Hoi An: Your Must-Do Guide to Vietnam’s Golden Gem

​Welcome to Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site and quite possibly the most beautiful small city in Southeast Asia. This former trading port is a stunning fusion of Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese, and French architectural styles, famous for its golden-yellow buildings, ancient temples, and, most notably, its thousands of colorful lanterns.
​Hoi An isn’t just a place to see—it’s a place to experience. To make sure you soak up every bit of its magic, here are the absolute must-do activities for every visitor.

​1. Immerse Yourself in the Ancient Town (Phố Cổ)

The heart of Hoi An is its pedestrian-friendly Old Town, and simply wandering its narrow streets is the most essential activity.
​Cross the Japanese Covered Bridge (Chùa Cầu): Built in the 17th century by the Japanese community, this ornate bridge is the city’s iconic symbol. It features a small temple inside and is one of the key historical landmarks you can visit with a nominal Old Town entrance ticket.
​See the Shophouses and Assembly Halls: Visit beautifully preserved historical homes like the Tan Ky Ancient House and the Phung Hung Old House, which showcase the architecture of past merchants. Also, explore the ornate Fujian (Phuc Kien) Assembly Hall, used historically as meeting places for Chinese communities.
​The Lantern Magic: The Old Town is spectacular during the day, but truly magical at sunset. Wait until dusk when the whole city is illuminated by thousands of colorful silk lanterns.

​2. Embrace the River and Nightlife Rituals

​The Thu Bon River that flows through Hoi An is the center of the town’s atmosphere after dark.
​Take a Lantern Boat Ride: This is the most romantic activity in Hoi An. Hire a small sampan boat on the Hoai River (a tributary of the Thu Bon) after dark. The local boaters will row you gently along the river, surrounded by floating candle lanterns.
​Release a Floating Lantern: For a small fee (around 10,000 VND), you can purchase a paper lantern, light a candle inside, and release it onto the river for good luck.
​Visit the Night Market: Cross the An Hoi bridge to the island to explore the bustling Hoi An Night Market. It’s the perfect place to shop for lanterns, unique handicrafts, and sample some incredible street food. Pro-Tip: The 14th day of every lunar month is the Full Moon Lantern Festival, when the Old Town switches off electric lights for a truly spectacular, purely lantern-lit evening.

​3. Connect with Local Culture and Countryside

​Hoi An offers more than just the Old Town—the surrounding area is flat, green, and perfect for unique cultural experiences.
​Cycle the Rice Paddies: Rent a bicycle (many hotels offer them for free) and ride just 10 minutes out of the Old Town. You’ll find yourself surrounded by lush green rice fields, water buffalo, and small village roads. It’s the best way to see the serene Vietnamese countryside.
​Take a Cooking Class: Hoi An is one of the most popular places in Vietnam for learning to cook. Classes often start with a trip to the bustling Central Market to source fresh ingredients, followed by a hands-on session preparing classic Vietnamese dishes.
​Ride a Basket Boat (Thung Chai): Head to the Cam Thanh Coconut Forest for a quirky, must-do experience. Locals will paddle you through the water coconut groves in the famous round bamboo basket boats, often spinning them wildly for an extra thrill!
​Get Custom Tailored Clothing: The city is legendary for its dozens of tailor shops. You can choose a fabric and have a custom-made suit, dress, or shirt measured, fitted, and ready within 24 to 48 hours.

​4. Feast on Local Delicacies

Hoi An’s culinary scene is a star in itself, featuring three unique dishes you must try, often not found elsewhere in Vietnam:
​Cao Lầu: The true Hoi An specialty. These chewy, thick noodles are served with slices of seasoned pork, local greens, croutons, and a small amount of rich broth (said to be made only with water from a special well).
​White Rose Dumplings (Bánh Bao Vạc): Delicate shrimp-filled dumplings steamed to look like small white roses, usually topped with crispy fried shallots.
​Bánh Mì: While found everywhere in Vietnam, Hoi An claims to have the best. Queue up at famous spots like Bánh Mì Phượng to try this delicious baguette sandwich.
​Bánh Xèo: Savory, crispy pancakes with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, best enjoyed wrapped in lettuce and dipped in peanut sauce.

​Hoi An is designed for slow travel. Take your time, get lost, cycle a little, and let the golden light and thousands of lanterns transport you back in time.