Top Things to Do in Hoi An: A Complete Travel Guide

Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s most charming destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its well-preserved Ancient Town, colorful lanterns, historic architecture, and rich cultural heritage, Hoi An attracts millions of visitors every year.

While wandering through the ancient streets is a must, there are many other unforgettable experiences waiting for travelers. From custom tailoring and countryside cycling to food tours and beautiful beaches, Hoi An offers something for everyone.

Here are some of the best things to do in Hoi An during your visit.

1. Get Custom-Made Clothing from Hoi An’s Famous Tailors

Hoi An has been a trading hub for centuries, and tailoring remains one of the town’s most famous traditions. Today, there are hundreds of tailor shops offering custom-made clothing at affordable prices.

Whether you’re looking for a business suit, evening dress, winter coat, or casual outfit, experienced tailors can create garments tailored to your exact measurements in just a few days.

Recommended Tailor Shops
Yaly Couture
Bebe Tailor
A Dong Silk
Kimmy Tailor
Tuong Tailor

Many visitors consider custom tailoring one of the highlights of their trip to Hoi An.

2. Explore the Countryside by Bicycle

Beyond the Ancient Town lies a peaceful countryside filled with rice paddies, vegetable gardens, fishing villages, and traditional craft communities.

Cycling is one of the best ways to experience the authentic side of Hoi An.

Popular Cycling Routes
Tra Que Vegetable Village

Famous for its organic farming traditions, Tra Que Village offers visitors a chance to learn about local agriculture and even participate in gardening activities.

Cam Thanh Coconut Village

Ride through scenic rural roads before arriving at the famous water coconut forest, where you can enjoy a basket boat ride through narrow waterways.

Kim Bong Carpentry Village

Located across the Thu Bon River, Kim Bong Village is known for its skilled woodworkers who have been crafting furniture, fishing boats, and traditional architecture for generations.

Why Cycle?

Cycling allows you to:

Discover local life
Enjoy peaceful rural scenery
Visit traditional craft villages
Escape the crowds of the Ancient Town

3. Join a Hoi An Food Tour

Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s top food destinations, and joining a food tour is one of the best ways to discover its culinary treasures.

For a deeper culinary experience, consider joining a Hoi An Street Food Tour, where local guides take you beyond the tourist areas to hidden food stalls, family-run eateries, and authentic local neighborhoods. Along the way, you’ll learn the stories behind Hoi An’s most iconic dishes while experiencing the town like a local.

A local guide can introduce you to hidden food stalls, family-run eateries, and traditional recipes that many visitors would otherwise miss.

Must-Try Hoi An Dishes
Cao Lau
White Rose Dumplings (Banh Bao Banh Vac)
Mi Quang
Banh Mi
Com Ga (Chicken Rice)
Banh Xeo
Vietnamese Coffee

Food tours offer more than just delicious meals—they provide insight into local culture, traditions, and everyday life.

Many evening food tours also include visits to lantern-lit streets, local markets, and riverside attractions, creating a memorable cultural experience.

4. Relax at Hoi An’s Beautiful Beaches

While Hoi An is famous for its historic architecture, it is also home to some of Central Vietnam’s most beautiful beaches.

An Bang Beach

An Bang Beach is the most popular beach in Hoi An and is only a short ride from the Ancient Town.

Visitors can enjoy:

Swimming
Sunbathing
Beachfront restaurants
Fresh seafood
Sunset cocktails

The beach offers a relaxed atmosphere and excellent facilities, making it ideal for a full day of relaxation.

Ha My Beach

For travelers seeking a quieter experience, Ha My Beach offers a more peaceful environment with fewer crowds.

Its clean sand and tranquil setting make it perfect for long walks and relaxation.

5. Wander Through Hoi An Ancient Town

No visit to Hoi An would be complete without exploring its UNESCO-listed Ancient Town.

Highlights Include:
Japanese Covered Bridge
Fujian Assembly Hall
Cantonese Assembly Hall
Tan Ky Ancient House
Lantern-lined streets
Riverside cafés

The Ancient Town becomes especially magical at night when thousands of colorful lanterns illuminate the streets and riverbanks.

6. Experience the Hoi An Lantern Festival

If your visit coincides with the monthly Lantern Festival, you are in for a special experience.

During the festival:

Electric lights are minimized
Traditional lanterns illuminate the town
Cultural performances take place
Visitors release floating lanterns on the river

The event creates one of the most romantic and photogenic atmospheres in Vietnam.

7. Take a Vietnamese Cooking Class

Hoi An is one of the best places in Vietnam to learn traditional cooking techniques.

Many cooking classes begin with a local market visit where participants learn about fresh herbs, vegetables, spices, and seafood before preparing authentic Vietnamese dishes.

If you are staying in Da Nang and exploring Hoi An as part of your Central Vietnam itinerary, Jolie Da Nang Cooking Class is a fantastic option. The class offers a hands-on introduction to Vietnamese cuisine, teaching participants how to prepare traditional dishes while learning about local ingredients, cooking techniques, and Vietnamese food culture.

Popular dishes taught in cooking classes include:

Fresh Spring Rolls
Cao Lau
Banh Xeo
Vietnamese Salads
Local Seafood Specialties

A cooking class provides a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture and cuisine while creating lasting memories.

Conclusion

Hoi An offers far more than its famous Ancient Town. From cycling through peaceful villages and relaxing on beautiful beaches to enjoying unforgettable food experiences and custom tailoring, the city provides countless opportunities for exploration and cultural discovery.

Whether you are visiting for a day or spending a week in Central Vietnam, these experiences will help you uncover the true charm of Hoi An and create memories that last a lifetime.