ceramic art and miniature replicas of famous world landmarks.
Visitors can admire scaled-down versions of the Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum, the Taj Mahal, Vietnamese architectural treasures.
The park provides a wonderful combination of art, education, and cultural discovery.
For travelers interested in traditional craftsmanship, Thanh Ha pottery village is undoubtedly one of the top 20 best things to do in Hoi An.
11. Explore the Cham islands
Located approximately 15 kilometers off the coast of Hoi An, the Cham islands offer a completely different side of the region.
This stunning archipelago consists of eight small islands surrounded by turquoise waters and rich marine ecosystems.
Recognized by UNESCO as part of the Cu Lao Cham biosphere reserve, the islands are renowned for their biodiversity and pristine natural beauty.
Snorkeling and diving
The crystal-clear waters surrounding the islands are home to colorful coral reefs and diverse marine life.
Popular underwater activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, marine observation.
The visibility is often excellent during the dry season, making it one of Vietnam's best destinations for underwater exploration.
Beautiful beaches
Several beautiful beaches can be found throughout the islands, including Bai Chong, Bai Ong, Bai Huong.
Visitors can relax on white sandy beaches while enjoying spectacular ocean views.
Authentic fishing villages
Beyond the beaches, the Cham islands offer an authentic glimpse into traditional island life.
Local fishing communities continue to maintain customs and lifestyles that have remained largely unchanged for generations.
A day trip to the Cham islands perfectly complements the cultural experiences found in Hoi An's Ancient Town.
12. See the Hoi An Memories Show
One of the most impressive performances in Vietnam, the Hoi An Memories Show has become a must-see attraction for visitors.
This spectacular outdoor production takes place on a massive stage covering more than 25,000 square meters and features hundreds of performers.
Unlike a traditional theater performance, the show combines music, dance, visual effects, historical storytelling, traditional costumes.
The performance traces the evolution of Hoi An from a small fishing village to a thriving international trading port.
What makes the show special ?
The production highlights the founding of Hoi An, maritime trade routes, cultural exchanges, traditional Vietnamese lifestyles, historical milestones.
The use of lighting, costumes, and choreography creates a truly immersive experience.
Even visitors who know little about Vietnamese history find the performance captivating.
For those seeking an unforgettable evening activity, attending the Hoi An Memories Show ranks among the top 20 best things to do in Hoi An.
13. Experience a Lune Production Show
For lovers of contemporary performing arts, a Lune Production show offers a unique cultural experience.
Lune Production has gained international recognition for combining traditional Vietnamese culture with modern artistic expression.
Their performances incorporate bamboo circus techniques, contemporary dance, live music, acrobatic performances, storytelling.
The famous A O Show
Perhaps the company's best-known production, A O Show portrays rural and urban Vietnamese life through a blend of circus arts and theatrical creativity.
Performers use simple bamboo props to create astonishing visual effects.
Teh Dar
Another remarkable production, Teh Dar celebrates the cultures of Vietnam's Central Highlands through music, dance, and acrobatics.
The performances are both entertaining and culturally enriching, making them an excellent addition to any Hoi An itinerary.
14. Get tailor-made clothes
Hoi An is widely recognized as one of the best places in the world for custom-made clothing.
The town's tailoring tradition dates back centuries and remains one of its most famous attractions.
Visitors can have virtually any garment made to measure, including business suits, evening dresses, shirts, jackets, wedding attire, leather shoes, handbags.
Why is tailoring so popular ?
Several factors contribute to Hoi An's reputation skilled craftsmanship, competitive pricing, quick turnaround times, wide selection of fabrics, personalized service.
Many tailors can complete garments within 24 to 48 hours.
Customers typically undergo multiple fittings to ensure a perfect fit.
Whether you need a formal suit or simply want a unique souvenir, commissioning custom clothing remains one of the most rewarding experiences in Hoi An.
15. Join a Vietnamese cooking class
Vietnamese cuisine is celebrated worldwide, and Hoi An offers some of the country's finest cooking classes.
These experiences provide far more than just recipes.
Participants gain insight into local ingredients, culinary traditions, cooking techniques, regional flavors, food culture.
Typical cooking class experience
Many programs begin with a visit to the local market where instructors explain various herbs, spices, vegetables, and seafood.
Afterward, participants return to a cooking school or countryside venue to prepare several traditional dishes.
Popular recipes include Cao Lau, White Rose dumplings, fresh spring rolls, Banh Xeo, Mi Quang.
At the end of the session, everyone enjoys the meal they have prepared.
For food enthusiasts, this hands-on activity is one of the most memorable things to do in Hoi An.
