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Lantern lit evenings, peaceful countryside bike rides, incredible local food, and the town that made me slow down.
If you're looking for the best things to do in Hoi An, you'll quickly understand why so many travelers say it's the most charming town in Vietnam. After the fast pace of Hanoi, arriving in Hoi An felt like taking a deep breath.
Hoi An is also the final stop on the Under30Experiences Vietnam trip, arriving via the scenic Hai Van Pass before finishing near Da Nang Airport. For me, it was the perfect place to slow down after exploring northern and central Vietnam.
If you're still planning your overall route, check out our Vietnam First Timer's Guide.
Whether you're planning your own itinerary or joining our Vietnam trip, here's what I think is worth your time in Hoi An.
Here's What This Guide Covers
- Explore Hoi An Town Center: The Ancient Town
- Experience Hoi An Ancient Town at Night
- Cycle Through Tra Que Vegetable Village
- Get Clothes Tailor Made
- Visit Hoi An Central Market
- Relax at An Bang Beach
- Take a Lantern Boat Ride on the Thu Bon River
- What to Eat in Hoi An
- Practical Tips for Visiting Hoi An
- How Many Days Should You Spend in Hoi An?
- Is Hoi An Good for Solo Travelers?
- Should You Visit Hoi An Solo or With a Group?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Explore Hoi An Town Center: The Ancient Town
The heart of Hoi An is its town center, home to the UNESCO listed Ancient Town and one of the most beautiful places I visited in Vietnam.
Unlike Vietnam's larger cities, Hoi An encourages you to slow down. The streets are lined with mustard yellow heritage buildings, colorful lanterns, traditional wooden houses, and cozy cafés. I spent hours wandering without a plan, stopping for Vietnamese coffee, browsing small shops, and simply enjoying the atmosphere.
One landmark you'll inevitably come across is the Japanese Covered Bridge, one of Hoi An's best known historical sites. The nearby Central Market is also worth visiting, with vendors selling fresh produce, handmade souvenirs, clothing, and local snacks.
If you're visiting for the first time, don't overplan your day. Some of my favorite memories came from wandering side streets and discovering places I never intended to find.
Experience Hoi An Ancient Town at Night
As beautiful as Hoi An is during the day, it completely transforms after sunset. This was easily my favorite time to explore the town. If Hoi An is famous for one thing, it's this.
As darkness falls, thousands of colorful lanterns illuminate the Ancient Town and reflect across the Thu Bon River. Restaurants spill onto the sidewalks, music drifts through the streets, and lantern boats glide quietly along the water, creating one of Vietnam's most memorable evenings.
The Night Market also comes alive after sunset, with stalls selling handmade lanterns, artwork, local snacks, and souvenirs. Even if you don't buy anything, it's worth wandering through to soak up the atmosphere.
If your visit happens to coincide with Hoi An's monthly Lantern Festival, you'll experience an even more magical setting as many electric lights are switched off, allowing the traditional lanterns to take center stage. It's worth checking the festival dates before your trip.
Try a Lantern-Making Class
Hoi An is famous not only for its colorful lanterns but also for the chance to make one yourself. Many local workshops teach visitors how to create a traditional silk lantern, giving you a unique souvenir to take home.
It's also one of the hands-on experiences included on the Under30Experiences Vietnam Trip, making it a fun way to learn about one of Hoi An's most recognizable traditions.
Cycle Through Tra Que Vegetable Village
One of the nicest ways to escape the crowds is by cycling through Tra Que Vegetable Village.
Located just outside the Ancient Town, Tra Que offers a completely different side of Hoi An. Quiet country roads replace busy walking streets, while vegetable gardens, rice fields, and local farms stretch out in every direction.
Cycling through the countryside was one of the most relaxing parts of my time in Hoi An. The pace slowed even further, and it gave me a chance to see everyday local life beyond the historic center.
This countryside bike ride is also part of the Under30Experiences Vietnam itinerary, making it one of the experiences I'd recommend prioritizing.
