15 best things to do in Hoi An

The calm, and antique beauty of Hoi An enchant every visitor at the very first sight. Coming to this place, you don’t need to worry too much about planning because the best things to do in Hoi An will be covered right below.

Morning stroll the ancient town

Taking a walk is the best way to inhale all the authentic scents of the old town. The scents of the ancient houses, a warm cup of herbal tea, of coffee, of a local food vendor, of candles inside the lantern, the smell of pristine silk, of the river, and of trees breathing.

Hoi An ancient town has been designated for pedestrians and cyclists in two-time frames: from 9 a.m to 11 a.m and from 6 p.m to 10 p.m.

---

Collect unique local souvenirs

Metiseko silk shop. Photo by Metiseko Hoi An

Hoi An used to be one of the crucial spots on the legendary silk road, which made this town the land of many meticulous luxury goods. Shopping in Hoi An might not take a lot of space in your luggage but might take you a lot of time because it offers you so many unique and eye-pleasing options. 

Silk:

You cannot miss the artisan, high-quality silk products in Hoi An. The patterns on the silk reflect the old glorious thrive of an infusion Asian culture.

Here are some of the best places that offer luxurious silk in Hoi An:

Metiseko Hoi An

Address: 142 Tran Phu, Hoi An, Vietnam

Opening hours: 8:30 a.m – 9:30 p.m

Website: https://metiseko.com/

Hoi An Silk Village

Address: 28 Nguyen Tat Thanh, Hoi An, Vietnam

Opening hours: all day

Website: http://www.hoiansilkvillage.com/

Jewelry:

Besides Silk, local signature souvenirs in Hoi An are jewelry. Varying in diverse Oriental, fusion, contemporary, and classic art styles, you will have many options to find one that suits you.

Some of the finest shops for jewelry are:   

COTIC art space. Photo by COTIC art space

Lotus Jewellery

Address: 82 Tran Phu, Hoi An, Vietnam

Opening hours: 8 a.m – 8 p.m

Website: https://www.lotusjewellery-hoian.com/

COTIC art space

Address: 60 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Hoi An, Vietnam

Opening hours: 8 a.m – 8 p.m

Website: https://www.facebook.com/COTIC-art-space-cafe-945403515470295/

1. Taste the local flavors

Although there are various culinary options for visitors in Hoi An, enjoying local foods is an incomparable delight for your tastebuds. The signature dishes of Hoi An are banh mi (Vietnamese baguette), Cao Lau (high floor dishes), My Quang (Quang style noodle soup), Com Ga (chicken rice). 

Banh mi in Hoi An is well-known as the world’s best banh mi. Listed below are two places that are proudly called by that title:

Banh Mi:

Banh mi Phuong. Photo by Hidden Hoi An

Madam Khanh

Address: 115 Tran Cao Van, Hoi An, Vietnam

Opening hours:  6:30 a.m – 7:30 p.m

Banh Mi Phuong

Address: 2B Phan Chau Trinh, Hoi An, Vietnam

Opening hours: 6:30 a.m – 9:30 p.mm

Cao Lau:

Cao Lau means “on the high floor”. This course used to serve only wealthy people. People sat on a high floor to enjoy the noodles, while popular citizens usually sat lower down eating their meal.

You can enjoy the best Cao Lau at one of those places:

Cao Lau dish in Hoi An. Photo by Best Price

Trung Bac Restaurant

Address: 87 Tran Phu, Hoi An, Vietnam

Opening hours: 7:30 a.m to 10 p.m

An Ty Ty Restaurant

Address: 17/6 Hai Ba Trung, Hoi An, Vietnam

Opening hours: 8 a.m – 11 p.m

Cao Lau Khong Gian Xanh

Address: 687 Hai Ba Trung, Hoi An, Vietnam

Opening hours: 10 a.m – 10 p.m

Traditional rice dishes

Head Chef/ Founder of Mai Fish. Photo by Mai Fish

Each region of Vietnam offers a unique taste of a traditional meal. The local flavor of this land will delight you simply and heartily. You can find the most authentic meal sets at the restaurants below: 

Mai Fish

Address: 45 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Hoi An, Vietnam

Opening hours: 3 p.m – 10 p.m

Website: https://www.facebook.com/maifishhoian/

Mango Mango

Address: 45 Nguyen Phuc Chu, Hoi An, Vietnam

Opening hours: 3 p.m – 10 p.m

Website: https://www.facebook.com/mangomangorestaurant/

1. Get on boat and watch lantern’s light

Glowing Hoi An. Photo by Ruxat Photography/ Unsplash 

Hoi An is blessed with a fertile river flowing through its heart. Thu Bon river has been the cultural center for as long as the age of the land. Let’s give yourself some time to get on the water, feel the flow of time, and watch the enchantment lantern’s lights of this ancient town.

