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Hoi An | Top 25 Things to Do and See | Complete Guide 2025

What to Do in Hoi An?

Today, I’m taking you to discover the best things to do in Hoi An in my comprehensive guide to my adopted city, from the perspective of a long-term expat.

Since 2012 (already!), I’ve had the chance to explore every corner of Hoi An. I’ve tried activities and discovered unique places like the WoodArt workshop, which I share here—often overlooked by traditional travel guides like Le Routard or Lonely Planet.

Whether you’re visiting for a few days or planning a longer stay, these recommendations will guide you to authentic and memorable experiences while exploring Hoi An (or Hoi Anh or Hoi Hanh, as some tourists like to call it 🙂 ).

Let me know in the comments how many of these you’ve tried, and feel free to ask your questions!

So, what to do in Hoi An? Follow the guide and read on.

My Recommendations for Visiting Hoi An

ville et port de Hoi An vietnam


Before we begin, let me introduce the English-speaking services I love, which will be useful for discovering Hoi An:

  • Hoi An Discovery
    If you’re looking for a english-speaking guide, I recommend Hoi An Discovery. Their English-speaking guides are excellent and will introduce you to Hoi An and its region in English.

    They offer bicycle rides around Hoi An, lantern-making and leathercraft workshops. Tours of My Son, the Marble Mountains, Hue, and a day with the Co Tu people. Needless to say, you have a good choice of guided tours.
  • Hoi An Transport Service
    Hoi An Transport Service, run by Olivier, a Frenchman, is a service for private car journeys in Hoi An that is well-reputed. Their rates are among the cheapest in Hoi An while still offering excellent service.

    Whether you are going to My Son, the Marble Mountains, Lady Buddha, Bana Hills, etc., Olivier has a journey to offer you.
  • Heaven & Earth
    Heaven & Earth by Pascal, specializes in bicycle tours in Hoi An and particularly on Cam Kim Island. He knows the region like the back of his hand. His English-speaking guides will help you discover a truly authentic Hoi An.
  • Hoi An Photo Tours
    Hoi An Photo Tours, run by Etienne Bossot, a French photographer in Hoi An. He offers photo tours around Hoi An including fishing villages, local markets, and much more.

If, like me, you are an amateur photographer or even more advanced, you will love it.

1. The Old Town of Hoi An

old town hoi an

It’s impossible not to start with the place that captivates tourists from all over the world: the Old Town of Hoi An.

Described as a living museum of history and culture, the old town is a wonderful throwback to its glorious past. Built in the 16th century, Hoi An was an important trading port for the Chinese, Japanese, Indians, and Europeans. However, due to the silting of its port, the city was abandoned in the early 19th century in favor of Da Nang.

Yet, its buildings have remained intact, and it is this preservation that led to its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.

The old town includes 1,107 timber-framed buildings, comprising houses, shops, pagodas, and religious edifices, all arranged side by side in tight rows within narrow pedestrian streets. By decree of UNESCO, over 800 historic buildings in Hoi An have been preserved. As a result, much of the old town looks as it did centuries ago.

ao dai hoi an vietnam

For instance, the original street plan is still in place. There are two main roads – Bach Dang, which runs parallel to the Thu Bon River, and Tran Phu, parallel to Bach Dang and leading to the Japanese Covered Bridge.

Visiting Hoi An cannot be complete without an understanding of its majestic cultural history. Step into private family homes that have existed for centuries, take a moment to reflect on history in a museum, and another moment of silence in the religious temples. Discover the folk traditions of theater and learn how to paint a theater mask.

For the best experience, I recommend waking up early (5 AM) to feel the atmosphere of the old town without the tourists.

Good to know

1. What is the best time of day to visit the old town of Hoi An?

To have the best experience, I recommend getting up early (5 AM) to feel the atmosphere of the old town without the tourists.

The shops are still closed and you can admire the architecture of Hoi An’s old quarter in peace.

2. Is the old town of Hoi An free to enter?

The old town of Hoi An is free to enter. Only the museums, communal houses, and ancient homes have an entrance fee.

To visit these, you will need to buy a pass with 5 tickets (price 120,000 VND | about €4.50).

At night, a boat ride on the Thu Bon River is a must, while a cyclo tour is an interesting experience during the day.

The old town of Hoi An is free to enter. Only the museums, communal houses, and ancient houses have an admission fee.

To visit them, you will need to purchase a pass with 5 tickets (price 120,000 VND | approximately 4.5€).

