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5 Best Things to do in Hoi An, Vietnam

We recently adjusted the itinerary on our Cambodia and Vietnam small group tour to give travellers an extra day in Hoi An to explore on their own. Why? Let us tell you… Hoi An truly is a special and unique place in Vietnam, and we’re sure you’ll absolutely love it. 

Hoi An

1.Get lost in the old town

Wandering through the streets of the old town is the best way to discover how charming Hoi An actually is. The absence of traffic is refreshing, especially if you come from big and busy cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh. Walk over the Japanese Bridge, take a look inside Tan Ky House, Tran Family Chapel and the Assembly Hall of the Fijian Chinese Congregation, have dinner in one of the restaurants alongside the water and fall in love even more at night, when thousands of colorful lanterns light up the whole town.

2.Jump on your bike and explore the countryside around Hoi An

Bright green rice fields, charming rural villages, pagodas and quietly rippling creeks define the surroundings of Hoi An. They can easily be explored by bike by following the almost 15 km long road that loops around the town. Just rent a bike for the day in the old town, ask a local for directions and start discovering!

Hoi An Lanterns

3.Relax on the beaches

Hoi An might not be famous for its beaches, it’s a nice place to go for a swim and spend an afternoon sunbathing and relaxing. Cua Dai beach is located about 4 km from the old town and is probably the most well-known. It can get crowded, especially during the weekend, but does however manage to keep an authentic and ‘unspoiled’ feel to it. If you’re looking for something more active to do, there’s plenty of watersports to choose from!

For a more off the beaten path experience, head to Cu Lao Cham, or the Cham Islands. Only open for visitors 7 months a year, these 8 islands with their incredible biodiversity offer breathtaking natural beauty, perfectly clear blue water and white sand. Just relax on the beach, go diving or snorkeling or hike around the islands. 

4.Do a day trip to My Son archeological site

A one hour drive away from Hoi An, My Son has been recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and even though it’s been gravely destroyed during war, the site is a must-see for everyone visiting Hoi An. The complex was built between the 4th and 14th Century and is believed to be the longest inhabited archeological site in Indochina.

Hoi An Old Town

5.Go shopping for tailor made clothes

Need a new suit? Planning to get married or invited to a wedding and don’t want to spend a fortune on your dress? Get it custom made by one of the many tailors Hoi An is so famous for! Take your time to visit different shops and compare tissues, service and prices and know it will take a couple of days before the garment will actually be ready. Luckily we’ve just given you plenty of ideas on how to spend them!

If you aren’t 100% convinced yet (are you crazy?!?) then check out everything we have on offer on our Vietnam tour package here!