Things to do in Hoi An

Where is Hoi An ?

Hoi An is located in central Vietnam, about 45 minutes south of Da Nang, the capital of the country’s central region, and about 3 hours’ drive north of Hue, the former imperial city. Considered the most charming city in Vietnam, Hoi An is an essential stopover in any itinerary to discover the country, whether from north to south or vice versa.

An overview of Hoi An, the most charming town in Vietnam

Hoi An, formerly Faifo in French, is a charming coastal town in Vietnam. Once a vibrant port from the 15th to the 19th century, it attracted merchants from all over the world to trade in ceramics, silk, and more.

Today, Hoi An is a town preserving its traditional Asian charm, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its rich history and architectural beauty.

Things to do in Hoi An ?

1. Take a stroll in the heart of the old town

In Hoi An, the old town is a little gem of less than 2 km². Its narrow, winding streets, decorated with old houses and colorful lanterns, invite you to take peaceful walks. Rent a bike to explore this magical atmosphere where lanterns light up the streets, ancient houses and centuries-old pagodas.

2. Discover the characteristic ancient houses of Hoi An

As you stroll through Hoi An Old Town, you will discover its iconic yellow houses, testimony to its history with foreign merchants, as well as its numerous Chinese communal houses and spaces dedicated to various social, commercial and cultural activities.

Several old houses in Hoi An are worth a visit, including the Tan Ky Ancient House, a private residence dating from 1741 and full of antiques of great cultural and artistic value. But that’s not all ! The city’s other old houses, such as Phung Hung, Quan Thang or Duc An, are also unmissable.

All of these architectural marvels are easily found in Hoi An Old Town, offering a true journey back in time to experience Vietnamese life almost 200 years ago.

3. Visit Chua Cau, one of the emblematic symbols of the old town

Chua Cau, also known as the Japanese Bridge, was built in the 17th century by Japanese merchants. This famous bridge is distinguished by its unique architecture, harmoniously blending Vietnamese, Japanese and Chinese elements. Built of wood and stone, it stretches majestically above a tributary of the Thu Bon River. Its beautifully carved lacquer roof decorated with wood and stone carvings adds to its striking charm.

Interesting to note, the image of this bridge even appears on the back of the Vietnamese 20,000 VND note, testifying to its symbolic importance for the country.

4. Marvel at the magical night

Nightfall in Hoi An transforms the city into a magical place. The streets are lit up with colorful lanterns, creating a magical and romantic atmosphere. Walking here allows you to experience unforgettable moments, just like enjoying a glass of Vietnamese coffee under the lighting of traditional lanterns, which remain engraved in the memory.

The sunset along the Hoai River is another must-see: the century-old houses take on a golden hue, offering a magnificent sight. A boat trip or a walk along the quays are ideal ways to enjoy these romantic moments.

5. Experience unique artistic activities

In Hoi An, making traditional masks allows you to discover an ancient art and express your creativity. Participants learn to create their own colorful masks, using techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation. It’s a unique way to learn about regional culture while exploring your own creative side.

Live this interesting experience at: “The Timing Masks Hoi An” (Address: 66 Bach Dang, Hoi An, Vietnam). You will learn lots of interesting anecdotes about the masks that characterize the singing “bội” or “tuồng” (classic Vietnamese opera) with various nuances and expressions of emotion.

6. Visit the specialized traditional villages of Hoi An

After exploring the old town, explore the surrounding countryside by hopping on a bike to visit villages specializing in traditional crafts or agriculture. You can go to Thanh Ha for ceramics, Tra Que for organic cultivation of herbs and vegetables, and Cam Chau for lanterns. These idyllic villages are located only about 5 km (20 minutes’ drive) from the old town, very easy to access. On the way to these villages, you can contemplate the peaceful life of Hoi An, very different from the bustle of the city center.

If you are passionate about gardening and cooking, visit Tra Que village, known for its organic crops and aromatic herbs. Explore its gardens, meet local farmers, participate in planting, harvesting and preparing a traditional Vietnamese meal with fresh herbs. A memorable experience to better understand Vietnamese culture.

7. Take an excursion to the Cham Islands

If you are a beach lover in Hoi An, a great day trip is to visit the Cham Islands (Cu Lao Cham), located 20 km off the coast of Hoi An Old Town. This archipelago is made up of 8 small islands, classified among the 15 national marine reserves, and recognized by UNESCO as a world biosphere reserve.

You will be able to enjoy magnificent beaches and explore exceptional seabeds, while having the opportunity to practice scuba diving and discover the traditional making of hammocks. Find out more about: The Cham Islands

8. Relax on the beautiful beaches

Hoi An is also famous for its beautiful sandy beaches surrounded by palm trees. Cua Dai and An Bang beaches, located just a 30-minute bike ride from Hoi An, are perfect for relaxing and enjoying water sports. From February to September, during the summer season, you can also enjoy its wonderful beaches located just a few kilometers from the city center.

9. Discover the culinary delights of Hoi An

Discovering the culinary delights of Hoi An is a must to immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture. The city, a true gastronomic paradise, offers unique flavors resulting from its cosmopolitan heritage. “Cao lau”, a traditional noodle specialty, embodies this heritage and authenticity of the region, with unique ingredients only found in Hoi An and its surrounding areas.

In addition to Cao Lau, which is the most typical dish, you should also try Quang noodles, another typical dish from this region of Vietnam. Additionally, Hoi An chicken rice is also a dish you should try.

In addition to Hoi An’s must-try dishes, try the famous MOT herbal tea, a unique drink made from tea, lemongrass, lemon and cinnamon. Served in paper cups with bamboo straws, this tea is accented with tea leaves and fresh lotus petals, providing a unique taste experience you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

10. Take part in the local cooking class

Explore Hoi An’s exceptional culinary scene with quality cooking classes. These experiences include visits to local markets, regional villages and ingredient foraging demonstrations, providing immersion into the daily lives of locals. Accompanied by a chef and a French-speaking guide, you will prepare and taste traditional Vietnamese dishes, ranked among the ten best travel experiences in Vietnam by Lonely Planet.