Wondering what to do in Hoi An? You’re not alone – but trust me, there is so much more to this beautifully preserved river trading port than meets the eyes!

Bare with me, as I show you a few of the top things to do in Hoi An, proving that while the Old Town of Hoi An might be very Disney-esque. If you know where to look, you can find both substance and style!

Sadly many travelers never get to discover the true essence of Hoi An, only stumbling around it’s -admittedly picturesque – old town, managing only a few hours of admiring grand architecture in the hot midday sun before beating a hasty retreat back to their hotel pool.

Frazzled and a tad bewildered, they seem to quickly spread word up-and-down Vietnam that Hoi An is a one day stop at best with overpriced Old Town restaurants of dubious quality and not much else. Unless, of course, you visit for the insanely awesome Lantern Festival held annually.

I promise if you look a bit harder – and explore outside the old town – Hoi An will quickly become your favorite destination in Vietnam. This is thanks to Hoi An’s incredible food scene, relaxed pace of life, varieties of shopping and events on offer – not to mention plenty of day trips, tropical beaches on its doorstep, and some of the most foreign-friendly nightlife in Vietnam!

Most of these top things to do in Hoi An I gathered through local recommendations, stumbling around and more than a little research – and after your visit, you will probably have your own, so feel free to come back and let other readers know.

If you’re heading to Hoi An for the first time (as this list assumes!), you really should have at least three full days to really get a feel for this UNESCO listed town. Vietnam tour itineraries often only stay a night — but it simply just isn’t enough! 

If only because the most common regret I heard from other travelers once they got to know the real Hoi An was ‘I wish I had more time here…..’

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The Top 20 Things To Do In Hoi An Every Traveller Should Not Miss! 🇻🇳

1. Make Your Own Hoi An Bike Tour

You may think it’s boring, just riding around on a bike – but if you do, you’ve clearly never been to Hoi An before. Often devoid of motorized traffic, the majestic Old Town is a remarkable collection of ancient buildings, temples and meeting halls that can easily be seen all on a casual bike trip (and with a breeze no less!).

Yet within minutes, a completely different world awaits – in no time at all, you can be in the center of a rice field, amongst ducks, pigs, and wild birds. The contrast is quite remarkable and thanks to Hoi An’s pancake-flat environment and relative lack of traffic (well compared to Hanoi or Ho Chi Min anyway), exploring Hoi An by bicycle allows you freedom, flexibility and an escape from the ‘tourist trail’ where you can really see local life on display! Just like I was about to in magical Ninh Binh.

You never know what will be around the corner…

If you don’t want to navigate by yourself or just want to explore Hoi An with some new friends and a guide by bike, there are also a few popular small-group bike tours in Hoi An that explore both the city and countryside.  

2. Experience One Of The World’s Best Food Tasting Tours With The Original Taste Of Hoi An

I don’t say this lightly, but anybody passionate about discovering, sampling and understanding the foods of Vietnam and Hoi An needs to sign up to the Original Taste of Hoi An tour and organize to have it on the first day you arrive in Hoi An.

Out of all the food tours I have taken over the years around the world (including Taipei, Medellin, and Copenhagen), none have come close to the level of passion, community involvement, professionalism, knowledge, and fun I found here with Neville the Teacher and his team.

I don’t want to give away too much – but the tour is split into two parts, one discovering the markets, street-side stalls and small restaurants of an authentic Hoi An neighborhood (with plenty of food samplings, photo opportunities and anecdotes) and the second part back at Neville’s custom-designed home workshop he and his team attempt to stuff you with as much food and knowledge as you can possibly handle.

Hint: You’re never going to think about SPAM the same way ever again!

I sampled around 45-50 different Vietnamese dishes (there are over 1,700 at last count), and these are no small portions. It’s a tasting tour, so you eat what you want, and everything is based on recognizing that you have distinct taste buds. You either like it, or you don’t like it, and there is no wrong answer here. Well, except when it comes to the Vietnamese Coffee Ice-Cream — because anyone who doesn’t 100% love that must be a little deranged.

