Ultimate List of 10 Best Things to Do in Hoi An, Vietnam

You don’t always need skyscrapers to make an international trip special. Choosing a Vietnam trip is the right decision, and one such gem of the country is Hoi An!

Hoi An is one of those places that quietly grows on you. There are no skyscrapers or fast-paced crowds here, just narrow streets, old yellow buildings, and lanterns hanging almost everywhere you look. Days are slow and easy. You can stroll around the old quarters, rent a bike and ride through paddy fields. As night falls, the entire place comes alive in a completely unplanned way, with lanterns-lined roads, street food, and just people roaming about.

What else do you need? The place is simple yet peaceful in its own way. There are tons of things to do in Hoi An, Vietnam, and you don’t want to miss out on them!

Explore the Ancient Town

The Ancient Town is where the spirit of Hoi An comes alive. It is like being in a living museum when you walk through the historical streets, with yellow-painted houses, temples, and lanterns suspended high above. The heritage houses, coffee shops, and local establishments are all hidden in every nook and cranny of the area.

It is one of the most popular places to visit in Hoi An Vietnam, especially for those who enjoy traveling at a slow and leisurely pace. The best time to visit is in the evening, when the lights are on and the town looks relaxed and beautiful.

Location: 94 Bạch Đằng Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam
Timings: Hoi An Ancient Town is open daily from early morning until around 9–11 PM, with heritage sites typically open 8 AM–5:30 PM and evening lanterns and night markets active until 10 PM.

Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge

The Japanese Covered Bridge is definitely one of the most famous Hoi An places to go. This ancient Japanese-style covered bridge was constructed back in the 16th century and is remarkably small but charming at the same time.

It is even more peaceful early in the morning when there are fewer people around, making this place perfect for taking photos and for quiet moments and reflection. According to this Hoi An guide, the place is definitely worth your attention due to the great significance of this structure for the trading history of Hoi An.

Location: Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam 564010, Vietnam
Timings: 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Explore Hoi An Night Market

Hoi An Night Market is the part of the city that comes alive when the sun goes down. There are colored lanterns lighting the roads, food stalls that tempt the taste buds with yummy aromas, and vendors selling anything from souvenirs to locally made products.

This is an ideal destination for visitors seeking exciting things to do in Hoi An Vietnam. Just take your time and go through the experience.

Location: Nguyen Hoang Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam, Vietnam
Timings: 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Discover My Son Sanctuary

Visiting My Son Sanctuary is like stepping into a hidden chapter of Vietnam’s history. This ancient temple complex was once the spiritual heart of the Champa Kingdom, tucked away in lush jungle about an hour from Hoi An. As you walk among red brick towers and mossy ruins, the air feels calm and a little mysterious, especially in the morning light.

It’s easily one of the top things to do in Hoi An if you love culture, heritage, and something off the usual tourist track. Guides here share stories that make the stones feel alive, so whether you’re into history or just curious, My Son gives you a completely different vibe from the old town streets.

Location: Duy Phu, Duy Xuyen District, Quang Nam, Vietnam
Timings: 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Join a Lantern-Making Class

The craft of making lanterns in Hoi An is a pretty relaxing activity. The activity takes place while seated with an instructor and picking the fabric to make the lantern out of and then proceeding to make something that means something to an outsider and isn’t just for tourists.

The activity is not focused on it being special and perfect but appreciating it and understanding the significance that lanterns play in Hoi An’s heritage. You get to take home the lantern you made which makes this activity one of the fun things to do in Hoi An.

Go Cycling in the Countryside

Cycling around the countryside shows you a very different side of Hoi An. You’ll ride past rice fields, small canals, buffaloes resting in the shade, and locals working in their farms. There’s no traffic rush, just quiet roads and fresh air.

It’s one of the most relaxing things to do in Hoi An Vietnam, especially if you want a break from busy streets. Stop anywhere, take photos, chat with locals, or just ride slowly and enjoy how peaceful everything feels.

Visit Tra Que Vegetable Village

Tra Que Vegetable Village is one of the best places for experiencing typical local life. The vegetable village is famous for organic farming. You get to see farmers water herb plants in the traditional manner.

Some spots give you the chance to experience the life of farmers. The Enchanting Vietnam Tour Package with Hoi An features this unique destination, one of the best Hoi An places to visit, where you can experience the town not just through sight, but through hands-on experiences as well.

Location: Cam Ha, Hoi An, Quang Nam, Vietnam

Enjoy a Thu Bon River Cruise

A river cruise on Thu Bon River is one of those moments that will amaze you in the future. As it glides along, you will experience fishermen, old homes lining up in the river, and lanterns glimmering on the water in the sunset. It is quite a peaceful experience, yet it’s never boring.

Out of many places to explore in Hoi An, it is one experience where you will have a chance to observe. It is best enjoyed in the evenings, when light is golden, and it appears to be much quieter than it is on land.

Location: 38 Phu Dong Thien Vuong, Cua Dai, Hoi An, Quang Nam 51353, Vietnam
Timings: 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM

Relax at An Bang Beach

The Bang Beach is just what you need when you feel like doing absolutely nothing. The beach is clean, with quiet waves and plenty of small cafes where you can sit and relax for as long as you want without being bored.

The beach isn’t as crowded as other beaches in the region and offers a relaxed atmosphere rather than a touristy vibe. The beach is an optimal choice when you are considering the list of Hoi An places to visit and want something that will give you a rest after walking and sightseeing.

Location: Bang Beach, Hoi An, Quang Nam, Vietnam
Timings: Open 24 Hours

Visit Cam Thanh Coconut Village

A visit to Cam Thanh Coconut Village is delightfully enjoyable and slightly different from visiting the town itself. Here, you’ll take round basket boats and ride through the narrow coconut canals while the locals paddle and tell stories.

This is one very interactive and highly entertaining experience. Many travellers have included this in their lists of favourite places to visit in Hoi An Vietnam. Because here, you have a mix of nature and a dash of adventure.