Hoi An things to do: Make your journey in 2024 full of excitement

1. Hoi An things to do: Unwind at VinWonders Nam Hoi An

VinWonders Nam Hoi An is about 17 kilometers away from the center of Hoi An City. This park has five subdivisions, namely Harbor Corner, Island of Folk Culture, River Safari, Adventure Land, and Water World. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. and offers a variety of exciting activities for visitors to take part in.

• Harbor Corner: You can see 12 huge symbolic ships at the entrance of this subdivision. The distinctive scenery and ambiance of a bustling commercial port in the 16th and 17th centuries are faithfully recreated in this area. The river here is quite lyrical, making it an excellent backdrop for taking pictures.
• Island of Folk Culture: It has many different distinctive art forms that have been recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritages of the world. At this place, tourists can explore the aesthetic pinnacle of traditional Vietnamese communities.
• River Safari: Here, you can cruise down a river that was modeled like the renowned Amazon River and observe a variety of animals. Specifically, it is home to 50 endangered species in Vietnam and around the world as well.
• Adventure Land: This subdivision is a real-life amusement haven with about 100 indoor games and more than 20 amazing outdoor games. Therefore, this is considered the best location for adventure and exploration-loving tourists to show off their bravery in their Hoi An trip.
• Water World: This subdivision offers visitors a wonderful system of slides, pools, and a number of fantastic activities. Among them, the 55-meter-long Boomerang Slide is a must-try to unwind with your loved ones.

Book VinWonders Nam Hoi An ticket now

2. Take photos in front of the Japanese Bridge Hoi An

Japanese Bridge Hoi An, crossing over the enchanting Hoai River, is a well-known destination for visitors to Hoi An thanks to its prime location in the heart of the historic town. It is likened to a testimony to a period of architectural interference between Japan, Vietnam, and China in Hoi An Ancient Town.

The building’s architectural characteristics show the harmonious, distinctive, and stunning quintessence of Vietnam and the above East Asian countries. A special thing about this place is that it is present on the VND 20,000 bill. Coming here, do not forget to wear an elegant outfit and take some stunning shots.

3. Hoi An things to see: Ancient houses and assembly halls

There are a lot of unmissable historical and cultural relics in Hoi An, including ancient houses and assembly halls. These places are spiritually significant to the local community. They also represent the intricate ancient architecture of the ancient town.

In your list of Hoi An things to do, include the below awesome destinations:

• Tan Ky Ancient House: Built in 1741, it served as a hub for both local commerce and international trade in the 18th and 19th centuries. In 1990, this historic home was designated a World Natural Heritage by UNESCO. Nowadays, a local family still resides on the top floor while visitors are welcome to take a tour around the first floor.

• Phung Hung Ancient House: L​​ocated at No. 4 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, it is a typical commercial building that depicts metropolitan Vietnam in the 19th century. The house was recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Site in 1993. It has been preserving a number of records regarding architecture, culture and art.

• Phuc Kien Assembly Hall: Its architecture exemplifies both traditional Chinese architecture and Fujian artistic design. As a well-known sacred shrine in Hoi An, it has welcomed many locals and visitors to worship the gods and ask for favors. Also, it hosts a variety of yearly religious celebrations, giving attendees a chance to immerse themselves in exotic culture.

• Cantonese Assembly Hall: This place was built in the final decades of the 19th century. It once served as a hub for Chinese gatherings, meetings, and trade activities. Although there are no longer any official religious or cultural activities here like in the past, many priceless historical records and artifacts are still being kept here.

• Trieu Chau Assembly Hall: Also known as Ong Bon Pagoda, it was built in 1845 as a place for communal activities of overseas Chinese in Chaozhou. Its attraction comes from the stories and architecture that show the typical culture of merchants.

