Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a charming ancient town in Vietnam that has captured the hearts of travelers from around the world. With its well-preserved architecture, vibrant culture, and mouth-watering cuisine, Hoi An offers a myriad of experiences for every type of traveler. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the top 10 best things to do in Hoian must-do activities in Hoi An 2024, ensuring you make the most of your visit to this enchanting destination.
1. Explore the Ancient Town of Hoian
Hoian’s Ancient Town is a beautifully preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. Its narrow streets are lined with historic buildings that reflect the town’s multicultural heritage, including Chinese, Japanese, and European influences. Key attractions include the old houses, assembly halls, and museums that glimpse Hoian’s storied past.
The architecture of Hoi An Ancient Town is a blend of different cultural influences, with wooden shop houses, pagodas, and assembly halls. Walking through the streets, you’ll see colorful facades, ornate carvings, and detailed wooden shutters that tell stories of a bygone era.
The main attractions in Hoian Ancient Town include the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Hoi An Museum of History and Culture, and the Fujian Assembly Hall. Each site offers unique insights into the town’s rich history and cultural heritage.
You can refer to our Danang & Hoian private tour a day, which is a perfect day trip covering the key attractions of both Danang and Hoian.
2. Discover the Local Markets
Hoi An’s markets are vibrant hubs of activity where you can immerse yourself in the local culture. The central Hoi An Market offers fresh produce, seafood, and a variety of local goods. The Night Market, located along the river, is famous for its handicrafts, lanterns, and street food. Don’t miss the chance to buy unique souvenirs and sample delicious local snacks.
Vendors sell everything from fresh vegetables and seafood to spices and textiles. It’s an excellent spot to practice your bargaining skills.
The Night Market on Nguyen Hoang Street comes alive as the sun sets. It’s best known for its beautiful lanterns, handmade crafts, and delectable street food. Stroll through the market to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and find unique souvenirs.
3. Take a Cooking Class
One of the best ways to experience Hoi An’s culinary heritage is by taking a cooking class. Many classes start with a trip to the local market to select fresh ingredients, followed by hands-on instruction in preparing traditional Vietnamese dishes. Popular classes include Morning Glory, Red Bridge, and Tra Que Vegetable Village. You’ll leave with new skills and recipes to impress your friends back home.
Classes like those at Morning Glory and Red Bridge are renowned for their comprehensive instruction and fun, interactive sessions. They often include market tours, cooking demonstrations, and hands-on practice.
Vietnamese cuisine is known for its fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and balanced taste. Cooking classes in Hoi An typically cover iconic dishes such as Pho, Banh Xeo (Vietnamese pancakes), and fresh spring rolls.
4. Enjoy a Boat Ride on the Thu Bon River
A boat ride on the Thu Bon River offers a peaceful way to see Hoi An from a different perspective. Options range from short sunset cruises to full-day cultural tours that explore nearby villages and craft workshops. The river’s serene beauty, especially at dusk, provides a perfect backdrop for photography and relaxation.
Sunset cruises on the Thu Bon River are a popular activity, offering stunning views of the town as the sky changes colors. These cruises often include dinner and traditional music performances, making for a romantic and memorable evening.
Day trips on the river can take you to nearby islands and villages to experience local crafts such as pottery and boat building. These tours provide a deeper insight into the rural life surrounding Hoi An.
5. Relax on An Bang Beach
Just a short drive from the ancient town, An Bang Beach is the perfect place to unwind. Known for its clean sand and clear waters, the beach offers a variety of activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Numerous beachside restaurants and bars serve fresh seafood and cold drinks, making it a great spot to spend a leisurely day.
An Bang Beach offers a range of activities including swimming, paddleboarding, and beach volleyball. The beach is well-maintained and provides a relaxing environment for visitors.
The best time to visit An Bang Beach is from March to September when the weather is warm and sunny. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for avoiding the midday heat.
Several beachside restaurants and bars offer a variety of dining options, from fresh seafood to Western cuisine. Popular spots include The DeckHouse, Soul Kitchen, and Salt Pub.
6. Experience the Lantern Festival
The Hoi An Lantern Festival, held on the 14th day of each lunar month, transforms the town into a magical wonderland and belongs to the best things to do in Hoian. Thousands of colorful lanterns illuminate the streets and the river, creating a picturesque scene. Visitors can join in by releasing their own lanterns on the river and enjoying traditional music and dance performances.
The Lantern Festival takes place every month on the full moon, offering multiple opportunities to experience this magical event. The exact dates can vary, so it’s best to check the lunar calendar.