Beyond Neville and his team’s passion and pride (they have been running this tour in one form or another for ten years), I also loved their commitment to social responsibility within the community, and the cost of the journey directly benefits over 40 people – many of whom you will meet on the tour.

They also help support a local orphanage (I’ll let Neville explain that better).

If you take the tour when you arrive, you will also get Neville’s planning services, which basically means he will tell you all the best places in town for whatever your heart desired, including cocktails, shoes, bags, coffee, pizza. You name it, which is excellent!

The top reviewed food tasting tour in Hoi An (hell, it’s one of Hoi An’s top attractions!) you won’t ever regret heading out with the Original Taste Of Hoi An…and will probably never look at Vietnam or food the same again!

3. Relax At Bars/Restaurants at An Bang Beach

Make a day of it at the beach. At any of the seaside bars/restaurants, you’re welcome to a deck chair just meters from the water’s edge – and it’ll only cost you a bottle of water.

Relax in between swims with a good book and a snooze – but don’t forget your sunscreen as I did! Choosing somewhere to eat can be daunting with so many options, so let me make it easier and say hands down you need to just head straight to Ms. Tuyet and her self-named seafood restaurant Tuyet with the Worlds Best Spring Rolls (trust me, they are * colossal *), excellent service, cute little-thatched umbrellas and an enviable position just 30 meters from the surf!

If you still have energy head to the Soul Kitchen for some sunset sundowner drinks – often joined by live music making the whole thing extremely atmospheric!

4. Make A Day Trip To My Son Sanctuary

The ruins at My Son hark back to the early centuries AD when the Hindu Champa civilization ruled much of central Vietnam. But in the case of the My Son ruins, it hasn’t just seen the ravages of time at play. In 1969, during the American War, the Nixon administration targeted My Son from the air (because it was a Viet Cong haven) and blew most of it to smithereens. The 70 or so well-preserved towers and attendant structures were hammered, but all considered, some of the buildings are remarkably intact among the bomb craters. 

Today, like many of Vietnam’s famous sites, mass tourism has taken its toll and My Son Sanctuary – in large part thanks to its UNESCO World Heritage listing.

My Son Sanctuary is generally swarming with tour groups and tourists wandering around with very little clue as to what is going on. You can either brave the heat and hire a private driver to take you to My Son in the afternoon when the crowds have all returned to Hoi AN (around 1 pm 99 % of tour groups have gone) – or sign up to any of the huge tour buses taking groups out for sunset on a half-day morning tour.

If you read up about the site in advance and ditch your guide once you are through the entrance gate. Its actually pretty nice, and you can avoid most the lumbering groups and explore a few quiet spots on your own.

Definitely worth a visit for history buffs or those who have not seen Angkor Wat. If you love the abandoned feel you could also try to visit the abandoned waterpark in Hue.

5. Dine At The Best Restaurants In Hoi An

Let’s just be clear right off the bat: the best restaurants in Hoi An are not in the old town, and while some restaurants have beautiful fit-outs, decent food, and average service.

You will be paying 2-3x at a minimum for the privilege of dining here, and are unlikely to be impressed. Ignore your hotel as they will get kickbacks and commissions for sending customers to one place over another (when we were in town hilariously every shop and hotel recommended one place, and yet every traveler and Tripadvisor review said it was terrible.).

