Hoi An, Vietnam Travel Guide: BEST Things to do

Hoi An, Vietnam has so many things to do and attractions to see! Let’s explore the Ancient Town, the beach and best boutique hotels. Weather in Hoi An can be both sunny and hot, or rainy and humid. So depending on the season, you need to choose the right neighbourhood to stay to have the best experience.

Located on the central coast of Vietnam, Hoi An’s Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site that preserved its architectural, cultural, and historical significance over the centuries, making it one of the most sought-after destinations in Vietnam.

For me Hoi An, Vietnam is the perfect getaway and a chance to relax in one of the cute boutique hotels, enjoy a spa treatment and one of the best beaches in Vietnam. And when you get bored, visit Hoi An’s Ancient Town, go and mingle with other travelers in one of the bars/restaurants, stroll through a night market, join a cooking class or go on a day tour. There are so many things to do and activities in Hoi An!

Travel Guide: Best Things to Do and See in Hoi An Vietnam

This travel guide to Hoi An, Vietnam will tell you everything you need to know to spend your time in Hoi An exactly how you want it – be it wondering around Ancient Town, biking through rice fields/coconut village, or being a beach whale (no judgement, I know you deserve it!).

I spent a whole month in Hoi An and will also share some of the best coffeeshops/restaurants and activities to do when you are on a holiday here!

Best Time to travel to Hoi An, Vietnam

If you’re thinking about visiting Hoi An, Vietnam, the weather is definitely something to consider. Unlike Northern Vietnam, which experiences four distinct seasons, Hoi An only has two – the dry season (February to August) and the wet season (September to January).

The best time to visit Hoi An is between February and April when the weather is dry and mild. I’ve been to Hoi An twice, once in late April and once in early September, and the weather was great on both trips. I was pleasantly surprised that it didn’t rain during my September visit, despite expecting it to. It does get hot during the day, but not unbearable.

During the dry season, which is hottest from June to August, temperatures can reach up to 35°C (95°F). However, February to April is the driest time of the year with lower humidity and milder temperatures.

On the other hand, the rainy season is from September to January, and heavy showers are common, often accompanied by typhoons and flooding, especially in October and November. It’s not the best time to visit Hoi An during these months.

Finally, if you plan on visiting around the Vietnamese New Year celebration, called Tet, keep in mind that it falls between the end of January and early February. Many shops and restaurants may be closed, and hotel rates may be higher during this time.

How to get to Hoi An, Vietnam from Da Nang

Before we dive into the best things to do and see in Hoi An, let’s first discuss how to get there. The nearest airport to Hoi An is the Da Nang International Airport, which is approximately 30 kilometers away. From the airport, you can either take a taxi or a shuttle bus to Hoi An. The taxi ride takes around 45 minutes and costs about 380,000 VND ($16) per car, while the shuttle bus (minibus) takes around 1 hour and costs 140,000 VND ($6) per person.

If you’re already in Vietnam, you can take a bus or a train to Da Nang and then take a taxi or a bus to Hoi An. The bus ride from Da Nang to Hoi An takes around 1 hour and costs about 30,000 VND ($1.3), while the train ride takes around 2 hours and costs about 90,000 VND ($4).

Read Also: Da Nang Vietnam: Best Places To Visit & Attractions

No matter which what hotel and area you choose to stay in Hoi An, you’ll find plenty of attractions, restaurants, and shops to explore. Every hotel offers bicycles for rent, so you can explore Hoi An even if you are a bit away from main attractions.

Best Things to Do and See in Hoi An

Now that you’ve arrived in Hoi An, it’s time to explore this charming town. Here are some of the best things to do and see in Hoi An, Vietnam:

Visit the Ancient Town in Hoi An

The Ancient Town of Hoi An is the heart and soul of this town, and it’s where you’ll find the most significant historical and cultural sites. Take a stroll through the narrow streets and alleys, and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time. Here are some of the must-visit sites in the Ancient Town:

• Japanese Covered Bridge: This iconic bridge dates back to the 16th century and is a symbol of Hoi An.
• Phuc Kien Assembly Hall: This is one of the largest and most impressive assembly halls in Hoi An, and it’s dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess Mazu.
• Quan Cong Temple: This temple is dedicated to the Chinese general Quan Cong, and it’s one of the most well-preserved temples in Hoi An.
• Visit Ba Mu Temple Gates

Read More: Hoi An Ancient Town Full Guide with a Map

Ride a bicycle through the rice fields in Hoi An

What to do in Hoi An if you want a rural experience?

Picture yourself pedaling through a verdant paradise in the heart of Vietnam’s Hoi An. The rice fields, a sea of vibrant green, stretch endlessly before you. As you cycle along the narrow paths, a serene tranquility envelops you, and the scent of wet soil and blossoms fills the air. Time seems to stand still as you become one with nature’s rhythm.

The scenes unfold like postcards—a farmer in a conical hat tends to the crops, water buffaloes graze nearby, and lotus flowers bloom in delicate harmony. In this timeless moment, you discover a profound connection with nature, culture, and yourself. Let the rice fields of Hoi An guide your bicycle ride, and you’ll create cherished memories that will stay with you forever.

On a more practical note – don’t forget your hat and sunscreen! I would also recommend wearing long-sleeved cotton shirt and pants. You can buy them at the market near the An Bang beach in Hoi An.

