The charming ancient village of Hoi An is situated on Vietnam’s central coast and is our favorite city in Vietnam. During the 16th and 17th centuries, it was a significant commercial port, and in 1999, UNESCO designated it as a World Heritage Site. The town is a unique tourist location due to the architecture’s fusion of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese styles.
The Old Town in Hoi An, which is the center of the city and the primary reason it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most important tourist destinations. The Old Town is renowned for its quaint buildings, tiny alleyways, and vibrant lanterns. Wanderers can appreciate the Japanese Covered Bridge, go to the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation, or explore the traditional homes, stores, and eateries.
An Bang Beach and Cua Dai Beach, two stunning beaches in Hoi An that are excellent for swimming, tanning, and water activities, are among the city’s other attractions outside of the Old Town. Additionally well-known is the town’s delectable regional fare, which includes dishes like Cao Lau, Banh Mi, and Mi Quang.
Hoi An is, all things considered, a must-see location for anyone visiting Vietnam, and it’s a great spot to take in the history, culture, and stunning natural surroundings of the nation. In this article, we will list some of the things you should do and see when visiting Hoi An.
Visit Hoi An’s Old Town
The Old Town of Hoi An is quaint and beautiful. It is understandable why this ancient village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beautifully preserved buildings that display a fusion of European, Japanese, and Chinese architectural styles border the streets. The idyllic ambiance of the Old Town is only enhanced by the vibrant lanterns of the community and the tranquil Thu Bon River.
The Japanese Bridge is one of the most well-known sights in Hoi An’s Old Town. Tourists love to take pictures on this 16th-century bridge, which serves as a reminder of the town’s links to other countries. A number of museums, such as the Museum of Folk Culture and the Museum of Trade Ceramics, are also located in the Old Town and offer insight into the rich cultural legacy of the area.
The Old Town of Hoi An is well-known for its delectable cuisine in addition to its cultural importance. Fresh seafood can be found at numerous neighborhood eateries and market vendors, and the town is well-known for its cao lau noodle dish.
Overall, for anyone interested in history, culture, and delectable cuisine, Hoi An’s Old Town is a must-visit location. Its distinctive fusion of architectural styles and serene setting make it one of the most endearing cities in Vietnam.
Explore the Japanese Covered Bridge
Hoi An’s Cau Chua Pagoda, also known as the Japanese Covered Bridge, is a revered historical site. Japanese traders who had established in Hoi An constructed this famous bridge in the early 17th century. To connect the Chinese community on one side of the river with the Japanese community on the other, the bridge was originally constructed.
The bridge is renowned for its distinctive design and elaborate ornamentation. The bridge has a roof made of traditional Japanese ceramics, and statues of dogs and monkeys, which are thought to bring prosperity, are placed all over its walls.
There is a small temple on the bridge where both residents and visitors go to pray and make incense. Walking across the bridge allows visitors to take in the scenery of the Thu Bon River and the nearby area.
The Japanese Covered Bridge serves as a reminder of the cooperation and cross-cultural exchange that once occurred in Hoi An when it was a bustling port city. It is a symbol of the town’s rich cultural legacy and continues to be one of Hoi An’s most visited tourist destinations today.
Take a Lantern-Making Class in Hoi An
Visitors to the town of Hoi An frequently attend workshops on making lanterns. Participants in these courses learn how to create traditional Vietnamese lanterns out of materials like silk, bamboo, and other things. Small groups of local artisans who have been making lanterns for years typically conduct the lessons.
Participants in the lantern-making workshops in Hoi an get to pick the hues and designs of their creations and learn how to put them together using conventional methods. Additionally, they get to take their finished lamps home with them as gifts.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture and discover the age-old crafts that have been handed down through the generations by enrolling in lantern-making workshops, which offer a distinctive and practical experience. It is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon in Hoi An and produce something lovely to cherish as a memento of your journey.
