Things to do in Hoi An: Top activities you shouldn’t miss

Looking for the best things to do in Hoi An? This charming ancient town in central Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating travel destinations. From its lantern-lit streets and traditional architecture to local crafts and unique cultural experiences, Hoi An offers countless activities for every kind of traveler.

Whether you love history, food, relaxation, or adventure, Hoi An has something for you. Let’s explore the top things to do during your trip!

Wander around Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site that preserves centuries-old architecture. Walking through the narrow streets, you’ll see:

Ancient houses with yellow walls
The famous Japanese Covered Bridge
Old assembly halls and temples
Lantern-lit alleys at night

The best time to explore is early morning or in the evening when the streets are quieter and the lanterns glow beautifully.

Hoi An Ancient Town

Release lanterns on the Hoai river

One of the most romantic experiences in Hoi An is releasing lanterns on the river at night. This tradition symbolizes peace, luck, and happiness. You can buy lanterns from local vendors and float them while sailing on a small wooden boat.

Release lanterns on Hoai river

Join a cooking class

If you’re a foodie, Hoi An is the perfect place to take a Vietnamese cooking class. Many cooking schools start with a trip to the local market, followed by hands-on lessons in preparing dishes like:

Cao Lau
Mi Quang
Fresh spring rolls
Vietnamese pancakes (Banh Xeo)

Joining a cooking class in Hoi An

Explore Hoi An Memories Land

If you want a cultural experience that goes beyond sightseeing, don’t miss Hoi An Memories Land. This complex offers:

Hoi An Memories Show – One of the largest outdoor shows in Vietnam, recreating 400 years of Hoi An’s history with 500 performers
A cultural village showcasing traditional crafts
Photogenic check-in spots with historical settings

Hoi An Memories Land show

Visit the local markets

Hoi An’s markets are vibrant and full of local life. Head to:

Hoi An Central Market – Great for food, fresh produce, and souvenirs
Night Market – Best for lantern shopping and street food

Trying street snacks like Banh Mi or grilled skewers is a must!

A corner of Hoi An night market

Take a bike ride to the countryside

Hoi An’s surrounding countryside is peaceful and perfect for a bike tour. You can ride through:

Green rice fields
Water coconut forests
Small villages where you can meet locals and learn about their daily life

Many tours include activities like making rice paper or farming with local families.

Relax at An Bang beach

For beach lovers, An Bang Beach is only a 10-minute drive from Hoi An Ancient Town. It’s the perfect place to unwind, swim, or enjoy fresh seafood by the sea.

An Bang beach – A must visit place when coming to Hoi An

Visit Tra Que vegetable village

Want to experience rural life? Head to Tra Que Village, where you can:

Learn how local farmers grow organic herbs
Try farming activities like watering plants or harvesting
Enjoy a traditional farmer’s meal

Experiencing a day of being farmers at Tra Que vegetable village

Take a basket boat ride in Cam Thanh village

Experience a fun and unique ride in a traditional Vietnamese basket boat. Local fishermen will show you how to navigate these round bamboo boats through the water coconut forest.

Experiencing basket boat in Cam Thanh village

Get clothes tailored in Hoi An

Hoi An is famous for custom tailoring. In just 24–48 hours, you can have:

Suits
Dresses
Shirts
Shoes

Tailoring in Hoi An is fast, affordable, and high-quality.

Getting clothes tailored in Hoi An

Try Hoi An’s signature dishes

Hoi An is a food paradise! Don’t leave without trying:

Cao Lau: Noodles with pork and crispy rice crackers
White Rose Dumplings: Delicate shrimp dumplings
Banh Mi Phuong: The famous Vietnamese baguette praised by Anthony Bourdain

Cao Lau – One of the best Hoi An’s specialties

Visit traditional craft villages

Nearby villages offer unique cultural experiences:

Thanh Ha Pottery Village: Try your hand at making pottery
Kim Bong Carpentry Village: Discover wood carving traditions

Thanh Ha Pottery Village

Explore My Son Sanctuary

If you love history, take a day trip to My Son Sanctuary, about 40km from Hoi An. This ancient Cham temple complex is often called the “Angkor Wat of Vietnam.”

My Son Sanctuary

Watch a traditional performance

In Hoi An, you can watch cultural shows like:

Traditional folk music
Water puppet shows
Cham dance performances

These shows give you a deeper understanding of local culture.

Enjoy a coffee by the riverside

Hoi An is home to countless cozy cafes along the river. Enjoy a cup of Vietnamese coffee, relax, and watch the boats float by, it’s the perfect way to end your day.

Plan your Hoi An Trip now!

As you can see, there are plenty of things to do in Hoi An, from cultural experiences to culinary adventures and nature exploration. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or staying longer, Hoi An will surprise you with its beauty, history, and charm.