Hoi An is a charming city in central Vietnam, known for it’s ancient town and lantern-lit nights. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site with a unique blend of French, Chinese and Japanese architectural styles. Hoi An’s narrow streets, vibrant markets and delicious local cuisine makes it a much-loved tourist destination. Here are the top things to do in Hoi An, Vietnam:
1. Wander around the beautiful streets of Hoi An’s ancient city
Hoi An’s ancient city is full of beautiful architecture and aesthetic coffee shops so make sure to wander around and take it all in. Tickets to the ancient city are available to buy for 120 000 VND which allows walking access within Hoi An Old Town, admission to heritage buildings, museums and various other sightseeing places.
2. Take a lantern boat ride down the Thu Bon River
One of the most captivating parts of Hoi An are the famous lantern boats. For as little as 150 000 VND you can take a magical boat ride along the Thu Bon River and release your own lanterns into the water.
3. Release a lantern into the river and make a wish
Purchase a lantern for 10 000 VND and contribute to the collective display of lights which makes Hoi An so mesmerising. The act of releasing lanterns onto the river is often seen as a way to send wishes, hopes, and prayers for good fortune and happiness.
4. Get an outfit tailored in one of Hoi An’s many tailor shops
Hoi An is renowned for its tailor shops and the unique custom-made clothing experience it offers to tourists. With quick turnaround times and reasonable prices, it is popular to have anything from dresses to shoes tailored in Hoi An. I recommend doing your research before choosing a tailor to avoid a negative or disappointing experience.
You can read about my own tailoring experience here.
5. Take a tour in Hoi An’s famous coconut boats
Take a trip to Cam Thanh village and explore the coconut palm groves whilst sitting in one of Hoi An’s iconic basket boats. Local fisherman use these basket boats for fishing in shallow waters and often like to showcase their traditional fishing techniques on these tours. It’s a great way to experience local culture whilst exploring the serene water landscapes in Hoi An.
6. Take a Vietnamese cooking class
Deepen your understanding of Vietnamese cuisine and learn to prepare a range of dishes, from Pho to spring rolls. Many cooking schools also include a visit to the local market to choose fresh ingredients. Whether a novice or an expert, a Vietnamese cooking class offers an immersive cultural experience with a chance to try delicious traditional food.
7. Cycle around Hoi An’s countryside
Escape the bustling ancient town and explore the natural beauty of Hoi An’s rural surroundings. Embrace the slower-paced rural life and cycle past the picturesque scenes of rice paddies, waterways and traditional villages. Many tour operators in Hoi An offer guided cycling tours, making it easier to navigate the scenic landscapes.
8. Visit Hoi An’s Central Market
Located in the heart of the ancient town, don’t miss this bustling and vibrant market. Expect to find anything from fresh produce to local crafts to street food. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s a great way to experience the hustle and bustle of Vietnamese daily life.
9. Try a Vietnamese coffee at one of Hoi An’s many coffee shops
Coffee is a significant part of Vietnamese culture so the choice of coffee shops in Hoi An is endless. Vietnam is one of the world’s largest producers of coffee and is renowned for it’s unique and delicious coffee preparations. Make sure to try a Traditional Vietnamese Coffee, prepared using a drip filter, and an Egg Coffee which involves whipped egg yolks, sugar and condensed milk.
10. Visit An Bang Beach
Offering a range of beach bars and restaurants, An Bang beach offers a relaxing escape from Hoi An’s ancient city. It’s also suitable for swimming, and various other water activities, such as surfing and paddle boarding. Umbrella and sunbed rentals are also available for those wanting to spend a day unwinding at the beach.
Where to stay
- Fuse Old Town Hoi An
- the Imperfect Downtown Hostel
- Cheerful Hoi An Hostel
When to visit
The best time to visit Hoi An is generally between February and April (spring) or September and November (autumn). During these months, the weather is mild and there’s less chance of rain which makes it ideal for exploring. Avoid going between October and December as this is the peak of the rainy season and heavy rain often leads to flooding in Hoi An. Between May and August, temperatures can be too hot and humid during the summer months.
Hoi An becomes even more magical during the Full Moon Lantern Festival which takes place on the 14th day of each lunar month. During this time, Hoi An turns off its electrical lights and the streets are illuminated solely by its colourful lanterns. Locals and tourists release lanterns onto the river to symbolise good luck and happiness. If you want to visit during this time, check the lunar schedule before planning your trip.