Things to Do in Hoi An, Vietnam's Ancient City
Hoi An is an absolutely magical place, and if you've read any of my other blog posts about things to do in Hoi An you'll know that I really recommend spending a lot of time here. I spent six days exploring everything Hoi An has to offer, from wandering through streets adorned with colourful lanterns to cycling through peaceful rice fields at sunset.
Hoi An quickly became one of my favourite destinations in Vietnam, striking the perfect balance between tourist-friendly amenities and authentic Vietnamese culture.
In Hoi An, it feels like you've stepped back as soon as you step foot in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Old Town, yet it has some of the more modern comforts I'd found in Vietnam and offers so much to do. Whether you're planning a short visit or a longer stay, this guide will help you discover the best things to do in Hoi An based on my recent experience.
Contents
- About Hoi An
- How to Get to Hoi An
- Things to Do in Hoi An
- Practical Tips for Visiting Hoi An
- Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Hoi An
- Conclusion
About Hoi An
Hoi An was once a thriving trading port between the 15th and 19th centuries, attracting merchants from China, Japan, and Europe. This multicultural influence is evident in the town's well-preserved architecture, which blends Vietnamese traditions with Chinese temples, Japanese bridges, and French colonial buildings. The Ancient Town was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, helping to preserve its historical charm while putting it firmly on the tourist map.
Most visitors spend 3-4 days in Hoi An, which gives you enough time to explore the Ancient Town, enjoy some of the many crafts and cooking classes available, and perhaps take a day trip to nearby attractions. If you have the luxury of time, you could easily spend a week or more here.
While it's definitely a major destination on Vietnam's tourist trail, Hoi An somehow manages to maintain its enchanting atmosphere despite the crowds, especially in the early mornings and evenings when the town is lit by thousands of colourful lanterns.
🇻🇳 Recommended Reading: A Complete Travel Guide to Hoi An
How to Get to Hoi An
Hoi An is basically right in the middle of Vietnam, so it will be around your half-way point whether you're travelling north to south or south to north. The nearest airport is in Da Nang, about 30km away, which has regular domestic flights from major Vietnamese cities.
From Da Nang Airport to Hoi An, you have several options. A private taxi costs around 350kVND (13€) and takes about 45 minutes. There are also shuttle buses that run between Da Nang and Hoi An for about 120kVND (4.50€), though they take a bit longer because they make multiple stops.
If you're doing a full trip through Vietnam, you're likely to arrive on the overnight bus from the north (somewhere like Ninh Binh or Phong Nha), or from the south (likely Dalat or Nha Trang). All of these routes are long enough to take an overnight bus, although beware that the roads between Dalat and Hoi An are quite bumpy!
Things to Do in Hoi An
Hoi An offers an incredible variety of activities that blend cultural experiences, creative workshops, foodie adventures, and natural beauty. During my six days there, I found myself constantly discovering new experiences around every corner.
There are soooo many things to do in Hoi An, you could stay here for weeks!
Creative & Crafts to do in Hoi An
Clothes Tailoring
One of the most popular things to do in Hoi An is to have clothes tailored. The city is famous for its skilled tailors who can create custom clothing in just 24-48 hours. I had a pant suite tailor made for 1.3mVND (around 50€), and the quality was outstanding.
Ring Making Workshop
If you're feeling creative, you can take a ring making workshop. You can design and create your own ring under the guidance of a local artisan. It costs between 700k-1mVND (26-38€) and creates such a unique memento to take home.
Coffee Making Class
Coffee lovers shouldn't miss a Vietnamese coffee making class. You learn about the distinct brewing methods and flavour profiles of Vietnamese coffee, and the best part is getting to drink your own creations afterwards! Vietnamese coffee is absolutely delicious, I got completely addicted and went out to buy myself Vietnamese salt coffee almost every morning for the second half of my trip.
Cooking Class
Cooking classes are another must-do activity in Hoi An. I joined a class that began with a trip to the central market to select fresh ingredients, followed by hands-on instruction to prepare Vietnamese classics like spring rolls, white rose dumplings, and cao lau. Most classes cost between 500-700kVND (19-26€) and include the meal you prepare. Because we booked in a big group (with a bunch of friends I'd made in my hostel), we paid 550kVND and it included the coconut boat tour, too.
Lantern Making Workshop
Lantern making workshops give you insight into one of Hoi An's most iconic crafts. You can craft your own silk lantern whilst learning about the historical and cultural significance of these beautiful decorations that illuminate the city of Hoi An.
Pottery Class
For a more tactile experience, pottery making classes allow you to work with clay on a potter's wheel under the guidance of local artisans. You'll often find shorter pottery classes or experiences included with other tours.
Cultural Things to do in Hoi An
Old Town Ticket Pass
To fully explore the Old Town of Hoi An, you can purchase Old Town Ticket Pass, which cost 120kVND (4.50€) and give you access to five historical sites (out of 22 available to choose from, including ancient houses, assembly halls, and museums).
Night Market
The night market in Hoi An comes alive after dark with food vendors, souvenir stalls, and beautiful lantern displays. It's the perfect place to sample local street food like banh xeo (Vietnamese pancakes) and white rose dumplings while soaking in the atmospheric lighting.
Cycling the Rice Fields
Cycling through the rice fields around Hoi An offers a peaceful escape from the busier tourist areas. You can rent bicycles, or often your hostel or hotel will have some that you can use for free. It's a lovely afternoon pedalling through rural landscapes, spotting water buffalo and local farmers at work.
