48 Best Things To Do in Hoi An (Unique & Unusual)

Nestled between rivers, rice paddies, and the sea, Hoi An offers an enriching experience where the cultural heritage is as rich as the pho broth. Most people come to experience the old town, but there are lots of hidden gems and unknown things to do in this area that are worth delving into.

Get ready to wander, taste, and capture the essence of Hoi An in its full dimensions: here are the best things to do in Hoi An.

Become one with the Hoi An Ancient Town

You’re obviously coming to Hoi An to visit the old town, so here’s the most comprehensive information on everything there is to do and see in the old town:

  • First, you’ll need to purchase an entrance ticket (120,000 VND (around 5 USD) per person, but inflation varies). The ticket is supposedly needed for you to enter the old town, but no one will ever monitor it unless you’re going with a tour guide.

So why do people still purchase them? To have access to the heritage sites. Purchasing a ticket allows you to have access to all of the old town street as well as 5 heritage sites of your choice.

There are more than 5 heritage sites to explore in Hoi An so you’ll need to pick which ones you want to check out - or purchase more tickets.

+Here is a list of every heritage sites in Hoi An:

The Japanese Bridge

Japanese-style bridge, known as Cau Chua Pagoda, connecting the old Japanese and Chinese quarters with an elegant architecture and a sheltering roof that doubles as a haven for worshiping the god of weather against natural disasters.

Watch the video for more information on the folklore Japanese legend that surrounds it.

Old Houses

There are numerous ancient residences in Hoi An, private family homes that have been carefully preserved over the centuries and are now accessible to the public

  • Old House of Tấn Ký: 18-century house showcasing authentic merchant architecture from China, Japan, and Vietnam.

  • Old House of Phùng Hưng: Commercial house, built in 1780 during Hoi An's prosperous era, featured a ground floor shop trading in popular goods like silk, ceramics, and spices, while the second floor served as a place for ancestor worship.

  • Trần Family’s Chapel: preserved 19th-century house in Hoi An designed according to traditional Feng Shui principles, with a lush garden of plants and historic relics.

  • Old House of Quân Thắng: Once the residence of wealthy Captain Quân Thắng, it showcases impeccable wood carving and traditional Chinese architectural style, providing a fascinating glimpse into the opulent lives of past centuries.

  • Nguyễn Tường Family’s Chapel: 1806 sacred place, blending Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese architectural styles, houses relics, historical items, rare books.

  • Old House of Đức An: A former bookseller's shop, medicinal dispensary, and gathering place for political groups throughout the years.

Chinese Assembly Halls

When Chinese settlers arrived in Vietnam, they constructed assembly halls that served as vibrant hubs for business, socializing, and preserving Chinese traditions, featuring stunning architecture, lush gardens, and opulent decor.

  • Triều Châu / Chaozhou Assembly Hall: Constructed in 1887, this assembly hall dedicated to a water god is a hidden gem within the Old Town, featuring breathtaking woodwork and a charming miniature water garden waiting to be discovered.

  • Quang Trieu (Cantonese) Assembly Hall: This 1885 masterpiece, crafted by Cantonese merchants, showcases a courtyard adorned by an impressive and colorful traditional dragon sculpture.

  • Hải Nam / Hainan Assembly Hall: This 1875 assembly hall pays tribute to Chinese merchants who were unfairly killed after being mistaken for pirates, receiving deity status as a result.

  • Phúc Kiến / Fukian / Fujian: Constructed in 1757, this is Hoi An's grandest assembly hall, transformed into a temple honoring the Fujian goddess of the sea, Thien Hau, who safeguards sailors from peril.

Temples & Pagodas

  • Quan Công Temple & Quan Am Pagoda: Constructed in 1653, this temple pays homage to Quan Cong, a prominent mandarin of the Han Dynasty, serving as a place of reverence for merchants seeking blessings and prosperity from their ancestors.

  • Bà Mụ Temple: The Tam Quan gate, also known as the three-entrance gate, is built in the classical Vietnamese architectural style, leads the way to a complex that includes a spacious ground and two areas dedicated to worship.

Museums

  • Hoi An Museum: Exhibits artifacts spanning 2,000 years of Hoi An’s history.

  • Museum of Sa Huỳnh Culture: Provides an in-depth look into the lives of the ancient Sa Huynh and Champa cultures, showcasing a wide range of artifacts from 1000 B.C.E. to 300 A.C.E., including tools, jewelry, bowls, and weapons.

  • Museum of Folklore: Showcases traditional Vietnamese folk arts, handicrafts, fishing, weaving, and silkworm farming practices.

  • Museum of Trade Ceramics: Presents a collection of ancient pottery spanning the 16th to 19th centuries.

Communal Houses

Hoi An's communal houses, once used for administration, meetings, worship, and cultural activities, served as vital communication hubs, showcasing the region's rich exchange of culture and commerce.

