Hoi an
By Evi Goossens, a travel storyteller, certified tour guide, and photographer from The Netherlands. Updated November 2024
Reading time: 8 min
Best things to do in Hoi An
The most fun city in all of Vietnam, in my opinion, was Hoi An! Here, you can bike through the rice fields, get a tan at the beach, experience the hustle and bustle of the old town, dive into the nightlife, enjoy the most delicious food, and even get creative with cooking classes or making your own lantern. Whether you spend three days in Hoi An or an entire week, there is plenty to see and do here!
A brief history of Hoi An: It was once a significant trading city on the ancient Silk Road. It became an important port city, exporting goods to the rest of Asia and even Europe. With the wealth that came from trade, beautiful buildings and streets were constructed, many of which can still be seen in the old town today. However, as the trade routes in Vietnam changed, Hoi An's economy began to decline. It wasn't until the late 20th century, when tourists started to flock to the city, that Hoi An experienced a revival. In 1999, the old town was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historical and cultural significance. Now, it's a vibrant city with stunning architecture, rich culture, and a beloved destination not just for me, but for many others as well!
HI THERE!
I guide new travelers with the tips they need to explore the world, well-informed and with confidence!
WHAT’S NEXT?
| TABLE OF CONTENTS
Make your own lantern
Custom clothing in Hoi An
Old Town
Beach day!
Take a Vietnamese cooking class
Pub crawl
Bamboo boats
Chill Chillax
Where to stay
Where to eat
Where to go out
Where to shop
Make your own lantern
The lanterns in Hoi An are iconic! You see them throughout the hostels, around the city, on bridges, in trees, and above the streets. When it gets dark, the sight becomes even more magical. Hoi An is also the perfect place to make your lantern.
Lady Lantern is a shop in the center of Hoi An where you can create your own lantern. You have the option to make a small or large lantern. Don’t worry, the lantern is foldable, so it will easily fit in your suitcase or backpack!
The ladies there will help you with the techniques to attach the fabric to your lantern. You can choose the fabric yourself, making your lantern truly personal. It’s not only fun to spend a morning being creative, but it’s also the perfect souvenir for home—a real memento of the lovely city of Hoi An!
Custom clothing in Hoi An
Hoi An is not only famous for its lanterns but also for its highly talented artisans. Here, you can have custom-made clothes, bags, and even shoes crafted at very reasonable prices. There are many shops offering these services, and almost all of them have skilled people who will create beautiful products for you. My advice is to choose a shop where you feel comfortable, which has good reviews, and offers the best price-quality ratio. Many people get suits or elegant dresses made here, but be mindful that you will either need to carry these items in your backpack for a while or ship them home. Shipping can initially seem cheap, but remember that you might have to pay import duties on the package! I experienced this with a package I sent home from Thailand, which ended up costing me an additional 120 euros in import fees.
Old Town
As dusk slowly sets in, head over to Hoi An's Old Town. It gradually lights up with lanterns over the water, on the bridges, and along the streets. There are small markets with various souvenirs, little eateries, and live music. The atmosphere is incredibly lively and cozy. All the old buildings are illuminated, making it even more magical. Take a stroll around and then sit down at a restaurant to enjoy delicious Vietnamese food!
Later in the evening, after most tourists have left and the street stalls are being packed up, don't rush off just yet. This is the perfect time to grab a cozy drink at one of the charming bars along the long street by the water!
TIP: Want to take a photo with these lanterns? In the old town, over the bridge, there are stalls with all these lanterns. For a few Vietnamese Dong, you can take a photo here.
Full moon in Hoi An
In Hoi An, many tourists flock to the city when it's a full moon. The city becomes extremely busy, especially in the evening in the old town. During each full moon, lanterns are released onto the water, creating a beautiful spectacle. While this is stunning to see, it can also be a bit of a tourist trap. They release lanterns even on nights when it's not a full moon. So, my tip is not to plan your visit around the full moon. The city is busier and hostels are more expensive during this time.
