Last Updated on 31/12/2025 by Ting Dalton
As night falls, see the gentle sway of brightly lit lanterns swinging above wooden-fronted shops. Watch as the river illuminates with floating orbs, as boats glide quietly across the water.
From ornate Japanese bridges to narrow alleyways and hidden courtyards, to cheap tailors and art galleries, the ancient town of Hoi An is perhaps one of my favourite destinations in Vietnam.
Why visit Hoi An
Once a major port, Hoi An has an old-world charm that has gained it a legion of visitors, as well as being designated a UNESCO Heritage Site back in 1999. But, unlike the organised chaos and tooting horns of thousands of mopeds in Vietnam’s cities like Hanoi, Hoi An is uniquely traffic-free. Giving it a more laidback, traditional feel.
Here, centuries-old crafts like silk making, calligraphy and ceramics are still practised, with these wonderful works of art available to buy. Wander down any Hoi An street and smell the wafting scent of cooking, from kiosks serving tasty bánh mì to people relaxing in chic coffee shops watching the world go by.
Head away from the Ancient Town and explore along the banks of the Thu Bon River, where you’ll find waterfront restaurants and bars, floating markets and coconut boat tours.
Hoi An is special. Crumbling buildings dot the riverbank, a maze of alleys and streets is full of shops and restaurants, and you’ll meet wonderful, proud local people who are not only welcoming but very friendly. Head away from town, and discover verdant countryside and local villages, as well as stunning beaches.
Hoi An with kids
Our kids loved Hoi An. It’s a destination that allows you to explore at your own pace. From lantern making to ordering delicious ice cream rolls from street vendors, to shopping for fashionable tees, and grabbing an iced coffee, there are plenty of things to do for kids of all ages. Not only that, but there were too many fun activities for us to get involved with, so it meant we were never bored!
Is Hoi An too touristy?
Back in 2001, I remember Hoi An being much, much quieter. I have an old photo of me standing on the Japanese covered bridge, completely alone, with no one ruining the frame. Fast forward to now, and our arrival on the weekend (which sees an influx of crowds) was pretty overwhelming. There were people everywhere. And it was impossible for me to recreate that photograph as there were too many people walking across the bridge.
However, while you need to prepare yourself for crowds, if you spend longer than a few days in Hoi An, like we did, then you’ll still get to experience it in its more serene moments. We found afternoons and after 9.30pm on weekdays much less crowded. In my humble opinion, despite its popularity, Hoi An still retains its captivating charm.
Here are the best things to do in Hoi An
We spent a week just outside of Hoi An in a sprawling luxe beachside resort called Hoiana Beach – and combined it with chilling by the pool, alongside getting stuck into a few day trips and Hoi An activities. It was the perfect, leisurely way for us to experience this ancient city. Here is my essential guide to the top things to do in Hoi An.
Make your own lanterns
Down an unassuming alleyway off one of Hoi An’s main streets is the Lantern Lady. We strolled past houses, wondering if we’d taken a wrong turn, but then, lit up in the night sky, we saw dozens of strung-up lanterns framing a workshop – and we knew we’d come to the right place.Â
Why are lanterns so special in Hoi An? Fusing different Asian cultures, the lantern is a symbol for good luck, wealth and happiness. So we spent a fun-filled hour or so making our own – and the best thing? We could take them back home with us.
The local women here were so patient and friendly, so don’t worry if you’re not good with arts and crafts, you’ll get step-by-step instructions and help along the way. Choose from a vast array of stunning designs and then set to work at craft tables dotted around the workshop.Â
Take a bike tour through local villages
This was perhaps one of the highlights of our trip – and definitely one of the best things to do in Hoi An. Once we met our guide Tam, from Discova, who spoke impeccable English, and were fitted with bikes and helmets, we set off!
Although it was an early start for us, it was the perfect time to explore the hidden winding streets of Hoi An and then cross over the metal bike bridge to  Cam Kim Island. Here in the southern villages, we got to meet and interact with local people, from making rice noodles and weaving traditional floor mats to tasting snake wine.
It was fascinating to learn more about Vietnamese rural life, cycle through endless rice paddy fields and lush green countryside. If you’re worried that the cycling might be too much, then rest assured, it’s pretty easy going and there are lots of stops along the way, including drink and snack breaks. The finale? A fantastic ferry ride back to Hoi An town with stunning views of the city’s waterfront.Â
Get dizzy on a coconut basket boat ride
Taking a ride on a coconut basket alongside 100 other people might not sound like a lot of fun, but while this boat ride is shamelessly a tourist attraction, it really is worth doing – particularly if, like us, you get great guides. There are dozens of companies to choose from, but we went with Green Coconut Village, which we’d highly recommend.Â
Bay Mau coconut forest on the outskirts of Hoi An central, has winding waterways framed by swathes of lush nipa palm groves. Two people get into a circular colourful basket called ‘thung chai’, and for the next 50 minutes, you’re taken through the forests, fishing for crab, and listening to the hilarious banter from your expert rower. Our guide was called Hang, and he made us laugh a lot along the way.Â
He even persuaded us to take part in the coconut boat spinning, where special performers use their oar to spin the basket around and around at some speed. I wasn’t too keen on this, but the kids loved it! Note – you have to pay the boat spinner extra to take part.
