1. Top things to do in Hoi An

Cycle the countryside

Rent a bicycle either from your hotel or one of the rental shops lining the streets, and embark on a leisurely ride from the Ancient Town towards the expansive landscapes of Cam Thanh and Cam Chau. Along this route, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the authentic rhythms of Vietnamese countryside life. Discover a tapestry of leafy vegetable gardens, charming duck ponds, and quaint, oil-stained repair shops that add to the picturesque scenery.

Have a beach day

Situated a mere 7 kilometers from the Ancient Town, An Bang Beach stands out as one of the most inviting sandy shores in all of Vietnam. In the main area, you’ll find beachfront favourites such as Soul Kitchen and The Hmong Sisters, as well as a string of seafood restaurants. Venturing a bit further down the coast, the atmosphere mellows, and local vendors offer an array of sun loungers, affordable coconuts, and refreshing cold beers to create a truly leisurely beach experience.

Shop for souvenirs

Hoi An has earned its reputation as a tailor's paradise. Whether you're in the market for a bespoke suit, a stunning dress, a handcrafted leather bag, or any other custom-made item, you've landed in the perfect spot. In addition to the plethora of tailor shops, investing a few hours exploring the town's boutiques is a must. Make sure to explore stores such as Cocobox, offering Vietnamese jams and coffee; Metiseko, showcasing fashion and accessories; Artbook, featuring posters and stationery; and Reaching Out, where you can find exquisite ceramic tea sets and jewelry. These establishments offer a treasure trove of high-quality souvenirs to bring back home.

Taste regional dishes

Prepare yourself for an exceptional culinary journey in Hoi An, where you're bound to savor some of the most exquisite meals of your trip. This culinary excellence is made possible by the astonishingly fresh produce sourced daily from the nearby farms and seas. Indulge in the region's authentic local delights, including Cao Lầu, White Rose, Hoành Thánh, and Mì Quảng, at renowned establishments like Morning Glory Restaurant, Miss Ly, or Mai Fish. If you're in the mood for a more contemporary twist on Hoi An's cuisine, don't miss Nu Eatery, where you can experience the city's finest fusion fare.

Stroll the Ancient Town

While the Ancient Town is undoubtedly charming during the daylight hours, it truly blossoms into a magical realm after sunset. Make sure not to let the opportunity slip away to meander through this UNESCO-listed heritage site in the evenings. As dusk falls, the streets come alive with thousands of radiant lanterns, casting a warm, enchanting glow that transforms the entire area. And as you walk along, take in the breathtaking sight of the Thu Bon River, adorned with shimmering reflections that add an extra layer of enchantment to the scene.

Revisit Hoi An history

During the prosperous era spanning from the 15th to the 19th centuries, Hoi An served as a bustling trading port that welcomed merchants from China, Japan, and Europe. Today, within the confines of the Ancient Town, you'll discover a delightful array of ancestral houses and pagodas, all conveniently situated within easy walking distance of one another. To gain entry to these historically significant sites, you'll need a ticket, and the nominal fee is a small price to pay for the chance to delve into Hoi An's rich and multi-layered past. Be sure to add three essential stops to your itinerary: the iconic Japanese Bridge, the enchanting Tan Ky House, and the captivating Phuc Kien Assembly Hall.

Take a cooking class

You needn't be a culinary expert to savor the delightful cooking classes available in Hoi An. These classes offer a hands-on experience, guiding you through the entire gastronomic journey, starting with visits to the fishing nets and public markets, and concluding with the art of claypot cooking and frying pan expertise. Throughout this immersive adventure, you'll gain valuable insights into local cooking techniques. And, after an engaging morning of culinary exploration, the most rewarding part awaits – relishing the delicious results of your efforts.

Catch a cultural show

Lune Production has gained acclaim for its exceptional contemporary circus, dance, and musical performances both in Vietnam and across the globe. Ensure you seize the opportunity to attend a show at their newly established performance center in Hoi An. "The Mist," Lune's inaugural production in Hoi An, is a breathtaking and captivating hour-long spectacle deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture. With evocative portrayals of countryside life and mesmerizing ballet performances, you'll find it impossible to divert your gaze from the stage. For show listings, schedules, and ticket information, visit the official Lune Production website.

Take a Ride in a Basket Boat

Ever heard of a basket boat?  Well, it happens to be one of the most popular activities you can enjoy in Hoi An. These unique vessels are essentially circular bamboo baskets that locals skillfully employ to traverse the waterways in the region. On a half-day tour, you can pedal your way to the village and experience the thrill of paddling one yourself. Embark on a serene journey through a verdant coconut tree forest, test your fishing skills with a net, and then observe the locals engage in a lively and spirited race – it's an unforgettable adventure that immerses you in the local culture and traditions.

