Table Of Contents
- Introduction
- Things To Do In Hoi An Vietnam
- Boating On The Hoai River
- Visiting Hoi An Ancient Houses
- Visiting Japanese Covered Bridge
- Watch Hoi An Memories Show On Hoi An Impression Theme Park
- Making Suits Or Dresses At Hoi An Tailor Shops
- Exploring Hoi An Traditional Villages
- Visiting Hoi An Markets
- Enjoy Local Delicacies
- Listening To Bai Choi Singing
- Chilling At Hoi An Beaches
- Exploring Paddy Fields & Hoi An Countryside
- Visiting Cu Lao Cham Island
- Having A Day Trip To Da Nang/Hue From Hoi An
- Visiting My Son Sanctuary
- Conclusion
Introduction
Hoi An Ancient Town, which is prominent on the central tourist route, resembles a rustic and poetical piece of art. Whether it is day or night, Hoi An town still offers a variety of appealing features.
In addition to cultural values through varied architecture, Hoi An Old Town has retained a large intangible racial base. The locals’ everyday lives with religious activities, cultural festivals along with natural sceneries and special cuisines have made Hoi An increasingly appealing.
Such unique features have attracted visitors from all around the world. Although it is a small town, there are several sites for travelers to explore. We ensure that you won’t be able to see all of Hoi An destinations in one or several journeys if you do not have an itinerary in advance. No need to worry because we are here to help you with the top things to do in the ancient town.
Things To Do In Hoi An Vietnam
Boating On The Hoai River
The most romantic image at Hoi An is from a boat sailing along the Hoai River. Lanterns are frequently put on the boats to brighten Hoi An nightlife. The landscape on both sides of the river, as well as the lively scenery of people passing by, must all contribute to the enjoyment of this activity.
Although Hoi An is small, it will never be tedious to gaze at for long periods of time. This is an experience you must add to your list of romantic things to do in Hoi An, especially for those who have never been on a boat before.
Visiting Hoi An Ancient Houses
It would be a huge omission to visit Hoi An old town without seeing the historic works. There are numerous Hoi An antique houses that are still standing after hundreds of years. You should consider adding some Hoi An Ancient houses to your list of top what to do in the ancient town in order to know more about the beauty of Hoi An.
Tan Ky Ancient House
Location: 101 Nguyen Thai Hoc St, Minh An, Hoi An.
The distinctive architecture of the house has survived for more than 200 years of history. In 1741, Tan Ky Ancient House was constructed. Because of its accessible location, Tan Ky Old House used to be the busiest trade site for agricultural items.
The front side of the house is on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, which is good for commerce. The rear of the house is Bach Dang that is favorable for importing goods. The house is made mostly of wood and bricks, and there are many antiquities on exhibit in Tan Ky house Hoi An.
Quan Thang Ancient House
Location: 77 Tran Phu St, Minh An, Hoi An.
Quan Thang Ancient House is fashioned like a tube in a charming Chinese style. Many people may mistake it for a little house because of the thin horizontal surface. The house is organized into three sections: dwelling, trading, and worship sections. In reality, the house faces Tran Phu and Nguyen Thai Hoc streets on two sides.
The beautiful sculptural elements created by Kim Bong village artisans have made Quan Thang’s ancient house stand out.
Duc An Ancient House
Location: 129 Tran Phu St, Minh An, Hoi An.
Duc An Old House is big and airy with numerous Vietnamese architectural characteristics. The house is linked to Cao Hong Lanh, a revolutionary fighter. It also witnessed several patriotic movements in the past. Like many other homes, the principal elements of Duc An’s house are wood with yin and yang tiles.
Visiting Japanese Covered Bridge
Japanese Covered Bridge is a well-known icon that is Hoi An worth visiting destination. We ensure that this spot always comes high on visitors’ list of the best things to do. It will be a pity if coming to Hoi An without seeing this bridge.
Japanese Covered Bridge was erected by Japanese merchants in the early 17th century. The bridge’s legend is associated with a monster named Namazu. In Japanese folk tales, it is a sea monster with a head in India, a body in Vietnam, and a tail in Japan. There will be earthquakes and tsunamis in Japan every time it wags its tail. As a result, the bridge was constructed as a sword piercing the monster’s back. It prevents the monster from wagging its tail and causing natural calamities.
