Things to Do in Hoi An, Vietnam: The Complete Travel Guide

If you are searching for things to do in Hoi An, Vietnam, you have landed in the right place. Hoi An is one of Southeast Asia's most enchanting destinations, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancient town tucked along the Thu Bon River in central Vietnam. With its lantern-lit alleyways, tailor shops, centuries-old temples, and some of the country's finest street food, Hoi An offers an experience unlike anywhere else on earth. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, this complete guide covers everything you need to know about the best things to do in Hoi An, Vietnam.

Explore the Hoi An Ancient Town

The single most important thing to do in Hoi An, Vietnam, is to walk through the Ancient Town itself. A living museum of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architectural influences, the Ancient Town is best explored on foot. Pick up a UNESCO heritage ticket, which grants you access to five heritage sites including the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, the Fujian Assembly Hall, and centuries-old merchant houses such as Tan Ky House and Phung Hung House. The streets come alive at dusk when hundreds of colorful silk lanterns cast a golden glow over the canal. Visit early in the morning to enjoy the atmosphere without the afternoon crowds.

Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge

No list of things to do in Hoi An, Vietnam, is complete without a visit to the Japanese Covered Bridge. Built in the early 17th century by the Japanese merchant community, this small but stunning bridge is the symbol of Hoi An. It features a pagoda-style roof, stone dog and monkey statues at either end, and a small temple shrine inside. The bridge connects the Japanese and Chinese quarters of the old town and remains one of the most photographed landmarks in all of Vietnam. Visit at sunrise or after 8 PM to catch it with fewer tourists and better lighting.

Get Custom Clothes Made by a Tailor

One of the most popular and practical things to do in Hoi An, Vietnam, is to get custom clothing made. Hoi An is famous across Southeast Asia for its hundreds of talented tailors who can produce high-quality suits, dresses, ao dai (traditional Vietnamese tunics), and more within 24 to 48 hours. Yaly Couture, A Dong Silk, and Bebe Tailor are among the most reputable shops in town. Bring reference photos, allow time for at least one fitting, and book your appointment on your first day so you have time for adjustments before you leave.

Take a Cooking Class

Among the most memorable things to do in Hoi An, Vietnam, is joining a Vietnamese cooking class. Hoi An's cuisine is deeply regional and distinct from the food found in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Signature dishes include Cao Lau (thick noodles with pork and greens), White Rose dumplings, and Banh Mi stuffed with locally made charcuterie. Most cooking schools begin with a guided market tour at the Hoi An Central Market, followed by hands-on preparation of three to four dishes. Morning Glory Cooking School and the Red Bridge Cooking School are two highly regarded options that cater to all skill levels.

Cycle or Motorbike to the Countryside

Getting out of the Ancient Town and into the surrounding countryside is one of the most rewarding things to do in Hoi An, Vietnam. The flat terrain around Hoi An makes it ideal for cycling. Rent a bicycle for just a few dollars a day and pedal through rice paddies, water buffalo fields, and traditional farming villages. The ride to Tra Que Vegetable Village, located about three kilometers from the center, takes you through scenic rural landscapes and allows you to participate in local farming activities. For more ground to cover, rent a motorbike and head toward the Marble Mountains or the charming village of My Son.

Relax at An Bang Beach or Cua Dai Beach

Beach lovers will find plenty of things to do near Hoi An, Vietnam. An Bang Beach, located about five kilometers from the Ancient Town, is consistently ranked among Vietnam's best beaches. The soft white sand and clear blue water make it perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying fresh seafood at the many beachside restaurants and beach clubs. Cua Dai Beach is another option slightly closer to town, though erosion has reduced its shoreline in recent years. For a more secluded experience, rent a bicycle and explore the quieter stretches of coastline between the two beaches.

Visit the My Son Sanctuary

History enthusiasts looking for things to do in Hoi An, Vietnam, should make the 40-kilometer trip to My Son Sanctuary. This ancient Hindu temple complex was built by the Champa Kingdom between the 4th and 14th centuries and is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Though parts of the site were damaged during the Vietnam War, many towers and carvings remain remarkably intact. Guided tours depart from Hoi An each morning, and most include transportation, an English-speaking guide, and a performance of traditional Cham music and dance at the ruins.

Take a Lantern-Making or Lantern-Release Experience

Hoi An is globally recognized for its lanterns, so any guide to things to do in Hoi An, Vietnam, must include a lantern experience. You can visit workshops along Nguyen Thai Hoc Street to learn how to craft your own silk lantern from bamboo and colored fabric. On the 14th day of each lunar month, the Ancient Town switches off its electric lights and illuminates the streets entirely with candles and lanterns, creating one of the most magical atmospheres in Asia. Releasing a small floating lantern onto the Thu Bon River during this Full Moon Festival is an unforgettable experience and a cherished local tradition.

Sample Street Food at the Night Market

No guide to things to do in Hoi An, Vietnam, is complete without talking about the food scene. The Hoi An Night Market, which opens each evening on Nguyen Hoang Street near the river, is packed with street food stalls offering grilled corn, fresh spring rolls, Banh Xeo (sizzling crepes), and Vietnamese pancakes at incredibly low prices. Wander through the lantern-draped stalls, try a bowl of local Cao Lau, and finish with a cup of Vietnamese iced coffee. The night market also features handmade crafts, silk goods, and souvenirs if you want to bring a piece of Hoi An home with you.

Day Trip to the Cham Islands

For travelers who want to add an aquatic adventure to their list of things to do in Hoi An, Vietnam, a day trip to the Cham Islands is highly recommended. Located about 15 kilometers offshore in the South China Sea, the Cham Islands are a UNESCO-listed marine protected area with crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkeling and diving. Speedboats depart from Cua Dai Pier each morning, and tour packages typically include snorkeling gear, a seafood lunch on the island, and a guided swim through vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. The islands are only accessible from approximately March to September due to seasonal weather conditions.

Best Time to Visit Hoi An, Vietnam

Knowing when to go is as important as knowing the things to do in Hoi An, Vietnam. The best time to visit is between February and April, when the weather is dry, warm, and sunny without the intense heat of the summer months. The rainy season runs from October to December and can bring significant flooding to the Ancient Town. The Full Moon Lantern Festival takes place monthly and is worth planning your trip around regardless of the season.

Final Thoughts

From the lantern-lit streets of the Ancient Town to the sun-drenched shores of An Bang Beach, the things to do in Hoi An, Vietnam, are as diverse as they are unforgettable. This small town punches far above its weight in terms of culture, cuisine, history, and natural beauty. Whether you spend three days or three weeks here, Hoi An will leave a lasting impression. Plan ahead, explore slowly, and let the magic of this timeless destination unfold at its own pace.