Things To Do In Hoi An

Its historic center is home to old mansions restored from the time when Hoi An was a prosperous port, a delightful Japanese bridge, temples of Chinese congregations, alleys with colonial houses, low and yellow in color. The archaeological site of MY SON, ancient kingdom of Champa still completes Hoi An historically.

A pretty seaside stopover, Hoi An boasts beautiful beaches with glittering sand and deliciously clear water. Paddling in a kayak, pedaling in the countryside in the middle of peaceful rice fields, lazing on the beautiful golden beaches, this is all the charm of Hoi An and its relaxed lifestyle.

What to see in Hoi An

Hoi An Ancient Town

Wandering through the narrow streets, which was once a bustling port for merchants, visitors can admire the delightful low-rise buildings that boast colorful facades and wooden balconies, as well as Chinese congregation houses, temples, pagodas, museums, and the iconic Japanese covered bridge.

Lanterns – emblem of Hoi An

As the day turns into night, Hoi An is transformed by the soft glow of gentle red lanterns, which symbolize happiness and loyalty.

It’s impossible not to be enchanted by the beauty of the thousands of lanterns that adorn the city, whether they’re made of paper, silk, bamboo, or other materials, and come in a variety of colors and shades.

Fujian Assembly Hall – Chaozhou Assembly Hall – Cantonese Assembly Hall

The Fujian Assembly Hall is a renowned tourist attraction in Hoi An, known for its impressive size, stunning beauty, and distinct Chinese architecture.

Chaozhou Assembly Hall is a place to worship the gods who control the waves, which the people of Chaozhou believe to pray for smooth sailing.

As for the Cantonese Assembly Hall, it boasts grand and stately architecture and serves as a unique tourist destination in Hoi An where numerous ancient artifacts are preserved.

Sa Huynh Culture Museum

The Sa Huynh Culture Museum is home to a vast collection of distinctive artifacts dating back over two millennia, offering valuable insights into the Sa Huynh Culture and its ancient residents.

It’s widely regarded as one of the most exceptional and comprehensive museums in Vietnam. The museum is housed in a traditional yellow Hoi An-style building adorned with lanterns that glisten in the evening.

My Son – former religious capital of the Chams

Since 1999, My Son has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can embark on a journey to the former religious capital of the Indianized Chams.

This place thrived until the 12th century, to explore the remarkable Cham archaeological site featuring a blend of Hindu and Buddhist influences. Although much of the site has been lost over time, what remains is still of great beauty and was rediscovered by the French School of the Far East in 1869.

Cham Island

With the guidance of a Hanoi Voyages tour guide, a 30-minute speedboat ride takes visitors to a group of eight islands boasting untouched beaches with blonde sand, coral reefs, beautiful flora consisting of precious woods and medicinal plants, diverse wildlife, and year-round sunshine.

These islands also have an 18th-century architectural heritage and a rare treasure in the form of swiftlets, whose mucus is used to build their nests and is a delicacy, famously used in soup.

The tour includes a visit to Bai Lang Beach, a boat shelter during storms, and a fishing village, with the opportunity to observe coral reefs and sunbathe at Chong Beach. The Tay Tang Pagoda is also worth a visit.

Cam Kim Village

Cam Kim is included in the protective area surrounding Cu Lao Cham – Hoi An Biosphere Reserve and has a diverse range of plants and animals. It is situated near several rivers and canals, which are integral to the river village style of the area.

A delightful 30-minute ride on the river with a skilled boat rower who is well-versed in handling the basket boat. During the ride, the rower will teach you how to catch crabs and demonstrate the art of weaving various items such as rings, headdresses, and baskets using coconut leaves.

Amidst the lush greenery and the rhythmic swaying of the basket boat, you will have a delightful and relaxing experience.

Kim Bong Carpentry Village

Kim Bong Carpentry Village, previously called Kim Bong Chau, is the birthplace of the renowned traditional handicraft carpentry village in Hoi An.

Once you step into Kim Bong carpentry village in Hoi An, you will observe proficient craftsmen using their hands to craft products that hold great cultural significance and are of high quality. By visiting this village, you will have the chance to gain knowledge about the history of this craft and explore the age-old carpentry workshops.

Thanh Ha Pottery Village

Thanh Ha Pottery Village is situated approximately 3 km west of Hoi An’s city center, next to the tranquil Thu Bon River.

With a history of over 500 years, Thanh Ha pottery village has witnessed many of the country’s historical ups and downs, and it is an excellent option for those interested in exploring the ancient culture. The main material used to make the unique ceramic products here is clay.

Visitors can observe skilled artisans shaping the clay into exquisite ceramic products. Each stage of the pottery-making process, from shaping the clay on the turntable, painting the decoration, to drying and firing the pottery, can be witnessed.

Tra Que Vegetable Village

The process of cultivating green vegetables in Tra Que is done with great attention to detail. The irrigation water used for the vegetables is obtained from a clean ground source and fertilized with seaweed collected from the lagoon. As a result, the vegetables grown here are always lush green.

