Things to do in 

Hoi An

With its lantern-lit streets and delicate charm, Hoi An is a place like no other. Imagine wandering through a labyrinth of centuries-old shophouses, or sampling toothsome street delicacies in its vibrant marketplaces. As you explore more, you'll discover the diversity of things to do in Hoi An, ranging from relishing the quiet of pristine beaches to learning the secrets of its famed pottery craft. Each experience brings you closer to the rhythm of this town, making Hoi An not just a travel destination, but a journey through textures of culture, history, and daily life wrapped in unique serenity.

Explore Hoi An off the beaten path

Follow alternative things to do down village paths, riverside lanes, and tiny studios, where everyday moments feel slower and you can take your time.

Cultural experiences: At first light, meet a grower in Trà Quế Vegetable Village to plant herbs, water the beds with shoulder poles, and share a simple breakfast. Late afternoon, ferry to Cẩm Kim to watch carpenters finishing wooden boats, then wander back to town for the nightly Bài Chòi folk singing near An Hội.

Small museums and galleries: Slip into Réhahn’s Precious Heritage Gallery Museum to see large-format portraits and ethnic costumes from across Vietnam in a restored house. The Hoi An Museum of Trade Ceramics is small but tells how these streets connected to the sea through shards and merchant ledgers. If you’ve got a few hours, cycle to Thanh Hà Terracotta Park for brick kilns, whimsical clay models, and a quiet garden café.

Less crowded scenic viewpoints: Pedal the rice-field paths around Trà Quế near 4:30 pm, when the paddies glow and water buffalo amble home. For river views, pause on the Cẩm Kim Bridge at sunset or walk the quiet embankment on Cẩm Nam after dinner.

Shop for local products & souvenirs: Stop by Reaching Out Arts & Crafts late morning for handworked tea sets and metalware made by artisans with disabilities. For fabrics you’ll actually wear, browse Metiseko’s natural-dye prints and have a piece tailored for pickup the next day. In the cooler late afternoon, visit Thanh Hà Pottery Village to watch wheel throwing and choose a small vase fired that day.

Popular neighbourhoods

Unearth the delightful experiences that Hoi An offers as you tread through its colourful neighbourhoods, each brimming with its own character and charm.

Ancient Town: Step back in time as you amble through lantern-lit streets, past yellow-painted buildings and age-old temples, experiencing the soul of Hoi An's rich heritage.

An Bang Beach: Soak up some sun on this serene stretch of sand, lapped by emerald waters and lined with bustling seafood shacks.

Cam Pho: Immerse yourself in locals' day-to-day life with walks along its narrow lanes, and find yourself charmed by children playing and grandmothers preparing meals.

Cam Chau: Marvel at the captivating mix of classic rural Vietnam and global influences, evident in quaint cafés and authentic homestays that dot the scenery.

Cam Nam: Uncover lush green rice fields and enjoy mouthwatering street food, showcasing the agricultural roots and rich culinary tradition of the area.

Things to do in Hoi An by season

Spring: Expect soft breezes and clear light for cycling to Tra Que herb village or wandering rice paddies at sunrise. On full-moon nights, the Lantern Festival dims electric lights so boats and bridges glow along the Thu Bon River.

Summer: Start early for An Bang Beach or a basket-boat ride, then break for a siesta as short showers roll through. Families lean into lantern-making or cooking classes before warm, late dinners in the Ancient Town.

Fall: Rains swell the river and hush the lanes, a reflective season with saturated colours and moody skies for photographers. Markets brim with seasonal seafood and herbs as everyday life slows a notch.

Winter: Cooler evenings invite café hopping, tailoring appointments and gentle walks through car-free streets that suit older travellers. Head to craft villages and temples for slow, thoughtful visits between misty mornings and clear afternoons.

Hoi An’s monthly Lantern Festival anchors the rhythm, while Tet and Mid-Autumn bring lion dances, offerings and family gatherings to the Old Town. Recurring culinary and heritage events around Quang Nam, along with occasional international food or choir festivals, keep the calendar lively without crowding the lanes.