Lantern Festival
Each month in Hoi An, there is a festival, the Full Moon or Lantern Festival. During this event, electricity is turned off in the city, which is illuminated by lanterns. There are also various activities such as folk singing, dancing, and traditional games.
Entry to the city’s pagodas is free.

hoi an la nuit 1

2. The Japanese Bridge

japanese bridge hoi an

The Japanese Covered Bridge is the symbol of Hoi An and one of the most famous landmarks in Vietnam. It is said that if you come to Hoi An and haven’t seen it, you haven’t truly visited Hoi An.

It was built in the 17th century by Japanese merchants to connect their district with that of the Chinese. At the entrance, you will find a statue of a dog on one side and a statue of a monkey on the other. According to legend, this corresponds to the year that construction began (year of the dog) and the year it was completed (year of the monkey).

There is a fee to cross the bridge, and you need a ticket from the old town pass to be able to cross it and also visit the temple located in the middle of the bridge.

Good to Know

  • This bridge is so famous in Vietnam that it is printed on one side of the 20,000 VND Vietnamese bill.
  • The bridge is currently under renovation and is no longer open to visitors (2024).

3. The Precious Heritage Museum

musee precious heritage hoi an 1

The Precious Heritage Museum was opened by French photographer Réhahn (shoutout to France), but it is primarily a museum where you can see most of the original costumes of the 54 ethnic minorities of Vietnam. You can also see various ethnic accessories such as earrings, pipes, among others.

In the first part, you can view a photo gallery where you can see the photographer’s pictures that glorify Hoi An and Vietnam. Some have been published by National Geographic.

What I liked is that the museum is personal; you truly live the story that the photographer tells, and it is very comprehensive.

inside museum precious heritage rehahn hoi an

Even though I visited the Ethnology Museum in Hanoi, I found this museum to be superior in many ways, especially since the costumes are not behind glass, which really allows you to see them, and the museum’s ethnic music recorded by the artist adds to the ambiance.

Essential Information

4. Discover the Cuisine of Hoi An

Devant Banh Mi Phuong à Hoi An

Hoi An is recognized as a culinary paradise. Cao Lau is the signature dish of Hoi An. You can only try it here. Another dish to try is the Banh Mi from Banh Mi Phuong, acknowledged by chef Anthony Bourdain as the best in Vietnam, no less.

Another culinary gem: Com Ga Hoi An (Hoi An style chicken rice) and Banh Xeo (Vietnamese pancake, a delight).

I have an article on the 12 dishes to try in Hoi An.

5. Tra Que Vegetable Village

tra que village hoi an

Located 3km from Hoi An and on the road leading to An Bang Beach, the vegetable village of Tra Que (pronounced Cha Weh) is an exceptional and timeless place.

Here, you can learn how to farm in the traditional way using double watering cans (see the photo above). The village grows over 20 different types of vegetables that are sold in the best restaurants of Hoi An.

As with the old town, I recommend visiting very early in the morning (5 am – 6 am) to avoid the tourist groups that arrive around 9 am. By coming at 5 am, you can see the village bustling with activity, and it’s a great time for photography.

The area around the village is surrounded by rice paddies, and it’s easy to go for a bike ride through the scenic landscape.

Good to know

Gardeners work very early in the morning and late in the afternoon.

From 11 AM to 4 PM, the village will be almost empty, mainly due to the heat where temperatures can reach 40 degrees Celsius in the summer.

If you want to see the village lively and have the best experience, you should either come at 5:30 AM or at 4 PM.

6. Cam Kim Island

cam kim island hoi an

Cam Kim Island is a uniquely charming place in Hoi An.

Few tourists venture here, which means that the island is not very touristy and retains its authenticity. You’re more likely to encounter a buffalo than a tourist or a car. In fact, the island isn’t mentioned in any of the various travel guides.

The island is accessible by a bridge and is located 500 meters from Hoi An.

It’s my favorite place in Hoi An after the old town because the location is not yet overrun with tourists. You won’t be disappointed, believe me.

hoi an cam kim rehahn photography

Rent a bike, cross the bridge, and wander through the island and the rice fields. It’s pure bliss.

You will be able to see the Kim Bong woodworking village, the boatyards, and also a number of craftsmen such as mat weavers, makers of traditional Vietnamese round boats, makers of Mi Quang noodles (a dish from the Hoi An region), as well as fantastic landscapes with endless rice fields and buffaloes. It’s the place to be, a paradise on earth.

7. The Cham Sanctuary of My Son

my son temple hoi an skyview

Located 1 hour from Hoi An, the My Son Sanctuary is not comparable to Angkor, and if you have visited the said temple, you might be disappointed. Why? Because it is much smaller than the Cambodian temple. But also because during the war against the Americans, it was bombed and lost several temples.

