Welcome to Hoi An, Vietnam’s most charming city, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hoi An is located in central Vietnam and is known for its beautiful well-preserved ancient town. Hoi An truly feels like stepping into a postcard, a stark difference from anywhere else we visited in Vietnam. Colorful lanterns sway as you wander through the vibrant streets. Tourists sip coffee on a patio overlooking the street at one of the many charming cafes. Skilled tailors busily measure tourists to create beautiful custom clothing.
If you don’t venture beyond the main streets of Hoi An, there is no doubt you will miss the best parts of the city. There are so many hidden alleyways filled with cozy cafes, art galleries, delicious street food, and colorful boutiques, all tucked away from the buzzing motorbikes. This guide covers 10 amazing things to do in Hoi An, Vietnam!
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Where to Stay
We stayed at the Anantara Hoi An and loved it! It’s on the Thu Bon riverfront and only a few minutes walk to the bustling ancient town city center and markets. The property is quiet and very charming, with lush gardens and lanterns flowing gently in the trees. They have a huge pool, spa & gym, perfect for relaxing in the hot afternoons. The breakfast buffet was delicious and overlooks the river.
Other Great Hoi An Properties:
- Cozy Savvy Boutique Hotel Hoi An
- Little Riverside Hoi An . A Luxury Hotel & Spa
- Bel Marina Hoi An Resort
Best Things to Do in Hoi An
1. Wander the Ancient Town
One of my favorite things to do in Hoi An, Vietnam is wander the busy streets and hidden alleyways (on foot or by bicycle!). There is so much to see and do in this lovely town! It’s great for people-watching and there is something to discover on every corner.
There is an interesting mix of French colonial buildings and Asian architecture due to its rich history. Wander through narrow alleys filled with colorful lanterns, explore centuries-old temples, or take a leisurely stroll along the tranquil Thu Bon River, soaking in the charm of this famed UNESCO World Heritage site.
Other Great Tours in Ancient Town
- Morning Countryside Tour by Bike
- Hoi An Ancient Town- Free Walking Tour with Local Guide
- Private Photoshoot and Guided Walking Tour
2. Discover Hoi An’s Ancient Temples & Historical Sites
To access the old temples and other historical sites in Hoi An, you’ll need the Hoi An Ancient Town Ticket, available at ticket booths scattered across the area (I’ve marked where on Google Maps). This ticket offers entry to landmarks such as the Japanese Covered Bridge (currently closed as of April 2024), Quan Cong Temple, and Tan Ky Ancient House. Prices typically range from 80,000 to 150,000 VND ($3.50 – $6.50 USD). These are beautiful historical buildings worth checking out and snapping a few photos!
3. Get Custom Clothing Made in Vietnam’s Tailoring Capital
Hoi An is known as the tailoring capital of Vietnam. Getting custom-tailored clothes is one of the best things to do in Hoi An, Vietnam. I recommend Ba Ri Tailor (they are the best!). We heard about them from multiple sources that said Ba Ri Tailor had the best quality and process so we decided to go there. There are literally hundreds of places and some not so great, so do your research ahead of time.
The prices are very reasonable and you can get anything you want made to fit perfectly for your body. Turnaround time is 1-3 days so don’t fret if your time in Hoi An is short. Additionally, the staff can usually work with you to make something quickly. I think if you arrive early on Day 1 they can likely get it to you next day. You can negotiate a little bit, but generally, we found that they are so busy they don’t have to negotiate much. I got a skirt and 2 dresses made for $150 USD. My partner got 2 full suits, a shirt, and pocket squares for $350 USD.
Tailoring Process
I suggest going early in the morning. We arrived around 9:30AM and we were the first ones there. It gets HECTIC in there during the day and even into the late afternoon. Once you arrive, they will work with you to find styles and patterns you like. Alternatively, you can bring photos for inspo and they can typically copy whatever you show them. Next, they measure you and let you know what the price will be. You pay before you leave and they will let you know when to return for a fitting.
You may have to come back several times for fittings depending on your fit preference. Luckily everything in Hoi An is easily walkable so you can pop by while you’re out and about. Ultimately, we loved our new clothes and would definitely go back!
If you’re into leather there are also a lot of authentic eather shops with great quality bags, shoes and accessories!
4. Cafe Hopping
Trust me it gets hot and you’ll need to stop numerous times to cool off. Vietnam is known for its incredible coffee culture. Try Uncle Huan Coffee, Espresso Station, Nourish Eatery, Buttercup, or Slow Cafe for incredible vibes and coffee. The coconut coffee is my favorite!
Fun Coffee Tour:
Hoi An: Vietnamese Coffee Culture and Coffee Making Class
5. Go on a Local Food Tour
My partner and I love to go on food tours in new cities because it’s a great way to learn about the culture. You can easily book one on GetYourGuide. During our tour, we enjoyed learning about the town from a local. She shared all the best spots and we got to try things we would have otherwise not tried. Overall, it was one of our favorite things to do in Hoi An.
Hoi An: Night Food Tasting Tour
The best spots to try are: Bánh bèo Cô Tú, Madam Khanh (the bbq pork Bahn Mi is the best we had in Vietnam), Quán Cao Lầu Thanh, White Rose, and BBQ Cô Lợi.
If you enjoy street food, check out my guide on the best street food in Hanoi.
6. Make a Lantern
There are many lantern-making classes in town. Lanterns are like the heart and spirit of Hoi An. This is a great little activity and keepsake!