You will have 2 options: rent a bike and find your own way through the rice fields. You will pedal through authentic villages, traverse islands on ferries and floating bridges, and witness the charms of rural Vietnamese life.

Whether you choose to pedal solo or join the guided tour, the magic of rice fields awaits. It is one of the best things to do in Hoi An, Vietnam! Revel in the tranquility, immerse yourself in the authentic Vietnamese culture, and create cherished memories that will stay with you long after your adventure concludes.

Explore the Beach, Coconut Village and Vegetable Village

Here are some of the best places to visit in Hoi An:

• Tra Que Vegetable Village: This village is famous for its organic vegetables and herbs, and you can take a tour to learn about the farming techniques and even try your hand at farming.
• Cam Thanh Coconut Village: This village is known for its coconut palms and traditional basket boats.
• An Bang Beach: This is one of the most beautiful beaches in Hoi An, and it’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.

If you want to explore more beaches near Hoi An, check out Da Nang Vietnam Best Beaches.

Try the Local Vietnamese Food

Vietnamese food is famous for its freshness, simplicity, and balance of flavors, and Hoi An is no exception. From the street food stalls to the high-end restaurants, Hoi An has a lot to offer to food lovers. Here are some of the must-try dishes in Hoi An:

• Cao Lau: This is a signature dish of Hoi An, and it’s made with noodles, pork, and herbs. The noodles are made with local water, which gives them a unique texture and flavor.
• Banh Mi: This is a Vietnamese-style sandwich that’s filled with various meats, vegetables, and herbs. The bread is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
• Mi Quang: This is a noodle dish that’s topped with shrimp, pork, herbs, and peanuts. The noodles are thicker and chewier than the traditional Vietnamese noodles.

Best Restaurants & Cafes in Hoi An

No shortage of good food & drinks in Hoi An. Coffee shops will be your best air conditioned friend during the hot summer months, Banh Mi stalls will make sure you’re never hangry, and countless restaurants will make you question your definition of “spicy”.

Coffee Shops in Hoi An

Hoi An has so many pretty coffee shops with amazing atmosphere! Prepare your instagram followers for countless shots of you drinking a fancy coffee in a lush green garden setting.

My personal recommendations:

• Uncle Huan Coffee
• Art book Cafe&Bistro
• Bill Coffee&Tea (laptop-friendly)
• 1989 Coffee&Bistro (laptop-friendly)
• Roving Chill house (in the rice fields )

Best Banh Mi (Traditional Vietnamese Sandwich)

Hoi An has one of the best Banh Mi’s in Vietnam. Never be hangry ever again!

Every place below has also vegan/vegetarian options:

• Madam Khanh
• Banh Mi Phuong
• Banh Mi Chay

Best Restaurants in Hoi An:

In Hoi An You MUST try the local Vietnamese dishes. And Hoi An has plenty of restaurants where you can do that. But if you’re craving pizza, burger, or a good old Buddha Bowl, Hoi An has you covered too. Some of the best Restaurants are:

Shopping in Hoi An Vietnam

Hoi An is famous for its handicrafts, silk, and tailor-made clothes. If you’re looking for unique souvenirs, the town is the perfect place to shop. Here are some of the best places to do shopping in Hoi An:

• Hoi An Central Market: This is the biggest market in Hoi An, and you can buy everything from fresh produce to clothes, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
• Reaching Out: This is a fair-trade shop that sells handmade products made by people with disabilities. The products range from pottery to jewelry to bags and accessories.
• Thu Thuy Silk: This is one of the best places to buy tailor-made clothes in Hoi An. They have a wide range of fabrics, designs, and styles, and the quality is excellent.
• An Bang Beach Market: right next to the beach in Hoi An there is a small market where you can buy beach clothes, bikinis and slippers. Prices for a simple beach dress start at only $4 (100 000 VND)!

Hidden Gems of Hoi An Vietnam

Most of the tourists visit the Ancient Town of Hoi An on a day tour and miss the rest. That was actually what I did on my first visit! But there is so much more! Relax in one of the boutique hotels where you feel like you’re in a garden, enjoy a spa, spend time at the beach, go to a cooking class. And if that’s not enough, discover one of the hidden gems of Hoi An:

1. Cham Island

Cham Island is a group of eight small islands located off the coast of Hoi An. It’s a marine park that’s home to some of the most diverse and abundant marine life in Vietnam. You can take a boat tour to the island and go snorkeling, diving, or just relax on the beach.

2. My Son Sanctuary

My Son Sanctuary is a complex of Hindu temples that dates back to the 4th century. It’s located about 50 kilometers from Hoi An, and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. The temples are a testimony to the Champa civilization that once thrived in this region.

3. Tam Thanh Mural Village

Tam Thanh Mural Village is a small fishing village located about 7 kilometers from Hoi An. The village has been transformed into an open-air art gallery, with colorful murals painted on the walls of the houses. It’s a perfect place to explore and take some Instagram-worthy photos.

FAQs

1. What is the best time to visit Hoi An? The best time to visit Hoi An is from February to April when the weather is pleasant, and there is less rainfall.
2. Is Hoi An safe for tourists? Yes, Hoi An is considered safe for tourists. However, like any other tourist destination, you should be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
3. What is the currency used in Hoi An? The currency used in Hoi An is the Vietnamese Dong (VND).

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