What to Do in Hoi An? Here Are 11 Experiences Not to Miss

Nestled on the central coast of Vietnam, Hoi An is a small city with an immense soul. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it enchants visitors with its tranquil atmosphere, ancient architecture, exquisite cuisine and enchanting natural landscapes. What to do in Hoi An? If you’re visiting for the first time, here’s a selection of unmissable activities to make the most of your stay.

1. Discover Hoi An by Bicycle

Exploring Hoi An by bicycle is certainly one of the most pleasant ways to immerse yourself in the city’s unique atmosphere. Pedaling through the peaceful lanes of the old town, you’ll discover its architectural treasures: the famous Japanese bridge-pagoda, ancient houses like Tan Ky’s, or the Chinese temples of Phuc Kien and Quang Trieu, magnificently preserved.

Discover the countryside of Hoi An by bicycle

But don’t stop at the city center! Get on your bike and venture out to discover the surroundings:

• The Thanh Ha pottery village: renowned for its artisanal ceramics, where you can observe the work of master potters or even try molding your own piece.
• The Tra Que vegetable village: an immersion into the daily life of local farmers, among organic cultivation, traditional techniques and warm hospitality.
• An Bang and Cua Dai beaches: just a few kilometers away, they offer a splendid escape with fine sand and sparkling blue sea after your countryside trip.

Far from the noise of motors, this bicycle excursion immerses you in an authentic, gentle and rejuvenating Hoi An.

2. Get Custom-Made Clothes Tailored

Hoi An is famous for its talented tailors, among the best in Vietnam. Whether you dream of a traditional ao dài, an elegant suit, custom-made clothing or even a more modern ensemble, everything is possible here, with a level of quality and finishing often impressive.

The tailoring is fast: most items are made in 24 hours, or 2 to 3 days for more complex designs. And if you’re short on time, don’t worry: most workshops offer hotel delivery or even international shipping for a surcharge — ideal if you leave before your order is ready.

Some renowned tailor addresses in Hoi An:

• Yaly Couture: The most prestigious and refined — high prices, but exceptional quality.

Address: 358 Nguyễn Duy Hiêu, Câm Châu District

Opening hours: 08:00 – 21:30

• A Dong Silk: Excellent value for money, careful work, professional service.

Address: 38-40-42 Lê Loi, Minh An District

Opening hours: 08:00 – 17:00

• Bebe Tailor: High quality fabrics, elegant finishes — higher prices.

Address: 05-07 Hoang Diêu, Câm Châu District

Opening hours: 09:00 – 15:45

3. Enjoy Hoi An’s Beaches

Hoi An is not only fascinating for its historical heritage: it’s also surrounded by beautiful beaches perfect for relaxing.

Just a few kilometers from the historic center, you can easily reach:

• An Bang Beach (the most famous): located 3 km from the center, it offers a lively yet relaxed atmosphere, with sunbeds, beach bars, seafood restaurants and often music in the evening. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the sun or a cocktail with your feet in the sand.
• Cua Dai Beach: a bit further south, 4 km from the city, it’s quieter, ideal for those seeking calm and a natural, less crowded environment.

Tranquil atmosphere at An Bang Beach

And if you want to discover an even more pristine corner, the island of Chàm (Cù Lao Chàm), reachable by boat, awaits you with its turquoise waters, coral reefs and small fishing villages. Diving, snorkeling or simply swimming… a perfect day for ocean lovers.

4. Savor Hoi An’s Gastronomy

Discovering Vietnamese cuisine is an essential experience on any trip to the country, and Hoi An is undoubtedly one of the best places to start. Renowned as the culinary capital of central Vietnam, the city wins over food lovers with its typical dishes, flavorful and rich in tradition. Here, every bite tells a story, between Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese influences.

Chicken and Rice (Cơm gà)

Cơm gà is one of Hoi An’s emblematic dishes, famous for its refined simplicity and delicate flavors. This dish combines fragrant rice, often cooked in a chicken broth with a touch of turmeric, with finely marinated chicken, accompanied by fresh herbs, crisp vegetables and a spicy sauce. A simple classic, but absolutely delicious.

Chicken and rice (Cơm gà Hoi An)

📍 Recommended addresses:

1. Cơm gà Bà Buội

• Address: 22 Phan Châu Trinh, Hội An
• Hours: 10:00 – 14:00, 16:00 – 20:00
• Price: around 55,000 VND (~2.10€) for a standard portion
• Description: one of the oldest and most famous places in Hoi An, renowned for its fragrant rice and tender chicken, accompanied by fresh herbs.

2. Cơm gà Bà Nga

• Address: 8 Phan Châu Trinh, Hội An
• Hours: 11:00 – 22:00
• Price: around 30,000 – 50,000 VND (~1.15 – 2.00€)
• Description: appreciated for its welcoming atmosphere and particularly tender chicken.