  • Cẩm Phô Communal House / Cẩm Phô Temple: Built over two centuries ago, this communal house boasts a stunning courtyard and a majestic Banyan tree.

  • Minh Hương Communal House / House of Tụy Tiên Đường: Built by Chinese settlers in the late 18th century to honor their ancestors.

Arts Centers

  • Hoi An Traditional Art Performance Theatre: Small theater offering captivating live performances of traditional folk dance and music.

  • Xứ Đàng Trong: Vietnamese-styled venue with a large traditional building with dark wood decor, where visitors can explore designer wares, purchase souvenirs, and participate in lantern making, mask painting, and henna body art workshops for an additional fee.

📎Recommended Activities: Hoi An City and Countryside Tour + Evening Walking Food Tour

Coffe Culture in the town, rice fields or the sea

Hoi An boasts a charming coffee scene that is as picturesque as it is delicious. With views overlooking ancient rooftops and a serene river, coffee lovers can't resist the allure of the city's quaint cafés. Alternatively, I’m also recommending cafés located within the rice fields (a short 15-minute bike ride from the town) and a couple near the sea as well.

I seriously recommend the rice fields ones, you can thank me later.

Here are some delicious and gorgeous café recommendations in Hoi Anh:

Cool cafes in Hoi An old town:

Cafes near the beach side of Hoi An:

Cafes in the rice fields of Hoi An:

📎Recommended Activities: Hoi An City Tour with Vietnamese Coffee Tasting + Vietnamese Coffee Master Class

must-try Food in hoi an

  • Cao lau noodles: the most famous street food in Hoi An, is also the most mysterious. The noodles are said to contain ash from a specific tree and water from a particular well, with only one local lady knowing the exact recipe.

  • Dap cake: Consists of a steamed rice cake nestled between two crispy layers of baked rice paper. Usually accompanied by stir-fried mussels, infused with spices and served with a sweet and sour sauce.

  • Crispy wontons: showcase the city's diverse culinary influences, with tomato-based or sweet and sour variations topped with fresh ingredients.

  • Bahn mi: The best place to grab a cheap and filling sandwich in Hoi An is at one of the many bánh mì stands on the streets. They come with a variety of fillings both meaty and vegetarian, and are packed with Vietnamese ingredients like chili sauce. If you're feeling more upscale, try Madam Khanh's bánh mì, the Banh Mi Queen, which is a local favorite for meat lovers. For vegetarian options, Phi Banh Mi is a great choice.

  • Com ga: fragrant yellow rice adorned with succulent chicken, accompanied by a vibrant medley of fresh greens, zesty herbs, tangy lime, and fiery chilli.

  • Bahn xeo: Made with a simple combination of rice flour, water, and turmeric, these savory pancakes are filled with delicious ingredients like pork, prawns, and bean sprouts.

  • White rose dumplings: Delicate rice flour packs that come with fillings of pork, prawn, or vegetables.

  • Chè - Sweet soup: A fresh and chewy dessert that has different variations - lotus seed, black sesame, and corn sweet soups.

Unique Experiences and activities in hoi an


Hoi An Cooking Classes

Hoi An is known for its diverse cuisine, which blends flavors from the north and south of the country as well as those from Japan and China - two countries that have greatly influenced the area. If you're looking for a unique and immersive experience, consider taking a cooking class in Hoi An.

These classes typically begin with a trip to the local market or farm to select fresh ingredients for your meal. You'll then be guided by a professional chef or local expert cook as you recreate traditional dishes such as fresh rice paper spring rolls and main courses.

📎Recommended Activities: Sabirama Cooking Class in Hoi An + Hoi An Eco Cooking Class

Boat Along the river

A lot of the unique experience in Hoi An i’m recommending are based on water - for a good reason: Hoi An is surrounded by it. If you want something chill, beauitful and possibly romantic, consider joining a sunset cruise along the Thu Bon river.

Not recommending any particular booking site, just go to Hoi An and you’ll find a plethora of people willing to take you on their boat for a small fee (as you’ll also see in my video.. oh you havent’ watched it yet.. fine)

Coconut boat tour

Forgot about being sea sick, with this experience, you’ll just get mildly dizzy - but it will be worth it. Basket boat rides offer a unique experience in the Bay Mau Coconut Forest, where lush coconut trees border tranquil waters.

The day starts with a guide that will take you to a nearby village where you’ll learn about the local culture and join in on a cooking class, and will end on a coracle boat (a Thung Chai) with your conductor showing off some tricks.

📎Recommended Activities: Coconut Forest Basket Boat Ride + Hoi An Basket Boat Tour

get custom taylored clothes

Hoi An is the tailoring capital of Vietnam, and as a consequence, you’re going to an abundance of shops that offer tailored made clothe at affordable prices compared to North America and most places in Europe.