None of this is to say there aren’t great restaurants in Hoi An. There are —you just need to explore, ask other travelers, pick the brains of Neville at the Original Taste of Hoi An. By no means comprehensive, here are a few of the best restaurants in Hoi An we heard about that you should try:

• Am. Get on your bike or hail a cab for this one, but you will not regret heading to this atmospheric restaurant whose owner Helen is someone you will not soon forget. The Japanese Okonomiyaki / Cabbage Pancakes was divine, but you really can’t go wrong here as everything is vegetarian and oh-so-good. You will probably head back multiple times to work your way through the menu! 33D Ly Thai To Street 
• The Sea Shell Restaurant by Nu Eatery. Newly opened in a restored fisherman’s house, gorge yourself with contemporary Asian fare by the same people who brought you the now overly famous Nu Eatery. 119 Tran Cao Van Street
• Bep 1919. A hidden gem in the old town of Hoi An serving modern Vietnamese in a stylish setting. 108 Nguyen Thai
• Son. Fun Vietnamese with exotic dishes such as lotus or cassava salad and the house specialty Duck with orange sauce! 232 Cua Dai Road
• ANA 32. Always busy like some sort of open secret, here you will find the best smoothies in Hoi An (and get the chance to try the famous Vietnamese Egg Coffee). 32 Phan Bội Châu
• Pho Xua. Hoi An is probably the most expensive city we visited in Vietnam, but luckily here, you can find insanely low prices for the national dish of Vietnam, Pho! Also, don’t ignore their Bun Cha, or Salad Nunu, which are divine. 35 Phan Chau Trinh Street
• Thuan Y. Another Old Town of Hoi An hidden gem, stop by for shabby chic decor, calamari with Lemongrass & Chilli, Fish in Banana Leaf and some of the cheapest beer in this part of town. 94 Bach Dang Street

6.  Go A Bit Wild And Indulge In The Hoi An Nightlife

What else can I say? Hoi An is the most tourism orientated city in Vietnam, and while the heat of the day keeps many people back at their hotel poolside, at night – Hoi An comes alive. Happy hours, bucket drinks, free tequila shots, or entire bottles of vodka, anything can be negotiated here or offered, but the quality might not be the best.

My picks for the best Hoi An Nightlife are Q Bar, with their opulent cocktails amidst upscale oriental decor, White Marble Wine Bar for its extensive well wine, Tam Tam for its second-floor balcony views and happy hour and of course – Tiger Tiger for its dance-until-you-drop, cheap drinks and backpacker vibes with the parties to end all parties.

Whatever your preference, budget, or style, Hoi An nightlife can provide!

7. Indulge In Some Shopping And Find the Best Tailor in Hoi An

Shopping!!

Finding a tailor in Hoi An is about as hard as shutting your eyes, turning around and pointing to the nearest shop. But getting the actual clothes made is a lot trickier – it may turn out to be the greatest thing you’ve ever done or an unmitigated disaster. Of course, if you’re Vietnam Itinerary doesn’t end in Hoi An, you might want to hold off to avoid carrying anything around with you.

Either way, there are many tips to prevent a tailoring disaster, but the most important ones are:

• Make SURE your sales assistant understands what you want. She’ll say ‘yes, yes’ but you can be almost certain – unless you go over it, get her to repeat it and even draw it – that she won’t get your full drift.
• Take time to choose the right material; after all, a poor material choice is one of the main reasons for tailoring disasters. Ask the tailor’s advice but remember, you don’t have to limit yourself to their range. Try specialist fabric shops as well.
• Get recommendations from other travelers (not your hotel or guide!) who actually have brought a suit. I hear great things about Kim Only (not Kimmy’s) located opposite Lac Viet Jewelry or Ms. Lee at Trung Duc found at 37 Tran Hung Dao. But take my advice with a grain of salt.

8. Get Out In The Water With Cham Island Snorkelling

If you’re one of those selfish types who hate sharing your tropical paradise with the general public, check out this largely unspoiled marine-protected island, one of the least developed islands in Vietnam.

Day-trippers flock to it on public holidays and weekends, but pick a weekday, especially out of peak season, and you may just find yourself alone with the locals. Cham Island’s coral reefs attract divers and snorkelers alike, with some operators offering scuba diving, snorkeling and trekking packages at pretty reasonable rates – but with only two shops, quality is low, and many trips are canceled without reason.