16. Join a traditional craft workshop
Hoi An is a city deeply connected to traditional craftsmanship.
In addition to pottery and tailoring, visitors can participate in a variety of workshops that showcase local artistic traditions.
Popular options include:
Lantern-making workshops
Perhaps the most iconic workshop in Hoi An, lantern-making allows visitors to create their own colorful lanterns using bamboo frames and silk fabric.
Bamboo craft workshops
Learn how local artisans transform bamboo into useful household objects and decorative items.
Traditional painting classes
Visitors can experiment with Vietnamese artistic styles while creating unique souvenirs.
Fan-making workshops
A beautiful cultural activity that introduces participants to one of Asia's oldest artistic traditions.
These workshops offer meaningful interactions with local artisans while helping preserve traditional crafts.
17. Take a wood carving workshop
Wood carving has long been an important craft in Central Vietnam.
Hoi An's skilled craftsmen produce intricate decorative objects, sculptures, furniture, and architectural elements.
Visitors interested in hands-on experiences can participate in introductory workshops where they learn basic carving techniques, tool handling, traditional patterns, woodworking methods.
Guided by experienced artisans, participants create their own small wooden artworks.
Beyond the practical skills, these workshops provide valuable insight into Vietnamese artistic traditions and craftsmanship.
18. Take a bicycle tour around Hoi An
Cycling is one of the best ways to explore the beautiful countryside surrounding Hoi An.
Unlike larger cities, the terrain around Hoi An is relatively flat, making it suitable for riders of all ages and fitness levels.
Scenic rural landscapes
Cycling routes often pass through rice paddies, coconut groves, vegetable farms, fishing villages, small rural communities.
The scenery offers a peaceful contrast to the lively Ancient Town.
Eco-friendly exploration
Bicycles allow travelers to explore areas inaccessible to larger vehicles while minimizing environmental impact.
Many guided tours include visits to Tra Que village, Cam Thanh coconut forest, traditional fishing communities, local family homes.
These encounters create authentic cultural experiences that many travelers consider highlights of their trip.
19. Eat Cao Lau : Hoi An's most famous dish
No visit to Hoi An would be complete without tasting Cao Lau.
This iconic noodle dish is unique to the city and cannot be replicated elsewhere with complete authenticity.
What makes Cao Lau special ?
The dish consists of thick chewy noodles, slices of marinated pork, fresh herbs, bean sprouts, crispy rice crackers, rich savory sauce.
According to local tradition, the noodles were historically made using water drawn from ancient wells in Hoi An.
Whether this legend is entirely true or not, Cao Lau possesses a distinctive texture and flavor unlike any other Vietnamese noodle dish.
Where to Eat Cao Lau
Visitors can find excellent versions throughout the city, from street-food stalls to family-run restaurants.
Sampling this culinary specialty is undoubtedly one of the top 20 best things to do in Hoi An and an essential part of understanding the city's gastronomic identity.
20. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge
No landmark symbolizes Hoi An more than the Japanese Covered Bridge.
Constructed in the late 16th century by Japanese merchants, the bridge was built to connect the Japanese and Chinese quarters of the town.
Today, it remains one of Vietnam's most recognizable historical monuments.
Architectural significance
The bridge features a distinctive tiled roof, wooden construction, intricate carvings, traditional Japanese influences, a small temple dedicated to local deities.
The structure beautifully illustrates the multicultural exchanges that shaped Hoi An during its trading heyday.
A symbol of Hoi An
For centuries, the bridge has stood as a symbol of friendship, cultural exchange, and prosperity.
It remains one of the most photographed sites in Vietnam and a must-visit destination for every traveler.
Conclusion
The top 20 best things to do in Hoi An showcase why this enchanting UNESCO World Heritage Site continues to captivate travelers from around the world. From wandering through lantern-lit streets and exploring centuries-old temples to relaxing on beautiful beaches, cycling through picturesque countryside, discovering traditional crafts, and savoring exceptional cuisine, Hoi An offers an extraordinary variety of experiences.
What truly distinguishes Hoi An is its unique ability to blend history, culture, nature, and modern hospitality into one unforgettable destination. Whether you spend a few days or an entire week exploring the city and its surroundings, every moment reveals another layer of its charm.
For travelers seeking authentic cultural encounters, stunning scenery, delicious food, and timeless beauty, Hoi An remains one of the most rewarding destinations not only in Vietnam but in all of Southeast Asia. It is a place where ancient traditions continue to thrive, where lanterns illuminate centuries of history, and where every visitor leaves with memories that last a lifetime.
