Residing amid these dynamic forces, time and again the intimations to set off to discover untraveled roads are electrifying travellers from around the globe. The city of Hoi An lies on Vietnam’s central coast on the north bank of the Thu Bon River, and it has been an important town for shipping high-quality silk. The Old Town, with its narrow streets spacious waterfront and architecture that shows a cross-culture of Vietnam, China, and Japan, is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. You must know all the exciting things to do in Hoi An to make the most of your trip!
7 Best Things To Do In Hoi An
Today, Hoi An is a must-see destination for any Vietnam holiday, attracting walkers, food enthusiasts, history lovers, and people intent on enjoying the peace and beauty of rural Vietnam. The food you can get in Hoi An is amazing. Hoi An is a town that is best discovered on foot. There are a lot of things to do in Hoi An, and they can be experienced just by walking through the pretty streets of the town.
1. Visit The Ancient Town
Image Credit: Steffen Schmitz for Wikimedia Commons
Hoi An’s ancient town is located close to the port town of Da Nang in the central coast province of Quang Nam, Vietnam. Hoi An is a well-preserved Southeast Asian trading port that saw various countries worldwide land on its shores for over 11 centuries. The beautiful place was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999. It is represented by a mustard-yellow French colonial house and prominent Chinese-style charms of the many assembly halls sprinkled all over town. It is one of the prettiest things to do in Hoi An. The town’s architecture is an exceptional and monumental fusion of indigenous and foreign influences.
Tip: Go well before sunset, as this small town closes soon after nightfall when everyone sleeps.
Must Read: Rivers in Vietnam
2. Take A Boat Ride On The Thu Bon River
Image Credit: Quang Nguyen Vinh for Pexels
River itineraries in Hoi An begin and end at the Thu Bon River. To view Hoi An, travellers with some time and a touch of adventurous spirit can paddle around town and towards the small islets. On the East Coast seashores, the weather is warm enough from March to September to dip into the cool water. Winter weather is temperate enough from November to January. At night, the tour creates a magical and different experience as cultural performances, music, and lights entertain the traveller. The coconut boat ride is a unique and lovely experience, mostly accomplished in rural areas surrounding Hoi An, specifically the Cam Thanh Coconut Village or the Bay Mau Coconut Forest, where the water is quiet and calm.
Tip: Apart from all the other things to do in Hoi An, taking a boat along the river is an ideal way to explore the ins and outs of Hoi An.
3. My Son Sanctuary Day Trip
Image Credit: Bernard Gagnon for Wikimedia Commons
My Son Sanctuary is dedicated to the praise of the god Shiva. They have various local names, and the most important and worshipped of all is Bhadreshvara. It is the most important remaining site of the ancient kingdom of Champa and one of the most prominent heritage sites in the province of Quang Nam. This prominent pilgrimage site once hosted religious ceremonies for the ruling dynasties of Champa as well as the burial site for Cham royalty.
Tip: Visit Hoi An and stroll through the town day or night from the 15th to the 24th of each month to truly experience the city.
Suggested Read: Tam Coc In Vietnam
4. Relax Around The An Bang Beach
Image Credit: Isabell Schulz for Wikimedia Commons
A Bang Beach makes up for a great refreshing destination, especially since it provides a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere. This beach attracts tourists daily and, therefore, has many beach services, such as bars, restaurants, and lounging chairs for hire. It is located close to Hoi An and is a great place to spend your day if you occupy its stretch of coast. If you are the kind that likes to catch a tan, then look for a beach chair in front of one of the restaurants and order yourself a drink. Then you can do your tanning between big, satisfying sips.
Tip: This beach is a great spot to take photographs that will ice your cake of a memorable holiday experience, do carry your DSLR with you.
5. Enjoy The Night Market
Image Credit: Mig Gilbert for Wikimedia Commons
Lunar calendar month festivals are crucial, symbolising a cultural attraction and welcoming more tourists to the town. Many local people also visit this night market to shop and enjoy spring rolls, banh mi, and local beer. Although the shops here mainly cater to tourists, a few jewellery stores and leather shops offer reasonable prices. Going further down Le Loi Street, you can find the Central Market. Once the sun sets and the heat starts to subside, Hoi An’s old port turns into a vivacious open-air market. Traditional Chinese junk boats light up and offer lucky tourists river cruises.
Tip: Between 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., vehicles are banned from the city centre so that local traders can easily set up their stalls.
Suggested Read: Hiking In Hanoi
6. Visit The Japanese Covered Bridge
Image Credit: Steffen Schmitz (Carschten) for Wikipedia Commons
The Japanese Bridge in Hoi An is a spectacular and well-known sight, especially since it is always well-crowded. It was built more than 50 years after the Japanese conquered the city. The Japanese chose this area to fight a naval battle with the Dutch. They decided to build an enclosure in the city. In the same year, the construction of a Japanese bridge over a small canal was finished, to link this area with the Chinese quarter. It is such an uncontested UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s 20 most beautiful places.
Tip: It is always crowded and requires a lot of walking, so it is suggested to wear comfortable footwear while exploring different things to do in Hoi An.
7. Experience The Lantern Festival
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Every year, on the 14th of every lunar month, in Hoi An, there is a ceremony for the lantern festival in which there will be a lot of colourful lanterns everywhere. The festival opens with singing, after which the lights and motors are turned off. This is also a great opportunity to express your feelings about traditional Vietnamese culture. The old town of Hoi An becomes very quiet at night, and the lanterns light up the old town. It’s one of the famous sights in Hoi An, and the colour of the lantern tells many things.
Tip: During the festival, this street only allows tourists to walk, and take pictures of lanterns, and martial arts alongside river spirit.
Further Read: Waterfalls In Vietnam
Encompass yourself in the fascinating ambience of Hoi An, the city with streets full of history and cultural diversity with traditional values. Plan your trip to Vietnam immediately to explore the various things to do in Hoi An and unfold the history of this mystery city, where every corner has a tale hidden in its beauty, waiting to be explored.
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Cover Image Source: Supanut Arunoprayote For Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do in Hoi An
What is unique about Hoi An's Ancient Town?
Hoi An´s ancient quarter, the UNESCO heritage site, is acknowledged for its culture and architecture that survived the Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese impact.
When can I experience the Lantern Festival among other things to do in Hoi An?
Hoi An’s Lantern Festival, like any other, takes its place on the 14th day of every lunar month. It is a spectacular event with several blissful moments to sway you away!
What are the activities that I can enjoy in a boat at Thu Bon River?
The boat trip on the Thu Bon River includes the archetypal Hoi An characterised by the unique scenes of the old town as well as the surrounding countryside.
What is the best way to relax in Hoi An?
One of the best ways to relax is at Bãi Bến An, which is a beach that is only about 3 km away from where all the action in Hoi An takes place. While you have a plethora of things to do in Hoi An, you can visit the beach after a long day and enjoy it to the fullest.
Are 3 days enough for exploring Hoi An?
While 3 days are good to cover most of the prominent attractions in Hoi An, it is best to plan a trip of around 4-5 days whereby you can enjoy the local culture and understand the true essence of the place.
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