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Things to Do in Hoi An, Vietnam
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Plan language: EnglishMost popular attractions in Hoi An, Vietnam
Things to do in Hoi An, Vietnam include exploring the Ancient Town, a living museum showcasing 15 centuries of history with over 800 wooden houses. Walk across the Japanese Covered Bridge, built in the 18th century, and visit the bustling Hoi An Lantern Market at night, where hundreds of lanterns light up the streets.
1. Ancient Town
Step into a living postcard with glowing lanterns and historic charm. Experience strolling riverside streets and vibrant night markets bursting with culture and color.
Quick facts: Narrow streets glow at night with hundreds of colorful lanterns reflecting off the Thu Bon River. Over 800 well-preserved buildings showcase a blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architectural styles.
Highlights: Local tailors can stitch custom silk garments in just one day, a craft dating back over 100 years. A nightly lantern festival invites visitors to release paper lanterns onto the river, creating a kaleidoscope of lights that symbolize wishes and hope.
2. Hoi An Lantern Market
Experience a kaleidoscope of colors illuminating the night by the riverside. Watch or release your own lantern for a wish that lights up the sky and water.
Quick facts: Thousands of colorful silk lanterns light up the night sky here every evening, creating a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of hues. The market is set along the Thu Bon River, where lanterns are also floated downstream for a dreamy spectacle.
Highlights: Lantern Market showcases an age-old tradition where locals and visitors alike release lanterns to make wishes, filling the air with hopes and colors. The glowing reflections in the river at night multiply the enchanting ambiance, making the scene truly magical.
3. Tan Ky Family House
Discover a unique fusion of architecture and heritage in a beautifully preserved traditional house. Wander through intimate courtyards and ornate rooms that evoke centuries of family life.
Quick facts: A captivating blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architectural styles reflects the house's multicultural heritage. The house has witnessed centuries of family history, with original wooden beams and intricate carvings still intact.
Highlights: Step inside to find walls adorned with ancestral paintings and Chinese couplets that tell stories of trade and tradition. The courtyard's ancient bonsai trees and ornate wooden shutters create a serene atmosphere rarely found in tourist spots.
4. Fujian Assembly Hall
Vibrant craftsmanship and rich stories await at this historic merchant hall. Experience colorful carvings, lively halls, and a vibrant snapshot of community life from centuries ago.
Quick facts: A vibrant gathering spot built by expatriate Fujianese merchants with intricate dragon and phoenix carvings. Its ornate halls hold centuries of cultural exchange and community stories woven into every beam and tile.
Highlights: The richly detailed ceramic-tiled roof, weighing over 60 tons, showcases mythical creatures and inspiring legends that seem to come alive under the sunlight. Whispered tales say the hall once hosted clandestine meetings shaping local history and merchant trade routes.
5. Tra Que Vegetable Village
Experience the freshest flavors from a garden that feeds a city. Enjoy hands-on farming and mesmerizing local traditions beyond typical tours.
Quick facts: An impressive quarter of Hoi An's vegetables come from here, nurtured by a unique blend of seaweed and fish sauce to enrich the soil naturally. Local farmers use age-old, chemical-free methods that craft vibrant, flavorful herbs and greens.
Highlights: A fascinating sight is the nightly ritual where villagers sing traditional songs while watering the crops, turning farming into a heartfelt celebration. The charming division of the village into distinct garden plots, each cared for carefully by families, mirrors the community spirit and ancient agricultural heritage.
6. An Bang Beach
Escape the crowds with peaceful sandy shores and stunning sunsets. Enjoy fresh seafood right by the water and explore lively tide pools teeming with life.
Quick facts: A wide beach lined with green coconut palms welcomes visitors seeking a quieter alternative to bustling coastlines. Soft golden sand meets the gentle waves of the South China Sea, creating a perfect spot for families and solo travelers alike.
Highlights: The beach is known for its vibrant local fishing community where you can watch fishermen return at sunset with their colorful boats and fresh catch. Tide pools along the rocks reveal curious crabs and sea creatures, making it a mini marine adventure for kids and nature lovers.
7. Museum of Trade Ceramics
Explore stunning ceramics linked to Asia's historic trade routes. Experience centuries of colorful pottery and maritime history up close.
Quick facts: A stunning collection showcases trade ceramics from Vietnam and across Asia, telling stories of ancient commerce and craftsmanship. Exotic patterns and glazes span centuries, reflecting cultural exchanges via old silk and spice routes.
Highlights: Glance behind glass to see the delicate blue-and-white porcelain pieces, some dating over 500 years and believed to have sailed the South China Sea on merchant ships. Unique is the display of ancient kiln tools and molds, revealing secrets of traditional ceramic art.
Where to Stay in Hoi An, Vietnam
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Traditional Sweet Dishes
Che Bap
Che Bap is a sweet corn pudding, popular in Hoi An for its creamy texture and subtle sweetness, made with corn, coconut milk, and sugar.
Banh Bao Banh Vac (White Rose Dumplings) Sweet Variation
While famous primarily as savory dumplings, there is a sweet version filled with coconut and mung bean, showcasing Hoi An's culinary creativity.
Banh It Tran
Banh It Tran is a glutinous rice cake with sweet fillings like mung bean or coconut, wrapped in banana leaves to infuse aroma and flavor.
Traditional Savory Dishes
Cao Lau
Cao Lau is a unique noodle dish with thick rice noodles, greens, and pork, said to use water from ancient Cham wells in Hoi An for its distinctive texture.
White Rose Dumplings
These delicate shrimp dumplings are hand-shaped like white roses, a culinary symbol of Hoi An's craftsmanship and heritage.
Com Ga Hoi An (Hoi An Chicken Rice)
This dish features fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, served with shredded chicken, herbs, and chili sauce, highlighting Hoi An's home-style flavors.
Traditional Beverages
Egg Coffee
Hoi An's egg coffee blends rich Vietnamese coffee with whipped egg yolk, creating a creamy, dessert-like beverage.
Herbal Tea with Lotus Heart
This traditional drink uses lotus hearts and medicinal herbs to offer a refreshing and calming experience, reflecting local herbal knowledge.
Rice Wine
Rice wine in Hoi An is often homemade and served during festivals, known for its strong taste and cultural significance in celebrations.
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Most popular day trips
Da Nang
Coastal city with beaches, Marble Mountains, and museums.
Cham Islands
Group of islands with clear water for snorkeling and diving.
Rent a car in Hoi An, Vietnam
Getting there
Airports
Train stations
North-South Railway
From Da Nang Airport or Railway Station, use taxi or shuttle bus to reach Hoi An, about 45 min drive.
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Comments (10)
Mixed feelings: the old town is beautiful but packed. Food was fantastic yet pricey compared to other parts of Vietnam.
Weather was sunny but hot. If you're not used to heat, try to plan morning activities and rest in the afternoon.
Skip the main street restaurants if you want cheaper eats. Walk a couple blocks out and you find some great local dishes for less.
Avoid using taxis directly from the airport, book a ride via an app for fairer prices and less stress.
Buy tickets for the lantern boat rides early in the morning, they sell out fast especially on weekends.