Hoi An, City Guide
VNRentals's Top 15 Things To Do in Hoi An
10 April 2026
Hoi An stands out because most of the best activities are interactive rather than passive sightseeing. You are not just walking around landmarks, you are making things, cooking, riding boats, and experiencing local culture directly.
This guide focuses on the highest-rated and most worthwhile activities, with clear locations and realistic pricing so you can plan properly.
1. Hoi An Ancient Town
Location: Tran Phu Street, Old Town
Price: ~120,000 VND
The Ancient Town is the centre of everything in Hoi An, filled with preserved buildings, temples, and narrow streets. The ticket gives access to selected historic houses and cultural sites, which are worth entering rather than just viewing from outside.
It is best explored early morning or later in the evening to avoid peak tourist crowds and heat.
2. Lantern Making Class
Location: Various workshops (e.g. Cam Pho / Nguyen Thi Minh Khai area)
Price: ~150,000 - 300,000 VND
Lantern making is one of the most popular activities in Hoi An and gives you a hands-on way to engage with local culture. You will be guided step-by-step to build a traditional silk lantern using bamboo frames.
Most classes last around 1-2 hours and allow you to take your finished lantern home as a souvenir.
3. Basket Boat Ride (Coconut Village)
Location: Cam Thanh Village (Bay Mau Coconut Forest)
Price: ~150,000 - 250,000 VND
This activity involves riding in round bamboo basket boats through coconut forests while local guides demonstrate spinning tricks and fishing techniques. It is one of the more unique experiences in central Vietnam.
Most tours include short rides, crab fishing demonstrations, and photo stops.
4. Vietnamese Cooking Class
Location: Various (Red Bridge, local farms, or riverside kitchens)
Price: ~600,000 - 1,200,000 VND
Cooking classes typically start with a local market visit before teaching you how to prepare dishes like Cao Lau, spring rolls, and Vietnamese pancakes. It is one of the best ways to understand local food beyond restaurants.
Classes often include eating the dishes you prepare, making it both an activity and a full meal.
5. Japanese Covered Bridge
Location: Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Old Town
Price: Included in Ancient Town ticket
This 16th-century bridge is one of Hoi An's most recognisable landmarks. It connects two sides of the Old Town and features a small shrine inside.
While it is often crowded, it is worth seeing up close for its historical significance. Visiting early in the morning provides a quieter experience.
6. Night Market and Lantern Boat Ride on the Thu Bon River
Location: Nguyen Hoang Street
Price: ~150,000-200,000 VND per boat
The night market is busy and focused on street food, souvenirs, and lantern displays. It is one of the main evening attractions.
Expect crowds, but it is still worth visiting for the atmosphere and food options.
7. Get Custom Clothes Tailored
Location: Old Town (e.g. Tran Phu & surrounding streets)
Price: ~500,000 - 3,000,000+ VND
Hoi An is famous for fast tailoring, with many shops offering custom suits, dresses, and shirts within 24-48 hours. This is one of the most unique things to do here compared to other cities.
Quality varies significantly, so it is worth checking reviews before choosing a shop.
8. Coffee Making Class
Location: Various workshops in town
Price: ~200,000 - 400,000 VND
These classes teach you how to make traditional Vietnamese coffees, including egg coffee, salt coffee, and phin filter brews.
You also learn about the history and process behind Vietnamese coffee culture.
9. Tra Que Vegetable Village
Location: Cam Ha, Hoi An
Price: ~30,000 - 50,000 VND
This farming village supplies herbs and vegetables to local restaurants. You can cycle through the area or join hands-on farming experiences.
It is quieter than the Old Town and offers a more rural atmosphere.
10. An Bang Beach
Location: Hai Ba Trung Road
Price: Free (sunbeds extra)
An Bang is the most popular beach near Hoi An and offers a mix of relaxed areas and beach clubs. It is cleaner and more laid back than many city beaches.
Best visited early morning or late afternoon to avoid strong sun.
11. Fujian Assembly Hall
Location: 46 Tran Phu Street
Price: Included in Old Town ticket
This is one of the most impressive historic buildings in Hoi An, known for its detailed architecture, statues, and incense-filled interior.
It is worth stepping inside rather than just viewing from outside.
12. Hoi An Central Market
Location: 19 Tran Phu Street
Price: Free
This is a busy local market where you can see daily life, fresh produce, and street food. It is more authentic than the tourist-focused areas.
It can be hectic, but it is one of the best places to try local dishes cheaply.
13. Pottery Class (Thanh Ha Pottery Village)
Location: Thanh Ha Village, ~10 minutes from town
Price: ~40,000 - 100,000 VND
This village is known for traditional pottery making. Visitors can try shaping clay on a wheel and learn basic techniques.
It is a short trip from the centre and pairs well with a bike ride.
14. Cycling Around the Countryside
Location: Around Cam Kim Island and rural outskirts
Price: ~50,000-100,000 VND bike rental
Hoi An is one of the most bike-friendly towns in Vietnam. Cycling out toward Cam Kim Island or through the rice fields takes you away from the tourist core entirely.
Most guesthouses and hotels rent bikes cheaply, and the flat terrain makes it accessible for all levels.
15. My Son Sanctuary (Day Trip)
Location: Duy Phu, ~1 hour from Hoi An
Price: ~150,000 VND
My Son is a UNESCO-listed site featuring ancient Hindu temple ruins dating back centuries. It offers a completely different experience from Hoi An itself.
Most people visit via organised tour or motorbike trip early in the morning.
π Where to Stay in Hoi An: Expat Neighbourhoods
Hoi An is a small town β most areas are a 5-10 minute bike ride from each other. Here's how the neighbourhoods break down for longer stays.
- An Bang Beach: The most popular area for digital nomads and expats. Beach access, good cafes, a quieter pace than the Old Town. β«5β10M/month for a 1-bedroom.
- Cam Chau / Cam Nam: Just outside the Ancient Town with a local, residential feel. Quiet, affordable, and well-located. β«4β7M.
- An Hoi / Cam An: Riverside location close to the Ancient Town without the tourist noise. Good balance of access and calm. β«5β9M.