Vietnam has so much to offer, including white sandy beaches, lively cities and green countryside filled with rice fields. For us, one of the highlights of our holidays to Vietnam is a three-night stay in the historic town of Hoi An.
Located on Vietnam’s central coast, Hoi An is a cultural melting pot, with influences from the Chinese, Japanese and French. Its UNESCO-listed Ancient Town is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port, with historic buildings, canals and plenty to discover on foot.
After spending the previous few nights in the bustling capital city of Hanoi, Hoi An offers a welcome change of pace. Don’t get us wrong, the traffic can still be busy, but even with the buzz of mopeds and chorus of car horns, things feel a little more relaxed here.
Here are five of the best things to do in Hoi An during your Vietnam trip.
1. Explore Hoi An Old Town by foot
The ancient town of Hoi An is quite small, which makes it ideal for exploring on foot. Parts of the Old Town are pedestrianised at certain times of day, so you can wander around and get your bearings away from the traffic.
Explore the colourful streets, stroll alongside the river, admire the historic houses and cross the famous Japanese Covered Bridge, one of Hoi An’s best-known landmarks.
2. Cycle to the beach
Cycling is a great way to see more of Hoi An and its surroundings. During your stay, you can hire a bicycle and head towards the coast.
The Ancient Town is around 2km away, while An Bang Beach is approximately 5km in the opposite direction. The roads can seem a little daunting at first, but take your time and you’ll soon get used to your surroundings.
If you head for An Bang Beach, you can cool off by the sea after the 5km cycle.
3. Explore Hoi An Central Market
Getting up at the crack of dawn may not seem like your first choice when you have a free day, but early morning is one of the best times to visit Hoi An Central Market.
You’ll see stallholders setting up for the day and locals eating breakfast on small stools before things get busier. The stalls are packed with local food, fragrant spices, tropical fruit, souvenirs and clothing.
Haggling is common here, so don’t be afraid to negotiate if you’re buying something. Just keep it friendly.
4. Visit a tailor in Hoi An
Hoi An is also famous for its tailors, making this a good place to pick up something a little different.
There are many shops to choose from, but Yaly Couture is one of the city’s most well-known bespoke tailors. You can choose your fabric and design before being measured for a made-to-measure garment, often with a quick turnaround.
5. Experience Hoi An at night
Hoi An is particularly lively after dark, when colourful lanterns light up the streets and riverfront. It’s well worth heading back into the Ancient Town in the evening to see it at a different pace.
Once a month, the Full Moon is celebrated in Hoi An, and if your visit coincides with the celebrations, you can experience one of the town’s best-known traditions.
There’s still plenty to enjoy on other evenings too. Take a walk beneath the lanterns, stop at one of the riverfront bars and simply watch the activity along the water.
Ready to explore Hoi An?
Fancy seeing Hoi An for yourself? Cycle to the beach, explore the local markets and experience the Ancient Town after dark on our guided tour of Vietnam.
