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Hoi An Ancient Town, Việt Nam - Things to Do in Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An Ancient Town

discover Hoi An Ancient Town, Việt Nam - Complete Travel Guide

discover Hoi An Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Vietnam's most enchanting destinations, renowned for its remarkably well-preserved 15th-century trading port. This magical riverside town showcases a unique blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and European architectural influences, with hundreds of historic buildings, ancient temples, pagodas, and colonial-era shophouses lining narrow cobblestone streets illuminated by thousands of colorful lanterns each evening. Beyond its architectural treasures, Hoi An has evolved into Vietnam's culinary capital and a hub for traditional crafts, particularly silk tailoring and lantern making. The town's car-free Ancient Quarter creates an intimate atmosphere perfect for leisurely exploration on foot or by bicycle, while the nearby countryside offers glimpses of rural Vietnamese life with its rice paddies, water the city, and traditional farming villages. The monthly Full Moon Lantern Festival transforms the town into a magical wonderland, making Hoi An a destination that seamlessly blends historical significance with modern tourist appeal.

Top Hoi An Ancient Town

the Ancient Quarter

Wander through the UNESCO-listed the city with its 800+ historic buildings, including the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, Chinese assembly halls, and French colonial shophouses. The car-free streets are perfect for leisurely strolling, especially in the evening when thousands of colorful lanterns illuminate the ancient architecture. Don't miss the historic merchant houses that showcase the town's multicultural trading heritage.

Booking Tip: Free to explore on your own, but consider a guided walking tour ($10-15) for historical context. Early morning (6-8 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) offer the best lighting and fewer crowds. Purchase the the city Ticket ($6) for entry to historic houses and assembly halls.

Take a Cooking Class

Learn to prepare authentic Vietnamese dishes like cao lau, white rose dumplings, and fresh spring rolls in hands-on cooking classes that often include market visits. Most classes take place in traditional settings and provide insight into local ingredients, cooking techniques, and food culture. You'll typically prepare and enjoy a full multi-course meal.

Booking Tip: Book classes 1-2 days in advance, especially during peak season. Prices range from $25-45 per person including market tour and meal. Look for classes that include market visits and recipe cards to take home. Morning classes (9 AM start) are often preferred.

Bicycle Tour Through Rice Paddies

Cycle through the picturesque countryside surrounding Hoi An, passing emerald rice fields, traditional farming villages, and local workshops. These tours typically include stops at local homes, vegetable farms, and craft villages where you can observe traditional mat weaving or boat building. The flat terrain makes it suitable for all fitness levels.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost $15-25 including bike rental and guide. Book through reputable operators who provide quality bikes and helmets. Early morning tours (7-8 AM start) avoid midday heat and offer better photo opportunities. Wear sun protection and comfortable clothes.

Basket Boat Tour in Coconut Forest

Experience a unique adventure in traditional Vietnamese round basket boats through the mangrove coconut forests of Cam Thanh. Local fishermen will teach you to paddle these circular boats and demonstrate traditional fishing techniques. The tour often includes crab fishing and coconut leaf weaving demonstrations.

Booking Tip: Tours cost $8-15 per person for 2-3 hours. Book with operators who provide life jackets and experienced local guides. Best enjoyed during dry season (March-August). Bring waterproof bags for phones/cameras and wear quick-dry clothing.

Lantern Making Workshop

Create your own traditional silk lantern in workshops led by local artisans who have practiced this craft for generations. You'll learn about the cultural significance of lanterns in Vietnamese tradition while crafting a personalized souvenir. The process involves selecting colors, shaping bamboo frames, and decorating with silk and tassels.

Booking Tip: Workshops cost $8-15 per lantern and take 1-2 hours. Many shops along Nguyen Thai Hoc Street offer classes. No advance booking usually needed, but call ahead during peak season. Your finished lantern makes a perfect lightweight souvenir.

Getting There

The nearest airport is Da Nang International Airport, located 45 minutes away by taxi, bus, or pre-arranged transfer. Many visitors fly into Da Nang and take a taxi (around $15-20) or book a shuttle service. Alternatively, you can reach Hoi An by bus from major Vietnamese cities - the journey from Ho Chi Minh City takes 12-15 hours, while the country requires 18-20 hours. The scenic train journey to Da Nang followed by a short transfer is also popular among travelers seeking a more leisurely approach.

Getting Around

Hoi An's Ancient Quarter is compact and best explored on foot, as cars are banned from the historic center. Bicycles are the most popular way to get around and can be rented from hotels or shops for $1-3 per day. For longer distances or countryside exploration, motorbike taxis (xe om) and regular taxis are readily available. Many accommodations provide free bicycle rentals, and the flat terrain makes cycling enjoyable for all ages and fitness levels.

Where to Stay

Ancient Town Center
An Bang Beach
Cua Dai Beach
Cam Chau Island
Japanese Quarter
French Quarter

Food & Dining

Hoi An is considered Vietnam's culinary capital, famous for three signature dishes found nowhere else: cao lau (thick noodles with pork and herbs), white rose dumplings (steamed shrimp dumplings), and fried wontons. The town offers everything from street food stalls and local family-run restaurants to upscale dining establishments. Don't miss the bustling this destination for authentic local flavors, while Nguyen Thai Hoc and Bach Dang streets offer numerous restaurant options. Many visitors also enjoy the unique experience of dining by lantern light in the atmospheric Ancient Quarter, where rooftop restaurants provide romantic settings overlooking the historic streets.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Danang

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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Bếp Cuốn Đà Nẵng

4.9 /5
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Nhà Bếp Xưa Restaurant

4.8 /5
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Cô Ba Phở bò

4.8 /5
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Thìa Gỗ Restaurant Da Nang

4.7 /5
(6846 reviews) 1

Nhà hàng NHÀ BẾP CHỢ HÀN

4.8 /5
(5386 reviews) 2

Ăn Thôi Restaurant

4.7 /5
(4341 reviews) 2

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Hoi An is during the dry season from February to April, when temperatures are pleasant (20-25°C) and rainfall is minimal. May to August brings hotter weather but is still manageable, especially for beach activities. Avoid the rainy season from September to January, particularly October and November when flooding can occur. The monthly Full Moon Lantern Festival (14th day of each lunar month) is magical but draws large crowds, so book accommodations well in advance if planning to visit during these special evenings.

Insider Tips

Visit during the Full Moon Lantern Festival when motorized vehicles are banned from the Ancient Quarter and the town glows with thousands of lanterns and floating candles on the river
Get custom-tailored clothing from the many skilled tailors - allow 2-3 days for fittings and completion, and always request a test fitting before final payment
Explore beyond the main tourist streets to discover hidden temples, local coffee shops, and authentic family-run restaurants where locals actually eat

Activities in Hoi An Ancient Town