More on: Hoi An Vietnam map: A full guide for your exploration

4. Visit traditional handicraft villages – one of the best things to do in Hoi An

Coming to some handicraft villages and learning about their traditions are among the interesting things to do in Hoi An Ancient Town. Below are some suggested places to visit:

• Thanh Ha Pottery Village: For five centuries, this village has continued to make pottery via manual shaping without the use of molds. Located on the banks of Thu Bon River, it is surely an excellent location for those who wish for a more genuine, hands-on experience in Hoi An.
• Tra Que Vegetable Village: Vegetable cultivation is done with great care here. The water for irrigation is obtained from subterranean sources, meanwhile, seaweed taken from lagoons serves as fertilizer. Therefore, the vegetables like onion, basil, perilla, cilantro, etc. are always fresh and green.
• Kim Bong Carpentry Village: The village started focusing on carpentry in the 16th century and strongly developed following the busy trade scene of Hoi An. Although their golden time has passed, nowadays, local workers still maintain the old way of life and together contribute to the preservation of the craft village.

5. Admire stunning beaches and immerse yourself in nature

In addition to impressing tourists with its historical beauty, Hoi An is also a charming beach destination. The beach at Hoi An is serene, quiet, and alluring in its own way. Take a day trip to the following locations if you have the time:

• An Bang Beach: In contrast to other beaches, it has a calm beauty with cool blue water, long white sand stretch, and gentle waves lapping at the shore. The beach is an excellent location for vacationers to stay in harmony with nature and get away from the stress of daily life.

• Cua Dai Beach: It has glistening white sand, crystal-clear water, gentle slopes, and placid waves. As soon as you set foot on this place, the endless sand stretch will take you aback. Walking on the fine white sand is a really satisfying experience to try there.

• Cham Islands: This place is known as a beautiful and unspoiled island cluster with many fascinating experiences. It has a rich flora and fauna ecosystem and many historical sites that have existed for hundreds of years. In 2009, Cu Lao Cham was recognized by UNESCO as a world biosphere reserve.

See more: Hoi An itinerary: A full guide for authentic experiences

6. Things to eat in Hoi An: Enjoy signature dishes at famous markets

Considered as the food paradise, Hoi An night markets – like Nguyen Hoang or Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa, will not let you down with a plenty of tasty specialties. Cao Lau, Quang noodles and Banh Mi are the top three mouthwatering dishes to try once on your trip.

• Cao Lau: This famous food consists of Japanese udon-like noodles, roasted pork chunks that resemble Chinese Char Siu, raw greens, beansprouts, crunchy croutons, and a special sauce made in Hoi An. To add additional flavors, locals frequently combine Cao Lau with lime juice, Vietnamese chili paste, and sliced fresh chilies.
• Quang noodles: In a typical bowl of Mi Quang, you can usually find slices of pork, beef, or chicken; shrimp; quail eggs; flat rice noodles; and a small amount of bone broth. The dish can be eaten with rice crackers, seasonal vegetables, and herbs like basil, peanuts, mint, and coriander to balance the flavors.
• Banh Mi: Banh Mi is thin, crunchy Vietnamese bread which is filled with a variety of ingredients, usually pork, fried eggs, pate or poultry, and sour sauce. The feature of this Hoi An street food is the abundance of vegetables, including lettuce, cucumbers, pickled carrots, and coriander.

7. Take a basket boat ride in the Bay Mau Coconut Forest

One of the most unique things to do in Hoi An is to take a basket boat ride through the Bay Mau Coconut Forest. Located just 3 km from Hoi An’s ancient town in Cam Thanh, this lush water coconut forest spans several hectares and offers a fascinating glimpse into local life. For around 200,000 VND per person, you’ll hop into a traditional round basket boat and float along narrow waterways, surrounded by vibrant coconut palms.

This hour-long adventure is more than just a scenic ride — you’ll also witness exciting boat performances and learn to make creative souvenirs like flowers, grasshoppers, bracelets, and hats from coconut leaves. If you visit during the eighth lunar month, you can taste the delicious water coconut fruit, known for its crunchy texture and sweet flavor. This experience has quickly become a signature attraction in Hoi An.