We found this snorkeling excursion to Cham Island to be the best value, however, and accommodation transfers are included so you can book in advance and not waste time on the ground. The ferry only takes about 90 minutes to get to Cham Island so why not head out to this UNESCO Biosphere and see what all the fuss is about!

9. Relax In One Of Hoi An’s Rooftop Cafes

While the coffee or drinks can be of dubious quality, why not spend the day trying to find unique views of the Hoi An old town from above…

This was one of our favorite things to do in Hoi An, popping up to the 2nd or 3rd floor of restaurants and considering the coffee or cocktail an admission charge to set from above and watch the busy streets below or look out over the tiled rooftops of the old city! Sometimes we were pleasantly surprised by the coffee quality – like at the beautiful rooftop of Faifo Coffee – and many times, we were not.

There are probably 100 or more restaurants with views across Hoi An, and half the fun is discovering your own personal favorite. Just keep a keen eye on the sky as your walking along and when something looks intriguing head up!

10. Easy Rider Hoi An To Hue

If you’re heading to Hoi An, chances are you are either going to or coming from Hue – so while this is not technically a thing to do in Hoi An, you should still consider taking an Easyrider over the bus or private car!

So what is an Easyrider in Vietnam?

Well – basically it’s an experienced Vietnamese man who takes you on the back of his bike to where-ever you want to go, and boy is it a rush! Having no interest in navigating Vietnamese roads at high speed, I contacted Hue Riders (the original guys who started this idea, with the best reviews and reputation for organizing motobiking in Vietnam!).

I organized a one day trip with them between Hoi An and Hue stopping at a remote fishing village, a white-sand beach for lunch, traversing the famous Hai Van Pass, and even swimming by Da Nang Beach and Marble Mountain.

No prior experience is needed, they are pros at everything (including transporting bulky luggage), and since you can’t really sleep, you will have an entirely new appreciation for Vietnam life by merely looking around as you go! I loved it so much. I’m planning to head back for a multi-day Easyrider in Vietnam—but if you’re not sure, just start with the Easy Rider Hoi An To Hue first!

You won’t regret it!

11. Relax At A Hoi An Beach Resort

It’s hot as hell in Hoi An, and sometimes you just need the beach to cool off – so why not check-in for a few nights of luxury pampering and poolside cocktails only 15 minutes drive from Hoi An Old Town.

And if you’re visiting the whole of Vietnam, you’re around about half-way now and probably long overdue for some much-needed rest and relaxation. I checked into the Naman Retreat and loved its multiple pools, daily activities program including learning how to basket boat (well trying at least), chic modern design complete with minimalist bamboo architecture, and world-class spa facilities.

It is also very family-friendly if you are wondering where to stay in Hoi An with kids! We did, however, get bored after a few days, so if you are like us and don’t know quite how to relax, we recommend a high-energy and quick day trio, like Rock Climbing in Marble Mountain, to make sure you leave the resort walls and feel too couped up!

With a myriad of palm trees, live music, and spectacular sunsets, the evenings are never dull here, and they conveniently had free shuttle services to Hoi An if you wanted to visit by day-or-night.

Not only that but on check-in I was allocated our own personal ambassador contactable 24/7 via Whatsapp to answer any questions and help with absolutely anything we needed, so needless to say I felt like I was living the high-life at a mere fraction of what it would cost in a more developed country.

12. Escape To The Serenity Of Bach Ma National Park

A couple of hours from Hoi An, you’ll find this vast and peaceful national park covering an area of 22,031 hectares. Within these hectares, you’ll find tropical rainforest, boulders and rocky slopes, a summit with a panoramic view, and several beautiful lakes.

