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

Things to Do in Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An Ancient Town, Việt Nam - Complete Travel Guide

Hoi An Ancient Town is a remarkably well-preserved trading port that flourished from the 15th to 19th centuries, earning its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. This enchanting riverside town in central Vietnam showcases a unique blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and European architectural influences, with its iconic yellow buildings, ancient temples, covered bridges, and narrow streets creating an atmospheric journey through time. The Thu Bon River winds through the heart of the town, where traditional wooden boats and colorful lanterns reflect in the water, especially during the magical monthly Full Moon Lantern Festival. Today, Hoi An seamlessly balances historical preservation with modern tourism, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into Vietnam's rich cultural heritage alongside world-class dining, tailoring services, and artisan workshops. The car-free Ancient Town center encourages leisurely exploration on foot or by bicycle, while the surrounding countryside provides opportunities for cooking classes, farming experiences, and beach relaxation. With its compact size, friendly locals, delicious cuisine, and romantic ambiance enhanced by hundreds of silk lanterns illuminating the streets each evening, Hoi An has become one of Southeast Asia's most beloved destinations for travelers seeking culture, history, and charm.

Top Things to Do in Hoi An Ancient Town

Explore the Ancient Town and Historic Architecture

Wander through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ancient Town to admire the remarkably preserved 15th-19th century architecture, including the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, Chinese assembly halls, and traditional merchant houses. The yellow-washed buildings, wooden shophouses, and ornate temples create a living museum where you can observe daily life continuing much as it has for centuries. Don't miss the Tan Ky House, Quan Cong Temple, and the various Chinese clan halls that showcase the town's multicultural heritage.

Booking Tip: Purchase a Hoi An Ancient Town ticket (120,000 VND) that gives access to 5 historic sites of your choice, valid for multiple days. Visit early morning (7-9 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) to avoid crowds and harsh midday sun. The ticket can be bought at the entrance to any historic site.

Take a Vietnamese Cooking Class

Learn to prepare authentic Vietnamese dishes in hands-on cooking classes that often begin with a market tour to select fresh ingredients like herbs, vegetables, and spices. Classes typically cover iconic dishes such as pho, fresh spring rolls, cao lau (Hoi An's signature noodle dish), and white rose dumplings. Most experiences include recipe cards to take home and the opportunity to dine on your creations in a beautiful garden or traditional setting.

Booking Tip: Book classes 1-2 days in advance, with prices ranging from $25-45 USD per person. Look for classes that include market tours and multiple dishes (4-5 recipes). Popular operators include Sabirama, Eva Cooking Class, and Thuan Tinh Island tours with cooking components. Morning classes (9 AM start) are often less crowded.

Experience the Full Moon Lantern Festival

Join the magical monthly Full Moon Lantern Festival (14th day of each lunar month) when the Ancient Town transforms into a glowing wonderland with thousands of colorful silk lanterns and candles replacing electric lights. Local families dress in traditional ao dai, street food vendors line the pedestrian-only streets, and cultural performances including traditional music and dragon dances take place throughout the evening. Participate in the tradition of releasing floating lanterns on the Thu Bon River while making a wish.

Booking Tip: The festival occurs monthly on the 14th day of the lunar calendar (check dates online). Arrive by 6 PM to secure good viewing spots and purchase floating lanterns (20,000-50,000 VND each) early before they sell out. Book accommodations well in advance for festival nights as the town gets very crowded. Restaurants may have special set menus during the festival.

Bicycle Tour Through Countryside and Villages

Cycle through the scenic countryside surrounding Hoi An to discover rural Vietnamese life, visiting local villages, organic farms, and traditional craft workshops. These tours often include stops at local homes where families demonstrate traditional activities like mat weaving, rice paper making, or vegetable farming. The flat terrain and quiet country roads make for easy cycling while offering glimpses of water buffalo, rice paddies, and traditional stilted houses.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost $15-25 USD and full-day tours $25-40 USD, usually including bicycle, helmet, guide, and lunch. Book with reputable operators like Heaven and Earth Bicycle Tours or Hoi An Bicycle Tour. Early morning departures (8 AM) offer cooler temperatures and better lighting for photos. Tours typically cover 15-20km on flat terrain suitable for most fitness levels.

