Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with lots to see and do. You can explore the area by bike, try a basket boat ride, get custom-made clothes, join a cooking class, or go on a day trip to the My Son ruins.
Check out our list of the top 15 things to do in Hoi An in 2024.
1. Explore Hoi An Ancient Town
Exploring the Ancient Town (Old Town) is one of the most enjoyable activities in Hoi An. It’s a big area near the Thu Bon River that used to be a busy trading port from the 16th to the 18th centuries.
Back then, it was the main trade route between Europe, China, India, and Japan. This mix of cultures makes it really unique compared to other places in Vietnam.
Nowadays, Hoi An Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with lots of old buildings, pagodas, and historic houses that are still really well-preserved.
2. Shop at local market
The markets in Hoi An are a must-visit for tourists and a great way to experience local life. The central market, located near the river in the heart of the city, is especially popular. Here, you can find a wide variety of goods, from fresh produce to souvenirs. It’s also a fantastic spot to try delicious Vietnamese cuisine and shop for souvenirs at affordable prices.
3. Eat Hoi An specialty food
If you’re a food lover eager to explore Vietnamese culture, diving into the local cuisine is a must in Hoi An. There are three iconic dishes you shouldn’t miss: cao lau, banh mi, and com ga. Among them, cao lau holds a special place as a quintessential Hoi An delicacy.
4. Visit the Assembly Hall Of Fujian Chinese
Take a stroll through the Assembly Hall of Fujian Chinese, one of the oldest historical sites in Hoi An Ancient Town, dating back to 1690. Originally serving as an assembly hall for Chinese traders from Fujian, China, it later transformed into a temple dedicated to Mazu, the Chinese goddess of the sea.
Legend has it that a statue of Mazu washed ashore on Hoi An’s beach in 1697, prompting locals to convert the assembly hall into a temple in her honor. Today, visitors can explore three halls showcasing distinct architecture: the Main Hall, Front Hall, and Back Hall. The courtyard boasts mythical statues, shrines, and bonsai trees, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Hoi An.
5. Explore the ancient craft at Thanh Hà Terracotta Park
The Thanh Ha Terracotta Park is all about ceramics and is close to the ancient Thanh Ha Pottery Village. This park is like a museum outdoors, showing the history of the nearby pottery village. But what really gets people’s attention are the amazing terracotta statues you can see around the park.
Inside a building there, you can learn about old tools, methods, and pottery items made over time. You can also check out some drawings of ceramic artworks.s.
6. Have coffee or tea at the Reaching Out Tea House
In Hoi An, you’ll find plenty of charming cafes offering delicious Vietnamese coffee, but one stands out for its unique concept. Reaching Out Tea House, located in the Ancient Town, is a special place where customers are encouraged to enjoy their coffee or tea in silence.
Run by individuals who are speech or hearing impaired, this tea house promotes communication through handwritten notes or blocks with messages like “Bill”, “Ice”, or “Thank you”. It’s a peaceful and meaningful experience that adds an extra layer of warmth to your coffee break.
7. Get a custom-tailored suit or dress
Having a custom-tailored suit or dress made is a top activity in Hoi An. The town has a long tradition of tailoring, with many generations of skilled artisans. That’s why you’ll find numerous tailor shops in Hoi An where you can get exact replicas of your desired clothing within just 24-48 hours.
8. Ride a basket boat
Riding in one of these round basket boats is definitely one of the most enjoyable activities in Hoi An. These boats, made of bamboo, are iconic symbols of Vietnam and are commonly used by locals to travel along the waterways. You can join a half-day tour to the village and try paddling one yourself, which is a fun and unique experience.
9. Take a cooking class
If you’re eager to delve into Vietnamese cuisine, taking a cooking class is a fantastic option in Hoi An.
There are plenty of restaurants offering cooking classes, so be sure to explore your options. Look into what activities are included, whether there are vegetarian or vegan options available, and how long the class will last. This way, you can choose the one that best suits your preferences and schedule.
10. Take a lantern-making class
Lanterns are a signature feature of Hoi An, and you’ll quickly see why once you arrive.
As you explore the streets, you’ll notice colorful lanterns adorning many buildings and shopfronts, creating a magical atmosphere. You can even participate in a lantern-making class to craft your own lantern and bring a piece of Hoi An home with you as a memorable souvenir.
11. Explore My Son Sanctuary
A trip to My Son Sanctuary is the top choice for a day excursion from Hoi An. This Hindu sanctuary boasts ancient temples and ruins, often likened to a smaller version of Angkor Wat.
12. Visit Tam Thanh Mural Village
If you’re a fan of street art, don’t miss out on visiting Tam Thanh Mural Village, a must-see attraction in Hoi An. This unique art project, a joint effort between Vietnam and South Korea, has transformed the village into a vibrant canvas.
With over 100 homes adorned with colorful murals, Tam Thanh Mural Village has turned what was once a typical coastal fishing village into an eye-catching masterpiece.
13. Cycle through green rice fields through the countryside
Exploring the beautiful countryside of Hoi An by bike is a must-do experience. It’s just a short 10-minute ride from the center to reach the narrow paths that wind through lush green rice fields. Along the way, you’ll see locals working in the fields, often with water buffaloes by their side. The scenery is especially lovely during the green season. You can also use the bike to ride to nearby beaches and other interesting spots in Hoi An. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the area’s natural beauty and see local life up close.
14. Relax on the beach
After a full day of exploring Hoi An’s sights, you might be ready to unwind and relax. Luckily, there are several beaches in and around Hoi An where you can do just that. The two most popular ones are An Bang Beach and Cua Dai Beach. You can easily reach these beaches by bike from the city center. If you prefer, you can also take a scooter or taxi to the beaches in Da Nang, which are also nearby.
15. Venture through to Marble Mountains
The Marble Mountains got their name because of their bright white appearance, made of marble and limestone. These mountains have temples, caves, and fantastic views.
There are five peaks, each named after one of the five natural elements: earth, fire, water, wood, and metal.
Exploring the Marble Mountains involves some hiking. As you climb up the hills, you’ll come across its main attractions.