Even if you're not an experienced cyclist, the route is generally flat and easy, making it accessible for most travelers.
Ride a Basket Boat Through Cam Thanh Coconut Village
Just outside Hoi An, Cam Thanh Coconut Village offers one of the area's most unique experiences. Visitors ride traditional round bamboo basket boats through peaceful water coconut forests while local guides demonstrate their incredible rowing techniques.
If you're joining the Under30Experiences Vietnam Trip, the basket boat ride is one of the memorable activities included around Hoi An and offers a completely different perspective from exploring the Ancient Town.
Get Clothes Tailor Made
One of the things Hoi An is most famous for is its tailoring.
You'll find tailor shops throughout the Ancient Town offering everything from suits and dresses to jackets, shoes, and custom made shirts.
Even if you're not planning to order anything, it's fun to browse the shops and watch the tailors at work.
If you're considering having clothing made, it's best to allow at least two or three days. Most shops include multiple fittings to make adjustments before your final pickup.
Because Hoi An is the final stop on many Vietnam itineraries, it's a convenient place to order clothing and collect it before flying home.
Visit Hoi An Central Market
Hoi An Central Market is a great place to experience everyday local life beyond the Ancient Town. You'll find fresh produce, seafood, spices, clothing, handmade souvenirs, and local snacks, making it a fun place to browse between sightseeing stops.
Even if you're not planning to shop, it's worth visiting for the lively atmosphere and a glimpse of daily life in Hoi An.
Relax at An Bang Beach
If you have a couple of days in Hoi An, make time for An Bang Beach. Just a short ride from the Ancient Town, it's a great place to slow down with soft sand, calm waves, and beachfront cafés.
I enjoyed spending a relaxing afternoon there before heading back to the Ancient Town for another evening beneath the lanterns. Combining time at the beach with Hoi An's historic center creates the perfect balance between sightseeing and downtime.
Take a Lantern Boat Ride on the Thu Bon River
One of Hoi An's most recognizable experiences is taking a lantern boat ride along the Thu Bon River.
As the sun sets, small wooden boats glide along the river while colorful lanterns reflect across the water. It's easy to see why this has become one of the town's signature experiences.
Even if you choose not to ride one of the boats, simply watching them drift past from the riverside is beautiful in its own right.
Between the glowing lanterns, peaceful atmosphere, and slower pace of life, this became one of the moments I still think about long after returning home.
What to Eat in Hoi An
Hoi An was one of my favorite places to eat in Vietnam. Cao lầu was the standout, but I also loved trying white rose dumplings and fresh bánh mì.
Hoi An is also one of Vietnam's best places to learn about its cuisine. Many visitors join cooking classes, and the Under30Experiences Vietnam Trip includes a bánh xèo cooking demonstration with a village lunch, giving travelers the chance to learn more about one of Vietnam's most popular dishes.
Coffee lovers can also join Vietnamese coffee-making workshops in Hoi An, where you'll learn how traditional Vietnamese coffee is prepared. It's another optional experience available through the Under30Experiences Vietnam Trip.
If you're planning your meals across Vietnam, check out our Vietnam Street Food Guide for more regional specialties and local favorites..
Practical Tips for Visiting Hoi An
A few things made my time in Hoi An much easier and more enjoyable.
Ancient Town Entrance Tickets
Some of Hoi An's historic houses, museums, and cultural sites require an entrance ticket. If you plan on visiting several attractions, it's worth buying one to make the most of your time in the Ancient Town.
Getting There
Hoi An doesn't have its own airport. Most travelers arrive through Da Nang International Airport, about 45 minutes away. If you're joining the Under30Experiences Vietnam Trip, you'll arrive via the scenic Hai Van Pass from Hue, stopping at Nam O Fishing Village, visiting a traditional fish sauce home-factory, and enjoying lunch in Da Nang before continuing to Hoi An. These stops make the journey feel like part of the experience rather than simply a transfer.