Watch Hoi An Memories Show On Hoi An Impression Theme Park
Hoi An Impression Theme Park is a brand-new attraction that is considered as one of the unique things to do in Hoi An. The park is located on an island in the midst of the Thu Bon River. Visitors must cross the bridge from Nguyen Tri Phuong Street to reach here. Watching the performance Hoi An Memories Show, which is prominent in this amusement park, is also one of the best things to do in Hoi An Vietnam.
The show is full of historical and cultural space that will take you on a 400-year trip through the evolution of Hoi An town. The performance’s primary language is the traditional Vietnamese “ao dai“, which is mixed with modern staging methods. We guarantee that it will become an amazing memory that you will surely want to share with your entire family and friends.
Making Suits Or Dresses At Hoi An Tailor Shops
Visitors coming to Hoi An can find a lot of tailor shops along the streets. As Hoi An town is famous for silk items, the Ao Dai tailoring service is highly popular here. Therefore, you can travel around Hoi An to go shopping or purchase a suit for yourself.
To cater to the purchasing and clothing tastes of tourists, particularly international visitors, local tailors have created a quick sewing model. This is a type of making clothes on the premises. This quick sewing service meets swiftly guests’ demands while maintaining excellent quality and high aesthetics.
After wandering around to select styles and patterns, visitors can stop by a store to get their tailoring done. Sewing ao dai might take up to a week to finish. However, in Hoi An, you can put on ao dai or other design garments with high-quality fabric in only a few hours.
You can purchase an Alibaba dress or pants in addition to ao dai. These stores also provide a large selection of products that are created in advance from which you can select an item. If it doesn’t fit, the staff will make the necessary adjustments on the spot. Other items available in Hoi An include handkerchiefs, caps, purses, shoes, and so on.
Exploring Hoi An Traditional Villages
In Hoi An, some traditional craft villages clearly represent the lives and cultures of the local people for many years. In contrast to the peaceful old town, the charming villages provide tourists with a sense of intimacy.
Tra Que Vegetable Village
Located about 3 km west of the city of Hoi An, visiting Tra Que Vegetable Village is one of the things to do in Hoi An Vietnam that visitors really enjoy recently.
As the land here is fertile, a wide range of fresh veggies can be found. Visitors can also learn how to prepare a rustic meal and eat them with fresh vegetables.
Thanh Ha Pottery Village
Thanh Ha Pottery Village, on the banks of Thu Bon River, is also approximately 3 kilometers from Hoi An’s downtown. Because of its rural charm and magnificent architecture, this location is known as one of the Top what to do in Hoi An Vietnam.
If you want to buy some souvenirs for your family members and friends, Thanh Ha Village will have a wide range of alternatives.
Kim Bong Wood Village
Kim Bong Village is approximately 3 kilometers from Hoi An city center on the Cam Kim Island. If you have been to some Hoi An Ancient Houses, you are probably familiar with Kim Bong Wood Village.
It is where talented people have created numerous extraordinary buildings with hundreds of years of age. Visitors can visit the village by boat, or by foot crossing Cam Kim Bridge.
Visiting Cam Thanh Coconut Village
Exploring Cam Thanh Coconut Village is one of the best things to do near Hoi An. You can spend 2 to 3 hours here exploring Bay Mau Coconut Village via Cam Thanh Coconut Forest. This spot is located away from the quiet Hoi An ancient town.
Taking a basket boat ride, weaving amongst the rows of coconut trees, and seeing a vibrant “basket boat dance” performance are the major attractions here. Boating, traditional games, and Hoi An specialties, as well as riverside meals, are all popular activities.
Visiting Hoi An Markets
Coming to Hoi An markets to immerse into the mystical glow of countless lanterns of various colors and designs. It is known as one of the best things to do in Hoi An. When people think of Hoi An, they normally think of lanterns. Lanterns are everywhere on small roads to alleys in Hoi An town. However, you will be able to see the entire gorgeous scenery of lanterns while visiting Hoi An night market.
Not just lanterns, but all of the distinctive Hoi An cultural features, such as traditional handicrafts, street delicacies, and so on, can be found at the Hoi An night market.