Otherwise, the Cham sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is truly a must-see, important, and exceptional place. You will be able to see various temples, some of which are magnificent.

my son sanctuary hoi an

As a lover of history, I can spend entire hours there. To really appreciate the site, a guide is recommended to understand why the sanctuary is so important.

Essential Information

  • Entrance fee: 150,000 VND per adult
  • Opening hours: 6 AM – 5:30 PM
  • English audioguides available: 50,000 VND
  • Cham dance performances: in the morning and early afternoon (9:30 AM – 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM)

8. The beaches of An Bang, Ha My, Hidden Beach, and Cua Dai

an bang beach hoi an

Are you looking for relaxation, sand, and beach? In Hoi An, we are fortunate to have 4 beaches, two of which really stand out: An Bang Beach and Cua Dai Beach.

  1. I have a preference for An Bang Beach, the expatriates’ beach where you can find excellent bars and restaurants such as Soul Kitchen for concerts, Bikini Bottom Express for burgers, and Deckhouse for chilling. It’s a great experience.
  2. Cua Dai Beach regained its former beauty in 2023 and is currently one of the most beautiful beaches in Hoi An. Although I prefer An Bang Beach because it has more interesting restaurants, Cua Dai is an excellent beach that is much more local.
  3. Located between Cua Dai and An Bang, Hidden Beach has unfortunately suffered from erosion and is no longer accessible in 2024.
  4. Located between An Bang Beach and the Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Ha My Beach remains relatively unknown and is a quiet, very local spot. Unfortunately, it is not well-maintained, which is a pity. However, it remains a hidden gem and if you are allergic to crowds, this beach should be on your travel list.
  What to Do in Hoi An at Night | The 8 Best Things to Do

9. Cam Thanh Village

cam thanh village hoi an

Leaving Hoi An, the village of Cam Thanh is located just 3km from the city center and is ideal if you want to go for a bike ride. The place has developed a bit too much for my taste, but if you leave the main roads and take the small streets, you will find a calm Hoi An.

In this village, the leaves of submerged coconut trees are cultivated and worked on. If you come around 4 pm – 5 pm, you can see the locals working with the leaves by collecting them and spreading them out on the roads. The leaves are used, among other things, to make the umbrellas you find on the beaches of Hoi An.

It is also here that you can try the basket boat, those famous round fishing boats, in the middle of the 7-hectare mangrove of submerged coconut trees (almost unique in Vietnam, although they can also be found in the Mekong Delta). It costs between 100,000 VND to 150,000 VND for a 1-hour basket boat tour.

Good to know

Be careful, there are 2 places to do basket boat tours. One is crowded with Asian tourists (near the Cua Dai bridge) and the other is popular but quieter and less crowded.

10. Prao Village

prao village hoi an

Prao Village is a place located about 2 and a half hours from Hoi An. It’s home to the ethnic minority of Central Vietnam, the Cotu.

The location remains authentic, and you can see the traditional houses as well as the Co Tu costumes, which are still worn by the locals. As it’s not yet a tourist hotspot, I recommend visiting if you’re staying in Hoi An.

You should avoid the second village, Nam Hang, which is designed for tourists.

Good to know

Without a guide, visiting these villages can be very complicated, except for Nam Hang village, which is geared towards tourism but is losing its authenticity.

It is still difficult to go there without a guide, and you will miss the essence of Prao village.

11. Hoi An Central Market

hoi an central market

The Central Market of Hoi An offers a truly total immersion where you can try the different culinary specialties of Hoi An, including the Cao Lau for a very reasonable price. Expect to pay between 30,000 VND and 50,000 VND depending on the dish.

There is also an excellent Banh Xeo (Vietnamese pancake), which is much better than many restaurants in Hoi An. Despite the fact that the market is touristy, it still retains its authenticity since locals dine there too.

Avoid the central aisle where most of the tourist-targeted stands are located; instead, prefer the surrounding aisles.

It’s best to go early in the morning and have lunch with the Vietnamese to really appreciate this place.

12. Thanh Ha Pottery Village

thanh ha pottery village hoi an

The Thanh Ha Pottery Village, as its name suggests, is a village dedicated to pottery. You can see the entire process of pottery making there.
It’s an opportunity to try your hand at it because with your entrance ticket, you can attempt to make one yourself. I deliberately do not post a photo of my pottery, which doesn’t look like much :). I was waiting for Demi Moore (see the movie Ghost).

The village has a huge park, the Terracotta Park. You can learn a bit more about pottery there. I recommend visiting it because it features portraits of the village potters, whom you can meet afterwards.