During the Lantern Festival, the streets of Hoi An are closed to motorized traffic, allowing visitors to walk freely and enjoy the illuminated town. The event includes cultural performances, traditional music, and the opportunity to participate in lantern making and releasing.
7. Tour the Countryside by Bicycle
Exploring the countryside around Hoi An by bicycle is a popular activity and best things to do in Hoian that allows you to experience rural Vietnamese life up close. Numerous tours are available, ranging from short trips to full-day excursions. Highlights include cycling through rice paddies, visiting local farms, and seeing traditional handicrafts being made.
Popular routes include cycling to Tra Que Vegetable Village, the Cam Kim Island loop, and the scenic ride to Cua Dai Beach. Each route offers picturesque views and a chance to interact with local residents.
Several companies offer guided bicycle tours that provide insights into the local culture and history. These tours often include stops at traditional villages, craft workshops, and local eateries.
Cycling through the countryside allows you to see daily life in rural Vietnam, from farmers working in the rice fields to water buffalo grazing. It’s a peaceful and immersive way to experience the region’s natural beauty.
8. Visit the Hoian Silk Village
The Hoi An Silk Village is a fascinating destination for those interested in the ancient art of silk production. Here, you can learn about the entire process from silkworm to fabric, watch skilled artisans at work, and even try your hand at weaving. The village also offers high-quality silk products for purchase, making it a great place to shop for unique gifts.
The silk production process involves several stages, from raising silkworms to harvesting cocoons and weaving the silk threads. Visitors can observe each step and learn about the traditional techniques used.
The Silk Village offers workshops where visitors can try their hand at weaving and dyeing silk. These interactive sessions provide a deeper understanding of the craft and its cultural significance.
The Silk Village is an excellent place to buy high-quality silk products, including clothing, scarves, and accessories. Look for items that carry the village’s certification of authenticity to ensure you’re getting genuine silk.
9. Explore the My Son Sanctuary
My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a cluster of abandoned and partially ruined Hindu temples constructed between the 4th and the 14th century by the kings of Champa. It is situated in a lush green valley and considered one of Southeast Asia’s foremost Hindu temple complexes.
My Son was once the religious center of the Champa kingdom and is believed to have been used for both worship and burial rituals. The temples are dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and feature intricate carvings and impressive architecture, showcasing the Champa civilization’s artistic achievements.
You can explore My Son through guided tours that provide detailed historical context and insights into the site’s significance like Danang – Hoian – My Son Santuary Full Day. These tours often include transportation from Hoian, making it a convenient day trip.
The main highlights at My Son include the various temple clusters, such as Group B, C, and D, which are the oldest and most well-preserved. The site also features a museum with artifacts and information about the Champa culture.
10. Attend a Traditional Vietnamese Performance
Hoi An offers several opportunities to experience traditional Vietnamese performing arts, which provide a rich cultural insight into the region’s heritage. These performances often feature music, dance, and theater that reflect Vietnam’s history and traditions.
Popular types of traditional performances in Hoi An include water puppet shows, folk music and dance, and the famous Ao Dai shows, which highlight Vietnamese culture through song, dance, and fashion.
Notable venues for traditional performances in Hoi An include the Hoi An Traditional Art Performance Theatre and the Lune Performing Center. These venues host regular shows that offer an engaging and educational experience for visitors.
Attending a traditional performance is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture. These shows often narrate historical events, folk tales, and cultural practices, providing a deeper understanding of the local heritage.
Discover Danang – Hoian Tours by Vietnam Trails Travels
Vietnam Trails Travels offers an array of carefully curated tours that allow you to explore the best of Danang and Hoi An. These tours are designed to provide a comprehensive and immersive experience, combining cultural landmarks, natural beauty, and local traditions.
Tour Options
Vietnam Trails Travels provides several tour options to suit different preferences and schedules. Here are some highlighted tours from the list:
- Danang – Hoi An – Ba Na Hills Tour Full Day: Experience the coastal city of Danang, the historical charm of Hoi An, and the scenic Ba Na Hills in a single day.
- Danang – My Son Sanctuary – Hoi An – Hue – Ba Na Hills Tour 3D2N: A comprehensive three-day tour exploring ancient sites, modern attractions, and the cultural heart of Central Vietnam.
- Danang – Hoi An – Cham Island Tour Full Day: Dive into the crystal-clear waters around Cham Island and explore its marine life, combined with visits to Hoi An’s landmarks.
- Danang – Phong Nha Cave – DMZ – Hue – Ba Na Hills 4D3N: A four-day adventure through historical and natural wonders, from the majestic caves of Phong Nha to the historical significance of the DMZ.