Hoi An night market also allows visitors to immerse into the atmosphere of a busy Faifo trading port, back to hundreds of years ago. The most popular tourist attractions in Hoi An are now two-night markets
Nguyen Hoang Night Market
Located on Nguyen Hoang Street, An Hoi Ward, tourists can enter the market through the lantern bridge from the old town. Nguyen Hoang night market specializes in items from Hoi An’s famous craft villages.
Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa Night Market
Located near the Hoai River, this market specializes in food. Tourists will have a chance to discover many famous Hoi An specialties here.
Enjoy Local Delicacies
Cao Lau
“Cao Lau” first appeared in Hoi An in the 17th century, according to many local people who had lived in the ancient town for a long time. This might explain why this dish is highly influenced by Chinese cuisines, like Japanese Udon cold noodles. However, Cao Lau Hoi An retains its distinct flavor, and only Hoi An has the proper Cao Lau cuisine.
Everyone who has eaten Cao Lau once would desire to eat again. Cao Lau is a dish with a distinct taste. The most important factor is the pork. The meat must be thoroughly marinated, and the water used to make the noodle soup must come from the Ba Le well. By doing that, the noodles will then be delicious. Especially, the sauce for the dish must be made from the meat marinade, with five flavors added but not too much, in order to retain the dish’s flavor.
Quang Noodles
When it comes to Quang noodles, Hoi An is the first place that springs to mind. Unlike other areas, Hoi An’s Quang noodles feature a dense noodle soup. People’s taste for Quang noodles has evolved with the introduction of frog meat and beef. However, the most genuine Quang noodles are still red shrimp, pork, and egg. That is an authentic bowl of Quang noodles.
This dish has become more popular among visitors thanks to the new recipe of frog meat and beef. Even so, Quang noodles with chicken meat & shrimp still continue to excite customers’ interest.
Hoi An Chicken Rice
The most delicate meal among the local delicacies is Hoi An chicken rice. Visitors coming to Hoi An all wish to taste this dish for once.
The unique feature of Hoi An chicken rice is that the chicken is marinated with ginger and peanut oil before being cooked. It would help the chicken meat absorb faster and maintain its appealing golden color on the outside. The chicken used to create the chicken rice, in particular, must be of the garden kind. If it is an industrial chicken, it will not be able to provide the same level of flavor.
Phuong Bread
This is the greatest bread in the world, according to Anthony Bourdain- a famous American chef. We can experience the wonderful flavor within just only one mouthful of crunchy bread. Spring rolls, pate, meat, and bacon are just a few of the items available inside.
A variety of vegetables, including pickles, onions, cinnamon, and cucumbers are combined in a sauce made according to the shop’s traditional recipe. It is such unique flavors that have made Banh my Phuong totally different from other bread stalls in town.
Hoi An “Mot” Beverage
After you have tasted some of the local delicacies, a dessert of delectable Hoi An “Mot” beverage is always a good choice. Actually, “Mot” is the name of the business owner, not the name of the drink.
Lemongrass herb juice, which is decorated with a very beautiful lotus flower, is a specialty of “Mot” beverage. A cup of herbal tea is sweet, soothing, and refreshing which would make it ideal for a midday break.
Listening To Bai Choi Singing
Listening or joining in Bingo Games is one of the fun things to do in the old town. This form of folk art, which was previously only held at festivals in the early spring, is now held every weekend in Hoi An old town.
Visitors coming to Hoi An can listen to Bai Choi singing, or even have the opportunity to join in this activity for free. Tourists will listen to songs praising the beauty of the hometown and the whole country. Also, learning lessons about the great traditions of Vietnamese people.
The most interesting aspect of participating in Bai Choi Hoi An is not the feeling of winning or losing, but the refreshing laughs that leave an echo in each visitor’s heart.
Chilling At Hoi An Beaches
An Bang Beach is 3 kilometers from the ancient town, while Cua Dai Beach is 4 kilometers. They are among the greatest beaches in the area of Hoi An and across Vietnam. Chilling at Hoi An beaches is one of the most interesting things to do near Hoi An Vietnam.
Visitors will have a chance to immerse themselves in the space with only the sound of waves crashing onto the shore. Walking on the pure white sandbank is as light and soft as walking on clouds. Green coconut forests line the powdery beach with their arms outstretched to welcome the wind from the distant area. Every day, they not only protect tourists from the wind and rain but also provide shade.
The sensation of laying on the white sand. The green hue of coconut palms. The fragrance of the sea wind. They all take visitors to another planet where only amazing calm reigns.
