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What to do in Hoi An? If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, Hoi An is a destination that definitely deserves your attention. This charming little town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the country’s hidden treasures. With its picturesque streets, colorful lanterns, and fascinating culture, Hoi An offers a unique atmosphere that will appeal to travelers seeking tranquility, culture, and beauty.
In the heart of Vietnam, Hoi An is distinguished by its traditional architecture, refined cuisine, and warm atmosphere. Once an important trading port, the town has preserved its heritage while remaining a vibrant and lively place. Whether you’re here for a short stay or several days, here’s a selection of the best activities and places to discover in Hoi An.
Hoi An's Must-Sees: What to See and Do?
If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, Hoi An is a destination that definitely deserves your attention. This charming little town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the country’s hidden treasures. With its picturesque streets, colorful lanterns, and fascinating culture, Hoi An offers a unique atmosphere that will appeal to travelers seeking tranquility, culture, and beauty.
In the heart of Vietnam, Hoi An is distinguished by its traditional architecture, refined cuisine, and warm atmosphere. Once an important trading port, the town has preserved its heritage while remaining a vibrant and lively place. Whether you’re here for a short stay or several days, here’s a selection of the best activities and places to discover in Hoi An.
Hoi An Old Quarter: A Journey Through Time
Hoi An’s Old Quarter is the soul of the city and a must-see. With its historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and traditional wooden houses, this neighborhood has retained its old-world charm. Stroll through its narrow streets, admire the colorful houses with their ancient facades, and immerse yourself in the calm and authentic atmosphere of this place.
The colorful lanterns that illuminate the streets at night create a magical atmosphere that the city is famous for. If you’re there during the Full Moon Festival , don’t miss Lantern Night , when the city lights up with hundreds of paper lanterns floating on the river, a magical spectacle.
The Japanese Bridge (Chùa Cau)
The Japanese Bridge is one of Hoi An’s most famous landmarks. Built in the 17th century by Japanese traders to connect the town’s Japanese and Chinese quarters, this covered bridge is an architectural marvel and a must-see. It is decorated with sculptures and inscriptions honoring the relationship between the Japanese and Vietnamese communities at the time.
The temples and pagodas of Hoi An
Hoi An is rich in temples and pagodas that bear witness to its multicultural past. Among the most famous, the Phuc Kien Chinese Congregation Temple and the Quan Cong Pagoda are two sites worth visiting. These traditional buildings, with their elaborate carvings, decorations, and statues, offer a fascinating insight into the local culture.
An Bang Beach
If you’re looking for a relaxing time by the sea, An Bang Beach is the perfect place. Located about 4 km from the city center, this beach offers calm waters and fine sand, perfect for swimming, yoga, or simply relaxing in the sun. You’ll also find restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy fresh seafood while enjoying the ocean view.
Hoi An Cuisine: A Culinary Journey
One of the best ways to experience Hoi An’s culture is to sample its unique cuisine. The town is renowned for its traditional dishes , including Cao Lau , a noodle dish with grilled pork, fresh vegetables, and fried rice croutons, and Bánh Bao Bánh Vạc , flower-shaped Vietnamese dumplings.
You can take a cooking class to learn how to prepare these dishes yourself. Many establishments in Hoi An offer workshops where you can discover the secrets of local cuisine and take home recipes to recreate at home.
Hoi An History Museum
If you’re curious to learn more about the city’s history, the Hoi An History Museum is a great option. This museum features a collection of ancient artifacts, trade-era items, and evidence of the city’s cultural diversity. It will give you a better understanding of Hoi An’s importance as an international trading center over the centuries.
Hoi An Lantern Workshops
Hoi An’s lanterns are world-famous. You can join a lantern-making workshop to learn how to create your own paper lantern. These handmade lanterns make perfect souvenirs to take home, and they support local artisans. It’s also an immersive experience in the city’s culture and traditions.
Hoi An Market
Hoi An Market is a lively place where you can discover local produce, fresh fruits, spices, handicrafts, and textiles. The market is also a great place to try local specialties like Bánh Mi , a Vietnamese baguette filled with meat, fresh vegetables, and spices, and fresh seafood . Strolling through this market will give you a glimpse into the daily lives of the locals.
Old houses and businesses
Hoi An is famous for its old merchant houses , which are often open to visitors. These buildings, which date back centuries, have been preserved in their original state and give you a glimpse of life in the town during its commercial heyday. Tan Ky House , one of the most famous, is an excellent example of traditional Vietnamese architecture, with Chinese and Japanese influences.
The surrounding villages: Crafts and nature
If you have a little more time, explore the villages around Hoi An. Thanh Ha Village is known for its traditional pottery, while Tra Que Village is famous for its aromatic herbs and agricultural products. These villages offer a great opportunity to discover Vietnam’s rural customs and meet local artisans.
Getting around Hoi An
The city is relatively small, making it easy to get around on foot or by bike. You can rent a bike to get around at your own pace and explore the city’s picturesque streets. You can also take tuk-tuks or motorbike taxis to reach more distant destinations, such as the beach or nearby villages.
Getting around Hanoi
Transportation in Hanoi can seem chaotic to the uninitiated, but once you understand the system, it becomes quite simple. We recommend downloading the Grab app for Hanoi transportation to help you navigate the city efficiently, reach major tourist attractions, and get from Noi Bai Airport to the city center.
Find our complete guide to transport in Vietnam .
Excursions around Hoi An
If you have more time and want to explore the surrounding area, here are some excursion ideas:
My Son
Located approximately 40 km from Hoi An, My Son is an ancient Hindu temple complex dating from the 4th to 13th centuries. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a fascinating place to explore for history and culture lovers.
Da Nang
Just 30 km from Hoi An, Da Nang is a large city with beautiful beaches and natural sites like the Marble Mountains and the Golden Bridge .
Conclusion
Hoi An is a charming and diverse city that will captivate travelers seeking an authentic Vietnamese experience. Between its historical heritage, exquisite cuisine, magnificent landscapes, and unique activities, Hoi An offers an enriching experience around every corner. Whether you’re passionate about culture, nature, or simply looking for relaxation, this historic city will fulfill all your expectations. Don’t miss the opportunity to discover this pearl of Vietnam on your next trip.