There is a wide range of options, from high-end tailor shops to budget-friendly ones that can skillfully create basic garments. If this sound like something you’d like to do, just make sure to do some research beforehand (check online reviews of shops you’re targeting) and remember to negotiate prices.

Reminder: it usually takes around 2 days for most shops to be done with whatever you choose to taylor.

Bicycle tour

You can enhance your experience in Hoi An by renting a bicycle and exploring the scenic beauty of the region. I’ve said it multiple times, but I’ll say it again: Hoi An is much more than just the ancient town. Check out the nearby rice fields, wetlands and beaches - you’ll probably come across a water buffalo or two.

If you want to be sure not to miss any noteworthy sights, you also have the option to join in on a bike tour of the area.

📎Recommended Activities: Countryside on Bicycles Private Tour + Afternoon Countryside Bike Tour from Hoi An

Visit Hoi An Silk Village

Hoi An’s history is intertwined with that of silk and textile production. As such, there is an area entirely dedicated to it, called the silk village. There, you can learn about traditional silk manufacturing processes and get an understanding of the work that goes behind it. Workshops are also available to partake in, given by skilled artisans.

📎Recommended Activities: Hoi An Silk Process Discovery Tour

JEEP TOUR in Hoi An

If you're looking for an exciting and diverse way to explore Hoi An, I highly recommend an adventurous jeep tour through the coastal city.

A jeep tour will allow you to discover different stunning natural landscapes throughout Hoi An (the area isn’t just about the ancient town after all) and wander through river banks, rice fields and traditional villages.

Depending on which tour you book, you can even go as far as Da Nang to the marble mountains or along the coast, overlooking Monkey Island and the Hai Van pass.

📎Recommended Activities: Hoi An Countryside Adventure by Restored Jeep Tour + Private Jeep Adventure: Hue- Hoi An/Da Nang-VN's Best Scenic Road

Photography Tour

Hoi An’s ancient town offers a wide diversity of photography opportunities with its architectural beauty and everyday stunning backdrops. To truly capture the essence of Hoi An, I highly recommend joining a photo tour led by a knowledgeable local. You’ll get to explore and discover narrow alleyways, cultural landmarks, and hidden gems that you might not have come across on your own.

Alternatively, you can book a private photoshoot in Hoi An, where a professional photographer will beautifully encapsulate your holiday memories with loved ones - this is a thing to do in Hoi An that is perfect for couples.

📎Recommended Activities: Private Photoshoot Experience in Hoi An + Ao Dai Hoi An Photography Tour

lantern-making Workshop

If it wasn’t obvious by now, Hoi An is famous for its lanterns. The town is filled to the brim with them, and a daily sight is that of influencers and picture-lovers taking a plethora of photographs in front of them. If you want to learn a bit about the history of lanterns in this city and embrace the craftsmanship required to make one, why not partake in a lantern-making workshop in Hoi an?

This is a hands-on activity that everyone can enjoy, especially if you’re looking for things to do in Hoi An with kids.

📎Recommended Activities: Lantern Making Class + Hoi An Full Lantern Making Class

Kayaking Tour of Hoi An’s rivers

There’s a river (the Thu Bon river) that runs through the heart of Hoi An and also leads to charming destinations beyond the town itself. Some companies offer kayaking tours along the river that will have you gliding through lush wetlands and coconut grooves.

If you can, opt for a sunset tour - the golden sun casting a reflection on the water that surrounds you will surely serve as an unforgettable experience in Hoi An (just make sure not to tip over, which has definitely never happened to me before).

📎Recommended Activities: Sunset Kayaking Experience in Hoi An + Sunset Paddle and Lantern Town

Hoi An Yoga Class In Rice Fields

If you’re into yoga - or even if you’re not, I guess - I recommend taking a yoga class in the middle of Hội An’s green rice fields.

Alternatively, you could also take one in the ancient town. Yoga is a cool practice to partake in, but what can make it memorable here is the beautiful and noteworthy surroundings you’ll find yourself in as you twist and turn into questionable positions.

Instagram: @omfactoryhoian + Geotag

Schedule: Link.

📱Contact: +84 942 042 093

visit An Bang Beach

If you’re looking for something different to do in Hoi An, check out An Bang Beach. With its pretty sandy stretch, this coastline boasts cool beachfront restaurants and bars, along with a variety of delicious seafood restaurants. For a more tranquil experience, venture a little further down the beach where local vendors offer sun loungers, affordable coconuts, and refreshing cold beer.

Do I think this is a must-do in Hoi An? not necessarily, but it’s quite nice.


Visit Lò gạch cũ cầu tre fortress

Quang Nam is an abandoned brick kiln (a furnace oven for drying bricks, grain or pottery - don’t worry, I also had to google it), sitting casually in the middle of Hội An’s green rice fields.