Beyond enjoying the fresh produce, visitors can also engage in farming activities and take part in an engaging cooking class. A visit to Tra Que will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the picturesque scenery and savor the authentic local cuisine.

Bay Mau Coconut Forest

Bay Mau coconut forest is located about 3 km southeast of the center of Hoi An ancient town. This is a tourist destination in Hoi An that attracts many tourists and is considered as the “Western in the heart of Hoi An”. The local people also refer to the Bay Mau coconut forest as Cam Thanh coconut forest.

This popular ecotourism destination provides visitors with various opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the river, vast coconut forests, and traditional basket boats. A visit to this area will allow you to enjoy a serene atmosphere while cruising in a basket boat through the lush coconut forest, witness the basket dance and boat racing, and indulge in local delicacies.

Hoi An Handicraft Workshop

The Hoi An craft village, or Hoi An handicraft workshop, can be found in Minh An ward on Nguyen Thai Hoc street. It originated in the 15th to 16th centuries when Hoi An was a bustling trading port, and has since been passed down through many generations.

The craft village continues to operate and preserve 12 traditional crafts such as carpentry, pottery, lantern-making, hat-making, cloth weaving, mat weaving, garment-making, embroidery, woodcarving, lacquerware, knitting, and bamboo and rattan weaving.

What to do in Hoi An

Walking the Old Town at night

Witness the beauty of ancient houses and vibrant lantern-lit streets at night, where you may feel disoriented as if you have entered a lively festival of lights that blends the tranquility of old architecture with rural scenery and modern lifestyle. The most captivating area is likely the stretch by the banks of the Hoai River, where the colorful reflections of debris on the water add to the picturesque scenery.

Take a boat and drop lanterns on Hoai River at night

Couples who visit Hoi An, especially for wedding photos, often enjoy taking a boat ride at night to see the Old Town and release lanterns. However, this activity is not limited to couples and can be enjoyed with family and friends.

Tailor-made clothes

In Hoi An, you can get your clothes tailor-made in just four hours. The fashion styles here are trendy and unique, and you can expect to pay a reasonable price ranging from 15 to 100 USD. This makes it a great option for those who are short on time but still want to get some custom-made clothing.

Relaxing at the beach

Hoi An is known for its stunning beaches with crystal clear waters and soft, white sand. Cua Dai Beach is particularly famous for its long stretch of pristine beach, swaying coconut trees, and inviting turquoise waters.

Another must-visit beach in Hoi An is An Bang, which has been recognized as one of the world’s top 50 most beautiful beaches. An Bang Beach is perfect for those who crave a peaceful and serene atmosphere. You can simply enjoy the waves, the sun, and the refreshing sea breeze. It’s a truly unique experience that you shouldn’t miss while in Hoi An.

Snorkeling to see coral in Cham Island

To observe the coral in Cham Island, you can go snorkeling, scuba diving, or coral walking. Cham Island is situated about 15 kilometers away from the Old Town, and the island has preserved its natural state because of the lack of developed tourism services. While visiting, you can take part in various activities like camping, homestay accommodation, and savoring delicious and reasonably priced seafood.

Visit ancient houses

Hoi An has successfully preserved its invaluable heritage of ancient houses despite the damages caused by wars, urbanization, and natural disasters. These old houses have managed to remain intact, both in terms of architecture and spirit, through various events.

Among the most renowned ones is the Tan Ky ancient house, which was the first house in Hoi An to be recognized as a national monument and has welcomed numerous domestic and international heads of state.

Other notable ancient houses in Hoi An include Phung Hung and Quan Thang, as well as assembly halls such as Fujian and Cantonese, which feature distinct Chinese architecture and were constructed by Chinese traders to honor their homeland.

Play folk games

To experience the vibrant and exciting atmosphere of traditional games such as Bai Choi and Mandarin Square Capturing, visitors can visit the start of Nguyen Thai Hoc Street or Kazik Park. These games have been enjoyed by locals for generations and offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Hoi An.

Culinary discovery with the local

You will have the opportunity to participate in a cooking class at a local family’s home that we have selected for you. With the guidance of the hostess, you will learn how to prepare some traditional Vietnamese dishes, which you will then have the pleasure of tasting.

Flash show

“Memory of Hoi An” show (7:30 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.)

In the evening, we invite you to a performance in an establishment in Hoi An. A troupe of artists will offer you a concert of traditional musical instruments, folk dances from the Hoi An region, regional songs, and a stage of costumed classical theater.

Bamboo show (6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.)

A unique and breathtaking show! An acrobatic troupe that evolves on giant bamboos, to the rhythm of live tribal music! Something “never seen”, recognized as a cultural heritage by Unesco.

When to go to Hoi An?

Hoi An is located in Central Vietnam, where the climate is generally milder than in the north and the average temperature is around 29° all year round.

Hoi An has two distinct seasons: the dry season and the rainy season.