Have clothing made

While Hoi An's history is rooted in its role as a bustling trading port, today it's best known for its thriving tailoring industry. In fact, it appears that nearly every other establishment in town is a tailor shop. If you're in search of a tailored suit, a custom-designed dress, or a fresh pair of shoes, this is undoubtedly the destination to fulfill your sartorial desires. However, when it comes to shopping in Hoi An, quality can vary significantly. Given the sheer abundance of tailoring shops, it's important to be discerning as the saying goes: "You get what you pay for."

Check out the local markets

Exploring a local market is undoubtedly one of the must-do activities in Hoi An. These vibrant hubs offer fantastic opportunities to hunt for souvenirs at affordable prices and savor the exquisite flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. Among the options, the Hoi An Night Market stands out as a favorite among travelers. Situated alongside the Thu Bon River, its enchanting ambience is accentuated by the illumination of countless lanterns. This picturesque market not only offers a delightful shopping experience but also a chance to savor delectable Vietnamese food. Additionally, the Central Market of Hoi An is an excellent choice for those seeking budget-friendly local dishes. It's a culinary haven where you can relish authentic flavors without straining your wallet. 

Attend a Lantern-Making Class

Among the myriad of captivating sights in Hoi An, the vivid and colorful lanterns truly steal the spotlight. These lanterns are not just ornamental; they symbolize happiness, prosperity, and good fortune, and they adorn every corner of the town. While you'll undoubtedly encounter numerous lanterns during your strolls, did you know you can also embark on the creative journey of crafting your own? Indeed, there's a fantastic lantern-making class available, where you can enroll and fashion your very own homemade souvenir. It's a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and create a meaningful keepsake of your visit to Hoi An.

Release a Lantern

As you take a leisurely stroll through the Old Town in the evening, you'll quickly discover that one of the most cherished activities in Hoi An, Vietnam, is the enchanting tradition of releasing lanterns into the river. To be clear, these are not the ornate lanterns that adorn the town's streets or the ones you craft in the lantern-making class. These are small, delicate paper lanterns that you can purchase for less than a dollar. Traditionally, this captivating ritual was reserved for the eve of the full moon. However, with the growth of tourism in Hoi An, it has become a nightly affair, attracting visitors from around the world. While it may have evolved to cater to tourists, it doesn't diminish the sheer beauty of the scene in the least!

2. Hoi An Weather

Hoi An officially has two seasons – wet and dry – but there’s often overlap between the two, with a much cooler period at the start of each year. The dry season commences in February and extends through the end of August. During this period, the weather in Hoi An gradually becomes quite hot, particularly from April onward, with temperatures often reaching the mid-to-late 30s°C. Conversely, the wet season begins in September and persists until January, with the heaviest rainfall usually occurring in October and November. Well, it is hard to say when is the best time to visit Hoi An since it can be accessible all year round, just depending your preference. From February to May, the climate is mild, pleasant, and characterized by moderate temperatures, low humidity, infrequent rainfall, and ample warm sunshine. This timeframe is ideal for exploring the Hoi An Ancient Town. If you're seeking beach relaxation or water activities, June to August is the optimal period. While October and November are traditionally avoided due to rain, they offer cooler weather with occasional sunny days. Accommodation rates are notably more affordable during this time. December and January mark the holiday season, including Christmas, New Year, and the Vietnamese Lunar New Year (typically at the end of January and beginning of February). Consequently, there may be an increase of tourists, and related service prices tend to rise. Based on your travel budget and style, you can choose the time that best suits for you. If you are still stuck in your mind, let contact our experienced travel consultant team to get support.

3. Hoi An Transportation: How to Get to & Around Hoi An

1.2. How to get there?

Hoi An doesn’t have a railway station or an airport so travelers have to transit in Da Nang city which is 30 kilometers away and approximately 45 minutes of transporting. It is possible to take an overnight train or a long ride bus to get to Da Nang, yet the quickest and safest is taking a flight to Da Nang airport. To get to Hoi An, people can also travel from Hue to Hoi An by bus/ car or motorbike if they want to enjoy the view on Hai Van Pass.

1.2. Ways to get around the city:

Cyclo (rickshaw): Tiny roads of the ancient town are perfect for relaxing and flexible transports like cyclo and bicycle. It’s very popular to take a rickshaw ride when you have time to go sightseeing in Hoi An. Motorcycles or Bicycle: Similar to other places in Vietnam, motorcycles are the best way to get around the city or to easily visit the surrounding areas. In Hoi An, the most ideal way is probably riding a bicycle since the center of the old town will limit cars and motorbikes during the daytime. Not to mention, who would say no to a scenic ride along the rice field? Walking: Walking is the best way to enjoy the scenes of Hoi An. No reason to haste while in such a peaceful and reminiscent town. Stroll around the colorful alleys of Hoi An and capture the moments anywhere without concerning about your vehicle.