What are the best things to do in Hoi An that makes this place so sacred, so special, and so well-loved by everyone who’s ever paid a visit here? Known for its historic streets, lively markets, and delicious local food, Hoi An offers a mix of cultural and culinary experiences that make it memorable for every traveler. Whether you’re wandering through ancient alleyways or sampling street food, Hoi An feels both laid-back and full of life.
Best Places to Visit in Hoi An: Top Attractions and Activities
Hoi An is a must-visit destination for those who love exploring Vietnamese cultural beauty. This ancient city retains its unique peaceful charm in architecture, cuisine, and lifestyle. To make your Hoi An journey truly fulfilling, don’t miss the following places when visiting Hoi An:
Hoi An Ancient Town
Hoi An’s Ancient Town is an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for a good reason. The best time to visit Hoi An is during January to March, when the festive season is glistening this old time. Wandering through its maze of narrow lanes lined with yellow-painted walls, antique wooden houses, and colorful lanterns feels like traveling back in time.
Tra Que Vegetable Village
Hoi An’s surrounding countryside is beautiful and surprisingly accessible by bike. Rent a bicycle (most hotels offer them for free) and ride out to Tra Que Vegetable Village. You’ll find yourself surrounded by lush green fields where local farmers grow herbs and veggies for the town’s best restaurants. Many tours even offer hands-on experiences where you can try your hand at farming!
Join Hoi An Cooking Classes
Discover the flavors of Vietnam by joining a cooking class in Hoi An. Learn to prepare local favorite dishes like spring rolls, banh xeo (Vietnamese pancakes), or even cao lau (Hoi An signature noodles), you can even got the chance to visit wet market, or even go on a basket boat tour to hunt your own dish. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, Hoi An cooking classes provide a hands-on way to enjoy the town’s vibrant food culture while creating delicious memories!
You can consider visiting these classes:
| Cooking classes | Reasons to choose | Address |
| ‘Spirit of Reu’ Eco-cooking class | Collecting herbs from Reu’s self-grown organic garden, massage services, and kid-friendliness. | Trà Quế, Cẩm Hà, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam |
| Coconut Fragrance Cooking Center | Basket boat tour and you can be the fisherman | Group 1, Van Lang Village, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam |
| Green Bamboo Hoi An Cooking School | Wide array of food options on menu (up to 66 dishes) | Trương Minh Hùng, Cẩm An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam |
Besides cooking classes, there are other wide ranges of craft classes and workshops in Hoi An for you to choose from.
Hoi An Traditional Craft Villages
As a town of historical essence, many traditional craft villages also reside in Hoi An, namely Thanh Ha Pottery Village, Kim Bong Carpentry Village or Phuoc Kieu Bronze Casting Village. Each of these craft villages possesses a sense of artistry in their work, as they’re all welcoming with local expert guides to all of the guests who pay a visit here.
- Thanh Ha Pottery Village: Duy Tan, Thanh Ha Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province.
- Kim Bong Carpentry Village: Trung Ha Village, Cam Kim Commune, Hoi An City, tỉnh Qusng Nam Province.
- Phuoc Kieu Bronze Casting Village: Dien Phuong Commune, Dien Ban Town, Quang Nam Province.
Boat Tour at Bay Mau Forest Hoi An
Want to change from wandering around the town to a more adventurous activity? Visit Bay Mau Coconut Forest Hoi An, a famous eco-tourism destination in Hoi An, to take a traditional basket boat tour through the lush coconut forest, explore the winding waterways, and enjoy the serene natural beauty.
Trieu Chau Assembly Hall – Am Bon Pagoda
As a renowned spiritual tourism destination in the province, the Trieu Chau Assembly Hall impresses visitors with its exquisite architectural style. With a history spanning nearly 170 years, this site preserves many significant historical stories waiting for you to discover.
Phuc Kien Assembly Hall
The Phuc Kien Assembly Hall is an outstanding architectural work featuring distinct Chinese style. It serves as a place of worship for the Fujian community in Hoi An and is also an attractive tourist destination.
