Hoi An is one of the most enchanting destinations in Southeast Asia. Located along Vietnam’s central coast, this historic town blends centuries-old architecture, colorful lanterns, vibrant street food, and beautiful countryside landscapes.

Once a thriving international trading port between the 15th and 19th centuries, Hoi An welcomed merchants from China, Japan, India, and Europe. Today, the town remains remarkably well preserved and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Wherever in the world that you're visiting Vietnam from, Hoi An offers a perfect mix of culture, history, cuisine, and relaxation. From wandering lantern-lit streets to cycling through rice fields and relaxing on nearby beaches, there are countless unforgettable experiences waiting for you.

Why Hoi An Is One of Vietnam’s Most Beautiful Destinations

Hoi An stands out from other cities in Vietnam thanks to its preserved heritage and relaxed atmosphere. Unlike bustling metropolitan hubs like Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, Hoi An brings the intimate and walkable feelings.

Visitors love Hoi An because it offers:

• A charming UNESCO-listed Old Town
• Beautiful lantern-lit streets at night
• Incredible local cuisine
• Easy access to beaches and countryside
• Unique cultural experiences

For travelers seeking authentic Vietnamese culture without overwhelming crowds, Hoi An is often the highlight of their Vietnam itinerary.

Here are the top things to do in Hoi An to make the most of your visit.

1. Explore the Historic Hoi An Ancient Town

The heart of Hoi An is its beautifully preserved Ancient Town. Walking through the narrow streets feels like stepping back in time.

Colorful ancient houses, temples, wooden shopfronts, and Chinese assembly halls line the streets, reflecting the town’s multicultural trading history.

Many buildings date back over 200 years and combine architectural styles from Vietnam, China, and Japan.

Highlights of the Old Town include:

• Traditional merchant houses
• Historic temples
• Riverside cafés
• Artisan workshops
• Tailor shops

The best way to explore is simply to wander. Every street reveals hidden courtyards, small museums, and photogenic corners.

Early mornings are peaceful, while evenings transform the Old Town into a magical lantern-lit destination.

2. Visit the Iconic Japanese Covered Bridge

One of the most famous landmarks in Hoi An is the Japanese Covered Bridge.

Built in the late 16th century by Japanese merchants, the bridge was designed to connect the Japanese and Chinese trading communities.

The wooden bridge features a small temple inside dedicated to protective deities. Ornamental carvings, statues of dogs and monkeys, and curved roof tiles give the bridge its distinctive appearance.

Today, it remains one of the most photographed landmarks in Vietnam.

3. Experience the Magical Hoi An Lantern Festival

The Hoi An Lantern Festival is one of the most magical cultural experiences in Vietnam.

Held on the full moon night each month, the town switches off electric lights and glows with thousands of colorful lanterns.

During the festival visitors can:

• Release floating lanterns on the river
• Watch traditional performances
• Enjoy local street food
• Take beautiful photos of lantern-lit streets

The atmosphere is peaceful, romantic, and unforgettable

4. Take a Lantern Boat Ride on the Thu Bon River

 

A lantern boat ride along the Thu Bon River is one of the most memorable experiences in Hoi An.

Small wooden boats gently glide across the river as lanterns reflect on the water.

Many travelers release paper lanterns onto the river while making wishes for happiness and good fortune.

The best time to take the ride is after sunset when the Old Town lights up with thousands of lanterns.

5. Shop at the Hoi An Night Market

The Hoi An Night Market is a lively place to explore after dark.

Located near the river, the market features rows of stalls selling:

• Handmade lanterns
• Vietnamese souvenirs
• Local artwork
• Street food snacks
• Silk scarves and clothing

Even if you’re not planning to shop, the vibrant atmosphere makes it worth visiting

6. Join a Vietnamese Cooking Class

Hoi An is widely considered one of the best food destinations in Vietnam.

Joining a cooking class allows travelers to learn about Vietnamese ingredients, herbs, and culinary techniques.

