If you’re wondering what to do in Hoi An, I can tell you right away that six days here barely felt long enough. Technically all the things to do in Hoi An can be squeezed into 3 days, but I think it deserves more time, not to tick off the boxes, but to feel the atmosphere and have time for some unique activities.

what to do in Hoi An- list of my top recommendations

I visited Vietnam at the end of November, during the time that Hoi An tends to get wet. I was a little worried about the rains, but in the end it wasn’t too bad, and I even had a couple of days completely dry, which made exploring the city even more enjoyable. This ancient city in Vietnam has a way of slowing time, mixing history, food, and riverside charm into one unforgettable experience.

Hoi An is not just about ticking off the tourist highlights; it’s about wandering the streets, getting lost in the lantern-lit alleys, tasting street food at odd hours, and discovering quiet corners where locals live their daily lives. In this guide, I’ll share everything I did, from the old town to An Bang Beach, so you can plan your own perfect Hoi An trip.

Hoi An Old Town: Explore the Heart of the City

This is the place where all the action happens. Even though it is not big, it is full of hidden corners and details. You will be stopping every 30 seconds to take a picture. As I already mentioned, I stayed in Hoi An for 6 days and visited the Old Town at least 6 times during the day or night.

I was genuinely surprised and proud to learn that Hoi An looks the way it does today largely thanks to a Polish architect named Kazimierz Kwiatkowski, or “Kazik” as the Vietnamese call him. Walking through the streets, it’s hard to imagine the town falling apart, but decades ago, much of it was crumbling and nearly forgotten. Kazik saw its potential and dedicated himself to restoring the old houses, bridges, and streets with painstaking care, often sketching every detail so they could be rebuilt authentically if damaged. Knowing that a foreign architect helped preserve such an important piece of Vietnamese history made me pause and really appreciate the charm and care behind every corner of Hoi An’s old town.

Japanese Covered Bridge

The Japanese Covered Bridge is Hoi An’s most iconic landmark, and for good reason. Crossing it feels like stepping back into the 16th century, when it connected the Japanese and Chinese communities. I loved walking slowly across, noticing the intricate carvings and the small shrine tucked inside. Early mornings are the best time to visit, before tour groups arrive, when the soft light hits the yellow walls just right.

Tan Ky Ancient House

One of the best ways to see Hoi An’s history up close is visiting Tan Ky Ancient House. Walking through its wooden hallways and courtyards, you can imagine life centuries ago. The house is meticulously preserved, with original furniture, ancestral altars, and handmade decorations. I spent more time than I expected just exploring the rooms and the tiny garden at the back, it’s one of those places that makes you feel connected to the people who lived here long ago.

Phuc Kien Assembly Hall

This Chinese assembly hall is full of vibrant colors, carved dragons, and ornate altars. I found it fascinating how each detail tells a story about the community that built it. Watching the sunlight filter through the painted windows while incense smoke swirled around created a serene, almost mystical atmosphere.

Hoi An Street Food: A Culinary Adventure

If you’re wondering what to do in Hoi An besides sightseeing, the answer is simple: eat. The city is famous for its Hoi An street food, and you could spend every meal trying something new. Start with cao lầu, a noodle dish unique to the region, or try the banh mi from one of the small street stalls tucked in the alleys. I loved stopping at local food vendors for fresh spring rolls or crispy pancakes. Even casual snacks are packed with flavor and history. Don’t forget to try a cup of Vietnamese coffee at one of the many cafés scattered throughout the old town- sweet, strong, and the perfect companion to an afternoon of wandering.

Hoi An Markets: The Sights, Sounds, and Flavors

The Hoi An markets are a must for anyone who wants to feel the city’s pulse. From the central market near the river to smaller neighborhood stalls, there’s something to see, touch, and taste everywhere. I spent hours browsing through fresh produce, handmade lanterns, and colorful spices. The atmosphere is lively, and you can often find local snacks and sweets to try while walking.

Every day, on my way back to the hotel, I would buy some fresh fruit to enjoy in the room.

Make your own lantern

If there is one thing you will associate with Hoi An almost immediately, it is lanterns. They hang above the streets, glow over the river at night, and turn the old town into something that feels almost unreal after sunset.

Instead of just photographing them, you can actually make one yourself. There are small workshops in the old town where a local artisan guided you step by step through the process. First, you chose the shape and fabric. Then came stretching the silk over the bamboo frame. By the end, you can a lantern to take home, which can feel much more meaningful than a random souvenir from a shop.

As I was travelling with hand luggage only during 6 weeks in Asia, I could not fit the lantern in my suitcase, especially after buying so many clothes.

There are many lantern shops in Hoi Ai and for a small fee (to support local vendors and artisans) you can take a typical Hoi An picture.