1. Change your view of Hoi An from a rooftop restaurant

The wide-stretching scene of old tile roofs with its signature late-afternoon-sunbeam- paint color will stay in your mind long after leaving this place. You will get the feels of stepping into a movie scene when the sun disappears behind the horizon as the light of thousand lanterns starts glowing up the town. 

Dinner at The Chef. Photo by The Chef

Here are some cafes, bars, and restaurants that offer great views and delicious menus:

The Chef

Address: 166 Tran Phu, Hoi An, Vietnam

Opening hours: 9 a.m – 10:30 p.m

Website: https://www.facebook.com/BEPTRUONG166TRANPHU/

92 station restaurant & cafe

Address: 92 Tran Phu, Hoi An, Vietnam

Opening hours:  7:30 a.m – 7 p.m (weekday)

7:30 a.m – 8 p.m (weekend)

Website: https://92-station-restaurant-cafe.business.site/

1. Get your own cafes tour in Hoi AN

Afternoon in Rosie’s Cafe. Photo by Rosie’s cafe 

The exterior and interior design of cafes in Hoi An are uniquely local that you might not find elsewhere. The spaces will offer you a fresh and calm feeling when enjoying your cup of coffee. 

Phin Coffee Hoi An

Address: 132/7 Tran Phu, Hoi An,Vietnam

Opening hours: 8 a.m – 5 p.m

Website: https://www.phincoffeehoian.com/

Rosie’s Cafe

Address: 2 Mac Dinh Chi, Hoi An, Vietnam

Opening hours:    Monday – Friday 9 a.m – 5 p.m

Saturday 8 a.m – 3 p.m.

Closed on Sundays

Website: https://www.rosiecafe.com/

Hoi An Roastery

Address: 135 Tran Phu, Hoi An, Vietnam

Opening hours: 7:30 a.m – 5:30 p.m

Website: http://hoianroastery.com/

1. Get lost in time at tea houses of Hoi An

Cocobana Tea Room. Photo by Cocobana 

Drinking tea in the rustic, peaceful, and antique atmosphere of Hoi An is a pleasing experience. It’s perfect to enjoy some of your valuable time in a space full of time values.

Here is the information of places that offer green and peaceful space with great teas:

Reaching Out Teahouse

Address: 131 Tran Phu, Hoi An, Vietnam

Opening hours: 9:15 a.m –  8:30 p.m

Website: https://www.facebook.com/reachingout.teahouse

Reaching out garden seats. Photo by Reaching out Teahouse

Cocobana Tea Rooms & Garden

Address: 16 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Hoi An, Vietnam

Opening hours: 9 a.m – 5 p.m

Website: https://www.facebook.com/cocobanahoian/

1. Relax your mind and body at Hoi AN’s best spa and yoga centers

The things to do in Hoi An for retreat won’t be complete without spa and yoga sessions. After strolling downtown, do some merry souvenir shopping and have a beautiful rest in the tea space, kindly treat yourself to a herbal therapy or a spa session.

Doing early morning or afternoon yoga is a brilliant idea for keeping up your working-out routine during traveling. 

Citrus Spa

Address: 180 Ly Thai To, Hoi An, Vietnam

Opening hours: 10 a.m – 9 p.m

Website: https://www.facebook.com/Citrusspahoian/

Nomady Yoga

Address: 22 Nguyen Du, Hoi An, Vietnam

Website: https://www.facebook.com/Nomadyogahoian/

Aum Yoga

Address: 220 Nguyen Duy Hieu, Cam Chau, Hoi An Vietnam

Website: https://aumyogavietnam.com/about-aum-yoga/

1. Hear the novel stories of Hoi An’s historical relics

Japanese covered bridge. Photo by Hanoi Premium travel

Wandering Hoi An ancient town, you might meet some fascinating architectural relics. Accompanying the art and historical values are novel stories that await you to discover.

Japanese Covered Bridge

Address: Tran Phu Street At the West end of Tran Phu St., Hoi An, Vietnam

Old House of Tan Ky

Address: 101 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Hoi An, Vietnam

Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 5:45 PM

Fukian Assembly Hall

Address: 46 Tran Phu, Hoi An, Vietnam

Opening hours: 7 a.m – 6 p.m

1. Get to know the artisans in Thanh Ha pottery village

The making of vases at Thanh Ha Pottery Village. Photo by Kristina Tate

The village contains a long historical context. During the 17th- 18th century, local pottery products were exported to Japan, China, and Spain via the Hoi An Trading Port. Visiting Thanh Ha, you will have a chance to know stories of how humble artisans have preserved the family tradition and choose for yourself a unique-look-pottery. 

