Hoi An was by far my favorite destination from my whole 2-week Vietnam itinerary. It blends everything I love about traveling, from exploring nearby villages and rice fields by scooter or bicycle to admiring the beautiful architecture of the Ancient Town. And at night, the city transforms into a truly magical place.
To help you experience Hoi An at your own pace, I’ve put together a list of the best things to do in Hoi An, from exploring the Ancient Town to discovering the surrounding countryside and nearby villages.
My Travel Map
How to get to Hoi An?
Whether you are coming from Hanoi or Saigon, I recommend travelling by plane. We travelled with Vietnam Airlines, which was very good. The airport is Da Nang International Airport, about 40 minutes to 1 hour by car from Hoi An. It is also possible to travel by overnight train, but it is less comfortable.
Where to stay in Hoi An?
There are several areas where you can choose to stay, depending on what you want from your holiday. Here are the best options:
- Hoi An Ancient Town: The city can get very busy at night. If you want to be right in the heart of the action, this is a good option. Otherwise, I suggest avoiding staying in the middle of the city.
- Near Hoi An: There are plenty of hotels within a 30-minute walk of the center. This is a good area if you want to be close to both the beach and Hoi An Ancient Town.
- Rice Fields or Vegetable Village: If you want a quieter experience, these areas are great options.
- Beach: If you want to be close to the beach, there are plenty of good accommodation options here.
My recommendation: I stayed about a 30-minute walk from Hoi An center, on the way to the beach. For me, it was the perfect location because we were close to Hoi An Ancient Town, the rice fields, and the beach. I really loved the hotel. The name is Golden Holiday Hotel & Spa.
How to get from Da Nang International Airport to the accommodation?
ou can book a car in advance through the Grab app, or you can speak with the hotel staff, who can arrange a car to pick you up from the airport.
Best 11 Things To Do in Hoi An for First Timer’s
This is suitable for people who want to see all the possibilities you have to do and visit here. It’s a complete list with everything you can do here. If you want to check one of the best itineraries, then take a look at my 5-day or 6-day Hoi An itineraries for first-timers.
1. Explore Hoi An Ancient Town & Its Assembly Halls
The central area of Hoi An is made up of a few main streets lined with restaurants, souvenir shops, traditional houses, and some of the town’s most important attractions. I recommend buying a ticket that gives you access to several of the historic sites in the Ancient Town. The ticket costs approximately 120000VND.
There are quite a few attractions to choose from, so instead of listing them all separately, I’ve included a photo below with the complete list of sites you can visit with the ticket.
2. Explore the Countryside by Bicycle or Scooter
If you want to explore beyond the Ancient Town, I highly recommend renting a bike or bicycle and discovering the surrounding countryside. There are many beautiful places worth stopping at, and the best part is simply getting lost among the rice fields and small village roads. Cycling/Scooter around the countryside also gives you the chance to see how locals live and work in their everyday lives. Here are some of the most interesting places to visit:
Rice Fields
Get lost among the greenery rice fields and you’ll see local farmers working in the fields, along with water buffalo grazing nearby. Cycling through the countryside is one of the best ways to experience a quieter and more authentic side of Hoi An.
Tra Que Vegetable Village
Tra Que Vegetable Village is a great place to experience traditional farming in Hoi An. The locals grow a variety of vegetables and herbs, supplying both their own households and restaurants around the city. You’ll see how good is everything organized.
Thanh Ha Pottery Village
Located near Hoi An, Thanh Ha Pottery Village is a small traditional village where you can see the impressive pottery-making skills of local artisans. The village is also home to a pottery museum featuring miniature versions of famous buildings from around the world. I loved to see the famous buildings.
You can try making your own pottery souvenir or simply browse the handmade pieces created by local artisans.
Kim Bong Carpentry Village
Located near Thanh Ha Pottery Village, Kim Bong Carpentry Village is known for its traditional woodcraft. Local artisans create wooden sculptures, furniture, and decorative pieces using traditional techniques.
You can watch the craftsmen at work, try making something yourself, or buy a handmade souvenir directly from the locals.