Cao Lâu

Cao Lầu is an iconic dish of Hoi An, composed of thick rice noodles prepared with water from a local well, grilled pork, crispy bean sprouts, lettuce, aromatic herbs and pork cracklings. All of this is lightly seasoned with a concentrated broth and served with sesame rice wafers.

📍 Recommended addresses:

1. Thanh Cao Lầu: Traditional flavor and artisanal preparation.

• Address: 26 Thái Phiên, Minh An, Hội An
• Hours: 07:00 – 16:00
• Price: 30,000 – 50,000 VND (~1.15 – 2€)

2. Không Gian Xanh: Authentic recipe in a family setting, near the Japanese bridge.

• Address: 687 Hai Bà Trưng, Minh An, Hội An
• Hours: 09:30 – 21:00
• Price: 30,000 – 50,000 VND (~1.15 – 2€)

3. Trung Bắc: Historic restaurant with traditional decoration.

• Address: 87 Trần Phú, Hội An
• Hours: 07:30 – 22:00
• Price: 40,000 – 60,000 VND (~1.5 – 2.3€)

4. Cao Lầu Liên: Very popular with locals for its tender and flavorful pork.

• Address: 16 Thái Phiên, Hội An
• Hours: 13:00 – 21:00
• Price: 25,000 – 45,000 VND (~1 – 1.7€)

5. Cao Lầu Bà Bé: Popular street option and economical, with no compromises on taste.

• Address: Central market of Hội An, Trần Phú
• Hours: 14:30 – 22:00
• Price: 20,000 – 45,000 VND (~0.8 – 1.7€)

Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese Pancake)

Bánh xèo is a crispy, savory pancake made with rice flour and turmeric, filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts and sometimes squid. It’s served with fresh herbs, lettuce leaves and rice paper, all accompanied by a nuoc châm sauce.

Bánh xèo (Vietnamese Pancake)

📍 Recommended addresses:

1. Bale Well Restaurant: the most generous culinary experience! Here you’ll find not only Bánh xèo, but also pork skewers, spring rolls, fresh herbs and rice sheets. The atmosphere is convivial, typically Vietnamese.

• Address: 45/51 Trần Hưng Đạo, Hội An
• Hours: 09:30 – 22:30
• Price: ~120,000 VND (~4.5€) for a full all-you-can-eat menu

2. Bánh Xèo Bà 9: very crispy pancakes, hand-prepared, served with an assortment of herbs and homemade sauce. Simple address, authentic and much loved by locals.

• Address: 92/2 Phan Châu Trinh or 159/20 Trần Hưng Đạo, Hội An
• Hours: 10:00 – 21:00
• Price: 30,000 – 50,000 VND (~1.2 – 2€)

3. Hoa Hiên Restaurant: for a more refined atmosphere, river views and carefully prepared Bánh xèo, ideal for a quiet dinner after a day of sightseeing.

• Address: 35 Trần Quang Khải, Hội An
• Hours: 09:00 – 21:00
• Price: 60,000 – 80,000 VND (~2.3 – 3€)

5. Make Your Own Lantern

From the first steps in the ancient city, the colorful lanterns suspended above the narrow lanes capture your eye. They are not merely decorative: they are the symbol of Hoi An, bearers of happiness, prosperity and good fortune according to local beliefs.

Among the beautiful ideas of what to do in Hoi An to extend the magic of the place and take home a personal memento, participating in a lantern-making workshop is an unforgettable experience. In a crafty and convivial atmosphere, a local resident guides you step by step through the creation of your own lantern: you can choose the shape, size, color and silk fabric to your taste. It’s a simple, relaxing activity suitable for all ages, that lets you discover a local artisanal skill while creating a unique object, made with your own hands and full of emotion.

6. Stroll Through Hoi An’s Night Market

If the old city of Hoi An charms with its calm and timeless appeal during the day, it reveals a completely different atmosphere when night falls. The narrow lanes light up with thousands of colored lanterns, creating a fairy-tale and romantic atmosphere. It’s the ideal time to lose yourself in Hoi An’s night market, located on Nguyễn Hoàng Street, right across from the Japanese bridge-pagoda.

Hoi An’s Night Market

Here you can:

• Browse artisanal items: silk lanterns, handmade jewelry, souvenirs in lacquered wood or ceramics, embroidered clothing…
• Savor local street food: grilled skewers, rolled ice cream, bánh mì, sweets, fresh fruit juices…
• Watch street performances: traditional music concerts, lion dances, popular Vietnamese games…

All of this in a warm and lively atmosphere, among locals and travelers from around the world. A stroll through the night market is also a chance to immerse yourself in local life, savor the present moment and take unforgettable photos under the glittering lanterns.

7. Explore Tra Que Vegetable Village

Just a few kilometers from the center of Hoi An, Tra Que village offers a tranquil and authentic interlude in the heart of Vietnamese countryside. Renowned for the exceptional quality of its aromatic herbs, this small green space has cultivated for generations basil, mint, cilantro, chives and other vegetables using 100% natural methods, without pesticides or chemical fertilizers.

