Top 15 Best Things to Do in Hoi An, Vietnam in 2025

Explore the Ancient Town

Hoi An Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is famous for its old buildings and charming streets. Walking around, you can see old houses, colorful lanterns, and architecture influenced by Vietnam, China, and Japan. There are many small shops, cafés, and local markets to explore. In the evening, the lanterns light up the streets, making the town feel magical and romantic. Visiting the Ancient Town is a great way to experience the special atmosphere and culture of Hoi An.

Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge

The Japanese Covered Bridge is a famous landmark in Hoi An. It was built in the 16th century by the Japanese community. The bridge connects different parts of the Ancient Town and has a small pagoda on top. You can see its beautiful carvings, traditional roof tiles, and unique architecture that mixes Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese styles. Walking across the bridge is peaceful, and it is a great place to take photos and enjoy the historic charm of Hoi An.

Take a Boat Ride and Release Lanterns at Night

Taking a slow boat ride on the Hoai River at sunset is one of the best things to do in Hoi An. The water reflects the light of colorful lanterns hanging along the river, making the view very beautiful. When it gets dark, you can join locals and other visitors to release small lanterns onto the water. People believe each lantern carries wishes and dreams. It is a quiet and relaxing activity, giving you a chance to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and learn more about the traditions of Hoi An.

Take Photos at Old Town Cafe Rooftop

One of the best things to do in Hoi An is capturing a photo from an Old Town cafe rooftop. From here, you can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the yellow ancient houses, colorful lanterns, and the slow flow of the Thu Bon River. Many cafes in the Ancient Town have rooftop seating where you can relax with a drink and take stunning photos. The soft golden light in the morning or the warm glow at sunset makes your pictures even more beautiful. It’s a perfect way to see Hoi An from a new angle and keep memories that last.

Visit Tan Ky Old House

Tan Ky Old House is one of the most famous historic homes in Hoi An. Built over 200 years ago, it shows a mix of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architecture. The house has been well preserved, with beautiful wooden carvings, antique furniture, and special decorative details. Walking inside, you can see how a merchant family lived in the past. Friendly guides are often available to share the history and interesting stories about the house. A visit here is not only about sightseeing but also about learning more about Hoi An’s rich culture and heritage.

Get Your Clothes Tailored

What can be greater than having your clothes or your shoes or even your leather bags specially made and fit your own size? Hoi An is the land where many handy tailors gathered. Your clothes or shoes will be carefully measured and you can freely choose the design of the material. One thing special about the tailor shops in Hoi An is that you will receive your tailored clothes in about just 24 hours, quick but still ensure its quality.

Try a Jeep Tour

A Jeep tour in Hoi An will send you to an unforgettable adventure on the coastal line of Vietnam. Riding on an open-air 4 wheel jeep, you will be immersed with the story of Vietnam and America war and the landscape along two sides of the road which gives you the first glance of the life of minor ethnic people.

Hoi An Bar Night

Although Hoi An is famous for its peacefulness of the old town, until recently, Hoi An started to gain more of its tourists in the night bars. Tourists will be amazed while enjoying an evening of bar-hopping in this historic town with probably the cheapest beer in the world in the atmosphere of local artists and international DJs playing a variety of music genres.

Visit Thanh Ha Terracotta Park

Established in an area of nearly 6000 square meters, Thanh Ha Terracotta Park displays a series of miniatures of famous architectural work not only of Vietnam but also wonders of the world built from terracotta. A walk around the park will give tourists a vibe of walking around the world in just one day.

Join a Cooking Class

A cooking class is a fantastic way to savor the mouthwatering cuisine that Hoi An is known for. With the assistance of local chefs, you can learn how to prepare traditional dishes like spring rolls, Banh Xeo, and Cao Lau. To learn more about Vietnamese cuisine culture, many classes also take you to the market to purchase fresh ingredients. You can meet other tourists, get a taste of local life, and learn how to prepare Hoi An cuisine in your own kitchen with this enjoyable activity.

Try Local Dishes like Cao Lau and Banh Mi

With so many unique dishes to choose from, Hoi An is a great destination for foodies. Cao Lau is a well-known noodle dish that includes crispy croutons, pork, and fresh herbs. Fresh ingredients and robust flavors abound in Hoi An's famous banh mi. These foods are available at markets, street vendors, and tiny neighborhood eateries. A quick and easy way to experience the authentic flavors of Hoi An and add even more special memories to your trip is to taste them.

Cycle to the Countryside

A tranquil way to see the area outside of the Ancient Town is to cycle through the countryside of Hoi An. Rice fields, sleepy country roads, and tiny villages can all be seen while riding. You may see water buffalo grazing, farmers at work, and kids greeting you along the way. The trip is restful and revitalizing because of the clean air and lush surroundings. You can rent a bike and go alone, but many local tours offer guided cycling trips. For people of all ages, it's a simple and entertaining activity that offers a more intimate look at everyday life in rural Vietnam.

Relax at An Bang Beach

One of the most serene locations in Hoi An is An Bang Beach, which is ideal for a day of relaxation and sunshine. The beach offers plenty of room to relax and take in the scenery, along with soft golden sand and gentle waves. You can stroll along the shore, sunbathe, or swim in the crystal-clear water. The beach is lined with tiny eateries and cafés that offer cool beverages and fresh seafood. After touring the bustling Ancient Town, it's a great place to spend a leisurely afternoon. It's easy to visit An Bang Beach because it's just a short ride from the city center.

Visit Tra Que Vegetable Village

Only a few kilometers from Hoi An Ancient Town is the tranquil farming community known as Tra Que Vegetable Village. It is well-known for using conventional, chemical-free methods to grow fresh vegetables and herbs. In addition to learning how local farmers plant and water their crops, visitors can take a stroll through the green gardens and even try their hand at farming. A brief cooking class is another feature of many tours, where you can make meals using the vegetables you choose. This is a tranquil way to take in the scenery, get a taste of country living, and discover Hoi An from a different angle than the bustling old streets.