Located in central Vietnam, the town of Hoi An (normally written Hội An) is considered by many to be a true gem. Indeed, it has no shortage of appeal and charm: its old town is dotted with typical houses, temples and alleys decorated with colorful lanterns. The surroundings of the town are also worth exploring with visits to artisan villages and organic agricultural cultures. Discover all the things to do and see during a stay at Hoi An...

What to do and see in Hoi An's city centre?

Discover Hoi An's old town

Hoi An's old town boasts a remarkable cultural, historical and architectural heritage. It features stunning traditional wooden houses, numerous temples and pagodas, communal houses, art galleries, museums and cafés.

Among the monuments not to be missed when visiting the old quarter of Hoi An, we recommend:

The Japanese Bridge (Chùa cầu)

A true symbol of the town, the Japanese Bridge (Chùa cầu) is a Japanese structure built in 1593 to connect the quarters inhabited by the Chinese and Japanese communities. In its centre stands a pagoda, with statues of monkeys and dogs at each end (the bridge was built during the year of the monkey and completed during the year of the dog).

Quan Cong Temple

Quan Cong Temple ranks among Hoi An's most beautiful temples. Built in 1653 by Chinese immigrants, the pagoda is characterized by Oriental and Confucian architecture. It honours General Quan Cong, a Chinese military general from the State of Eastern Wu during the period of the Three Kingdoms of China, celebrated for his loyalty and courage.

Tan Ky Ancient House

Tan Ky Ancient House is a historic residence you absolutely must see when visiting Hoi An. Built in 1741, it belonged to a wealthy Chinese merchant family. Having retained its original architecture (carved wooden beams, paved courtyards...), it features Vietnamese, Japanese and Chinese elements. It is one of the oldest and best-preserved houses in Hoi An. It was also the first to be designated a national historical and cultural monument in 1985.

Fujian Communal House (Phuc Kien Temple)

Phuc Kien is one of 5 communal houses belonging to Hoi An's Chinese community. Built in the 1690s, it served as a gathering place for the Fujian Chinese community (a province in southern China). It houses a temple dedicated to the Chinese goddess Thien Hau, the protective deity of fishermen and sailors.

Precious Heritage Art Gallery and Cultural Museum

The Precious Heritage Art Gallery and Cultural Museum is a free cultural space created by French photographer Réhahn. Located in a 19th-century French house, it features a permanent exhibition showcasing the rich cultural mosaic of the Vietnam's ethnic tribes. You can admire hundreds of portraits, more than 60 traditional costumes, accessories (jewellery, pipes, headdresses...) and listen to tribal songs. This is a visit not to be missed!

Hoi An Central Market

Located on the banks of the Thu Bon River, Hoi An's central market is the vibrant heart of the town. It's the ideal place to immerse yourself in local culture and meet the locals. You'll find everything here: food products (fresh produce, spices...), crafts and travel souvenirs, clothing and accessories, as well as Vietnamese street food stalls.

Explore Hoi An city and countryside by bicycle

The bicycle is one of the best ways to explore Hoi An city and its surroundings. Imagine yourself strolling along the river, through alleys decorated with colourful lanterns. You can also rent a bicycle to explore the countryside, cycle through rice fields and charming nearby villages, and even extend your bicycle road trip to the beaches.

Savour local specialities

Hoi An is not only known for its history and architecture, but also for its excellent cuisine. You can even sample specialities that are found nowhere else in Vietnam. Whether in a restaurant or at a street food stall, make the most of your escape to discover new flavours.

Among the culinary specialities to try in Hoi An, we can highlight:

• Cao Lau: this is THE typical dish of the town. It is made with yellow noodles, shrimp, sautéed pork, aromatic herbs, all served with sesame rice cakes;
• Com Ga Hoi An: this iconic speciality of the town consists of chicken rice perfumed with aromatic herbs and spices, accompanied by onions and raw vegetables (marinated papaya) and salad.
• Banh Bao Banh Vac (White rose): steamed rice dumplings filled with pork or shrimp meat with spices;
• Banh Mi: this is the quintessential Vietnamese sandwich found everywhere in Vietnam...

Relax on the beaches

Hoi An is also a beach destination for travellers looking to enjoy the pleasures of relaxation. Here are the most beautiful beaches in Hoi An for swimming and unwinding between visits:

• Cua Dai: a large white sand beach located 5 km from the old town;
• An Bang: located 4 km from the city centre, it's Hoi An's most popular beach;
• Ha My: located north of An Bang beach, this beach is quieter;
• Tam Thanh: an ideal beach for getting off the beaten path and avoiding crowds. It is located near the fishing village of Tam Thanh.