Essential Information

  • Entrance fee: 35,000 VND per person
  • Entrance fee for Terracotta Park: 40,000 VND per person
  • Combo price for village + Terracotta Park: 70,000 VND per person
  • Opening hours:: 8 AM – 5:30 PM

13. Cham Islands

cham island beach hoi an

On the Cham Islands, you can practice diving, snorkeling, and/or trekking.

Honestly, although the island can be visited, it’s a bit disappointing because the main island is divided in two due to a military base on site. It is also difficult to get around since the roads are not in good condition and you are not allowed to drive a scooter there (in theory).

I recommend taking a boat to the surrounding islands where you can visit fishing villages.

Good to Know

Three dive schools offer diving in the Cham Islands:
1. Cham Diving
2. Tiger Fish Divers
3. Blue Coral

They also offer several activities on-site such as beach barbecues and camping.

14. Tam Thanh Mural Village

Tam Thanh Mural Village hoi an

Located a few kilometers from Hoi An, this village became famous when it was selected for a joint Korea-Vietnam art project. Since then, this village has attracted many tourists who come to admire the numerous murals hidden throughout the village.

The beautiful murals depict the villagers, whom you may also meet in person. It’s a great outing to get away from Hoi An.

As the village is situated along the coast, you can also enjoy a fine sandy beach without the crowds. A must-visit.

15. Duy Hai Fishing Village

Duy Hai Fishing Village hoi an

Looking for a less touristy spot? Just 10 minutes from Hoi An, the fishing village of Duy Hai is a truly local place.

Here, you’ll have the chance to see an authentic fish market without the tourists. It’s a real pleasure to stroll through this village which was once only accessible by boat.

No one will pay much attention to you, and you can take photos without anyone asking for a dollar. It’s the fishing village to visit for any self-respecting photographer. You are truly in the midst of Vietnamese culture. You can even settle down in one of the many cafes on the docks to watch the morning frenzy.

Also not to be missed is the Nuoc Mam factory.

Good to know

Like any fishing village, you need to come early, very early. I recommend arriving around 4:30 AM to see the frenzy of the village with boats returning with their catch.

If you go during the day, you won’t see anything extraordinary.

16. Hoi An Memories

hoi an memories show

Hoi An Memories is a grand show located in the Hoi An Impression Theme Park on Cam Nam Island (accessible by a bridge).

On a 25,000 square meter stage with 500 actors, you relive the history of Hoi An over 400 years. From a small town, it transforms into the most important port in Asia in the 16th century.

The show is narrated in English through screens on the sides of the stage, but the performance is easily understandable even for those who do not speak English.

17. Lune Production Shows

teh dar show lune production

The shows of Lune Production are often compared to a Vietnamese version of Cirque du Soleil with high-flying acrobatics and dynamic performances. My favorite Lune Production show is Teh Dar.

You can see their shows in Hanoi and Saigon, but if you missed them, you can catch up in Hoi An since Lune Production’s shows are now playing at the Lune Performing Center.

The performances focus on Vietnamese life, legends, and more…

Essential Information

  • Address: 1A Nguyen Phuc Chu, Hoi An
  • Price: from 700,000 VND to 1,600,000 VND depending on the chosen seat
  • Showtime: 6 PM

18. Lantern Festival

lantern festival hoi an

The Lantern Festival of Hoi An (also called the Full Moon Festival) is one of the most famous festivals in Vietnam. It takes place on the 14th day of each lunar month.

On this night, all the street lights in the old town are turned off for a few hours in the evening, creating a magical atmosphere. There are also various activities, such as chess players in front of some houses.

The 14th day is not only a festival but also an important day for the Vietnamese. You will see locals burning votive paper in front of their houses to honor their ancestors. On this occasion, the pagodas and communal houses of the old town are open to the public free of charge.

19. Getting Tailor-Made Clothes

tailor in hoi an

Hoi An is the shopping capital and is the city in Vietnam for getting tailor-made clothes. As you wander through the old town, you’ll literally find a tailor on every street corner.

The prices are reasonable and the quality is there if you avoid the less reputable establishments. There are many choices, but some tailors stand out like Mr Xe, Be Be Tailors, or A Dong Silk.

If you find tourists complaining, it’s because they’ve gone to the local market or they’ve tried to drive the prices down, and this is reflected in the quality.

20. Cooking Classes

tra que waterwheel cooking class

Hoi An is also renowned for its excellent cuisine, and it is only natural that you will find cooking classes there. Most cooking classes include a visit to the central market.

From Cao Lau to Mi Quang and Banh Xeo, you can learn to cook the best dishes from Hoi An as well as from all over Vietnam.

