What is Hoi An famous for? Top 12 unmissable highlights

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1. The city of many awards

Located 30 kilometers south of Da Nang, Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s most popular tourist destinations. It was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Hoi An has also earned numerous prestigious titles, including:

• Five consecutive years as Asia’s Leading Cultural City Destination at the World Travel Awards
• One of Travel & Leisure’s 25 best tourist cities in 2020
• One of Travel & Leisure’s 15 best cities in Asia in 2021
• One of Booking.com’s 10 friendliest cities in 2022

Hoi An has received many prestigious awards (Source: Collected)

2. Timeless charm with unique architecture

What is Hoi An Ancient Town famous for? One of the first things that comes to mind is its ancient town, where visitors can admire the timeless charm of various centuries-old buildings. Hoi An Ancient Town is home to around 1,068 old houses, 19 pagodas, 43 shrines, 23 communal houses, 11 ancient wells, 38 ancestral halls, 44 tombs, and 1 historic bridge. They all reflect the traditional Vietnamese charm and also the cultural exchanges with both Eastern and Western countries in the past.

The various attractions in Hoi An promise visitors unforgettable experiences. Some must-sees include Tan Ky Old House, Phung Hung Old House, Duc An Old House, Fujian Assembly Hall, Trieu Chau Assembly Hall, Japanese Bridge, and Quan Cong Temple.

What is Hoi An known for? – The ancient town (Source: Collected)

Check out the top 17 Hoi An temples and pagodas that are worth your visit!

3. What is Hoi An famous for? Captivating lantern festivals

Hoi An is synonymous with lanterns, a unique symbol of the ancient town’s beauty. With over 400 years of tradition, Hoi An lanterns are crafted from bamboo frames wrapped in vibrant silk in vibrant colors like red, yellow, and purple. They come in various shapes, from round and octagonal to dragon-like or fish-like. Try not to miss the Hoi An Lantern Festival, which is ranked among the top 7 lantern festivals in the world by AFAR Travel Magazine in 2022. Held on the 14th and 15th day of each lunar month, this festival draws locals and tourists alike. It captivates with the glowing lanterns adorning the ancient town’s streets and the lively atmosphere of the traditional activities.

Hoi An shines brightly during the Lantern Festival (Source: Collected)

4. Iconic yellow-walled houses

Hoi An has many picturesque photo spots, especially the iconic Hoi An yellow walls. Hundreds of Hoi An’s old houses, either traditionally designed or influenced by Chinese or French architecture, are painted in vibrant shades of yellow, often complemented by green shutters and draped with bougainvillea. These yellow walls are not only charming, they also symbolize prosperity and good fortune, blending perfectly with the tropical climate to remain well-preserved for hundreds of years.

Hoi An’s yellow walls are picturesque photo spots (Source: Collected)

5. Engaging community-based tourism

What is Hoi An famous for? Hoi An offers community-based tourism at Thanh Ha Pottery Village, Tra Que Vegetable Village, Hoi An Coconut Village, Kim Bong Carpentry Village, and the Cham Islands. There, visitors can immerse themselves in the daily life of the locals, with experiences such as planting vegetables, crafting pottery, woodworking, herding buffalo, fishing, and making souvenirs from coconut leaves. Guests can also enjoy various festivals and performances of folk songs, learning about the local culture and history in the process.

Community-based tourism awaits at Thanh Ha Pottery Village (Source: Collected)

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

6. Delicious and affordable cuisine

Street food in Hoi An is renowned for its diversity, flavors, and reasonable prices. Must-try dishes include:

• Cao lau at Cao Lau Thanh (26 Thai Phien Street)
• Pho Hoi An at Pho Dong Lien (371 Cua Dai Street)
• Mi Quang at Mi Quang Ong Hai (6A Truong Minh Luong Street)
• Banh mi at Madame Khanh (115 Tran Cao Van Street)
• Chicken rice at Com Ga Ba Buoi (22 Phan Chu Trinh Street)
• White rose dumplings at Bong Hong Trang (533 Hai Ba Trung Street)
• Herbal drinks at Mot Hoi An (150 Tran Phu Street)
• Grilled skewers at Kazik Park (138 Tran Phu Street)
• Sweet soups on the food street by the Hoai River.

Chicken rice is a signature dish in Hoi An (Source: Collected)

Explore: Hoi An restaurants: 15 highly recommend places to enjoy food and relax

7. Scenic cycling routes

Do you know that Hoi An is one of the six most bike-friendly cities in the world according to Booking.com? Visitors can easily rent bicycles and explore the charm of Hoi An at their own pace. The best Hoi An bike tours include the streets around the ancient town and the routes through the communes of Cam Thanh, Cam Chau, or Cam Kim, where you will pass by rivers, canals, rice fields, coconut forests, and craft villages. Some reliable bike rental shops in Hoi An include Xe Dap Dinh Nguyen (Tan An Ward), Bee Bike (80 Ba Trieu Street), and Hoi An Cycling Tour (86/7 Nguyen Truong To Street).