Beach day!
Gather your swim gear and towel because we're heading to the beach! Hoi An has several beautiful beaches for a relaxing day in the sun.You can easily get there by Grab taxi or scooter. At the beach, you can rent sunbeds or simply lay out your towel. There are various beachside cafes where you can order drinks and food. So, put on your sunglasses, pop in your earphones, and enjoy this well-deserved day of relaxation!
Take a Vietnamese cooking class
I don't know about you, but I haven't had a bad meal in Vietnam. Many people also consider this to be the best cuisine in Asia. How great would it be then to take a cooking class where you can learn more about the food! Now you're in the right place because Hoi An is the best spot for these classes. You can often sign up for this activity through your hostel or you can do some research to find a fun cooking class on your own. Whatever you choose, don't forget to eat lightly beforehand. In cooking classes, you often prepare 3 to 5 courses and you'll end up full after enjoying your own delicious Vietnamese meal.
Pub Crawl
Going out in Hoi An is one of the most enjoyable experiences for nightlife. You can often sign up for a pub crawl through your hostel or explore on your own. Going through your hostel is convenient because they take you to the center, provide a welcome shot at each pub, and arrange for your return to the hostel. Alternatively, you can organize your own pub crawl. You'll likely encounter people from your hostel and others in the same pubs. Even if you don't join the hostel's organized event, you can always tag along once you're in town. Pub crawls can sometimes be a bit predictable, but I have to say, I've gone out in Hoi An more than once because it's just so much fun!
Bamboo boats
In every travel guide, you'll see bamboo boats mentioned. Everyone seems to be really hyped about them, but personally, I found it a bit underwhelming. You basically get into a small bamboo boat with another person. The boat paddlers do tricks like quick spins or swirls. Then you go further out onto the water and look for small crabs. It was enjoyable, don't get me wrong, but there are many other things you can do in Hoi An that, in my opinion, are much more fun. So, if you're short on time in Hoi An, you might want to skip this activity.
Chill Chillax
This is a place I happened to hear about from my roommates. They had gone for a walk and stumbled upon this spot. After hearing their stories, I had to check it out too. Less than a 10-minute walk from my hostel, I found myself in the rice fields at Chill Chillax. Everything about this place is well thought out. The interior is fantastic, painted in cheerful colors, and you can walk through the rice fields and sit at various spots with equally beautiful views. When you sit down, they offer you a free iced tea. Plus, compared to what you'd pay in the city for food, it's super cheap and absolutely delicious. If you do go, I highly recommend ordering Mi Quang. It's the typical dish of Hoi An and it's really amazing at Chill Chillax! Want to know more about Vietnamese food? Check out this blog about Vietnamese food you have to try!
Where to stay
There are several hostels in Hoi An and almost all of them are very nice and comfortable. However, I recommend booking at Mad Monkey in Hoi An. I've stayed at various Mad Monkey hostels around Asia but I find this one by far the best! This hostel is super social, very clean, and organizes really fun activities throughout the day and evening. The only downside is that the hostel is a bit further from the center. Well, every disadvantage has its advantage, right? This hostel being a bit further from the center means you overlook the rice fields. I have to say, I found that very enjoyable. Additionally, Grab taxis in Hoi An are very easy to arrange and you can get a taxi to and from the center of Hoi An for just a few euros. It's very reliable and super convenient!
Book your hostel: https://www.hostelworld.com
I just said it, but you should definitely go to Chill Chillax. Even if it's just to quickly eat a Mi Quang... it's really worth it!
Where to eat
You can go out to several nice bars in Hoi An. The Why Not Bar, Mister Bean Bar, and The Shamrock Irish Pub are the ones that I liked the most.
Where to go out
In Hoi An, you can literally shop everywhere. On every street corner, there's a clothing shop or a place where you can have your own clothes made.