I recommend My Grandma’s Cooking, Baby Mustard, or the cooking class at Tra Que Water Wheel.

The last two are in Tra Que village, which means you’ll have fresh vegetables, and the first is located away from Hoi An.

21. Making a Lantern

making lanterns hoi an

As you walk through the old town of Hoi An, you’ll discover that, apart from the Japanese Bridge, lanterns are the symbol of Hoi An. So, why not make your very own lantern?

It’s less straightforward than it appears, and you will learn more about the origins of Hoi An’s lanterns. Many workshops offer low prices, but often that only involves placing silk on a pre-made frame, which can be disappointing.

There are more comprehensive workshops where you will learn to make the lantern from A to Z, including constructing the frame. You’ll be able to choose the style, color, material, and more…

22. Take a wood carving workshop

wood carving workshop hoi an

If you’re looking to engage in a creative activity in Hoi An, the WoodArt wood carving workshop is one of the best things to do. Duy, the founder, who also has a YouTube channel with 1 million subscribers, has created a 3-hour workshop for tourists.

What sets it apart from other workshops is that it combines the tradition of wood carving with pop culture (you can see sculptures of Dragon Ball Z, One Piece, Kratos from God of War, etc.). The level of detail is quite astonishing. It’s top-notch in terms of carving quality.

The workshop costs 500,000 VND and takes place at 8 AM and 2 PM, with reservations required. You can decide what you want to carve; it’s up to you.

The workshop, which is conducted in English, is located a bit off the road leading to My Son, but it is definitely an activity to put on your travel list, especially if you are traveling with children.

It is very easy to miss the entrance to the workshop because it is not marked as WoodArt but as Au Lac. You will need to use Google Maps to find it more easily.

Essential Information

23. Distillerie d’Indochine

distillerie indochine hoi an

Are you looking for an unusual place to visit in Hoi An? I recommend the Distillerie d’Indochine

Located a few kilometers from Hoi An, the Distillerie d’Indochine, created by three Frenchmen, offers an immersive experience lasting between 1 hour 15 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes, including a guided tour by Antoine, one of the founders, followed by a tasting. It is advisable to book in advance for better organization, although walk-in visits are also welcome.

The distillery offers different packages: a non-alcoholic tour for 200,000 VND, a tour with a tasting of three white rums for 300,000 VND, and a more comprehensive option with four white rums and one amber rum for 500,000 VND. A simple tasting is offered for 250,000 VND.

Since last year, the distillery has started producing English-style molasses rum, allowing for continuous activity throughout the year. This new addition gives you the opportunity to compare English rum with French-style rum.

Some places to try SAMPAN rum:

  • Soul Kitchen
  • Deckhouse An Bang
  • Dive Bar
  • Le Cabanon
  • Market Bar
  • TOK bar & restaurant
  • Luna d’Autunno
  • Bikini Bottom

Essential Information

  • Address: Binh Duong, Thang Bình – Quang Nam
  • Opening hours: 9 AM to 5 PM

24. The Cam Dong Bamboo Bridge

bamboo bridge hoi an

Visiting one of the last bamboo bridges in the region could definitely be worth a visit, especially if you are a photographer.

At 120 meters long, crossing it is an experience in itself. If you are a photographer, you won’t want to miss it because the bridge is very photogenic, especially during the golden hours (very early in the morning and around 4 PM – 5 PM in the evening).

What I like is that it’s a non-touristic bridge. That means it serves the locals and not tourists. Farmers use it to reach fields on the other side. If you go there, please respect the workers and do not block the bridge.

25. Around Hoi An

dragon bridge danang

Da Nang

Da Nang, which is 30 minutes from Hoi An, is inseparable from Hoi An (in fact, I have a Da Nang category on the site). It is the third largest city in Vietnam after Saigon and Hanoi.

Da Nang has many famous sites that you can visit such as the Marble Mountains, Lady Buddha, the Cham Museum, the Bana Hills theme park, beautiful beaches, and much more.

It is also a starting point for some road trips like the Hai Van Pass or Monkey Mountain (Son Tra Peninsula).

My Opinion

I meet many tourists who only visit the Japanese Bridge and the old town. Most travel agencies only focus on these two spots, while Hoi An has so much more to offer in terms of sights and activities.

Whether it’s the surrounding villages like Tra Que, Cam Thanh, or the island of Cam Kim, the beaches like Cua Dai and An Bang, performances such as Hoi An Memories and Lune Production, cooking classes, or shopping—you can easily spend a week in Hoi An without getting bored.

Nearby, you also have the My Son sanctuary as well as Da Nang.

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