It’s not a well known spot because it used to look rough, dumped and horrid, but it recently got renovated and is now considered a hidden gem - by myself at least.

You can reach this kiln by crossing a bamboo bridge, which can also serve as a very nice picture backdrop - hint for anyone who’s looking for a perfect place to propose in Hội An. You can also reach the top of the structure by climbing the wooden steps on the side of the fortress, I think the view is more than worth it, just be careful as you climb.

There’s also a café a couple of minutes away from the kiln which overlooks it and provides another picturesque setting in Hoi An: Nông trại Lò Gạch Cũ.

Markets to see in Hoi an

  • Lantern Market: Here, you'll discover a colorful array of fresh produce, aromatic spices, handcrafted lanterns, and tantalizing Vietnamese dishes.

  • Hoi An Night Market: Offers a delightful variety of local specialties, including Thanh Ha village ceramics, traditional lanterns, silk, clothes, and drums. It’s also lined with street food stalls that showcase Hoi An's diverse culinary concoctions.

  • Flea market in Tan Thanh Fishing Village: The flea market in Hoi An, with its 50 stands, offers a unique shopping experience where homemade, second-hand, and recycled items are sold to promote a green and environmentally friendly lifestyle.

📎Recommended Activities: Hoi An Evening Walking Food Tour + Hoi An Night Market with Hoi an walking Tour

Hoi an’s best restaurants

If you’re reading this you probably eat, so enjoying food is a no-brainer. Food in Vietnam is especially delicious, so here are some restaurants to get it from - because our hunting-gathering era is over (for the most part):

Day trips from hoi an

Hoi An offers a plethora of enticing day trip options, ensuring something for every traveler's interests.

My Son Ruins

Referred to as the "Angkor Wat of Vietnam,". This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the ancient Hindu temples of the Kingdom of Champa. On-site, you’ll find the ruins of 70 remaining temples, built between the 4th and 13th centuries CE, dedicated to Hindu deities like Shiva, Krishna, and Vishnu.

📎Recommended Activities: My Son Sanctuary Day Tour from Hoi An + Marble Mountain and Son Tra Peninsula, Hoi An Day Trip

Da Nang

Probably my favorite city in Vietnam. It has awesome beaches (make sure to stay for sunset), a plethora of nature-related things to do (the Son Tra peninsula), delicious food, a dragon-bridge that spits actual fire and a nearby mountain you can hike on (the marble mountain).

I also have another video on things to do in Da Nang so make sure to check it out as well (yes I’m shoving my youtube channel on you but trust me it’s for a good cause (I really want to get rich)).

300-year-old Tra Que Vegetable Village

A cool village that will allow you to experience sustainable farming practices, using natural algae from the nearby Tra Que lagoon as fertilizer (yum!).

You’ll get to watch the locals' traditional watering technique, balancing two buckets on your shoulders, taste authentic flavors of Hoi An with dishes prepared using herbs sourced exclusively from their village and try your culinary skills at their on-site cooking school.

📎Recommended Activity: Tra Que Vegetable Village and Cooking Class Experience in Hoi An

Go snorkeling at Cham Island

This archipelago, nestled within the Cu Lao Cham Marine Park, offers a paradise for snorkelers. It has crystal blue waters and powdery white sands enveloping five stunning beaches.

For those who prefer solid land, you can also explore the rich history of the Champa people as you stroll through ancient temples, shrines, and hidden forests throughout the island. People usually opt for a half day boat tour, but I recommend staying overnight if you can - the island gets particularly charming when the crowd leaves.

📎Recommended Activity: Full-day Cham Islands Cruise from Hoi An with Underwater Walking Excursion

Tra Nhieu traditional fishing village

Nestled within the beautiful Tra Nhieu Nepa Palm Forest. A day trip to this peaceful haven offers a plethora of activities to engage in: witness skilled fishermen in action, and try your hand at traditional fishing techniques. Feel the craftsmanship as you learn how bamboo coracle basket boats are crafted, then paddle through a lush coconut forest in your very own boat.

Additionally, spend time with local families, partaking in their traditions of weaving colorful mats and creating rice paper. This place is famous for its round-boats where travelers are spun quite quickly - I didn’t go in because I would have puked, but I hope you enjoy the experience for the both of us.

📎Recommended Activity: Hoi An Countryside Hidden Gems in Villages & Islands

Hue

Known as the "Imperial City", this is probably one of the most popular places to visit in Vietnam. It’s packed with a rich history of palaces, shrines and a royal citadel, and I personally think it’s 100% worth the hype - just like Hội An.

The ride from Hoi an to Hue takes you along the Hai Van pass which offers breathtaking coastal views. But if you can, I recommend staying in Hue overnight because a one-way trip takes 3 hours - which is a lot.

📎Recommended Activities: Hue City Day Tour from Hoi An + Hue City Tour From Hoi An- Private Tour

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