Are you planning a trip to Hoi An but don’t know where to start? Let Little Hoi An Group suggest an itinerary, along with the places to visit and activities to experience during your stay. Hoi An is not only charming for its ancient architecture but also for the countless unique experiences waiting to be discovered.
Let’s explore the 10 best things to do in Hoi An and discover the experiences you shouldn’t miss during your trip.
Table of Contents
1. The Best Things to Do in Hoi An Ancient Town
Walking through every corner of Hoi An feels like stepping back in time to the days when the town was a bustling international trading port in the 16th century. Every small alleyway preserves traces of the past, from its golden-yellow walls to its beautifully preserved ancient architectural structures.
Beyond its timeless beauty, Hoi An is also renowned for its many attractions and historic landmarks. Here are some of the must-visit places you should not miss when travelling to Hoi An.
1.1 Explore the Japanese Covered Bridge and Historic Ancient Houses
Among the most iconic historical landmarks to visit in Hoi An are the Japanese Covered Bridge and its centuries-old houses.
The Japanese Covered Bridge in Hoi An is located on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Hoi An Ward, Da Nang City. Built around the 17th century by Japanese merchants, it has become an iconic architectural symbol and is famously featured on the Vietnamese 20,000 VND polymer banknote. Over the years, the bridge has undergone several restorations, while many of its intricate carved details have been carefully preserved. With its distinctive wooden architecture and delicate yin-yang tiled roof, it is a wonderful photo spot and one of the best things to do in Hoi An for history and architecture lovers.
After visiting the Japanese Covered Bridge, continue your journey through Hoi An Ancient Town by exploring centuries-old houses such as Tan Ky Ancient House and Phung Hung Ancient House. These two iconic heritage houses showcase architectural styles preserved over hundreds of years and passed down through generations. Here, you can admire valuable antiques while discovering the fascinating stories behind Hoi An’s history.
If you’re planning what to do in Hoi An Ancient Town, don’t forget to purchase the Hoi An Ancient Town entrance ticket package from the Old Town Management Board, allowing you to freely explore the famous attractions and arrange your itinerary according to your own schedule.
1.2 Take a Boat Ride and Release Lanterns on the Hoai River
One of the most memorable things to do in Hoi An is taking a boat ride and releasing lanterns on the Hoai River. As the sun gradually sets, Hoi An takes on a magical glow as the town comes alive with shimmering lights.
Sitting on a traditional wooden boat, you can admire Hoi An from both sides of the river, slowly gliding across the calm water while taking in the peaceful beauty of the ancient town. Most memorably, you can light a colourful paper lantern with your own hands, make a wish for good luck and peace, and gently release it onto the river, sending your hopes and wishes along with it.
To enjoy Hoi An at sunset, you can take a boat ride between approximately 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM. Alternatively, you can board between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM to witness the moment when Hoi An begins to light up. A boat ride costs approximately VND 170,000 for 2–3 people when purchased at the ticket counter, with each trip lasting around 20 minutes.
1.3 Explore Hoi An Night Market
Another unique thing to do in Hoi An is exploring Hoi An Night Market, located along Nguyen Hoang Street. The market starts becoming lively at around 6:00 PM. It is a wonderful destination for both shopping enthusiasts and food lovers looking to discover local cuisine.
With souvenir and food stalls stretching along the street, the market has an incredibly vibrant atmosphere. You can easily find handmade gifts crafted by local artisans, such as colourful lanterns, Thanh Ha pottery, and unique pieces of jewellery to bring home for your friends and family.
And don’t miss the food stalls, where the enticing aromas of grilled skewers, ice cream and other local treats fill the air, creating a miniature food paradise right in the heart of Hoi An.
2. Unique Things to Do in Hoi An
Beyond its familiar attractions, Hoi An also captivates visitors with a variety of unique and memorable activities. The town is blessed with special natural destinations such as Bay Mau Coconut Forest, where you can enjoy the unusual experience of travelling through lush green coconut groves on traditional basket boats.
You can also join a cooking class combined with a visit to a local market to discover more about the region’s culture.
For fashion enthusiasts, why not try one of the most distinctive services Hoi An has to offer – 24-hour tailoring? Let Little Hoi An Group take you deeper into these unique experiences.
2.1 Experience a Basket Boat Ride in Cam Thanh Coconut Village
Located only about 5 km from Hoi An Ancient Town, Cam Thanh Coconut Forest, also known as Bay Mau Coconut Forest, is a popular destination for many travellers. It offers a refreshing experience where you can immerse yourself in the lush beauty of nature.
At Cam Thanh Coconut Forest, visitors can sit aboard traditional round basket boats, a distinctive type of boat used by coastal communities in Vietnam, and travel through waterways shaded by lush water coconut palms.
One of the highlights is the spectacular “basket boat dance”, during which local fishermen skillfully spin their boats in circles, accompanied by artistic fishing-net demonstrations.
