10 ultimate things to put in your to-do list in Hoi An

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Hoi An Town is a beautifully preserved trading port that thrived between the 15th and 19th centuries. It’s famous for its charming atmosphere, often considered one of the most picturesque cities in Vietnam and possibly even in all of Southeast Asia. 

Many visitors are drawn to its handmade clothing shops, but even if shopping isn’t your thing, Hoi An offers a peaceful escape from the bustling pace of the rest of the country.

Now, let Ftrip Vietnam dive into 10 things to do in Hoi An in this article!

10 Best Things To Do In Hoi An

Here are the key things to do in Hoi An you must consider:

Explore the ancient streets of Hoi An

Hoi An presents a stunning blend of beautiful Chinese temples, a Japanese-style bridge, traditional wooden shops, elegant French colonial residences, and serene canals. 

Many of the historic shops have been skillfully into contemporary establishments catering to tourists, such as numerous tailor shops, souvenir stores, art galleries, eateries, and cafes. 

The ideal way to experience this charming city is by walking. Make sure to wander around during both daytime and evening, especially when the lanterns adorn the old town, creating a magical atmosphere.

Cycle through the countryside

The rice fields near Hoi An, Vietnam, are quite popular, though not as grand as those in the northern regions. However, they are much easier to reach.

One of the top activities in Hoi An is to take a bike ride through this picturesque countryside, navigating narrow paths amid the rice fields. It’s a mere 10-minute bike ride from the town center to the countryside. 

Along the way, you’ll encounter locals tending to their water buffaloes, and if you visit during the right season, you’ll be greeted by lush greenery. Additionally, your bike provides an excellent mode of transportation to reach nearby beaches and other points of interest in Hoi An.

Take a break at the beach

After a full day of exploring the attractions in Hoi An, you might be looking forward to some relaxation the following day. Luckily, there are several beaches in and around Hoi An to choose from. 

The top two favorites are An Bang Beach and Cua Dai Beach, both easily accessible by bike from the city center. If you prefer, you can also hop on a scooter or take a taxi to explore the beaches in Da Nang.

Experience a boat excursion

Hoi An presents numerous chances to embark on aquatic adventures. Exploring the city’s various river routes is essential – consider renting a boat, paddling along, or joining a guided tour to observe life along the waterways. 

Accessible from the old town, a stroll to the river unveils a plethora of boat trip options along the Thu Bon river. Alternatively, venture to Cam Thanh Village for a serene paddle through coconut groves aboard a basket boat.

Get custom-made clothes

Hoi An, once a bustling hub along the Silk Road, still thrives today with its rich trading heritage from the 15th century. Here, skilled tailors work wonders, crafting top-notch garments at unbeatable prices for the constant stream of visitors. 

Many tourists opt to get their clothes tailored in Hoi An, and it’s no wonder why. It’s a worthwhile investment, serving as both a valuable keepsake and a delightful memento of your trip.

Explore the Markets

One of the must-see attractions in Hoi An is its vibrant markets, offering a glimpse into local life. Situated at the heart of the city by the river, the central market is a bustling hub where you can find an array of goods. 

After dusk, the Night Market comes to life along Nguyen Hoang Street, stretching over 300 meters. 

Here, vendors showcase a diverse range of items, from handmade jewelry and clothing to delectable snacks. The street is adorned with colorful lanterns, casting a magical glow over the stalls and creating a mesmerizing atmosphere.

Discover the craft villages

One must-see experience is visiting the craft villages near Hoi An. Kim Bong Carpentry Village is particularly fascinating, where skilled carpenters craft furniture and other remarkable items for buildings. 

At Tra Que Herb Village, you can learn about local agricultural practices, from tilling the soil to harvesting vegetables. Don’t miss out on the pottery-making at Thanh Ha Pottery Village and the bronze casting at Phuoc Kieu Bronze Casting Village.

Go through from Hoi An to Hue

Traveling from Hoi An to Hue is an incredible journey, with the breathtaking Hai Van Pass as its main attraction. This mountain pass gained fame through the TopGear TV program and boasts stunning views of the sea, mountains, and beaches. 

You have several options for traversing this route: ride a scooter independently, enlist the services of an Easy Rider who can take you on the back of their motorcycle, or opt for a car rental with a driver. 

Choosing the latter options often allows for stops at other noteworthy destinations along the way, such as the Marble Mountains and Lang Co Beach.

Now, if you are eager to find a tour to Hoi An and Hue right away, check out the HUE- DA NANG- HOI AN 3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS tour. The 3 days and 2 nights will take you to the World heritage road in Central Vietnam from exploring Hoi An Old Town, My Son Sanctuary, and Hue Imperial City which is UNESCO to discover many other attractions such as Golden Bridge (1,400m above sea level).

Get the exciting day trips await!

Hoi An isn’t just a treasure trove of attractions within its city limits; there’s a whole world to discover beyond its borders. Whether you opt for guided day tours or prefer the freedom of riding a motorbike, these day trips from Hoi An promise unforgettable experiences:

  • My Son Sanctuary: Delve into the ancient history of the Champa people as you wander through the mystical ruins of Hindu temples at My Son. This half-day excursion is a must-do for history buffs and culture enthusiasts alike.
  • Cham Island: Escape to paradise with a day trip to Cham Island, boasting pristine beaches fringed by swaying palm trees and crystal-clear waters. Enjoy a sumptuous lunch and snorkeling adventures for a complete tropical getaway experience.
  • Marble Mountains: Nestled between Hoi An and Da Nang lie the Marble Mountains, towering limestone formations housing a network of caves and sacred sites. You can explore the caves or take on the challenge of climbing and abseiling for an adrenaline-fueled adventure.
  • Son Tra Peninsula: Venture to the Son Tra Peninsula near Da Nang and be with breathtaking panoramas, secluded beaches, lush mountains, and encounters with rare primates. It’s a nature lover’s paradise waiting to be explored.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hoi An offers a plethora of captivating experiences for travelers. By including these 10 things to do in Hoi An in your itinerary, you’ll immerse yourself in the rich culture and beauty of this enchanting city. Whether it’s wandering through historic streets or indulging in delicious Vietnamese delicacies, Hoi An promises to leave a lasting impression on every visitor.

Reviewed by

Diep Van

Phone: +84901166884

Email: diep.van@ftripvietnam.com

Diep Van

Founder & Photography Guide

Specialties: Culture, landscape, portrait, hiking, active and adventurous tour

Besides my unlimited passion for traveling, a professional tour guide for over a decade, I have been taking photographs since sitting at Hanoi of the University of Culture in the early 2000s. Photography started as a hobby but it was seriously taken due to my work relations and my significant passion for the beauty of our world, especially in Southeast Asian parts such as Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar.

Within a few years of taking photographs, my works began to be recognized by many reliable international publications such as AFAR Travel, The Times, and The Daily Telegraph newspaper. In addition, I continuously add to my growing profile by winning numerous major awards: 3rd Position of The Independent Photographer 2018, 1st Position of Amateur Photographer of the year 2018, Grand Prize Winner of the AFAR Travel Photography 2019, and a Gold Award of San Francisco Bay International Photography 2020.

I photograph a wide variety of subjects, from travel to landscapes to street scenes. I enjoy documenting the East’s rich cultural heritage and its land soaked in glorious sunrise or sunset light in remote and secluded spots. And, I am very happy to share my knowledge and experience with you. You can visit Luminousvietnamtour to explore tour!


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