Touristy Things to do in Hoi An
Coconut Boat Tour
The coconut boat tour along the Thu Bon River was one of my favourite experiences in Hoi An. These traditional round bamboo boats take you through coconut palm forests with entertaining local boatmen who sometimes perform tricks. There are two main types of boat your you can do: some tours have a cooking class included (that's what I did, and we paid 550kVND each), or tours that come with unlimited drinks (some friends of mine paid 350kVND, and they arrived back at the hostel veeery merry!).
An Bang Beach
An Bang beach is just a short bicycle ride from the town centre and offers a lovely spot to relax. The beach has plenty of loungers and restaurants serving fresh seafood. Most places don't charge for loungers if you buy food or drinks, which is a good deal compared to some of Vietnam's more expensive beach destinations.
Things to do Outside of Hoi An City
Ba Na Hills
Ba Na Hills is a popular day trip from Hoi An, but I have to be honest – I don't recommend it unless you have perfect weather and are determined to get the Instagram-worthy picture of the Golden Hands Bridge. I thought it was crazy overpriced at 1mVND (45€) for entrance alone, and we paid 390kVND each way for the Uber, which worked out at around 200kVND (9€) per person with 4 people in the car. We had really bad weather and everything inside was closed.
The Cham Islands
The Cham Islands make for a much better day trip. Located about 15km offshore, these islands offer beautiful beaches and excellent snorkelling opportunities. Day trips typically cost around 800kVND (30€) including transportation, lunch, and snorkelling equipment.
Da Nang
A day trip to Da Nang is well worth considering. The city is home to the impressive Marble Mountains, Dragon Bridge, and some wonderful museums. It's easy to reach by taxi or local bus and gives you a taste of a more modern Vietnamese city.
Practical Tips for Visiting Hoi An
Getting Around Hoi An
The Ancient Town of Hoi An is compact and easily walkable. In fact, parts of the Old Town are pedestrianised during certain hours, making walking the best option for exploring the historical centre.
For slightly longer distances, cycling is my favourite way to get around. Many hotels and guesthouses offer free bikes to guests, or you can rent one for around 30kVND (1.10€) per day from numerous rental shops.
Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Grab are readily available for longer journeys, such as trips to An Bang Beach or Da Nang. For a more authentic experience, you can also try a cyclo (bicycle rickshaw), though be sure to agree on a price before setting off.
Motorbike rental is another popular option, costing around 120kVND (4.50€) per day. However, the narrow streets of the Old Town can be tricky to navigate, especially during busy periods.
Best Time to Visit Hoi An
The best time to visit Hoi An is during the dry season from February to April, when temperatures are comfortable and rainfall is minimal. I was there in February, and the temperature was perfect with average high temperatures around 28°C, the only downside was that it was quite overcast.
May to September brings hot and humid conditions, with average temperatures rising to 35°C or higher. The rainy season runs from October to January, with October and November experiencing the heaviest rainfall and occasional flooding.
We were advised to try and visit on the day of the Full Moon Festival (held on the 14th day of each lunar month), when the town turns off its electric lights and is illuminated only by lanterns. We arrived on the day of the lantern festival it was lovely, but every day after that was also lovely - lanterns were out on the river every day and we didn't notice anything extra on the day of the festival.
Money & Costs in Hoi An
Hoi An was more similarly priced to the bigger cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, which put it on the more expensive side of places on Vietnam.
ATMs are widely available throughout Hoi An, but some charge high fees for international cards. We found an AgriBank ATMs nearby to have the most reasonable fees (22kVND, which is just under 1€).
Credit cards are accepted at higher-end restaurants, hotels, and some shops, but many places still operate on a cash-only basis, especially smaller businesses and street food vendors.
For a daily budget, I'd recommend allowing:
- Budget: 600-900kVND (22-34€) per day for hostel accommodation, street food, and basic activities
- Mid-range: 1,300-2,000kVND (49-75€) for comfortable hotels, restaurant meals, and several activities
- Luxury: 3,000kVND+ (112€+) for high-end hotels, fine dining, and premium experiences
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do in Hoi An?
The must-do activities in Hoi An include exploring the Ancient Town, visiting the Japanese Bridge, taking a cooking class, having clothes custom-made by local tailors, joining a coconut basket boat ride, and experiencing the night market. Don't miss cycling through the surrounding countryside for a glimpse of rural Vietnamese life.
How many days do I need in Hoi An?
I recommend spending at least 3 days in Hoi An to fully experience the town. This gives you enough time to explore the Ancient Town, try some craft workshops or cooking classes, and perhaps take a day trip to nearby attractions like the Cham Islands or Marble Mountains.
Is 4 days in Hoi An too much?
Not at all! I spent 5 days in Hoi An and still felt like I could have stayed longer. With 4 days, you'll have time to explore at a relaxed pace, get clothes tailored (with time for fittings), take day trips, and truly soak in the atmosphere of this charming town.
Is Hoi An worth visiting?
Absolutely! Hoi An was one of the highlights of my Vietnam trip. Its well-preserved Ancient Town, unique cultural blend, incredible food scene, and diverse activities make it a must-visit destination in Vietnam. The town's lantern-lit streets create a magical atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Southeast Asia.
Conclusion
Hoi An captivated me with its perfect blend of history, culture, cuisine, and creative experiences. From wandering through the lantern-lit streets of the Ancient Town to cycling through peaceful rice paddies, there are endless things to do in Hoi An that appeal to all types of travellers.
What I loved most about Hoi An was how it allowed me to experience Vietnam at different paces – I could immerse myself in the bustling markets and cooking classes one day, then enjoy the tranquility of An Bang beach or rural countryside the next. The town's unique charm, friendly locals, and incredible food scene create an experience that's truly unforgettable.
Whether you're in Vietnam for a few weeks or a few months, make sure Hoi An is on your itinerary. It's a perfect place to slow down, soak in Vietnamese culture, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
