Find the top things to do in Hoi An from a local’s view. Visit temples, cycle through rice fields, enjoy street food, and see Vietnam’s charm.
Welcome to Hoi An , one of those rare places that makes you slow down and breathe. I have guided travelers through these streets for years, and no matter how often I come back, Hoi An still feels fresh and full of surprises.
I have been guiding travelers through Hoi An for years, and every time I walk its streets, I still notice something new. This little town has a way of slowing you down. It invites you to look closer, to taste everything, and to feel its rhythm.
When people ask me what to do here, I never give a short answer. There are so many things to do in Hoi An that combine culture, food, and the kind of quiet beauty that stays with you long after you leave. So here is my personal guide to help you experience Hoi An the way the locals do.
I always begin my walking tours here. The Japanese Covered Bridge is more than just a famous landmark. It is the heart of Hoi An’s Old Town and a symbol of its multicultural history. Built by Japanese merchants in the 17th century, the bridge once connected the Japanese and Chinese quarters.
If you can, come early in the morning when the air is still cool and the town is waking up. You will see locals sweeping their doorsteps and vendors setting up small food stalls. The bridge is quiet then, and you can take in the sound of the river and the scent of incense from nearby temples.
Inside the bridge is a small shrine to a guardian spirit who protects travelers. I always encourage visitors to pause for a moment here, take a breath, and make a small wish for safe journeys.
This is one of the most interesting places in the Ancient Town. Tan Ky Old House has been home to the same family for seven generations. The building itself is a mix of Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese design, which perfectly reflects Hoi An’s trading past.
When I bring visitors here, I always point out the flood marks on the wall that show how high the water has reached during floods over the centuries. Despite that, the house has remained beautifully preserved. The family keeps it open for visitors, and they are proud to share their history.
Look at the wooden beams and carvings inside. Each one tells a story of faith, luck, and family tradition. If you enjoy learning about everyday life in the past, this is one of the most meaningful things to do in Hoi An.
Every time I walk through the gates of the Fujian Assembly Hall, I feel a sense of calm. The hall was built by the Fujian Chinese community and is dedicated to Thien Hau, the goddess of the sea. Travelers and sailors have prayed here for protection for centuries.
The hall is filled with red lanterns, colorful dragons, and the sweet smell of incense. It is easy to spend time here just taking in the details. My tip is to visit in the late morning when the sunlight filters through the smoke and makes everything glow.
It is a wonderful spot for photos, but more than that, it offers a quiet moment to reflect on how deeply spiritual this town is.
Most visitors only see the Fujian Hall, but Hoi An has several others that are just as impressive. The Chaozhou, Guangdong, and Hainan Assembly Halls are scattered around the Ancient Town. Each one represents a different Chinese community that once lived and traded here.
The Guangdong Hall has two stone lions at the gate and a lovely courtyard. The Chaozhou Hall is smaller but full of delicate carvings. The Hainan Hall has a moving story. It was built in memory of sailors who lost their lives at sea.
These halls are usually quiet, so they are perfect if you want to escape the crowds. If you like exploring places with atmosphere and history, make sure to include them on your list of things to do in Hoi An.
This pagoda is one of my favorite stops in the Old Town. It is dedicated to General Guan Yu, a Chinese hero known for loyalty and courage. The pagoda is painted in deep red and gold and always smells of burning incense.
I like to visit in the afternoon when the sunlight touches the altars and the sound of chanting fills the air. Locals come here to pray for strength and good fortune, and even if you do not share the same beliefs, it is hard not to feel a sense of respect for their devotion.
Take your time here. Look up at the roof details and watch the gentle rhythm of people lighting candles. It is peaceful and full of meaning.
When the sun gets too hot, I like to take visitors to one of Hoi An’s small museums. They are often quiet, but they give you a real understanding of the town’s history.
The Sa Huynh Culture Museum shows ancient artifacts from before Hoi An became a trading port. The Museum of Trade Ceramics tells the story of how goods from as far as Japan and the Middle East once passed through here. The Hội An Museum covers the town’s development and traditional life.
You only need a short visit to each, but after you go, the streets and buildings around you will make more sense.
The Central Market is where the town’s energy really comes alive. I often start my morning tours here so guests can see local life at full speed. The air smells like fresh herbs, grilled meat, and tropical fruit.
If you want to try local dishes, this is the place. Order a bowl of Cao Lau, Hoi An’s signature noodles, or a Banh Mi from one of the food stalls. The food is delicious, inexpensive, and cooked right in front of you.
Take your time walking around the market. Look at the variety of spices and colorful vegetables, talk to the vendors, and practice a few words of Vietnamese. It is one of the liveliest things to do in Hoi An and a great way to experience the local rhythm of life.
Hoi An becomes truly magical after sunset. The streets of the Ancient Town are lit with thousands of lanterns, and the reflection of their colors dances on the river.
I often bring travelers to the riverside just as the lights begin to appear. It is a moment that feels calm and timeless. You can take a short boat ride on the river or release a floating candle for good luck.
Walk slowly, enjoy the music and the sound of laughter, and maybe stop for a drink by the water. The lanterns are not just decoration. They are part of what makes Hoi An feel alive.
The countryside around Hoi An is full of small craft villages where old traditions are still practiced.
At Thanh Ha Pottery Village, you can sit with local potters and learn how to shape clay into small pots or cups. The villagers are warm and patient, and it is a fun way to connect with local culture.
Across the river, Kim Bong Carpentry Village is home to skilled woodworkers who build boats and carve beautiful furniture by hand.
One of my favorite places to bring guests is Tra Que Vegetable Village. Here, you can join local farmers in planting herbs, watering vegetables, and cooking a meal from the garden. It is a peaceful, authentic experience that helps you understand the local way of life.
A basket boat ride in the Cam Thanh Coconut Forest is always a highlight. The round bamboo boats look funny at first, but once you start gliding through the small water channels, it feels peaceful and relaxing.
Local guides often sing, laugh, and show you how to catch small crabs. If you are lucky, they might even spin the boat in circles for fun. It is a lighthearted activity that always makes people smile.
Bring your camera and be ready to get a little wet. It is one of those simple experiences that stays in your memory.
When you want a break from walking, spend some time by the sea. An Bang Beach is quiet and relaxed, with gentle waves and small beach bars. You can swim, enjoy a seafood lunch, or just sit and watch the local fishermen at work.
Cua Dai Beach is closer to town and great for a short afternoon visit.
For a day trip, I always recommend the Cham Islands. The water is clear, and snorkeling there is wonderful. You can see coral reefs, swim, and enjoy fresh seafood cooked right on the beach.
After busy days in the Old Town, the beaches are the perfect place to relax.
The countryside around Hoi An is green, quiet, and full of charm. I love guiding cycling tours here because it shows a different side of Vietnam. You ride past rice fields, water buffalo, and small village homes. Farmers wave and children call out “hello” as you pass.
We often stop for coffee at small local cafes and watch daily life unfold. Sometimes, guests join locals in planting rice or fishing with nets. It is simple, genuine, and always leaves a strong impression.
Before heading back to town, I like to stop at a coffee shop overlooking the fields to watch the sunset. The sky turns orange and pink, and for a moment, everything feels still.
If you want to explore Hoi An with someone who knows its hidden corners and local secrets, join one of our personalized tours at Aurora Vietnam Tours. Whether it’s a cycling adventure through the rice fields, a basket boat ride, or a street food walk under the lanterns, we’ll make sure your time in Hoi An feels authentic, relaxed, and unforgettable.
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