Discover 25 unforgettable things to do in Hoi An, Vietnam — from lantern-lit streets and cooking classes to hidden beaches and craft villages. Your complete 2025 guide to local adventures.
The magic of Hoi An hit me the moment I smelled cinnamon in the breeze.
I was walking along the Thu Bồn River at twilight, past crumbling yellow walls, when an old woman smiled and handed me a glowing paper lantern. “For good luck,” she whispered.
It’s impossible not to fall for Hoi An — the town is wrapped in nostalgia and layered with sensory surprises. You’ll hear the sound of tailoring scissors snipping beside street vendors fanning grills. You’ll see the past and present dancing together in perfect harmony.
If you’re planning a trip to this UNESCO-listed town in 2025, don’t just settle for a few Instagram shots of the Ancient Town. Dive deeper. Here are 25 unforgettable things to do in Hoi An that might just change the way you travel.
- 🏮 Release Lanterns on the River at Night
Keyword: Hoi An lantern river
The ultimate Hoi An moment? Watching thousands of lanterns float gently along the river during the Full Moon Festival. It’s peaceful, magical, and deeply moving.
—“Hoi An lantern river experience 2025”
- 🍜 Join a Vietnamese Cooking Class at a Local Farm
Từ khóa: Hoi An Cooking Class
Spend a day like a local: shopping at a morning market, paddling a basket boat, then cooking authentic dishes at Cocolocal Farm. From bánh xèo to phở, it’s hands-on, tasty, and totally unforgettable.
📍 https://g.co/kgs/hFStSmP [Hoi An Cooking Class – 2025 Guide]
- 🚲 Cycle Through Rice Paddies to Tra Que Village
Pedal past water buffalo and waving kids into Hoi An’s organic herb heaven. Learn how farmers grow basil and lemongrass the old-fashioned way.
- 🎭 Watch a Traditional Water Puppet Show
A quirky, joyful peek into Vietnamese folklore. Kids will love it — adults will be surprised by how charming it is.
- 🧵 Get a Tailor-Made Suit in 48 Hours
Hoi An is Asia’s tailoring capital. Custom suits, dresses, or even leather shoes — all made to measure, often within two days.
Pro tip: Visit in the morning for fittings when it’s cooler.
- 🥥 Paddle a Basket Boat Through Coconut Forests
In Cam Thanh village, you’ll ride a round bamboo boat through lush palm groves. The rowers spin, sing, and laugh — it’s part nature tour, part joyful circus.
- 🌊 Spend a Lazy Afternoon at An Bang Beach
Grab a sunbed, order fresh seafood, and let the breeze lull you into bliss. Don’t miss sunset cocktails at The Deck House or Soul Kitchen.
- 🥖 Take a Vietnamese Street Food Tour
Taste your way through bánh mì, cao lầu, white rose dumplings, and grilled pork skewers — with a guide who knows every local secret.
- 📸 Capture Sunrise at Hoi An Ancient Town
Wake early for golden light spilling across tiled roofs and empty alleyways. It’s a photographer’s dream — and totally peaceful.
- 🎨 Make Your Own Lantern
Craft a colorful lantern with local artisans. It’s fun, creative, and you’ll take home a handmade souvenir filled with stories.
- 🚤 Visit the Cham Islands
Just off the coast, these islands offer snorkeling, beach-hopping, and seafood feasts. Book a day trip for sun-soaked adventure.
- 🛶 Join a Countryside Kayak Tour
Paddle past riverside villages and water coconut groves. You might spot herons, fishermen, or kids jumping in for a swim.
- 🧘 Practice Yoga at Sunrise on the Beach
An Bang hosts several yoga studios offering beachfront classes. Start your day with deep breaths and ocean waves.
- 🎏 Wander the Night Market
Lanterns everywhere. Sizzling street food. Handmade crafts. It’s chaotic and colorful — in the best possible way.
- ☕️ Try a Vietnamese Coffee Workshop
Taste egg coffee, coconut coffee, and phin-brewed robusta at a local café or workshop. Learn the art of the slow drip and the stories behind each cup.
📍 Internal link suggestion: [Vietnamese Coffee Making Class in Hoi An]
- 🍶 Visit a Pottery Village in Thanh Hà
Shape clay with your hands and try the potter’s wheel in a village where techniques are passed down for generations.
- ⛩️ Visit Japanese Covered Bridge
One of the town’s most iconic landmarks, this bridge tells stories of trade, friendship, and faith.
- 🥗 Eat Vegetarian at a Buddhist Temple Restaurant
Many pagodas run small kitchens offering simple, soulful vegetarian meals — a unique way to taste spiritual Vietnam.
- 🎋 Sleep in a Boutique Homestay
Skip the hotel. Stay with a local family, cook together, and share stories by the garden lanterns.
- 🎼 Attend a Live Acoustic Night
Hoi An’s live music scene is surprisingly lively. Try Guitar Hawaii or Soul Beach for sunset music sessions.
- 🍷 Wine & Dine by the River
Try fusion Vietnamese dishes or riverside fine dining under fairy lights — places like Mango Mango or Brother’s Café are top picks.
- 📚 Join a Calligraphy or Paper Art Workshop
A meditative way to connect with Vietnamese culture — guided by local masters.
- 🛺 Explore the Outskirts by Vintage Jeep or Motorbike
Book a day tour that takes you beyond the Ancient Town into the countryside, mountains, and remote villages.
- 🐃 Spend a Morning on a Local Farm
Harvest morning glory, learn to use traditional tools, and cook lunch with farmers. Deeply grounding.
- 🌄 Catch the Sunset from a Rooftop Bar
End your day at The Hill Station or Mango Rooms — order a lychee martini and let the world slow down.
Ready to Live the Story?
Hoi An isn’t just a destination. It’s a feeling — slow, sensory, and sacred in its own way. Whether you’re making lanterns or bánh xèo, paddling basket boats or sipping coconut coffee, these experiences root you in the heart of Vietnam.
✨ If you’re dreaming of a journey that touches more than just your passport, maybe it’s time to let Hoi An write a story with you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- How many days should I spend in Hoi An?
At least 3–5 days to fully enjoy both town and countryside experiences. - Is Hoi An family-friendly?
Absolutely! From cooking classes to boat rides, there are plenty of interactive and kid-safe activities. - What’s the best time to visit Hoi An?
February to May offers the best weather — sunny, dry, and not too hot. - Do I need to book tours in advance?
Yes, especially for popular ones like cooking classes and Cham Island trips during high season. - Can I use USD in Hoi An?
VND is preferred, but some shops accept USD. It’s best to carry local currency for street food and small purchases.