If you would like to book a lantern making class in Hoi An, click here or on the Get Your Guide image below to select from one of our preferred suppliers.
Visit the My Son Sanctuary
In central Vietnam, close to the town of Hoi An, is the collection of historic Hindu temples known as the My Son Sanctuary. The Champa Kingdom, a Hindu civilization that once reigned over some of modern-day Vietnam, constructed this UNESCO World Heritage Site in the fourth century.
Intricate carvings and sculptures of Hindu deities like Shiva and Vishnu can be seen in the shrines at My Son Sanctuary. They are renowned for their distinctive architecture, which blends features of Southeast Asian and Indian design.
Discover the history and culture of the Champa Kingdom while touring the shrines at My Son Sanctuary. The location is encircled by lush forest and can only be reached on foot or by a traditional wooden boat.
Anyone intrigued in ancient history and architecture should make a trip to My Son Sanctuary. One of the most intriguing and distinctive temple complexes in the world, it combines influences from Southeast Asia and Hinduism in a singular way.
Try the Local Vietnamese Cuisine Hoi An
Hoi An is renowned for its delicious and varied cuisine, which is inspired by the culinary traditions of Vietnam, China, and Japan. Fresh seafood, fragrant herbs, and mouth-watering spices are frequent ingredients in Hoi An’s regional cooking.
Cao lau is one of the most well-known dishes in Hoi An. It is a noodle dish prepared with thick rice noodles, tender pork, fresh herbs, and a flavorful broth. Banh mi is a sandwich prepared in the Vietnamese manner with crispy baguette, fresh vegetables, and a selection of meats and spreads.
Street cuisine is a crucial component of the local culinary scene and is available to tourists in Hoi An. Street food sellers in the area sell a variety of foods, such as grilled seafood, rice paper rolls, and pho noodle soup. Vietnamese-style pizza and chicken rice are just two examples of the unusual foods that many street food sellers specialize in.
A fantastic way to experience the culture and flavors of Hoi An is to explore the street cuisine scene. With so many mouth-watering choices available, guests are sure to find something to satisfy their palates.
Take a Cooking Class in Hoi An
Visitors to Hoi An have a rare chance to learn about Vietnamese cuisine and culture through booking and taking a cooking class. Neighborhood chefs who show participants how to prepare classic dishes with fresh, regional ingredients typically teach these courses.
The methods used to produce the distinctive flavors of Vietnamese cuisine are covered in the classes, along with the various herbs and spices used in Vietnamese cooking. They get to assist in dish preparation and cooking, and they get to eat the results of their labor at the conclusion of the lesson.
Learning about the history and customs of Vietnamese cuisine through cooking lessons in Hoi An is a wonderful way to become fully immersed in the community. Additionally, they provide a lively and entertaining way to pass an afternoon or evening in Hoi An and are a wonderful way to preserve your trip’s memories.
If you would like to book a cooking class in Hoi An, click here or on the Klook or Viator image below to select from one of our preferred suppliers.
Take a Boat Ride on the Thu Bon River
Visitor favorites in Hoi An include booking and taking a boat trip on the Thu Bon River. The town’s central river provides breath-taking views of the countryside and historic structures.
Visitors can experience the sights and sounds of the town from a different viewpoint while travelling on a boat along the Thu Bon River. They can see the barges, boats, and typical wooden homes, temples, and pagodas that line the riverbanks.
The Thu Bon River offers boat rides both during the day and at night, when the town is lit up and the lanterns create a magical ambiance. Numerous boat tours also include stops at neighbouring fishing villages where tourists can gain insight into the way of life there.
The majesty and allure of Hoi An can be enjoyed and remembered through a boat ride on the Thu Bon River.
If you would like to book a boat tour in Hoi An, click here or on the images below to select from one of our preferred suppliers.