In contrast to the morning’s magnificent picture, the afternoon here is like the crimson color of the late afternoon sun. Fishermen began their working hours on tiny boats out the open sea. The sun began to drop behind the clouds in the far distance, leaving a magnificent sunset sky.
Exploring Paddy Fields & Hoi An Countryside
Speaking of Vietnam, people normally think of images of lush rice fields, beautiful blue skies, and herds of water buffalo. Such images of rural life can readily be found in Hoi An, Vietnam. By riding out of Hoi An town towards the beach on a bicycle, you can reach Hoi An countryside. In that manner, you can discover a Vietnam that is genuinely peaceful and tranquil.
Along the road, water buffaloes can be seen amid the farmers beside the road. It will be extraordinary scenery that you want to immediately capture. However, you should be cautious if a guy on the street urges you closer to snap a picture with the water buffalo. As it is not going to be free, make sure you make a bargain in advance. A ten-dollar fee was requested for a photograph in the past.
If you want to get the most out of your visit to rural Vietnam, you can consider joining a morning cycling tour to the countryside. Alternatively, a farming and fishing tour will include a rural bike trip and a riverboat.
Visiting Cu Lao Cham Island
Cu Lao Cham is a very popular tourist attraction in Hoi An. It is not just appealing because of the Vietnamese and Champa people’s long-standing cultural heritages. This island also has a pleasant climate all over the year, diverse habitats, and beautiful beaches.
Cham Island was transformed from a pristine island into a tourist destination shortly after being recognized as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2009. With its natural beauty, the island soon becomes a popular tourist attraction that is known as one of the coolest things to do in Hoi An.
Once you have reached here, make sure to take a boat or a glass-bottom basket boat tour of the coral reefs. During a 45-minute floating at sea in Cu Lao Cham marine protected area, visitors will be able to see and explore the spectacular beauty of coral reefs.
Having A Day Trip To Da Nang/Hue From Hoi An
There are numerous fascinating activities not only in Hoi An but also in the surrounding area. The first item on the agenda is a one-day trip to Da Nang/Hue from Hoi An. It has always been one of the best things to do with the family that is highly recommended for both international and domestic visitors.
Da Nang is one of Vietnam’s major cities that is known as one of the most livable cities in the world. You will discover a unique blend of both ancient and modern values in Da Nang City. Modern structures, fashionable inhabitants, and exciting outdoor activities can all be found as you wander along the shore. Also, you can explore the city’s treasures full of historical values by visiting the Museum of Cham Sculpture, Han Market, and so on.
Hue Imperial City is notable for the glamour Perfume River, the Citadel, and tombs for royal people, which have been around for hundred years. Hoi An to Hue day trip has always attracted a large number of travelers due to its convenience and privacy.
You can learn more about the architecture and the culture, as well as the history of Hue’s ancient capital in just one day. Also, learn more about the local people’s everyday activities and get a chance to taste some of the excellent local delicacies.
Visiting My Son Sanctuary
Besides Hoi An Ancient Town and Hue Imperial City, My Son Sanctuary has formed a famous cultural heritage triangle in central Vietnam. It has grown in popularity as a tourist attraction in recent years. Visiting My Son Holy land has become one of the best things to do around Hoi An Vietnam that hundreds of visitors come here every day.
My Son Sanctuary is in Quang Nam province, around 45 kilometers west of Hoi An and 70 kilometers southwest of Da Nang. Many old Champa kingdom temples are placed in a valley with a circumference of 2 kilometers. The Champa dynasty’s sacrifices, as well as the tombs of royal people, are held here, in My Son Sanctuary.
In 1999, My Son Sanctuary Hoi An was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also, it is one of the 23 most significant national monuments in Vietnam.
Conclusion
In short, Hoi An is a remarkable tourist destination in Central Vietnam. In addition to popular attractions like the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Ancient House, and Fujian Assembly Hall, located in Hoi An Ancient Town, visitors can also enjoy a variety of engaging activities in the countryside. These include experiencing a basket boat ride and participating in a cooking class at Tra Que Vegetable Village.
The information provided by Hoi An Private Taxi highlights some of the exciting Things To Do In Hoi An 2025. Thank you for taking the time to read our blog. We hope this information enhances your vacation experience in Hoi An, Vietnam.