Top 8 Best Things to Do in Hoi An: The Ultimate Ancient Town Travel Guide
Hoi An – the charming ancient town along the Thu Bon River – is one of Vietnam’s most enchanting destinations. I arrived on a misty autumn morning when soft sunlight glimmered over the tiled rooftops and the river flowed quietly beneath. Hoi An felt like stepping into a living painting – timeless, poetic, and full of color, texture, and culture.
Here are the 8 best things to experience in Hoi An, complete with insider tips and personal impressions to help you explore the town at its most authentic and memorable.
Hoi An Ancient Town - UNESCO >>
1. Wander Through the Ancient Town
Discover Hoi An Ancient Town – Vietnam's Most Enchanting Heritage Town >>
The heart of Hoi An lies in its ancient streets – a maze of stone-paved alleys, wooden houses, and colorful lanterns. I walked through the old town early in the morning, when bicycles moved lazily and the air was still calm and cool.
Special Experience: Admire traditional craft shops, sip Vietnamese coffee by the street, and take photos of vibrant lanterns.
Pro Tip: Go for a morning or sunset walk to avoid the crowds and capture the best lighting.
2. Taste Hoi An’s Signature Cuisine
Hoi An’s food scene is unforgettable. From the iconic Cao Lau noodles and Banh Mi Phuong to White Rose Dumplings and Mi Quang, every dish carries a piece of local history. I stopped by small family-run eateries where recipes are passed down through generations.
Special Experience: Enjoy a bowl of Cao Lau at an old eatery while watching the world go by.
Pro Tip: Sample small portions of different dishes to truly taste the diversity of Hoi An’s flavors.
3. Release Lanterns on the Hoai River
One of Hoi An’s most magical experiences is releasing lanterns on the Hoai River at night. I chose a small paper lantern, wrote down my wish, and let it float among shimmering reflections of light.
Special Experience: Watch the river glow with hundreds of lanterns under the night sky — an atmosphere that’s both peaceful and romantic.
Pro Tip: Visit during a full moon to witness the town at its most beautiful.
4. Visit the Iconic Japanese Covered Bridge
The Japanese Covered Bridge is Hoi An’s most famous landmark, connecting two sides of the old town. As I walked across, I admired the intricate carvings and the gentle flow of water below.
Special Experience: Capture the bridge in the golden light of sunrise or sunset for magical photos.
Pro Tip: Go early in the morning to enjoy the calm before tourists arrive.
5. Explore Traditional Craft Villages
Hoi An is home to many traditional villages like the Thanh Ha Pottery Village, Kim Bong Carpentry Village, and Lantern-Making Village. I watched artisans mold, carve, and paint by hand, preserving centuries-old techniques.
Special Experience: Try making your own lantern or pottery piece to take home as a souvenir.
Pro Tip: Spend at least half a day exploring — each village offers a different glimpse into Hoi An’s creative soul.
6. Visit the Hoi An Museum of Cultural History
This museum displays ancient ceramics, traditional costumes, and photos of Hoi An’s past. I spent hours learning about old customs, architecture, and festivals that shaped this charming town.
Special Experience: Take photos of historical artifacts and read the detailed descriptions to deepen your understanding.
Pro Tip: Visit in the morning when it’s less crowded and the atmosphere is quieter.
7. Take a Countryside Cycling Tour
Beyond the old town, Hoi An’s countryside reveals a different kind of beauty — rice fields, palm-lined paths, and peaceful riverside homes. I rented a bike and rode along the quiet roads, feeling the rhythm of rural life.
Special Experience: Capture photos of golden rice fields and friendly locals along your route.
Pro Tip: Go early in the morning for cooler weather and fresh air.
8. Enjoy the Lantern Festival
If you visit during the Lantern Festival, you’re in for a spectacular sight. Streets glow with thousands of colorful lanterns, and the town turns into a fairy-tale scene. I joined locals in singing, watching folk performances, and soaking in the festive energy.
Special Experience: Participate in cultural games, enjoy traditional music, and immerse yourself in the magical celebration.
Pro Tip: Check the festival dates in advance and arrive early to secure a good spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to visit Hoi An Ancient Town?
The best time to visit Hoi An is from February to April, when the weather is dry and pleasantly warm. If you want to experience the famous Lantern Festival, plan your visit around a full moon night when the entire ancient town glows with thousands of colorful lanterns and the streets come alive with folk performances and cultural games.
What are the must-try local dishes in Hoi An?
Hoi An is famous for its signature dishes including Cao Lau noodles, Banh Mi Phuong (considered among Vietnam’s best sandwiches), White Rose Dumplings, and Mi Quang. These recipes have been passed down through generations at small family-run eateries, and sampling small portions of each allows you to truly experience the diversity of Hoi An’s culinary heritage.
How do you release lanterns on the Hoai River in Hoi An?
You can purchase small paper lanterns from vendors along the riverbank near the old town. Write your wish on the lantern, light the candle inside, and gently set it afloat on the Hoai River. The experience is most magical during the full moon when hundreds of lanterns shimmer on the water, creating a peaceful and romantic atmosphere.
What traditional craft villages can you visit near Hoi An?
Hoi An is home to several traditional craft villages including Thanh Ha Pottery Village, Kim Bong Carpentry Village, and the Lantern-Making Village. Visitors can watch artisans mold, carve, and paint by hand using centuries-old techniques, and even try making their own lantern or pottery piece to take home as a unique souvenir.
Is it worth renting a bicycle to explore Hoi An’s countryside?
Absolutely. Beyond the old town, Hoi An’s countryside reveals rice fields, palm-lined paths, and peaceful riverside homes that are best experienced by bike. Renting a bicycle and riding along the quiet roads in the early morning offers cooler weather, fresh air, and a chance to capture golden rice fields and meet friendly locals along the way.
Conclusion
Hoi An is a living masterpiece of history, culture, and beauty. From peaceful ancient streets and flavorful dishes to traditional villages and glowing lantern nights — every corner tells a story.
Take your time to walk, taste, and feel the rhythm of life here, and you’ll discover why Hoi An remains one of the most unforgettable destinations in Vietnam — a true gem of the Central coast.
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