Do a cycling tour through local villages

One of my favorite days in Hoi An started on a bicycle. I joined a 30km cycling tour that took me out of the old town and into the countryside, and it completely changed my perspective of the area. My tour guide, Lola, was amazing. She said that most of the tourists choose 10 km tour, but 30 km I did did not feel like too much. All the hours we spent together, she told me many stories and introduced me to some local people. I had an amazing time despite the rain most of the day.

We crossed the river on a tiny local ferry taking our bikes. What I loved most were the quiet stops along the way, like having a coffee in a tiny coffee shop while watching the rain and having a chat.

I met an elderly women building wooden boats by hand and a group of women woman weaving traditional sleeping mats. We stopped at a tiny workshop where they were carefully inlaying mother of pearl into dark wood. It didn’t feel staged at all. It was more like we were just quietly allowed to watch everyday life happen. Later, we tried homemade rice wine in a family home and listened as they told us stories about village traditions and their little temple.

If you ask me what to do in Hoi An to truly connect with it, this is it.

Try weird drinks (not for those that are scared of snakes)

Hoi An is full of beautiful things, silk dresses, glowing lanterns, perfect bowls of pho, but every now and then you stumble upon something that makes you stop and say, wait… what is that? For me, that was snake wine.

I had seen the bottles in shops before, whole snakes coiled inside glass jars filled with rice wine, and I honestly thought it was more of a display than something people actually drink. But curiosity won. One evening, I decided to try a small shot. It is definitely not for anyone who is scared of snakes because seeing one staring back at you from the bottle is part of the experience.

The taste itself was strong and herbal, more about the burn than the flavor. Locals say it has health benefits and boosts energy, though I cannot personally confirm any miracles after one sip. For me, it was less about the drink and more about saying yes to something completely outside my comfort zone. If you are putting together your own list of what to do in Hoi An, this might not be at the very top, but it is certainly a story you will tell later. But please assess it for yourself as I’ve heard that some people got sick or developed allergic reaction. It might not be worth the risk.

Try a coconut basket boat

I ended up trying the famous coconut basket boats twice, and both times felt completely different. The first was during a bicycle tour to a nearby village with a local lady who showed me a quieter, more everyday side of life around Hoi An. We cycled through rice fields and small paths until we reached the water, where these round woven boats were waiting. Sitting inside one feels slightly unstable at first, like you might spin at any second, but once you relax into it, it is actually peaceful. We floated gently through the coconut palm forest, the water calm, the atmosphere simple and local. It felt authentic and unhurried.

The second time was a completely different story. I joined an excursion outside of Hoi An to the well known spot where the “crazy” coconut boats spin and dance on the water. This is the version you have probably seen online. The boatmen rotate the baskets incredibly fast, splashing water everywhere while music plays in the background. It is loud, chaotic, and very touristy, but also strangely fun. I was laughing the entire time, half excited, half wondering how I had agreed to be spun around like that.

If you are deciding what to do in Hoi An, the coconut basket boats are one of those experiences that can be either calm and cultural or wild and entertaining. I am actually glad I tried both. It showed me two completely different sides of the same tradition.

Lantern Festival Hoi An: A Magical Nighttime Experience

If your trip lines up with the full moon, experiencing the lantern festival Hoi An is unmissable. The streets of the old town turn into a river of soft, glowing lights as lanterns float on the river and hang above the alleys. It’s impossible not to feel enchanted by the colors, reflections, and gentle music in the background. Even if you’re not there for the full moon, the evenings in Hoi An old town are filled with lanterns that give the city its signature charm. Spending an hour just watching them drift by on the river was one of the quietest and most memorable moments of my trip.

Let your lantern flow in the river

One of the nicest things you can do in Hoi An is take a lantern and let it float down the river. It’s a simple tradition; people release lanterns to bring good luck, celebrate, or just mark the moment. It’s a really peaceful thing to do. You can buy a lantern from one of the ladies selling then near the river for small cash. The river fills up with lanterns at night, each one floating quietly along, and it’s fun just to sit on the edge and watch them go by.

Have silk and linen clothes made

Hoi An is famous for its tailor shops, and after a day or two in town you understand why. There are fabric displays everywhere, mannequins in doorways, and tailors gently inviting you in to “just have a look.” I decided to embrace it fully. Over the course of my six days, I ended up having quite a few pieces made, and it was such a fun part of the experience.

At Yaly Couture, which is known as one of the best tailor shops in town, I had two blouses and two silk skirts made to order. The process felt surprisingly smooth and professional. You choose your fabrics, discuss the design, get measured, and then come back for fittings. Seeing the garments come to life so quickly was almost magical, I only had to go there once more for a try-on, then once finished they sent my clothes to the hotel. The silk skirts in particular turned out beautifully, light, elegant, and exactly what I had imagined.