Most cooking classes begin with a visit to a local market before teaching participants how to prepare traditional dishes such as:

• Cao lau noodles
• Fresh spring rolls
• Banh xeo crispy pancakes
• Vietnamese salads

Cooking classes are especially popular with travelers looking for hands-on cultural experiences.

7. Cycle Through Rice Fields and Visit Tra Que Village

One of the best ways to explore the countryside is by bicycle. A short ride from town leads to Tra Que Vegetable Village, a peaceful farming community surrounded by rice fields.

Here visitors can:

• Learn traditional farming techniques
• Help plant herbs and vegetables
• Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch

Cycling through the countryside offers a refreshing contrast to the busy streets of the Old Town.

8. Ride a Basket Boat in the Coconut Forest

A unique experience near Hoi An is visiting Bay Mau Coconut Forest.

Local fishermen use round bamboo basket boats to navigate narrow waterways lined with nipa palms.

During the ride visitors can see:

• Traditional fishing demonstrations
• Boat spinning performances
• Crab fishing techniques

This activity is fun for families and provides insight into local river life.

9. Relax on Hoi An’s Beautiful Beaches

Hoi An isn’t just about history. The town also offers easy access to beautiful sandy beaches.

The most popular beaches include:

• An Bang Beach – trendy beach cafés and relaxed atmosphere
• Cua Dai Beach – scenic shoreline and quieter setting

Both beaches are only 10–15 minutes from the Old Town.

Visitors can spend the day swimming, relaxing in beach clubs, or enjoying fresh seafood by the ocean.

10. Explore Temples and Historic Assembly Halls

Hoi An’s rich multicultural history is reflected in its temples and assembly halls built by Chinese merchants.

Important cultural sites include:

• Fujian Assembly Hall
• Quan Cong Temple

These buildings feature ornate carvings, incense-filled courtyards, and colorful dragon sculptures.

They offer a deeper look into the town’s spiritual traditions and merchant heritage.

11. Get Custom Clothes Made by Local Tailors

Hoi An is famous for its tailoring industry.

Visitors can have custom clothing made in as little as 24 hours, including:

• Suits
• Dresses
• Silk shirts
• Traditional Vietnamese outfits

Tailors measure customers carefully and produce high-quality garments at very reasonable prices.

For many travelers, ordering custom clothes becomes one of the most memorable experiences in Hoi An.

12. Take a Food Tour and Taste Hoi An Specialties

A street food tour is one of the best ways to discover the flavors of the city.

Hoi An is famous for dishes that can’t easily be found elsewhere in Vietnam.

Must-try foods include:

• Cao lau noodles
• White rose dumplings
• Hoi An chicken rice
• Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches

Local guides lead visitors through hidden alleyways and family-run eateries to taste authentic specialties.

13. Take a Day Trip to My Son Sanctuary

About an hour from Hoi An lies the ancient Hindu temple complex of My Son Sanctuary.

Built by the Champa Kingdom between the 4th and 13th centuries, My Son once served as a major religious center.

The red brick towers are surrounded by jungle-covered mountains, creating a mystical and historic atmosphere.

It’s one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in Vietnam.

14. Visit Cham Islands for Snorkeling and Beaches

For nature lovers, the Cham Islands make an excellent day trip.

Located about 15 kilometers offshore, these islands offer:

• Clear turquoise water
• Coral reefs for snorkeling
• Quiet fishing villages
• Protected marine ecosystems

Boat tours depart regularly from Hoi An and nearby ports.

15. Best Time to Visit Hoi An

The best time to visit Hoi An is between February and April, when the weather is warm, dry, and comfortable.

Other seasons:

• May–August: hot but great for beaches
• September–November: occasional rain and flooding
• December–January: cooler temperatures

How Many Days Do You Need in Hoi An?

Most travelers spend 2 to 3 days in Hoi An, which is enough time to:

• Explore the Old Town
• Join a cooking class
• Visit nearby villages
• Relax at the beach
• Take a day trip to My Son

However, many visitors stay longer because the town’s atmosphere is so relaxing.