Thu Bon River Sunset Boat Trip

Cruise along the Thu Bon River on traditional wooden boats to watch the sunset over Hoi An Ancient Town while enjoying the peaceful riverside scenery. These relaxing boat trips often include stops at local villages, floating markets, or fishing communities where you can observe traditional river life and fishing techniques. Some tours combine the boat ride with lantern-making workshops or visits to local artisan villages on nearby islands.

Booking Tip: Sunset boat tours cost $8-20 USD per person for 1-2 hours, with private boats available for $30-50 USD. Book tours that depart 1.5-2 hours before sunset for the best experience. Look for operators offering traditional wooden boats rather than modern speedboats for a more authentic experience. Tours from Bach Dang wharf offer convenient Ancient Town departure points.

Getting There

Hoi An is located 30km southeast of Da Nang, which has the nearest airport (Da Nang International Airport) with domestic flights from Ho Chi Minh City (1.5 hours) and Hanoi (1.5 hours), plus international connections. From Da Nang Airport, take a taxi (45 minutes, $15-20 USD), airport shuttle bus, or pre-arranged transfer to Hoi An. Alternatively, fly into Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi and take domestic flights to Da Nang, or travel overland by train to Da Nang station then taxi to Hoi An. Many visitors also arrive by bus from other Vietnamese cities - the journey from Ho Chi Minh City takes 18-20 hours, while Hanoi to Hoi An takes 16-18 hours by sleeper bus.

Getting Around

Hoi An Ancient Town is compact and best explored on foot, as the historic center is largely pedestrianized, especially in the evenings. Bicycles are the most popular way to get around and can be rented from hotels or shops for $1-3 USD per day - the flat terrain makes cycling easy and enjoyable. For longer distances or beach trips, rent a motorbike ($5-8 USD per day) if you have experience, or use taxi services and ride-hailing apps like Grab. Many attractions are within walking distance of each other, and the town's small size means you can cross it entirely in about 20 minutes on foot.

Where to Stay

Ancient Town Center
An Bang Beach
Cua Dai Beach
Cam Chau Ward
French Quarter
Riverside Area

Food & Dining

Hoi An is renowned as one of Vietnam's culinary capitals, famous for unique local specialties like cao lau noodles (only made with water from specific local wells), white rose dumplings, and banh mi sandwiches. The Ancient Town offers everything from street food stalls and local family-run restaurants to upscale dining establishments, with many eateries housed in beautifully restored historic buildings. Don't miss the vibrant Hoi An Central Market for breakfast pho and fresh ingredients, while evening brings night markets along the riverfront. The town is also famous for its cooking classes, artisanal coffee shops, and restaurants that blend traditional Vietnamese flavors with international influences, all at very reasonable prices compared to Western standards.

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When to Visit

The best time to visit Hoi An is during the dry season from February to April when temperatures are comfortable (20-25°C), rainfall is minimal, and humidity is lower. May to August can be hot and humid (up to 35°C) but offers long sunny days perfect for beach activities, though this is peak tourist season with higher prices and crowds. September to January brings the rainy season with occasional heavy downpours and potential flooding, but also fewer tourists, lower prices, and lush green countryside - just pack rain gear and flexible plans. The Full Moon Lantern Festival occurs monthly and is worth timing your visit around, while avoiding Vietnamese holidays like Tet (Lunar New Year) when prices spike and many businesses close.

Insider Tips

Visit the Ancient Town early morning (before 8 AM) or late evening (after 6 PM) to avoid tour group crowds and experience the most atmospheric lighting for photography
Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases as many local vendors and restaurant staff in Hoi An speak limited English, and locals greatly appreciate the effort
Bargain respectfully at markets and with street vendors, but remember that prices are already very reasonable - aim for 20-30% off initial asking prices for souvenirs and street food

Explore Activities in Hoi An Ancient Town