Things to do in Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An is one of Central Vietnam’s most enchanting destinations, where ancient charm blends seamlessly with a peaceful, timeless atmosphere. As you wander through its golden alleys lit by colorful lanterns, you’ll feel the gentle rhythm of a town that invites you to slow down and simply soak in its beauty. Get ready to explore the best things to do in Hoi An and uncover the charm, culture, and history of this magical ancient town.

Wander the Ancient Town

Hoi An Ancient Town is a famous destination, yet it never feels crowded or overwhelming. Instead, it carries a quiet, timeless charm, wrapped in a serene, old-world atmosphere.

As you wander through its golden alleys, you’ll see centuries-old wooden houses, assembly halls, temples, and elegant French-style wooden shutters, all blending beautifully into a vivid tapestry of Eastern and Western culture. Every corner tells a story, and every moss-covered roof whispers memories of the bustling trading port this town once was.

By day, the Ancient Town is bathed in soft sunlight; by night, it glows with thousands of colorful lanterns, a magical experience you simply can’t miss.

Hoi An applies an entrance ticket for visitors who want to explore the heritage sites inside the Ancient Town. This ticket allows you to choose 3 out of 21 attractions, such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Old House, or the Trieu Chau Assembly Hall.

Ticket prices:

• Vietnamese visitors: 80,000 VND (~$3.05)
• International visitors: 120,000 VND (~$4.60)
• Children 1m -1.4m: 50,000 VND (~$1.90)
• Children under 1m: Free

Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge (Chua Cau)

Chua Cau is the iconic symbol of Hoi An Ancient Town and is often considered the heart and soul of the area. It is also popularly known as the Japanese Bridge, built by Japanese merchants who settled in Hoi An in the 17th century. Its serene, timeworn charm reflects traditional Japanese architecture, setting it apart from other temples in the town.

Unlike typical temples, Chua Cau is dedicated not to Buddha but to Bac De Tran Vo, the guardian deity believed to bring happiness and prosperity. Visitors can admire its elegant wooden structure, intricate carvings, and small hidden temple, all of which tell the story of Hoi An’s rich cultural heritage.

Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Explore Tan Ky Old House

Tan Ky Old House, over 200 years old, beautifully blends Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese architectural styles, making it feel like a “living museum” of Hoi An’s history. Step inside to explore its original wooden beams, antique furniture, and family altars, and you’ll get a rare glimpse into the daily life of a merchant family during Hoi An’s golden trading era. Every corner tells a story, offering a unique chance to connect with the town’s rich cultural heritage.

• Opening hours: 8:30 AM – 5:45 PM
• Entrance fee: 35,000 VND
• Recommended visit duration: about 20 minutes

Note: The standard 35,000 VND entrance fee is not required if you already have the Ancient Town 3-site combo ticket.

Experience Hoi An Night Markets

Hoi An’s night markets are the perfect place to immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the town after sunset. Here, you can browse for unique souvenirs, sample local street food, and enjoy the vibrant sights and sounds of the ancient town. The markets usually open around 5:00 PM and stay lively until midnight, with the energy growing as the night goes on.

Notable night markets:

• Nguyen Hoang Night Market: great for souvenirs
• Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa Night Market: famous for local cuisine
• Tran Phu Night Market: popular snack streets and impressive handmade crafts

Whether you’re shopping, tasting local delicacies, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, visiting these markets is a must-do experience in Hoi An.

Relax at the Beaches

Beyond its peaceful ancient charm, Hoi An is also home to some of Vietnam’s most stunning beaches: calm, scenic, and perfect for a laid-back escape. Whether you’re looking to sunbathe, swim, or simply enjoy the sea breeze, these beautiful stretches of coastline offer the ideal place to unwind.

Here are some of the best beaches to consider:

An Bang Beach: Ranked among the Top 100 Best Beaches in the World by CNN and one of the Top 20 Beaches in Asia, An Bang is loved for its soft white sand, gentle waves, and vibrant beachfront cafés.

Cua Dai Beach: Once known as one of the most beautiful beaches in Central Vietnam, it boasts long stretches of pale sand and a peaceful, postcard-perfect shoreline.

Ha My Beach: Quiet, pristine, and still largely untouched, Ha My was named one of Asia’s most beautiful beaches by The Telegraph in 2017.

Whether you’re watching the sunrise, sipping a coconut under the shade, or taking a relaxing dip in the sea, Hoi An’s beaches offer a refreshing contrast to the bustling Ancient Town making them a must-visit on your trip.

Visit Tra Que Vegetable Village

No heritage journey in Hoi An is complete without a visit to Tra Que Vegetable Village, a peaceful farming community nestled beside the gentle Co Co River. This charming village offers a refreshing escape from the busy Ancient Town, giving visitors a glimpse into the authentic countryside life of Hoi An.

Tra Que is especially famous for its aromatic herbs and organic farming methods which give its produce a unique flavor used in many local Hoi An dishes. Here, you can experience what it’s like to be a local farmer, learn how to grow herbs, water the garden using traditional tools, or try your hand at planting vegetables under the guidance of friendly villagers. Many tours also include cooking classes where you can prepare iconic Hoi An dishes using these freshly harvested, high-quality ingredients.

Entrance fee: 35,000 VND (~$1.35)

Take a Basket Boat Ride in the Bay Mau Coconut Forest

One of the most unforgettable experiences in Hoi An is taking a basket boat ride through the lush Bay Mau Coconut Forest. As you glide along the tranquil waterways lined with green nipa palms, you can soak up the fresh air and enjoy the peaceful scenery of Cam Thanh’s countryside.

After a relaxing ride, things get even more exciting, you can try the fun “basket boat spinning” experience (hold on tight or you might fall into the water!), watch impressive net-casting performances by local fishermen, or learn how to make small souvenirs from coconut leaves.

Entrance fee:

• Adults: 30,000 VND (~$1.15)
• Children 5-9 years old: 15,000 VND (~$0.60)
• Children under 5: Free

Basket boat ride fees:

• Vietnamese visitors: 100,000 VND per person per boat (~$3.85)
• International visitors: 250,000 VND for 2 people per boat (~$9.60)
• Children 5-9 years old: 50,000 VND (~$1.90)
• Children under 5: Free

Capacity note: A basket boat typically carries 2 adults + 1 small child. However, for safety reasons, passengers over 100 kg may be required to ride 1 person per boat.

Visit the Hoi An Lantern Festival

If you’re visiting Hoi An on the full-moon night, don’t miss the enchanting Hoi An Lantern Festival, the most magical event in the Ancient Town. Once the sun sets, the streets become car-free, and the entire town lights up with thousands of colorful lanterns. The soft glow reflects on the Thu Bon River, creating a dreamy, picture-perfect scene that feels straight out of a fairytale.

During the festival, you can stroll through lantern-filled alleys, watch traditional performances, join cultural activities, or release small paper lanterns onto the river for good luck. The atmosphere is peaceful yet festive, making it one of the most unforgettable experiences in Hoi An.

Visitor Tips:

• Takes place on the 14th day of every lunar month
• Time: Usually from 18:00 to around 21:00 – 22:00

Hoi An is full of wonders waiting to be explored, and the memories you create here are sure to stay with you forever. From its ancient streets and colorful lanterns to peaceful riverside villages and pristine beaches, every corner of this town tells a story.

If you’re looking for a guided experience to uncover all that Hoi An has to offer, Style Travel is here to help. Offering carefully curated Vietnam tours, both customized and package options, Style Travel ensures every journey is seamless, enriching, and unforgettable. Don’t miss the chance to explore Hoi An in the most memorable way possible, contact Style Travel today and start planning your adventure.