• The rainy and typhoon season, from September to December. During this season, October and November are to be avoided because they are the rainiest months. Floods can affect the city.

• The dry season, from January to May. It is therefore the best season to go to Hoi An. The rains are sparse and not abundant.

How many days to visit Hoi An?

If you have 1 day to discover Hoi An

• Delightful walk in the old town of Hoi An, a former merchant port.

• Discovery of the old port of Hoi An by a short stroll under the last rays of the setting sun before being under the ambient charm of the hundreds of small lanterns which light up at nightfall.

• A unique and breathtaking show! An acrobatic troupe that evolves on giant bamboos, to the rhythm of live tribal music! Something “never seen”, recognized as a cultural heritage by UNESCO.

• Visit the water coconut village of Cam Thanh. With your rower who knows perfectly how to tame Thuyen Thung, you will slide for 30 minutes on the river. In the heart of lush vegetation, to the nonchalant and dancing rhythm of Thuyen Thung, you will experience an adventurous moment!

If you have 2 days to discover Hoi An

Day 1: Visit the old town of Hoi An, a former merchant port by pedicab or bicycle

• Delightful walk in the old town of Hoi An, a former merchant port.

• Discovery of the old port of Hoi An by a short stroll under the last rays of the setting sun before being under the ambient charm of the hundreds of small lanterns which light up at nightfall.

• A unique and breathtaking show! An acrobatic troupe that evolves on giant bamboos, to the rhythm of live tribal music! Something “never seen”, recognized as a cultural heritage by UNESCO.

• Visit the water coconut village of Cam Thanh. With your rower who knows perfectly how to tame Thuyen Thung, you will slide for 30 minutes on the river. In the heart of lush vegetation, to the nonchalant and dancing rhythm of Thuyen Thung, you will experience an adventurous moment!

Day 2: Visit of My Son

• My Son, former religious capital of the Chams. My Son has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.

• Departure for My Son, former religious capital of the Indianized Chams until the 12th century, and visit of the Cham archaeological site, of Hindu and Buddhist influence. Only a few remains have stood the test of time, but the site is of great beauty.

• In the afternoon, free time to enjoy the beach of Hoi An.

Travel diary to “Get Well Prepared” for the trip to Vietnam?

Remember to take some precautions before the departure of the trip to Vietnam

• Scan the necessary information and save it to your mailbox. This precaution will be very useful in the event of loss or theft.

• You will need to complete an internship in addition to presenting your international driving license if you want to drive a scooter, motorcycle or car.

• Scan your international driving license and save it to your email . This precaution will be very useful in the event of loss or theft.

• Check the validity date of your passport: it must be valid for at least 6 months before the date of your departure. If the validity date is less than 6 months before your departure, you will have to renew it.

• Provide photocopies of your passport or scan your passport and save it to your mailbox. This precaution will be very useful in case of loss or theft of your passport.

• Notify your bank of your trip in order to avoid blocking your account following an activity in a foreign country which could seem suspicious.

• Plan to have on you the list of people (with contact details) to notify in case of a problem.

• Plan to carry with you all the medical recommendations and prescriptions that are very important for your health.

• Provide a list of telephone numbers and emergency numbers (embassy, ​​consulate, airlines, banks, insurance, etc.)

Where to stay in Hoi An?

La Siesta Hotel & Resort Hoi An

Located in Hoi an, this 5-star hotel is a haven of peace. With two swimming pools, a beach, a spa, a fitness center, restaurants and bars, this hotel represents everything you are looking for in terms of luxury, comfort and aesthetics. Thanks to its excellent location, the establishment allows easy access to the city’s must-see sites.

Aira Hoi An Hotel

Located in Hoi An, right next to the white sand beach, this 4-star hotel is a must. The hotel provides private sunbeds, umbrellas and towels on the beach. For those who wish to explore the area, Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO heritage site, the hotel is 5 km from it.

Little Riverside Hoi An

Conveniently located on the banks of the Thu Bon River in the heart of Hoi An Ancient Town, Little Riverside – A Luxury Hotel & Spa invites peaceful sunrises and a cooling breeze. The traditional architecture and design is distinctly Hoianese, exuding a charming warmth that will leave a lasting impression.

Anantara Resort

Located in Hoi An, this 5-star hotel is a must. Less than a kilometer from the historic district of Hoi An, stroll through the gardens overlooking the Thu Bon River. During your stay, you will have the opportunity to learn to speak Vietnamese or sign up for daily yoga classes. This hotel is equipped with four restaurants, two bars, a spa, a fitness center and a swimming pool. You will therefore have the choice of multiple activities in this hotel.

Four Seasons Hoi An

An idyllic location on Vietnam’s culture-rich Central Coast, Four Seasons Hoi An offers a portal to three extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage sites and breezy respite on the country’s most famous beach. You’ll have the opportunity to reconnect with loved ones – whether you’re taking to the East Sea by kayak, exploring the glory of Imperial Hue, or simply savoring quiet moments in your own tranquil villa.