In another tailor shop (just in the center of Hoi An), I went for something more casual and summery. I had a linen shirt and dress made, along with a white linen summer suit that I know I will wear for years. What quite impressed me was the fact, that despite making a mistake in my clothes (I wanted pocket in my dress and they forgot), which I realized after they delivered the clothes to my hotel, they corrected it quickly. They picked it up the same day and dropped it off in the morning.

Have new shoes made

And then there were the leather sandals. I found a tiny shop run by a young couple who handcrafted them on the spot…well, nearly. I had them made overnight. For 12 euros, I walked away with a pair made exactly to my size (and I used them for every trip- never falling apart). It felt almost unreal compared to what you would pay at home. If you are wondering what to do in Hoi An, having something tailored here is more than shopping. It is part of the city’s identity, and it is an experience in itself.

See the bamboo circus show

One evening in Hoi An, I did something a little different from the usual lantern strolls and dinners by the river. I booked a ticket to the bamboo circus at the Hoi An Lune Center, and it turned out to be one of the most unexpected highlights of my stay. It was not allowed to take photos or film inside, but it was the most perfect coordination of acrobats I have ever seen. Also, the Lune Centre is located at the end of an alley and I have never heard about it while planning my trip.

I arrived a bit early, picked up a local drink, and took my seat not really knowing what to expect. What followed was an hour of pure energy and artistry. The entire show revolves around bamboo, which the performers transform into everything from houses to boats to towering structures they climb and balance on. The acrobatics are intense and beautiful at the same time, but what makes it special is the live music played on traditional tribal instruments.

It is not just a circus. It tells stories inspired by life in Vietnam’s highlands, village traditions, love, community, and the rhythm of everyday life. There is something raw and powerful about it. You can feel how much strength and trust it takes to perform those acts, yet it never feels like a flashy tourist show. It feels rooted in culture. Teh Dar Vietnamese Bamboo Circus at Lune Center is so memorable for me.

Join a cooking class

Joining a cooking class was honestly one of my favorite things I did during my six days in Hoi An (although our teacher was a bit strict and scary). I signed up for a small group class, which made the whole experience feel relaxed and personal rather than rushed.

We started the morning at one of the local markets, walking between colorful stalls piled high with herbs, fruit, vegetables, and fresh seafood. Our guide explained the ingredients we would be using and introduced us to produce I had never seen before, teaching us how to pick the freshest herbs and how certain vegetables are used in central Vietnamese cooking.

After gathering everything, we headed back to the kitchen where we learned how to prepare several dishes from scratch, including pho. Making the broth and understanding how much patience and balance goes into it gave me a whole new appreciation for a bowl I had eaten so many times before.

They sent us the recipes to the email afterwards, but I only once attempted to make it at home. Vietnamese dishes require so many different ingredients and spices, that the shopping list becomes so long.

Book your cooking class– this one is the one I took and has amazing reviews online.

An Bang Beach: Sun, Sand, and Relaxation

I cycled all the way from Hoi An to An Bang Beach, winding through beautiful green fields that made the ride really enjoyable. But when I got there, the beach itself was a bit disappointing. The weather was cloudy and rainy, and it didn’t feel like a place I’d want to lounge for hours. The beach was small, not that clean, and I even had to pay for bike parking. It’s not the kind of spot I’d plan a whole afternoon around, but at least the ride there was lovely and gave me a glimpse of the countryside outside the town.

Best Cafes in Hoi An: Take a Break Between Adventures

Hoi An has no shortage of cafés where you can pause and soak in the atmosphere. My favorites were tucked away along quiet streets with river views. Reaching Out Tea House is a peaceful spot to enjoy local teas and support a good cause, while The Espresso Station has strong coffee and great pastries for a mid-morning pick-me-up. Stopping at these cafés between sightseeing gave me time to reflect on what I’d seen and plan the next corner to explore. I think I never drank more coffee on any trip than I did in Vietnam. They have so many types (all delicious) and the coffee places are so cute, especially in Hoi An.

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Use my favourite travel resources to plan your dream trips

Booking.com for searching best prices on accommodation.
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Travel Payouts is my favourite platform for monetizing the blog.
Discover Cars is a great website as they search both local and international car hire services, so you can choose the best deal for yourself. Make sure though, that the company has a good reputation and reviews.
Get Your Guide is my place to go for searching and booking tours and excursions, especially when I travel solo.
World Nomads and EKTA travel insurance. I like them because they have quite extensive coverage of different activities.
WeGoTrip sends you audio guides to your mobile, so you can visit places while learning history and interesting facts easily and for little money.
Go City is a perfect site for booking bucket list experiences and attractions all in one to avoid paying for multiple tickets. Easy and saves money. You can even save 50%.
Trip Advisor– amazing for good quality recommendations.
Skyscanner is a perfect website for searching flight routes and comparing prices.
Airalo is my eSim choice for alternative data abroad.

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The Ultimate Guide on What to Do in Hoi An, an Ancient City in Vietnam

what to do in Hoi An- list of my top recommendations