20 Unique Hoi An Things To Do in Vietnam
Hoi An is a beautiful city in Vietnam that is known for its well-preserved ancient town, its delicious food, and its friendly people. I personally fell in love with Hoi An for its unique culture and small-town vibes. Out of the 12 best cities to visit in Vietnam, Hoi An is my personal favorite!
If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, here are 20 Hoi An things to do that you definitely don’t want to miss:
Explore the Old Town
The Old Town of Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the best-preserved ancient towns in Southeast Asia. Wander the narrow streets, admire the traditional architecture, and visit the many temples and pagodas.
You’ll see the iconic lanterns all over the city making it Hoi An a picturesque place to explore! Around every corner you’ll see another beautiful nook of flowers, lanterns, and golden brown buildings!
You can sign up for a 2 hour walking tour of Old Town that includes a local Vietnamese show!
Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge
The Japanese Covered Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in Hoi An. Built in the 17th century, it is a beautiful example of Japanese-style architecture. It is free to visit and quite small – so only expect to spend a few minutes here! It’s located in the heart of Old Town, so you can’t miss it!
Tailor Made Clothing
Hoi An is known for their Tailor Made Clothing! If you’re looking for a nice new suit, this is your chance to get one custom made for a reasonable price! Getting custom clothing is one of the top Hoi An Things To Do!
There are a few reasons why Hoi An is such a popular destination for tailor-made clothing.
- First, the quality of the fabric is excellent. Hoi An is home to a number of textile mills that produce high-quality fabrics, including silk, cotton, and linen.
- Second, the prices are very reasonable. Tailor-made clothing in Hoi An is often much cheaper than it would be in other parts of the world.
- Third, the tailors in Hoi An are very skilled and experienced. They have a deep understanding of fashion and can create clothing that fits perfectly and flatters your figure.
The best tailors in Hoi An are Yaly Couture – they are a bit more expensive than other shops, but have the largest variety of options and the best skilled seamstresses.
Take a boat trip on the Thu Bon River
A boat trip on the Thu Bon River is a great way to see the city from a different perspective. You can also stop off at some of the nearby villages.
You can do a sunset cruise on the Thu Bon River that includes a welcome drink & dinner!
Try White Rose Dumplings
White rose dumplings (Bánh bao bánh vạc) are a traditional Vietnamese dish that originated in the city of Hoi An. They’re in the shape of a rose, which is where the name comes from!
White Rose Dumplings are made with a thin rice wrapper that is filled with a mixture of pork, shrimp, and vegetables. The dumplings are then steamed and served with a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, and chili peppers.
Lantern Making Class
Hoi An is known for lanterns because of its rich history and culture. This is why making lanterns is one of the best Hoi An things to do.
The lanterns in Hoi An are made from a variety of materials, including paper, rice paper, and bamboo. They are decorated with beautiful patterns and designs, and they come in a variety of colors. The lanterns are used to decorate homes, businesses, and temples. They are also used to light up the streets at night.
I recommend a Hoi An Lantern Making Class to experience the beauty of crafting your own lantern to take home! They’re foldable so you can easily fit it in your suitcase, making it the perfect souvenir from Vietnam.
Hoi An Night Market
The Hoi An Night Market is a popular tourist attraction in the city of Hoi An, Vietnam. The market is held every night from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM, and it is located on Nguyen Hoang Street, which is the main street in the Old Town.
The market is a great place to find souvenirs, clothes, and food. There are also a number of street performers and musicians at the market, which adds to the atmosphere.
One of the most important things to know before going to Vietnam is how to bargain! This is particularly necessary at the markets as you can often haggle prices down 25-50% from the original number!
Ride in a Coconut Boat
A coconut boat, also known as a basket boat or bamboo boat, is a traditional boat used in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. The boats are made from woven bamboo and coconut leaves, and they are typically used for fishing and transportation.
Coconut boats are a popular tourist attraction in Hoi An, Vietnam. I recommend this Coconut Boat tour that takes you through mangrove forest and coconut palms. Ask your guide to spin the boat too for added fun!
Take a cooking class
Hoi An is known for its delicious food, and there are many cooking schools where you can learn how to make some of the city’s most famous dishes.
I personally loved Morning Glory cooking class! We made 4-5 Vietnamese dishes in one night and had a phenomenal instructor!
Try Banh Mi
If you want to try the best Banh Mi in the world, go to Banh Mi Phuong! Banh Mi is a traditional Vietnamese sandwich that consists of baguette, meat, vegetables, and herbs! It has a slight French flare and tastes absolutely delicious.
Skeptical about it being “the best”? Anthony Bourdain (the famous American chef) brought President Obama here and admitted this is the best bread in the world. This iconic moment aired on an episode of “No Reservations” and helped make Banh Mi Phuong famous!
Eating at Banh Mi Phuong is one of the best Hoi An things to do!
Get a massage
Hoi An is also a great place to relax and get a massage. There are many massage parlors to choose from, offering a variety of treatments.
I opted for a 3 hour massage ($45 USD) which included a body scrub, facial, and hot stone massage! I’ve never felt more relaxed and rejuvenated at the same time.
Go hiking in the Marble Mountains
The Marble Mountains (UNESCO World Heritage Site) are a group of limestone mountains located about 10 kilometers from Hoi An. The mountain is made up of five limestone peaks, each of which is dedicated to a different god. The peaks are connected by a series of tunnels and caves, which are home to Buddhist temples and shrines.
I was amazed by the beauty of Marble Mountain. The peaks are covered in a variety of colors, including white, pink, and green. The caves are also beautiful, and they are filled with stalactites and stalagmites.
Final Thoughts on Hoi An Things To Do
There are so many unique Hoi An Things To Do that you don’t want to miss on your trip to Vietnam. It is truly a city unlike any other that is rich in history & culture. I’ve been all around the world, and Hoi An easily makes the list for top 10 best cities globally! If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, make sure you visit Hoi An!
Do you have any other recommendations for Hoi An Things To Do? If so, drop them in the comments!
Disclosure: Some of the links in this guide Hoi An things to do are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. This helps me keep the content on my website free, like this guide Hoi An Things To Do.
Save this post on Hoi An Things To Do on Pinterest