What is Hoi An famous for? The peaceful countryside (Source: Collected)

8. Lively nightlife

While Hoi An exudes a peaceful charm during the day, its nighttime allure is magical. Under the glow of colorful lanterns, the town comes alive with a unique blend of ancient tranquility and modern liveliness. Visitors can enjoy evening strolls along lantern-lit streets, take part in cultural activities such as releasing lanterns on the Hoai River, and join traditional folk games like bai choi. 

At night, you can also explore vibrant night markets in Hoi An to sample local delicacies and shop for souvenirs. If you are looking for nightlife, bars in Hoi An such as The Hoianian (88 Bach Dang Street), The Shamrock Irish Pub (15 Nguyen Phuc Chu Street), Hair Of The Dog (16 Thoai Ngoc Hau Street), and Wanderlust Hoi An (21 Nguyen Phuc Chu Street) offer plenty of lively options.

There are many things to do in Hoi An at night (Source: Collected)

9. Tranquil beaches

What is Hoi An famous for? Nature lovers are drawn to its pristine beaches, which are some of the most beautiful in the region. An Bang Beach, recognized as one of Asia’s top 10 beaches by Tripadvisor in 2024, offers an ideal setting for relaxation, with activities such as parasailing, jet skiing, and surfing. Cua Dai Beach, known for its long stretches of white sand and calm water, is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Meanwhile, the Cham Islands, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, offer stunning coral reefs for snorkeling trips.

Hoi An’s beaches are renowned for their pristine beauty (Source: Collected)

More on: Hoi An itinerary: Top attractions, dining, and plans for 1-5 days

10. Impressive traditional art performances

Hoi An’s deep-rooted heritage is often celebrated through traditional art performances. To see these performances, you can visit Hoi An Traditional Art Performance Theater, which showcases hundreds of performances of folk music, folk dances, and other folk art forms. You can also enjoy various shows like Ky Uc Hoi An (Memory of Hoi An), Pho Dem (Night Street), Dem Pho Co (Night in the Ancient Town) from local performers.

If you have enjoyed the performances at the ancient town and wish for more, you can venture a bit further to the amusement park of VinWonders Nam Hoi An, which also offers many impressive cultural shows. These include Sailing Home – a show inspired by Vietnamese customs, The Legends of Great Viet – a 3D presentation of Vietnamese legends, Resonance of Majestic Mountains – a dance performance about the culture of the Central Highlands.

Sailing Home is a must-see show at VinWonders Nam Hoi An

In addition to cultural shows, VinWonders Nam Hoi An also offers thrilling games for visitors of all ages, along with some water park fun and safari park exploration

VinWonders Nam Hoi An

Book VinWonders Nam Hoi An ticket now

For a luxurious stay near VinWonders Nam Hoi An, you can choose Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An, which provides top-notch services amidst stunning beachfront views.

Book rooms in Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An now

11. What is Hoi An famous for? Tailor-made clothing

As a city with a long tradition of craftsmanship, Hoi An is famous for custom tailoring services. Visitors can easily find tailor shops to get a custom outfit, which can be ready in just a few hours. The tailors in Hoi An offer quality products at reasonable prices, from suits to dresses and the traditional ao dai. Some recommended tailor shops in Hoi An are Son Ca Tailor (127 Tran Phu Street), Yaly Couture (358 Nguyen Duy Hieu Street), A Dong Silk (62 Tran Hung Dao Street), and Be Li Tailor (635 Hai Ba Trung Street). 

For the best experience of shopping in Hoi An, you should browse a few shops to compare the prices and fabrics. The clothing you buy will also make great Hoi An souvenirs.

12. Idyllic boat adventures

Hoi An offers tranquil rivers and lush coconut forests, which together provide unique boating opportunities. Visitors can embark on Hoi An boat rides through Bay Mau Coconut Forest and enjoy traditional fishing activities amidst the green coconut groves. A cruise along the Thu Bon River offers a scenic journey through the serene countryside landscapes, while a Hoi An lantern boat ride on the Hoai River at night will bring a romantic experience.

Hoai River (Source: Collected)

What is Hoi An famous for? To sum up, this enchanting city is celebrated for its rich heritage, vibrant street food, stunning architecture, and much more. Whether you are exploring the ancient streets or savoring the local delicacies, Hoi An promises a unique glimpse into Vietnam’s historical charm.