8. Explore Hoi An by bicycle

Cycling is one of the best Hoi An things to do if you want to explore the town’s hidden gems at your own pace. With its peaceful streets and pedestrian-friendly zones, Hoi An is perfect for a leisurely bike ride. Unlike busier cities, certain streets in Hoi An restrict motorbikes during specific hours, making it a safe and enjoyable activity.

Many hotels provide bicycle rentals, or you can rent from local shops. Pedal through narrow alleyways, explore ancient streets, and stop by local markets, temples, and cafes whenever you please. This is not just a budget-friendly option, but also a great way to immerse yourself in the town’s quaint, laid-back atmosphere.

Read more: Hoi An bike tours: Useful guide for your first experience

9. Visit My Son Sanctuary

If you’re wondering what to do in Hoi An, consider taking a day trip to My Son Sanctuary, located about 40 km from the town. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-see for history lovers and cultural enthusiasts. Hidden in a lush valley surrounded by mountains, My Son is an ancient complex of Hindu temples built by the Cham civilization between the 4th and 14th centuries.

The sanctuary showcases stunning examples of Champa architecture with intricate carvings, unique designs, and a sense of mystical allure. While there, you can also enjoy traditional Cham performances, which add a cultural depth to your visit. Don’t forget to capture some stunning photos of these ancient ruins to remember your journey.

10. Enjoy a lantern boat ride on the Hoai River

A quintessential experience in Hoi An is a boat ride on the Hoai River at night, which offers a magical view of the town illuminated by countless lanterns. One of the most beloved activities among tourists is releasing small, colorful lanterns onto the river, a tradition believed to bring good luck and wishes for health and happiness. As you float along the serene waters, you can admire the reflections of the lanterns dancing on the river’s surface, creating an enchanting atmosphere that captures the town’s romantic spirit.

11. Get tailor-made fashion in a day

Hoi An is famed for its bespoke tailoring services, where you can have custom-made clothing, shoes, bags, and accessories ready within hours. The town’s tailor shops are celebrated for their quality craftsmanship, unique styles, and quick turnaround times. With prices ranging from $15 to $100, depending on the material and design, this is an affordable way to bring home a stylish, personalized souvenir. Whether you’re looking for a traditional Vietnamese outfit or a contemporary design, Hoi An’s tailors can create it just for you.

12. Experience Hoi An during festivals

Visiting Hoi An during a festival is a must-try experience that adds an extra layer of magic to your trip. The town truly comes alive on the 14th day of each lunar month for the full moon festival, where electric lights are turned off, and the streets are lit solely by colorful lanterns. The entire old town is transformed into a glowing wonderland, with locals and tourists alike enjoying the beauty of the moment.

Beyond the full moon festival, other significant events include the Lady Thien Hau Festival, Hoi An lantern festival, Vu Lan Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Tet Nguyen Tieu. Each festival provides a unique opportunity to experience the rich culture and traditions of Hoi An.

13. Stroll through the ancient town and watch traditional performances

Walking through Hoi An’s ancient town is like stepping back in time. The streets are filled with well-preserved architecture, charming shops, and cozy cafes. As evening falls, the town is bathed in the soft glow of lanterns, creating a romantic and nostalgic ambiance. A stroll along the riverside offers stunning views and a chance to soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy traditional performances, such as “Bai Choi,” a unique folk art combining music, poetry, and theater that is performed nightly by the river. This experience allows you to connect with the local culture in a memorable way.

Each of these Hoi An things to do offers a unique perspective on what makes Hoi An such a special destination. Whether you’re seeking adventure, cultural immersion, or simply a place to relax and enjoy beautiful surroundings, Hoi An has something for everyone. Be sure to include these must-try experiences in Hoi An in your travel plans to make the most of your visit to this captivating town.