Thanh Ha Pottery Village

Address: Pham Phan, Thanh Ha, Hoi An, Vietnam

1. Explore local cuisine practice in Hoi An’s cooking class

Coming to Hoi An is an ideal opportunity to learn local dishes. The land offers abundant fresh ingredients from the Thu Bon River. Hoi An also nurtures hospital people that will guide you through memorable cooking sessions.

Cooking class at Red Bridge Restaurant. Photo by  Red Bridge Restaurant

My Grandma’s Home Cooking

Address: 61 Ngo Quyen, Islet, Hoi An Vietnam

Opening hours: 7:30 a.m – 10 p.m

Website: https://www.facebook.com/cookingschoolhoian/

Red Bridge Restaurant, Cooking School & Villa

Address: Thon 4, Hoi An, Vietnam

Opening hours: 8 a.m – 11 p.m

Website:

https://www.facebook.com/Red-Bridge-Restaurant-Cooking-School-Villa-1386397831470387/

1. Don’t miss Hoi An’s cultural shows 

Hoi An Memories show. Photo by Klook

The year-round cultural shows in this place are Hoi An Water Puppet Show, Hoi An Memories, and Lune Productions show. Hoi An Memories tells the story of Hoi An’s evolution throughout four centuries by a massive performance of 500 actors, dancers, singers, and artists every night in Impression Theme Park. Lune Production shows are theater-like performances, with the concept of the five unique cultures of five Vietnamese ethnic communities.  Besides, every night, there are smaller free shows performed by amateur artists inside the walking streets of Hoi An.

Hoi An Water Puppet Show

Address: 548 Hai Ba Trung, Hoi An, Vietnam

Opening hours:  6:30pm every day (closed Wednesday and Sunday)

Website: https://www.facebook.com/waterpuppet.HoiAn/

Price: Adult – 80,000 VND (3.5 USD) Child – 40,000 VND (1.7 USD). 

Hoi An Memories

Address: Con Hen – 200 Nguyen Tri Phuong turn left , Cam Chau

Opening hours:  Check website for scheduling & booking tickets

Website: https://hoianimpression.vn/en/

Price: 300,000 – 450,000 VND (13 to 19 USD)/ Child,  600,000 – 900,000 VND (26 to 39 USD)/adult. 

Lune Productions shows

Address: Dong Hiep Park, Nguyen Phuc Chu St.

Opening hours: Check website for scheduling & booking tickets

Website: https://www.luneproduction.com/

Price: Zone A– 700,000 VND (30.50 USD);  Zone O – 1,150,000 VND (50 USD), Zone W– 1,600,000 VND (70 USD)

1. Set your vitamin D on An Bang beach

An Bang beach. Photo by La Siesta Resort

Located only 25-minute cycling or ten-minute driving from the central town of Hoi An, An Bang beach offers a peaceful scene with decent-equipped bars, restaurants, and accommodation to enjoy your sunbathing on the beach. 

1. Feel the most authentic local life on your bike

Hoi An peaceful morning. Photo by Steve Douglas/ Unsplash

Both morning and afternoon cycling around the countryside of Hoi An are pleasant experiences. On your way, eye-stretching patty fields and petit garden houses signature for the central Vietnam architecture and lifestyle are lively and vivid but so peaceful that they can be considered a type of meditation. 

1. Perceive My Son sanctuary’s marvelous architecture

My Son Sanctuary. Photo by Steve Douglas/ Unsplash

During the 14th-15th century, this place was the spiritual center of the Champa Kingdom. The Cham people are closely related to the Malaysian ethnic group. They used to be the core of Muslims in Cambodia and Vietnam. The complex consisted of 70 structures, however, only 25 remained. 

Please feel free to experience the recommended things to do in Hoi An in your own way!

An Article for http://www.Local-Insider.com by Nhu Quynh Tran

Are you planning a trip to Vietnam ? We invite you to contact us at MustSeeInVietnam@Gmail.com and to visit the No 1 Vietnam Travellers Podcast website https://www.whataboutvietnam.com. https://www.Local-Insider.com and https://www.VietnamTravel.com

Thank you for following us, for your Likes, your comments and for sharing with your friends. Visit us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mustseeinvietnam/