Tra Que attracts many foreign visitors curious to discover the life of Vietnamese-style farmers.

When visiting the village, you can observe the precise movements of farmers, discover traditional irrigation techniques with bamboo watering cans and even wear a conical hat to participate in harvesting or field hoeing. A wonderful opportunity to reconnect with the earth and the rhythm of rural life.

Tra Que is also the ideal place to participate in a cooking class in a local home, preparing simple and tasty dishes with produce from the garden: crispy bánh xèo pancakes, papaya salad or fresh spring rolls.

8. Take a Vietnamese Cooking Class

During a cooking class in Hoi An, you’ll have the opportunity to learn to prepare several Vietnamese cuisine classics, while discovering typical ingredients and traditional gestures that make this cuisine unique.

Among the proposed recipes are beef rice vermicelli soup (bún bò), a central Vietnamese dish rich in aromas, prepared with a lightly spiced broth, braised beef, lemongrass and fresh herbs. You’ll also create the famous fresh spring rolls (gỏi cuốn), filled with shrimp, pork, vermicelli, crisp vegetables and aromatic herbs, served with a peanut sauce or fish sauce.

Vietnamese Cooking Class in Hoi An

The experience wouldn’t be complete without Bánh Xèo, a large thin and crispy pancake made with rice flour and turmeric, filled with pork, shrimp and bean sprouts, rolled in lettuce leaves with fresh herbs before being dipped in sauce. You’ll also learn to prepare Nem Ran (fried rolls), often mistakenly called “spring rolls”, filled with meat, mushrooms and vegetables, crispy to perfection. And of course, the unmissable phở bò, Vietnam’s national soup: a clear broth simmered for hours with beef bones, spices, rice noodles and thin slices of meat served on the side. Each of these dishes represents a different aspect of Vietnamese culinary culture, and preparing them with your own hands is a warm and memorable way to fully connect with it.

9. Explore My Son Sanctuary

About fifty kilometers from Hoi An, nestled in a lush valley surrounded by mountains, lies My Son Sanctuary, a historic site designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ancient religious capital of the Champa kingdom from the 4th to the 13th century, My Son was a spiritual center dedicated to Hindu deities, particularly Shiva. Today, its impressive remains — over 70 temples and brick towers — bear witness to a rich past, despite the scars of time and war. If you’re still wondering what to do in Hoi An beyond the old city, a trip to My Son is a wonderful opportunity to discover the deep cultural heritage of the region.

My Son Sanctuary

The site testifies to a unique fusion of spirituality, art and ancient engineering. The towers, built without mortar, still astonish scholars today for their solidity and aesthetic appeal. Here you sense a profound feeling of mystery, even more intense at dawn or on misty mornings.

10. Explore the Bay Mau Coconut Forest by Round Boat

Just 3 km south of the old city, the Bay Mau coconut palm forest invites you to immerse yourself in nature, at the heart of a lush and typically Vietnamese landscape. Nicknamed “Hoi An’s little Mekong Delta”, this tranquil place is crisscrossed by small channels lined with water coconut palms. Among the most original experiences to try when wondering what to do in Hoi An, a ride in a round boat through this aquatic forest is both rejuvenating and surprising.

Explore the Bay Mau Coconut Forest by Basket Boat

The main activity here is to board a thúng chai, a round bamboo basket-boat, symbol of Vietnam’s coastal regions. Gliding gently among the palms, you can enjoy a moment of relaxation on the water, lulled by the sounds of nature.

But that’s not all: the local boatmen, true water acrobats, sometimes surprise you with little shows — spinning evolutions aboard the boat, combining agility, humor and traditional mastery. And if you feel like it, you can even try the experience yourself!

11. Attend the Outdoor Show Hoi An Memories

Among the most memorable experiences to have in Hoi An, the outdoor show Hoi An Memories is absolutely unmissable. Presented every evening (except Tuesdays) from 19:30 to 20:45 at Hoi An Impression park, this grand spectacle traces over 400 years of the city’s history through a breathtaking staging.

Hoi An Memories

Set in an open-air amphitheater with 3,300 seats, you’ll witness a grand visual and musical performance, staged by over 500 professional artists on a 25,000 m² stage. Traditional costumes, light plays, hypnotic music and perfectly synchronized choreography: everything is designed to offer you a poetic journey through time, from the golden age of maritime trade to the contemporary era. More than just a show, Hoi An Memories is an ode to Vietnamese cultural identity, a vibrant homage to the history, elegance and soul of this city designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Hoi An is a city you don’t forget. You don’t just visit it, you live it. Whether wandering through its ancient alleyways, pedaling through rice fields or savoring a steaming dish in a small local inn, every moment has something special. So, if you’re still wondering what to do in Hoi An, remember above all this: take your time. Time to observe, to savor, to meet. Often it’s the simple things that leave the deepest mark. And in Hoi An, they’re everywhere.