Take a sampan ride
Glide through Hoi An’s waterways on a traditional sampan boat. These wooden boats navigate the narrow channels of the Thu Bon River, offering glimpses of local life along the banks. Your boatman will pole through quiet backwaters where you’ll spot fishing nets, floating gardens, and riverside villages. It’s a peaceful way to see central Vietnam from a different perspective, especially during the golden hour when the light catches the water perfectly.
Get lost on purpose in Hoi An’s ancient town
The heart of Hoi An lies in its UNESCO-listed Ancient Town, where narrow streets wind between centuries-old buildings. Hoi An’s old town is a maze of Chinese shop houses, French colonial mansions, and ornate assembly halls, each telling stories of the port’s trading past. Duck into hidden courtyards, browse wood carvings in tiny workshops, and discover the famous Japanese covered bridge. The best way to explore is on foot – maps are useful, but getting wonderfully lost among these historic sites is half the fun.
Release a lantern on the river
On the 14th of each lunar month, tourists and locals mingle for the magical Full Moon Festival. Purchase a colourful paper lantern from a riverside vendor, make a wish, and release it onto the Thu Bon River. Watching hundreds of glowing orbs float downstream while lantern-lit streets reflect in the water is pure magic. Even outside festival nights, releasing lanterns is a popular nighttime activity – and you’ll get no shortage of people asking if you’d like to, down by the river.
Join a street food tour
Hoi An’s culinary scene is legendary, and a guided food tour is the best way to sample local specialities. Try tasty cao lau (the town’s signature noodle dish made with water from a specific ancient well), white rose dumplings (delicate steamed parcels), and banh xeo (crispy pancakes filled with prawns and fresh vegetables). A guide will lead you through the local market and to hidden eateries where you’ll taste authentic Vietnamese food alongside locals. Many tours include cooking classes where you’ll learn to recreate these dishes at home.
Take a day trip to My Son Sanctuary
Step back in time at My Son Sanctuary, a collection of ancient temples dedicated to Hindu deities from the Cham civilisation. This UNESCO World Heritage site, just an hour from Hoi An, features crumbling brick towers set in a jungle valley. The best time to visit is early morning when mist clings to the ruins and temperatures are cooler. Many visitors combine this historical place with other central Vietnam attractions, making it an ideal day trip for those interested in Vietnam’s diverse cultural heritage.
Relax on An Bang Beach
Just a short bike ride from the Ancient Town, An Bang Beach offers pristine white sand and gentle waves. This beautiful beach is less developed than nearby Cua Dai, giving it a more local feel. Rent a sun lounger, sip fresh coconut water, and watch fishing boats bob on the horizon. Beach shacks serve great food, including fresh seafood and cold beer. Many hotels and guesthouses provide free bikes, making the journey part of the adventure through rice paddies and local villages.
Go temple hunting
Hoi An’s spiritual side reveals itself through ornate Chinese assembly halls and ancient temples scattered throughout the old quarter. The Fujian Assembly Hall, dedicated to sea goddess Thien Hau, features intricate carvings and coiled incense spirals. Quan Cong Temple honours a revered general, while the Japanese Covered Bridge connects cultures and eras. Each temple tells unique stories of the Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese communities who shaped this multicultural port town. It always astounded me how many incredible temples we’d unintentionally come across. That’s the beauty of aimlessly wandering.
Browse the night market
As darkness falls, Hoi An transforms into a shopper’s paradise. The riverside night market comes alive with stalls selling everything from handmade lanterns to silk scarves and local artwork. Haggle for souvenirs, sample street snacks, and soak up the buzzing atmosphere. The central market area near the Japanese bridge offers the best selection, while smaller markets in the narrow streets provide more authentic local experiences. Don’t miss trying che ba mau (three-colour dessert) from market vendors.
Hoi An FAQs
How to get to Hoi An
Most visitors fly into Da Nang Airport, just 45 minutes from Hoi An by taxi or private transfer. Vietnam Airlines operates direct flights from major cities, including Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. From Da Nang, you can also take a local bus or arrange a hotel pickup. If you’re exploring more of Vietnam, Hoi An works perfectly in a Vietnam itinerary between Ha Long Bay in the north and the Mekong Delta in the south, with good reason – it’s centrally located and offers a completely different experience from Vietnam’s bustling cities.
Where to stay in Hoi An
We spent a week just outside of Hoi An, which provided the perfect base for exploring. The Ancient Town offers atmospheric boutique hotels within walking distance of all major attractions, while An Bang Beach has beachfront resorts ideal for families. For first-time visitors, staying in or near the Old Quarter puts you at the centre of the action, though many accommodations offer free bikes to explore further afield. Budget travellers will find excellent value guesthouses, while luxury seekers can enjoy spa resorts with rice field views.
How to get around Hoi An
The best way to explore Hoi An is on foot or by bicycle – most hotels provide free bikes to guests. The Ancient Town is compact and easily walkable, while cycling lets you venture to nearby beaches, rice paddies, and local villages to experience authentic local life. For longer distances, Grab taxis are available, though the traffic-free old quarter maintains its peaceful charm. Many popular attractions are within a short walk of each other, making Hoi An an ideal place to slow down and explore at your own pace.