Take a Bike Tour of the Countryside or Rent a Bike on your own in Hoi An
Bike tours are a common way to see Hoi An and the nearby countryside. Visitors can hire bicycles in Hoi An and take guided excursions that take them through traditional markets, fishing villages, and rice fields, giving them the chance to see a side of Hoi An that is hidden from view from the main tourist attractions.
Visitors can interact with locals on bike tours, learn about traditional crafts, and observe rural residents’ everyday lives. Numerous tours also include pit stops at local eateries and food carts where tourists can taste delicacies and snacks from the Vietnamese culture.
Individual groups’ requirements and interests can be catered to when planning a Hoi An bike tour, which is appropriate for people of all ages and fitness levels. Visitors can have a special and memorable experience with them by exploring the town and its surroundings in a fun and environmentally friendly manner.
Get Tailor-Made Clothes in Hoi An
Visitors to the city can commission the creation of specialized clothing from the talented local tailors because Hoi An is renowned for its bespoke clothing. The tailors in Hoi An are renowned for their meticulous attention to detail and their speedy production of high-quality clothes.
Visitors to Hoi An can pick from a variety of fabrics and styles and work with the tailor to design a one-of-a-kind item of apparel. Suits, dresses, shirts, and the typical Vietnamese ao dai are all well-liked products.
Hoi An offers inexpensive tailoring that can be finished in as little as 24 hours. Additionally, visitors can schedule multiple fittings to guarantee that their clothing fits flawlessly.
Custom-made clothing from Hoi An makes wonderful gifts and is a special way to take a bit of Vietnamese culture home. A fun and engaging way to connect with local artisans and discover traditional quality, they also provide.
Go to An Bang Beach or Cua Dai Beach
One of the most well-known beaches close to Hoi An is An Bang Beach, and the other is Cua Dai Beach. Both beaches have lovely white sand and crystal-clear waters, which make them perfect for swimming, tanning, and water activities.
An Bang Beach offers a more tranquil, isolated setting with fewer visitors and a more laid-back vibe. The shoreline is surrounded by lush vegetation and has a variety of eateries and bars where guests can savour seafood and cool beverages.
With a greater selection of amenities and activities, Cua Dai shoreline is a more developed shoreline. In addition to relaxing at one of the many beach bars and restaurants, visitors can engage in water activities like windsurfing and jet skiing.
From Hoi An, visitors can take a taxi or hire a bike to get to An Bang Beach or Cua Dai Beach, both of which are conveniently close by. They are a wonderful way to take in the area’s natural scenery and provide a welcome diversion from the town’s busy streets.
Cham Island Day Tour
Experience the splendor and culture of central Vietnam and book a day trip to Cham Island from Hoi An. Cu Lao Cham, also known as Cham Island, is a collection of eight tiny islands close to Hoi An’s shore. The island is a well-liked location for snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing due to its pristine beaches, clear waterways, and a variety of marine life.
Typically, the trip begins with a pickup from the hotel in Hoi An and proceeds to Cua Dai Port via a beautiful coastal drive. The journey to the island takes about an hour by motorboat from there. Visitors can explore the island’s lovely beaches, cool off in the pristine blue seas, or go snorkeling or scuba diving to see the exotic marine life and colorful coral reefs.
A delicious seafood lunch at a nearby eatery can be combined with a visit to the Cham Island Marine Museum to learn more about the history and culture of the island. The journey typically concludes with a trip back to the mainland aboard a speedboat, followed by a drop-off at the hotel.
An excursion to Cham Island from Hoi An is a memorable and enjoyable way to experience both the natural grandeur and rich cultural history of the country’s central coast.
If you would like to book a Cham Island tour, click here or on the Get Your Guide image below to select from one of our preferred suppliers.
In conclusion, Hoi An is a beautiful and unique city that offers a variety of cultural, historical, and culinary experiences. Whether you are interested in exploring the ancient architecture, trying the local cuisine, or experiencing the city’s rural countryside, there are plenty of things to do in Hoi An.