3. Go to the Beach
Hoi An has something for everyone, and if you want a break from exploring the Ancient Town, you can easily spend a few hours at the beach. The coast is just a short distance from the city, making it a great option for a relaxing morning or afternoon. You can simply relax on the beach, go for a swim, or enjoy a meal or drink at one of the nearby beachside restaurants.
4. Take a Workshop
If you want to learn more about Vietnamese culture and traditions, joining a workshop is a great way to do it. Hoi An offers several hands-on experiences where you can learn something new while creating your own souvenir to take home.
Vietnamese Coffee-Making Class
This was the only class I took in Hoi An because I absolutely loved the Vietnamese coffee. The class was really enjoyable, and the people were very friendly. You’ll learn how to prepare five different types of Vietnamese coffee, so be prepared to drink quite a lot! My advice is to taste each one and then choose your favorite. That way, you won’t end up too caffeinated before the class is over!
Lantern-Making Class
You’ve probably seen the colorful lanterns all over Hoi An. If you’d like to make one yourself, a lantern-making class is the perfect activity. You’ll learn how the traditional lanterns are made and get to create your own to take home.
Vietnamese Cooking Class
If you’ve ever wondered how Vietnamese spring rolls are made, a cooking class is a great opportunity to learn. You’ll cook alongside local Vietnamese people and learn how to prepare traditional dishes using fresh, local ingredients.
Pottery Class
A pottery class gives you the chance to make your own unique souvenir. You’ll learn how to shape and create your piece from scratch, making it a fun experience and something special to take home from Hoi An.
5. Take a Coconut Basket Boat Ride in Cam Thanh Coconut Village
Make some time to visit Cam Thanh Coconut Village and take a traditional basket boat through the coconut forest. The ride usually takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, which gives you enough time to enjoy the scenery and experience this unique part of Hoi An. I did this experience myself and had a really good time. The boat ride is relaxing, but you may also get to see the local fishermen and watch the basket boats being spun around on the water.
Useful Tip: To avoid the crowds and midday heat, try to visit either early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
There are multiple locations offering coconut boat trips. We went to this one because it was closer to our hotel and quieter than the others: An Mỹ RestStop. The location recommended by our hotel was here.
6. Take a Day Trip from Hoi An
Hoi An is a great starting point for several day trips around central Vietnam. If you have a few extra days, I recommend adding at least one day trip to your itinerary, depending on your interests and travel style.
Here are some popular options:
Hue
This was the day trip we chose, and we booked it with the help of our hotel. It was a full-day tour that included transportation from Hoi An to Hue via the Hai Van Pass, lunch, a guide, and entrance fees to the main attractions.
You can choose to go with a Small Group(1290000VND) or a Large Group(1150000VND). Its also included a lunch at a local restaurant and water. The prices can differ from hotel to hotel. This type of tour can be booked also on GetYourGuide.
Cham Island
If you want to escape the city and spend some time by the sea, a trip to Cham Island is a great option. You can explore the island, relax on the beaches, or join a snorkeling trip.
Da Nang
Da Nang is another easy day trip from Hoi An. You can explore the city, visit the Dragon Bridge, walk along the beach, or combine your visit with the Marble Mountains.
Marble Mountains
Located just outside Da Nang, the Marble Mountains are known for their caves, Buddhist temples, and panoramic views. They can easily be combined with a trip to Da Nang.
My Son Sanctuary
My Son Sanctuary is one of the most interesting cultural day trips from Hoi An. The ancient Hindu temple complex was built by the Champa civilization and is surrounded by lush green hills.
You can book these tours through your hotel or arrange them yourself through platforms such as GetYourGuide.
7. My Favorite Hidden Gems in Hoi An
Now we get to my favorite part of this article! These are some of the places and experiences I discovered during my time in Hoi An that I personally loved and would highly recommend adding to your itinerary.
Have Dinner and Watch the Sunset in the Rice Fields
One of my favorite experiences was combining dinner with sunset in the middle of the rice fields. Away from the busy streets of the Ancient Town, you can enjoy a peaceful meal surrounded by nature and watch the sky change colors as the sun goes down.