Here are a few Lantern Making options:
- Hoi An: Basket Boat with Lantern-Making & Cooking Class Tour
- Hoi An: Vietnamese Foldable Lantern Making Class
7. Experience Lantern Festival
Hop on a boat down the Thu Bon River and admire all the beautiful lanterns at night. It’s such a stunning sight to see all the colorful lanterns floating down the river. Additionally, the riverside is very busy with people wandering and enjoying the evening. It’s really magical.
During the Hoi An Lantern Festival the whole town comes to life with a kaleidoscope of colors. Cafes, shops, and homes replace electric lights with the warm glow of lanterns. It was such an incredible experience to be there on the day of the full moon! Luckily, even when there isn’t a full moon you can experience the lanterns on the river pretty much any night!
Here’s what you need to know about experiencing the lanterns at night:
- The Festival takes place in the ancient town of Hoi An, Vietnam along the Thu Bon River and throughout the town.
- The Ho An Lantern Festival occurs on the 14th day of the lunar calendar, regardless of when the full moon occurs, from about 6pm-10pm, but you can still experience the lanterns on the river on any night.
- You can buy a boat ticket for around $5 for 2 people for a 20-minute ride. You will see little stands where people are selling tickets. While you may have to queue, the line moves quickly.
- Buy a small paper lantern from street vendors or once you get on the boat to light up and float down the river. The boat driver will provide a lighter. Make sure you make a wish!
8. Check out the Cocktail Scene
There are numerous unique cocktail bars around Hoi An. You can even try this really cool hidden cocktail tour!
Experience the unique cocktail scene at Mezcal Cocteleria or Market Bar. Both have interesting cocktails that reflect the flavors of Vietnam!
I am a Mezcal fanatic and it was so exciting to finally see Mezcal in Asia!! The Mezcal Cocteleria has a great little outside deck, or you can sit inside and enjoy the dimly lit speakeasy-style bar while they play old vinyl records.
Market Bar is above the Hoi An Street Market and it’s a great spot for people watching and admiring the hustle and bustle from afar.
9. Discover Local Art Galleries
Hoi An is filled with lovely art galleries and is often a favorite destination for art collectors. That’s not me, but I do appreciate admiring it! Most of the art you will see in Hoi An showcases traditional Vietnamese life including nature, people and costumes. We loved the photography by Réhahn. His portraits tell a story and evoke the subject’s emotions. Here are a few galleries we enjoyed:
- Couleurs by Réhahn
- Hoi An Fine Art Gallery
- Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum
10. Visit the Local Markets
Don’t miss Hoi An’s iconic night market, along the riverside. Lanterns illuminate the stalls offering an array of handicrafts, clothing, and local street food. Make sure you try the crepe filled with grilled banana and nutella. You will see this all over the city. It’s so good!!
Additionally, you can also stroll through Central Market, which is filled with fresh produce, spices, street food, and all sorts of souvenirs.
Other Activities
There are so many other activities in and around Hoi An including day trips to the beach town of Da Nang, and more. Here are a few I’d recommend:
- Hoi An: Bay Mau Cooking Class w Optional Market & Basket Trip
- Ba Tran: Hoi An Basket Boat Ride in Water Coconut Forest
Things to Know Before You Go
Best Time to Visit & Weather: The ideal time to visit Hoi An is from February to April when the weather is cooler and dryer. This is also not the peak tourism season, so Hoi An is less crowded.
How to Get to Hoi An: The best way to reach Hoi An depends on your starting point. If arriving internationally, fly to Da Nang, then take a taxi, shuttle, or private car for the 45min -1 hour journey. Alternatively, travel by train, bus, or rent a motorbike for a scenic and flexible adventure from within Vietnam.
Book a Private Transfer: I ALWAYS use Booking.com to pre-book my airport taxis. It’s so easy, and cheap, and you don’t get scammed. They send someone with a sign so it’s very easy & convenient.
How to Get Around Hoi An: The best way to get around Hoi An is to walk! The city is pretty small and very walkable, even moreso than Hanoi. Alternatively, you can take cheap Grab’s or taxis.
Currency: The currency used in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong. I recommend carrying cash as most places don’t accept credit cards, and if they do they charge a 3% service charge. Cash is always good to have for anything from food to tips or taxis. There are ATMs everywhere and we found that it was best to take money out from HSBC as they had lower fees.
What to Wear in Hoi An: It’s typically always warm and humid. I recommend wearing airy, breathable clothing so you’re comfortable. You will likely be walking a lot through cobblestone streets, so wear practical shoes. If you are visiting temples or places of worship, be sure to wear longer dresses or pants and have a covering for your chest and shoulders.
Plugs & Adapters: In Vietnam, the standard electrical plug type is Type A, which features two flat parallel pins (used in North America). However, newer establishments and hotels, may also have Type C outlets, which are commonly found in Europe. To ensure compatibility with Vietnam’s electrical outlets, I suggest a universal outlet, which you can easily buy on Amazon.
Cost to Travel: Hoi An is relatively cheap to travel to. There are a range of accommodation options from budget to luxury, and you can eat a meal for only a few dollars. You can also find nicer sit down restaurants that are more expensive. It’s also easy to walk around or take cheap taxis.
Language: Vietnamese, but many people speak a few words of English. At most of the food stalls and restaurants they have pictures of the food so it’s easier to order. Not everywhere, but most!
Visa: If you’re from the US or EU you need a visa to visit Vietnam. If required, you can apply for an e-visa through the official website. Requirements and procedures vary, so verify the latest information before traveling.
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