Bach Ma summit, 1,450 meters above sea level, offers the stunning sight of the mountains cascading down to the sea, dotted with villages, lakes, and forests. You feel totally immersed in the natural beauty as you stroll through the jungle and take a dip in the freshwater lakes to cool off after hiking. It’s a beautiful way to experience Vietnam’s countryside properly and really makes you appreciate the country more, particularly if you’ve only visited the towns and cities up until this point.

There are also lots of rare animals living in the National Park, so if you’re lucky you’ll get a sighting of some extraordinary wildlife.

13. Enjoy A Day Trip To The Incredible Golden Bridge And Ba Na Hill

While Hoi An is home to many incredible things to do, it’s also ideally based for some fantastic day trips to some of Vietnam’s most striking spots. Case in point: the sights of the Ba Na hills. An early start will give you plenty of time to explore the lush green slopes and valleys here.

You can soar above the scenery on the Suoi Mo funicular railway, a breath-taking trip that culminates at the Golden Bridge. This is a fantastic feat of construction, a curve of golden metal that rests in two vast stone hands, with views for miles across the landscape and down to the sea.

After the Golden Bridge, spend some more time in the hills. The famous Linh Ung pagoda is charming, and we loved seeing the French village, an intricate recreation of one you might find in the Loire valley. In addition to looking like France, it also has some French wines on offer – win! Stroll through the D’amour flower garden and the food stalls, nibbling on snacks that take your fancy. Then take the cable car back down (warning: not for those with a fear of heights!).

14. Drink Your Way Through History On A Secret Cocktail Experience

Sure, it’s nice to kick back on the beach with a beer, but sometimes you feel like something a bit fancier. This totally unique experience allows you to sample some delicious cocktails, learn more about Vietnam’s history, and see some hidden venues all at the same time. Some of these secret spots aren’t even bars, so you’d never find them on your own, which is part of what makes this tour so unique.

The other thing that makes the experience so special is the way the cocktails link in \aspects of Hoi An’s history. You’ll learn about how the French, Japanese, and Chinese have influenced life in Vietnam and played a role in creating Hoi An life as we know it today.

An amazing host tells you all about it while you try specially-created cocktails in each spot, all of which use local ingredients and recipes. It’s a night you won’t forget (no matter how many cocktails you have!).

15. Scoot Around The Gorgeous Hoi An Countryside

If you’ve ever wanted to whoosh around the Vietnamese countryside on an electric scooter (of course you have, you’re only human!), then now’s the time to do it. The city’s streets and outlying land are endlessly fascinating, making them the ideal place for a scooter trip. You can start off in Cam Nam island, a place where tradition is still strong.

If you’re feeling sociable, ask the locals about life there; you can chat with fishermen by trade, shoemakers, or those involved in making rice crackers. Local industry is vital here, and it’s good to learn more about it as a visitor.

Once you’ve explored villages and commerce spots, take your scooter out among the rice paddies. These are the iconic images of Vietnam, where buffalo graze and farmers work to supply the nearby towns and cities with food. Wind up on a beach with a beer. Spending a day exploring on scooters widens your horizons, meaning you can fully appreciate how diverse and complex Vietnam is. Additionally, it’s a lot of fun!  

16. Travel Back In Time At The Hoi An Memories Show At The Hoi An Impression Theme Park

This might be called a theme park, but it’s so much more than that. It’s not about the rollercoaster thrills here; it’s about exploring Vietnam’s rich history and experiencing the country’s culture. Within the grounds you’ll find a traditional themed village that paints a picture of what life has been like throughout the 400 years of this port town’s history. It’s a bit like walking through a diorama, complete with bridges, pagodas, and workshops.

The highlight of the Hoi An Impression Theme Park experience is, of course, the breath-taking Memories Show. This is a mega-performance that takes you on an adventure through Hoi An’s history, from simple beginnings in a farmer’s house to its growth as a trading port and the international influences that made their mark. It takes place on a purpose-built island, and water is an integral part of the show.