Watch the Sunrise at the Beach
If you’re an early riser, head to the beach for sunrise. It’s a completely different side of Hoi An compared to the busy atmosphere of the Ancient Town, and the early morning light makes the beach especially beautiful.
Enjoy a Vietnamese Coffee With A View
You can’t visit Hoi An without trying Vietnamese coffee! Take some time to sit at one of the local cafés and enjoy a traditional Vietnamese coffee while watching everyday life unfold around you.
8. Buy Souvenirs & Explore the Night Market
If you want to buy souvenirs during your trip, Hoi An is a great place to do it. You’ll find everything from handmade products and traditional Vietnamese items to clothes and small gifts. My advice is to check a few different shops before buying anything and don’t be afraid to bargain, as you can often get a better price. You can also visit the Hoi An Night Market, although I personally found the prices in some local shops to be better.
9. Enjoy Coffee & Watch Local Life
One of my favorite things to do in Hoi An was simply sitting at a café, drinking Vietnamese coffee, and watching the locals go about their day. I’m not a huge fan of Vietnamese food, but I absolutely loved the coffee! I discovered a few great coffee spots during my stay that I’ll share below, along with some restaurants where you can enjoy a good meal.
10. Get Tailor-Made Clothes
Hoi An is famous for its tailor shops, where you can have clothes designed and made specifically for you. You can choose your own style, fabric, and design, and the tailors can create almost anything you can imagine.
I recommend looking for inspiration before you arrive. Pinterest is a great place to find ideas, so you can show the tailor exactly what you want.
Make sure to go as early as possible during your stay, as your clothes may take a few days to make and you might need time for adjustments before leaving Hoi An.
11. Traditional Shows
There are two traditional shows that you can attend in Hoi An:
Hoi An Memorial Show
We found out about this show from the hotel staff. You can go to the island by yourself, as the show takes place on Memorial Island. It usually starts at 8 PM and finishes at 9 PM. Tickets cost around 650,000 VND.
Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House
This performance is included in the Hoi An Ancient Town ticket, so you can add it to your itinerary if you are interested.
A note from me: I want to be transparent here. I didn’t personally visit either of these shows, so I can’t give you a first-hand opinion. I included them in the table so you can learn about these options and consider adding one of them to your Hoi An itinerary if you wish.
Best Coffee Spots in Hoi An
- Sound Of Silence Coffee Shop;
- Hoi An Coffee Hub;
- Faifo Coffee;
- An Nhiên garden coffee.
Best Restaurants in Hoi An
- Vy’s Market Restaurant;
- Banh Mi Phuong;
- The Son Bistro – Vietnamese Restaurant;
- A Little Kitchen Restaurant – Bếp Nhỏ;
- Chillax Eatery & Hangout.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hoi An
The best season to visit Hoi An is March–April, when the weather is pleasant enough to enjoy all the activities.
No, tap water is not safe to drink! You should only drink bottled water.
Yes, Hoi An is a safe place, but you should still be careful with your belongings. Also, be aware of scammers, as there can be situations where tourists may be targeted.
It depends on what you would like to see and do. I preferred to stay for 6 days, but you can also visit Hoi An in as little as 3 days. My recommendation is to stay for at least 5 days because it is such a beautiful area and there is plenty to explore.
One of the best things about Hoi An is that there are several ways to get around. If you are staying close to the city center, you can easily walk around. You can also rent a bicycle or scooter, or simply take a ride with the Grab app.
I don’t consider Hoi An an expensive destination. In fact, did you know that Hoi An is one of the best places to buy souvenirs in Vietnam? You can find plenty of souvenirs here at very affordable prices.
One of the best ways to explore Hoi An is by bicycle. The good news is that many hotels include bicycle rental in the room price, so be sure to check with your hotel before paying for a rental elsewhere. Having a bicycle is very convenient, especially if you want to explore the Ancient Town, nearby villages, beaches, and the countryside.
Final Thoughts for Best Things To Do in Hoi An
These are all the information I gathered while I organized my vacation here. I really hope that all the information helped you. If you feel like I missed something, please feel free to leave me a comment. It will help me see your feedback.
Thank you very much for reading my article!
