Hoi An Things to Do • travel guide post & photos by Jeanie A
Planning a trip to Hoi An, Vietnam? These are the 12 best things to do in Vietnam’s charming city of Hoi An—from iconic sights to bucket list experiences.
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Hoi An is nestled along Vietnam’s central coast and is, I believe, one of Southeast Asia’s most charming destinations. There’s lantern-lit streets, historic architecture, and Hoi An has a relaxed riverside atmosphere. But what is there to actually do here? Well I’ve gathered 12 best things to do while in Hoi An that includes amazing landmarks, cultural experiences, and bucket list boat rides.
Recommended Hoi An Tours & Activities
Book unforgettable experiences and check out the below recommended Hoi An tours, activities and attractions that are mentioned throughout this post:
The above map shows all the points of interest mentioned in this Hoi An post.
HOW TO USE THE ABOVE HOI AN ATTRACTIONS MAP:
Action
Description
Click a Colored Point of Interest
Shows additional information and details of the selected Point of Interest
Click the Four-cornered Square at the Top Right
Opens the map in a Larger Map view in your personal Google Maps account
On Larger Map view, click the STAR ☆ under “Hoi An Attractions“
Adds the Map to your personal Google Maps account to access anytime on Computer* or on Phone App**
*On Computer: In your Google Maps, Click “Saved” on left bar → Click “Maps” → Click “Hoi An Attractions“
**On Phone App: In your Google Maps app, Click “You” on bottom bar → Scroll to bottom → Click “Maps” → Click “Hoi An Attractions“
12 Things to Do in Hoi An
1. Shopping & Tailoring
Hoi An is famous for custom tailoring, shopping, and even replica shopping! You’ll find:
Custom suits and dresses made in 24-48 hours
Leather bags
Shoes
“Inspired” designer items like Gucci, YSL, Louis Vuitton bags (just to name a few)
Linen sets and vacation outfits
It’s best to start your Hoi An with fittings and tailorings so there’s time for adjustments and it’ll be done in time before you leave!
2. Stroll the Night Market
At night, Hoi An becomes alive! Walk through the Hoi An Night Marketand simply wander around. There’s so much you can check out here, like lantern stalls, street snacks, souvenirs, and handmade crafts. It’s lively, charming, and a great last chance for souvenir shopping.
3. Explore Ancient Town
Hoi An Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the area really feels like stepping back in time. You’ll find mustard yellow buildings, colorful lanterns, riverside cafes, and temple tucked between shops.
4. Japanese Bridge
When in Hoi An, you have to stop by the Japanese Bridge! It does get a bit crowded but it’s a beautiful bridge built by Japanese people and it also has a temple inside.
5. Tan Ky Old House
Visit the Tan Ky Old House, home to a 550+ year old tea cup that you can actually buy a replica of. It’s said that the tea cup belonged to Confucius and symbolizes moderation and balance. What’s unique about these tea cups is that when it is overfilled, the tea cup empties out.
6. Fujian Assembly Hall
Here you’ll find the Main Gate, or Triple Gate is beautifully designed and has a nice light pink color, not something you see everywhere. And inside, there are spring-like incenses with wishes and prayers attached to them, and a statue of Thien Hau Goddess accompanied with guardians and donation gifts.
On The Water
7. Bamboo Basket Boat Ride
Go on a bamboo basket boat ride through coconut forests. Some local rowers also offer to take guest on their boat and spin it around! And yes, actually spin them! It’s fun, entertaining, and a unique thing to do in Hoi An.
8. Lantern Release on Thu Bon River
Cruise along the Thu Bon River, enjoy the ambiance, and you’ll be able to light your own lantern and release them into the Thu Bon River. Seeing the river glow with hundreds of lantern reflections isn’t something you’ll easily forget.
9. River Dinner Cruise
Go on a romantic river dinner cruise along the Thu Bon River. You can watch the lanterns light up the water while enjoying Vietnamese cuisine.
Day Trips
10. Ba Na Hills
Besides the Golden Bridge, Ba Na Hills is an amusement park, where you’ll find:
Cable car ride (which is an experience on their own) and is the only way to get to the main part of Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge
French inspired villages
Garden and viewpoints
Indoor attractions and rides
BUT the Golden Bridge is the main attraction here. It is an iconic bridge that is held up by giant stone hands. Seeing it in person is way more dramatic than the photos.
Check out the below Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge tours:
If you have an extra day or would simply rather do something else other than the things mentioned in this itinerary, check out going on a tour to My Son Sanctuary! My Son Sanctuary is a World Cultural Site and you’ll be able to watch traditional dances, and return to Hoi An by boat. Check it out by clicking here or click “Book Now” in the widget below:
12. Marble Mountains Tour
If you’re looking for a tour that includes more nature, check out a Marble Mountains tour! You’ll see natural marble contains, and most tours also include a visit to Monkey Mountain where you can get some amazing views of Da Nang city. Check it out by clicking here or click “Book Now” in the widget below:
Where to Stay in Hoi An
In Hoi An, I stayed at the Bel Marina Hoi An Resort, which is located within walking distance Hoi An Ancient Town and tons of eating and shopping options right nearby. Book your stay by clicking here, or check availability for your dates below and click “Search”:
With its colorful lanterns, historic streets, and laid-back atmosphere, Hoi An is the kind of destination that travelers fall in love with almost instantly. I hope some of these things to do gets added to your Hoi An itinerary.
Have a favorite attraction from Hoi An? Share it in the comments below — I’d love to hear about it!
Jeanie has traveled to over 50 countries and has a love for new experiences, visiting iconic attractions, and finding breathtaking views. Hoping to help plan unforgettable adventures, Jeanie aims to inspire others to visit new places through her travel stories and photography.
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