A combination of dance, music, and mime that keeps the city at its heart through fantastic scenery, this is a show that transcends language to teach the audience about the path of history and the passage of time.

17. Have Tons Of Fun At Vinpearl Land

Once you arrive in Vietnam, we’re sure you’ll hear people talking about this enormous recreational complex, and it’s definitely one of the most enjoyable things to do in Hoi An. Unashamedly fun, lively, and entertaining, Vinpearl Land is the perfect place to come if you want to let your hair down a bit. It’s also ideal if you’re traveling with a group who all like doing different things because there’s a huge range of stuff to do here.

There are exciting rides for all ages, spread out across five zones, as well as almost 100 indoor activities and games. Adrenaline junkies will love the Tree Swing and Swiss tower drop. If you feel like something a bit more sedate, explore the Handicraft Village on Folk Island where weaving and pottery-making take place.

We also loved the River Safari, which is exactly what it sounds like – a safari seen from the river! Once you’ve been on the water, you’ll want to get in it, so head to Water World for a splash about. Do you see what we mean? There’s almost nothing you can’t do here!

18. Unwind With A Soothing Massage

When you’re traveling, there’s no better treat than a relaxing spa treatment. Muscles that are sore and tired from walking or carrying bags finally loosen up under the skilled hands of the masseuses in Hoi An. The even better part? It’s not only soothing for your soul – but you’ll also feel your worries float away!

Lots of spas offer a range of treatments, from Thai massages to Swedish ones, or even a combination of both! Naturally, there’s also a traditional Vietnamese style. Start your treatment with an herbal tea and a snack – and finish with more. The perfect antidote to a busy itinerary that will leave you ready to explore even more of Hoi An.

19. Challenge Yourself On A Marble Mountain Trek

South of Da Nang, you’ll find a group of five limestone mountains rising dramatically above the surrounding landscape. These five peaks are said to represent the five natural elements – water, wood, fire, earth and metal – and as such are immensely spiritual places. You’ll see lots of Buddha statues and pagodas as you wind your way up the trails, tunnels and staircases that bring you to the top (get a guide to help you find all the hidden nooks and crannies).

We can’t pretend it’s a walk in the park, but the views from the top are more than worth a little huffing and puffing. The panoramic vistas of the valleys below and the city beyond are so awe-inspiring that even the non-religious among us will feel something a little bit holy.

20. See Contemporary Performance Meet Vietnamese Culture At The A O Show

Often called the Vietnamese Cirque du Soleil, the spectacular A O show brings old and new Vietnam together in an exhilarating mix of dance, story, and acrobatics. The way the production uses wood and bamboo in its minimal sets is wonderful and perfectly mirrors the story of how rural living is affected by the fast-paced urbanization happening here.

It all takes place in the Lune Performing Centre in Hoi An, a space shaped like a dome that provides the perfect backdrop to this thoughtful and fascinating piece. You’ll even see the traditional art of bamboo cirque incorporated into the spectacle. It’s a beautiful way to spend an evening in Hoi An and leaves you even more in love with this complex and changing country.

Where To Stay In Hoi An

Wondering where to stay in Hoi An?

I’ve put a few of my favorite options together to help you decide. There is so, so, so much choice in this little city – but if you want to wade through them all, you can find the best Hoi An Hotel deals here.

Want to relax poolside with a cocktail?

Stay in a super-social hostel or indulge in unparalleled luxury? 

Hoi has something for you…

And there you have it – all the best things to do in Hoi An for a first visit. While the well-preserved Ancient Town is a clear drawcard, there is so much more to this former city – a melting point of cultures, architecture, food, and now tourism. No wonder it is a top highlight of Vietnam…

I honestly can’t recommend enough trying The Original Taste of Hoi An tour to get a true sense of the city, but if you follow every one of these things to do – I personal guarantee you will fall in love with Hoi An just as I did and be booking your flights with Vietnam Airlines back to this iconic city faster than you can say Tạm biệt!