The best time to visit the coconut forest is from around 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Boat rental prices range from approximately 140,000 VND to 200,000 VND per boat for two adults.
For travelers wondering what to do in Hoi An beyond the Ancient Town, this is definitely an experience worth adding to your itinerary.
2.2 Have Clothes Tailored Within 24 Hours
One of the most distinctive experiences that attracts international visitors to Hoi An is the city’s 24-hour tailoring service. Within just a few hours, skilled local tailors can create a perfectly fitted dress or suit tailored specifically to your preferences.
The process is remarkably quick and straightforward. You simply choose your preferred fabric and colour and share the style you have in mind. The tailor will then take your measurements in detail and create a design based on your preferences.
With professional techniques and the craftsmanship of experienced tailors, you can have an outfit made to suit your personal style while fitting your body perfectly.
One reputable tailor that has received positive feedback from many travellers is Tuong Tailor. The cost of tailoring depends on the fabric selected and the complexity of the design.
For fashion lovers, this is certainly one of the best things to do in Hoi An if you want to take home a personalized and meaningful souvenir from your trip.
2.3 Join a Cooking Class Combined with a Local Market Visit
For those passionate about food, joining a traditional cooking class is a wonderful way to learn how to prepare some of Hoi An’s most famous local dishes.
You will be guided through a local market to select fresh ingredients while discovering more about the culture and daily life of the local community. It is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the rhythm of everyday life, learn how to identify different vegetables and distinctive Vietnamese spices, and choose the freshest seafood.
After the market visit, you can return to the restaurant kitchen, where you will learn to prepare famous local dishes such as banh xeo, fresh spring rolls and authentic Cao Lau.
The class typically lasts around 3–4 hours. At the end of the session, you can enjoy the dishes you have prepared yourself.
It is a wonderful experience that allows you to discover the local culture while immersing yourself in the everyday rhythm of life in Hoi An.
3. The Best Things to Do in Hoi An for Food Lovers
Beyond its attractions and exciting experiences, Hoi An also leaves a lasting impression on visitors with its rich and unforgettable flavours. No journey to Hoi An would be complete without trying some of the local specialities.
Cao Lau, Mi Quang and banh mi are among the dishes you should definitely try at least once during your visit.
If you’re still wondering what to do in Hoi An, exploring its local food scene should definitely be part of your itinerary.
3.1 Savour Authentic Cao Lau and Mi Quang
The first two dishes you absolutely must try when visiting Hoi An are Cao Lau and Mi Quang.
Cao Lau has long been a signature speciality associated with Hoi An since the 17th century. It has a distinctive character that is difficult to find anywhere else. The dish is served with richly flavoured char siu pork and a small amount of savoury, concentrated broth.
A bowl of Cao Lau embodies a part of Hoi An’s culinary culture, with each ingredient carrying unique characteristics that can be found only in this region.
To enjoy an authentic bowl of Cao Lau, you can visit popular local eateries such as Cao Lau Thanh, Cao Lau Ba Le or Little Faifo Restaurant. A bowl typically costs between 40,000 VND and 70,000 VND.
Unlike Cao Lau, Mi Quang is a famous speciality of the former Quang Nam region. Its rich broth is prepared with shrimp, pork and eggs, creating a distinctive and savoury flavour. It is a familiar dish enjoyed by local people and can be found at street food stalls as well as well-known noodle shops such as Mi Quang Ong Hai.
A bowl of Mi Quang typically costs between 20,000 VND and 50,000 VND.
For food lovers, tasting these two iconic dishes is undoubtedly among the top things to do in Hoi An.
3.2 The World-Famous Banh Mi: Banh Mi Madam Khanh & Banh Mi Phuong
Hoi An banh mi has long been one of the city’s most famous street foods. It attracts visitors with its distinctive flavours and wide variety of fillings, including meat, Vietnamese pork sausage, eggs and more. If you have the chance to visit Hoi An, don’t forget to try this iconic local dish!
Famous in Hoi An and featured in numerous international publications, Banh Mi Phuong and Banh Mi Madam Khanh are two names well known among both local and international visitors.
The warm, crispy crust combined with the rich, creamy and fragrant fillings creates a distinctive taste that captures the essence of Hoi An’s cuisine.
For travelers creating a list of must do Hoi An experiences, tasting authentic Hoi An banh mi should definitely be included.
Hoi An continues to attract travellers with its centuries-old cultural heritage and the warm hospitality of its people. Take the time to plan a well-organised itinerary so that you can enjoy a truly complete journey filled with memorable moments and emotions.
For your stay, you can choose from the member hotels of Little Hoi An Group. With a convenient location near the Ancient Town, Little Riverside sits peacefully along the romantic Hoai River, while the centre of the Old Town is only a five-minute journey away.
Little Riverside. A Luxury Hotel & Spa
We wish you a wonderful and fulfilling journey filled with unforgettable moments on your upcoming trip to Hoi An.