Get custom-made clothes

You may not have known this, but Hoi An is renowned for its countless tailors and custom clothing shops, a tradition spanning centuries. The town was one of the most important international ports on the Silk Road. An opportunity to revamp your wardrobe at unbeatable prices! You can order custom suits, dresses, coats, trousers and even shoes!

Attend Hoi An performances

Looking for entertainment once night falls? Renowned for its lively nightlife (with numerous bars along the river), Hoi An hosts many cultural performance venues.

Among the best performances to see in Hoi An, we recommend:

• The Hoi An Memories show: this is THE largest show in Vietnam. It features more than 500 dancers and actors whose performances relate the town's history;
• A O Show by Lune production: inspired by Cirque du Soleil, this performance showcases Vietnamese culture and folklore through acrobatics, dance and other visual arts performances;
• The water puppet show (Hoi An water puppet show): as its name suggests, this performance takes place on water and recounts a series of fables and stories about the lives of Vietnamese farmers. This type of performance has its roots dating back to the 11th century!

What to do and see in the surroundings?

After exploring the old town, continue your journey in the surroundings of Hoi An where many more discoveries await...

Explore Tra Que village and its traditional agricultural crops

Located just 3 km from Hoi An's old town, Tra Que is a small village renowned for its ecological vegetable crops. Farmers here still practise ancestral growing techniques: no mechanization and no chemical fertilizers. You can walk through the crops and enjoy their peaceful atmosphere, interact and participate in harvests with local farmers, taste local specialities and even take a cooking class!

Visit Thanh village and its pottery park (Thanh Hà Terracotta Park)

Also located 3 km from Hoi An's old quarter, on the banks of the Thu Bồn River, Thanh village is renowned for its many pottery artisans. You can visit the workshops of the locals, take part in a workshop and purchase some souvenirs.

The village is also home to a dedicated terracotta park: Thanh Hà Terracotta Park. This is a park where you can admire miniature reproductions of famous monuments in terracotta such as the Pyramids of Egypt, the Arc de Triomphe, the Taj Mahal, the Sydney Opera House... Pottery workshops are also organized there.

Take a ride in a thung chai (basket boat) in Cam Thanh village

Looking for a fun and entertaining activity during your stay in Hoi An? How about taking a thung chai ride? These are the typical boats of the region, also nicknamed basket boats due to their basket-like shape. They are made from bamboo and palm leaves.

To take a basket boat excursion, head to Cam Thanh village, 5 km from Hoi An. Crisscrossed by rivers, it's a fishing village where coconut cultivation is also omnipresent. During a thung chai ride, you can explore the coconut forest, learn to cast a net like the locals, pick coconuts and observe local wildlife... An experience you absolutely must have during a family trip to Vietnam, with friends or even as a couple!

Admire the remnants of the Champa kingdom at My Son sanctuary

Located 50 km (approximately 1 hour's drive) from Hoi An city centre, in a magnificent verdant valley, the My Son sanctuary will delight history lovers. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the earliest Cham sites established in Vietnam (its construction dates from the 4th century). Once considered the religious and political centre of Champa civilization, you will see the most important remnants of this lost civilization.

Head to the Marble Mountains

Halfway between Danang and Hoi An lie the Marble Mountains. This is a group of 5 limestone marble peaks whose names represent natural elements: Thuy Son (water), Kim Son (metal), Moc Son (wood), Hoa Son (fire) and Tho Son (earth).

You can climb the 150 steps (or take the lift) to the top of Thuy Son peak and enjoy breathtaking views of the region. You will also discover a few pagodas as well as caves. Of course, the site is also known for its marble sculptors from whom you can purchase some souvenirs.

Take an excursion to the Cham Islands

The Cham Islands are among the most beautiful islands in Vietnam. Located just 20 minutes by boat from Cua Dai port, the archipelago, which consists of 8 islets, is home to a UNESCO biosphere reserve renowned for its coral reefs and marine life. It's therefore the perfect spot for snorkelling or scuba diving.

Also known as Cu Lao Cham, the archipelago is a prime destination for travellers looking to enjoy deserted beaches with crystal-clear waters. There are also a few temples and numerous plantations to explore.

Practical information:

What is the best time to visit Hoi An and its surroundings?

The best time to visit Hoi An is during the dry season, between January and July. Avoid the rainy season which occurs for the rest of the year.

For a memorable experience, we recommend planning your stay in Hoi An on the 14th of the lunar calendar month. Indeed, on the 14th of each lunar month, Hoi An hosts the Full Moon Festival. On this occasion, the town becomes pedestrian-only and many events take place: lantern releases, dance and singing demonstrations, traditional folk games...

How much time should you allow for visiting Hoi An?

We recommend allowing at least 3 days on site (excluding travel time) to visit Hoi An's iconic sites. To explore the surroundings of the town, enjoy the beaches and take your time, a one-week stay is none too much!

Florine Dergelet