Tan Ky Ancient House
Tấn Ký Ancient House is one of the most renowned historic houses in Hội An, built over 200 years ago. This beautiful house showcases traditional architectural style and preserves numerous precious artifacts. It is an ideal place to explore and appreciate the rich culture and history of Hoi An.
VinWonders Nam Hội An
With over 100 indoor games, 20 amusement rides, and 5 large themed zones, VinWonders Nam Hoi An is an adventurous land full of excitement that any visitor who has a liking for adrenaline-rush activity should not miss.
Strolling along Hoi An beaches
You must not forget to visit Hoi An beaches while travelling here! These peaceful shorelines are famous not only across Asia but also internationally for their natural beauty. Unlike crowded tourist spots, Hoi An’s beaches offer a calm and relaxing atmosphere where you won’t find any street vendors or noisy crowds—just the sound of the waves and people enjoying the seaside.
Here are the top 3 Hoi An beaches you shouldn’t miss:
- An Bang beach: Hai Ba Trung Street, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province.
- Cua Dai Beach: Cam An, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province.
- Ha My Beach: Dien Duong, Dien Ban, Quang Nam Province.
Relax with a Traditional Vietnamese Massage
After all that exploring, treat yourself to an authentic Vietnamese massage at the best spas in Hoi An. Known for its soothing techniques and use of pressure points, this is a great way to unwind. From luxurious spas to budget-friendly options, Hoi An has no shortage of spots to relax and recharge.
My Son Sanctuary
Just 40 km from Hoi An, My Son Sanctuary is an unforgettable UNESCO site filled with ancient Hindu temples built by the Champa Kingdom. Surrounded by lush mountains, this peaceful valley features intricate, mortarless red-brick structures that showcase the Cham people’s artistry. Easily accessible from Hoi An by motorbike, car, or bus, My Son offers a fascinating half-day journey into Vietnam’s rich past.
Places To Hangout In Hoi An At Night? Explore Hoi An’s Nightlife
Wandering Around Hoi An Night Market
Located along the Hoai River, Hoi An night market is open from 17:00 – 23:00, with hundreds of stalls selling various items from handicrafts, clothes, to delicious local food. You can shop to your heart’s content, enjoy Hoi An street food, and admire the ancient town illuminated by colorful lanterns.
Releasing Floating Lanterns On Hoai River
This tradition is deep-rooted in Hoi An’s cultural beauty, where each lantern is meant to carry good wishes as it floats down the river, creating a magical, shimmering scene. It’s best for you to come here in the Hoi An Lantern Festival season. During this time, the entire town is lit up with the warm glow of lanterns, transforming the ancient streets into a breathtaking display of lights.
Our best tip: Come down to the ancient town early to enjoy a nice dinner before the night falls down, then rent a boat and immerse in the beauty of Hoai River.
Watching the Ky Uc Hoi An Show (Hoi An Memories Show)
Hoi An Memories Show is a unique art performance. The perfect combination of music, lights, and professional dancers reenacts the history of Hoi An through different periods. With a grand outdoor stage and impressive performances, this show will surely leave you with unforgettable memories.
Get Clothes Custom-Made
Hoi An is renowned for its tailoring, and no trip is complete without getting something custom-made. You’ll find everything from suits to dresses to entire wardrobe upgrades available in as little as 24 hours. Just pick a style (bring photos!), choose your fabric, and let the best tailors in Hoi An work their magic.
What To Eat In Hoi An? A List Of Must-Try Restaurants In Hoi An
Hoi An local food is surely the highlight for any traveller that visit here. Here is a list of delicious restaurants you must try:
Cao Lầu Thanh
- Location: 26 Thai Phien, Central Hoi An, Quang Nam.
- Opening Hours: 7:00 – 19:00
Known for its rich and tasty soup base, Cao Lau Thanh is the ideal place to enjoy this Hoi An specialty. Remarkable for its chewy noodles, delicate broth along with savory char siu, the whole dish would definitely capture your tastebuds.