Getting Around
The Ancient Town is easy to explore on foot, while renting a bicycle is a great way to reach Tra Que Vegetable Village or An Bang Beach.
Best Time to See the Lanterns
The lanterns are beautiful every evening, but if your trip coincides with the monthly Hoi An Lantern Festival, the atmosphere becomes even more magical.
Rainy Season
Hoi An's rainy season typically runs from September to January. If you're deciding when to visit, check out our Best Time to Visit Vietnam guide for a full seasonal breakdown.
How Many Days Should You Spend in Hoi An?
I think two to three days is the perfect amount of time.
It gives you enough time to explore without feeling rushed while leaving room for spontaneous discoveries.
Day One
- Explore Hoi An Ancient Town
- Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge
- Browse Hoi An Central Market
- Stop for Vietnamese coffee
- Enjoy dinner with local specialties like cao lầu
- Experience the lantern lit streets after sunset
- Take a lantern boat ride on the Thu Bon River
Day Two
- Cycle through Tra Que Vegetable Village
- Spend a relaxing afternoon at An Bang Beach
- Visit tailor shops for custom clothing
- Enjoy another evening wandering through the Ancient Town
If you have a third day, you can simply slow down even more or take a day trip to nearby attractions like My Son Sanctuary.
Is Hoi An Good for Solo Travelers?
Absolutely.
Hoi An is one of the easiest places in Vietnam to explore on your own. The town is compact, walkable, and relaxed, making it easy to spend a day wandering the Ancient Town, relaxing at a café, or browsing the night market at your own pace.
It's also easy to meet other travelers through bike rides, cooking classes, or shared meals. If you're planning a solo trip, I'd also recommend reading our Vietnam Safety Guide for practical tips before you go.
Should You Visit Hoi An Solo or With a Group?
Hoi An is easy to visit independently, and you'll have no problem exploring the Ancient Town on your own.
That said, I can also see why it's such a memorable stop on the Under30Experiences Vietnam trip.
Arriving via the Hai Van Pass, cycling through Tra Que Vegetable Village, sharing dinners, and wandering beneath the lanterns all felt like experiences that were even better with other travelers.
Instead of worrying about transfers, transportation, or planning every detail yourself, you can simply enjoy the town and focus on making memories.
If you're looking for an easy way to experience Vietnam while meeting other travelers in their 20s and 30s, check out the Under30Experiences Vietnam Trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Hoi An?
Two to three days is ideal. It gives you enough time to explore the Ancient Town, relax at the beach, enjoy the local food, and experience the lantern lit evenings.
Is Hoi An worth visiting?
Absolutely. Hoi An combines history, culture, great food, beautiful architecture, and a relaxed atmosphere, making it one of Vietnam's most rewarding destinations.
What is Hoi An known for?
Hoi An is famous for its UNESCO listed Ancient Town, colorful lanterns, tailor shops, riverside setting, and local dishes like cao lầu.
Is Hoi An walkable?
Yes. The Ancient Town is compact and pedestrian friendly, making it one of the easiest places in Vietnam to explore on foot.
How far is Hoi An from Da Nang?
Hoi An is about 45 minutes from Da Nang International Airport by car, depending on traffic.
When is the Hoi An Lantern Festival?
The Lantern Festival takes place once each lunar month, usually during the full moon. While lanterns are displayed every evening, the festival creates an even more memorable atmosphere.
Ready to Experience Hoi An?
Hoi An was easily one of the highlights of my Vietnam trip. Between the peaceful streets, unforgettable lantern lit evenings, incredible local food, and slower pace of life, it's a destination that's easy to fall in love with.
Whether you're planning your own itinerary or looking for a stress free way to experience Vietnam, the Under30Experiences Vietnam Trip includes many of Hoi An's highlights, from arriving via the scenic Hai Van Pass to cycling through Tra Que Vegetable Village and enjoying free time to explore the Ancient Town at your own pace.
Pack comfortable walking shoes, leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs (or custom made clothing), and prepare to discover why so many travelers say Hoi An is their favorite stop in Vietnam.