Ba Buoi Chicken Rice
- Location: 22 Phan Chu Trinh, Minh An Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
- Opening Hours: 10:30 – 20:00
Ba Buoi’s Chicken Rice is a famous spot loved by Vietnamese food enthusiasts that you cannot miss when in Hoi An. The traditional fragrant chicken rice with special fish sauce creates an unforgettable taste.
Co Le Sweet Soup
- Location: 369 Cua Dai, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
- Opening Hours: 8:00 – 21:00
If you want to taste traditional sweet soup, visit Co Le’s shop. The sweet, nutty flavour of the soup combined with the signature green beans and rich coconut milk flavour here will surely delight your sweet tooth.
White Rose Dumplings at Hoi An Market
- Location: 19 Tran Phu, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
- Opening Hours: 8:00 – 22:00
With thin wrappers and delicious shrimp and meat filling, White Rose Dumplings in Hoi An leave a lasting impression on many tourists. These delicate dumplings promise to bring you wonderful experiences. Don’t miss them when visiting the ancient town!
Sowing Restaurant
- Location: Reu Boutique Hotel Hoi An, 128/9 Ly Thai To, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
- Opening Hours: 10:00 – 22:00
It would be a miss not to mention Sowing Restaurant when talking about impressive dining spots in Hoi An. Despite being a new place in town, its cozy space and remarkable dishes have earned the restaurant maximum points from food lovers.
Where To Have A Drink In Hoi An?
Reaching Out Teahouse
- Location: 131 Trần Phú, Old Town, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam
- Opening hours: Daily 8 AM – 8 PM
- Best for: Authentic Hoi An ambiance + chill atmosphere
Reaching Out Teahouse in Hoi An offers a serene and mindful tea experience like no other. Run by deaf staff, this unique teahouse invites guests to communicate quietly using message cubes, allowing the calm atmosphere to take center stage. The rustic decor, reminiscent of a traditional Vietnamese home, enhances the peaceful vibe, while a curated menu of Vietnamese teas – like the popular Tea Tasting Set – offers flavors as thoughtful as the teahouse itself. A visit here is not only a moment of tranquility but also a meaningful way to support inclusivity and empowerment in Hoi An.
Faifo Coffee
- Location: 130 Trần Phú, Old Town, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam
- Opening hours: Daily 8 AM – 9:30 PM (Opens at 7:30 AM on Friday – Sunday)
- Best for: A sip of egg coffee or coconut coffee.
Faifo Coffee in Hoi An is a charming, photogenic café with a rooftop that offers one of the best views of the ancient town’s rooftops and alleyways. Standing out as one of best cafes in Hoi An, it’s known for its cozy, vintage vibe and standout coconut coffee. The rooftop can get busy with visitors lining up for the perfect shot, sometimes more focused on the photos than the seating, but if you’re patient, it’s worth it for the view alone.
Soul Kitchen
- Location: Lot 9B, An Bang Beach, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam
- Opening hours: Daily 8 AM – 9:30 PM (Opens at 7:30 AM on Friday – Sunday)
- Best for: Enjoy your cocktail by the serene beach.
Soul Kitchen is one of best Hoi An bars that are perfect from good food, good wine to a out-of-this-world background by its ideal location right next to An Bang beach. If you’re looking to a best place to chill out in Hoi An at night, Soul Kitchen has those beach lounges for you to relax. They also prepare a showering bathrooms for those guests who want to immerse themselves in the beach waves as well. All you need to do is to pay for your drink here. What a bargain!
Experience A Serene Stay At Reu Boutique Hotel Hoi An
As a peaceful oasis, Rêu Boutique Hotel Hội An exudes tranquility and serenity. Aiming to offer perfection in every moment, every detail of the decoration and services are designed for maximum relaxation. Here, time seems to flow slowly, bringing an extraordinary peace to your soul.
Do you now know what to do, eat, and where to go in Hoi An? We hope this article from Rêu helps you make the best choices. See you in Hoi An – where we immerse in the cultural essence together!
