21 Best Things to Do in Hoi An Ancient Town (+ Insider Tips & Map)

The best things to do in Hoi An Ancient Town are exploring the lantern-lit streets, getting custom-tailored clothes, visiting historic homes, and taking a sunset boat ride on the Hoai River while releasing a paper lantern. Forget generic travel lists. This guide delivers 21 authentic experiences in the ancient town of Hoi An, blending iconic sights with genuine local secrets. Explore with Herbal Spa now!

1. Understanding the Hoi An ancient town ticket

you need to buy a ticket to enter and visit attractions in the Hoi An Ancient Town heritage area. The ticket for foreign visitors costs 120,000 VND (~ USD 5) and grants you access to 5 of the 22 designated heritage sites, including the famous Japanese Bridge. The fee directly funds the preservation of this unique UNESCO site.

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The ticket system for the ancient town of Hoi An can seem confusing at first, but it's quite simple once you understand how it works. Think of it not just as an entry fee, but as your contribution to keeping this beautiful town preserved for future generations. The revenue is essential for the ongoing restoration of the ancient houses, temples, and pagodas.

Hoi An Ancient Town Ticket Details

2. TOP 21 best things to do in Hoi An ancient town

This handpicked list is your guide to the most memorable Hoi An ancient town attractions, blending iconic sightseeing with hands-on cultural experiences and, of course, incredible food. Each point is designed to help you connect with this unique destination in a meaningful way.

2.1 Cross the iconic Japanese covered bridge

The undisputed symbol of Hoi An, this 17th-century bridge is a must-see. It features a unique design with a small temple inside and is best photographed in the early morning to avoid crowds.

No trip to Hoi An Ancient Town is complete without walking across its most celebrated landmark. The Japanese Covered Bridge, or Chùa Cầu, is more than just a way to cross a small stream; it's a living piece of history and a testament to the town's multicultural past.

2.2 Explore an ancient house

Step inside the beautifully preserved homes of Hoi An's 18th-century merchants. These "living museums" showcase a stunning blend of Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese architecture. For the best experience, choose Tan Ky for polished history or Phung Hung for authentic, lived-in stories.

Visiting an ancient house in Vietnam Hoi An ancient town is like opening a time capsule. These are not sterile museums; they are homes where generations of the same family have lived for centuries, weathering floods and witnessing history unfold. The architecture itself tells a story, with Japanese-influenced crab-shell ceilings, Chinese yin-yang floor tiles, and traditional Vietnamese layouts creating a harmonious whole.

2.3 Visit a chinese assembly hall

The Fujian Assembly Hall is arguably the most visually stunning of all assembly halls in Hoi An. Famous for its magnificent triple-arched gate, vibrant courtyards, and ornate carvings, it's a must-visit for photographers and those interested in spiritual culture.

>>>>> Make the most of your trip with must-try things to do in Hoi An.

As you wander through the ancient town of Hoi An, you'll be drawn to the incredible gateways of the Chinese Assembly Halls. These were the social, spiritual, and business hubs for the various Chinese communities who settled here. While there are several, the Fujian (Phuc Kien) Assembly Hall is the one you absolutely cannot miss.

2.4 Get a custom-tailored outfit

Hoi An is world-famous for its affordable, high-quality, and incredibly fast tailoring. You can get a custom suit, dress, or shirt made to your exact measurements in just 24-48 hours. The key is to choose a reputable tailor based on reviews, not street-side offers.

Getting an outfit custom-made is one of the most iconic experiences in the ancient town of Hoi An. The town's legacy as a major port on the Silk Road has created a centuries-old tradition in textiles and garment-making. Today, hundreds of tailor shops line the streets,

2.5 Massage at Herbal Spa Hoi An

After hours of walking around the streets of Hoi An ancient town, your body deserves some rest and pampering. Herbal Spa Hoi An is more than just a massage parlor; it is a peaceful oasis, a renowned wellness destination that has received numerous awards and excellent reviews from travelers around the world.

Herbal Spa stands out for its professionalism, absolute tranquility and commitment to using natural ingredients. The most unique highlight is the signature massage therapy using warm herbal bags. The technicians will use bags containing a mixture of lemongrass, ginger, mugwort and local herbs, warmed and gently pressed onto the body, helping to relieve muscle aches, improve circulation and bring a deep sense of relaxation.

Herbal Spa offers a diverse menu of services to meet all your relaxation needs:

• Body Massage:
  • Herbal Spa Signature Massage (Using warm herbal bags).
  • Four-Hands Massage for the ultimate experience.
  • Hot Stone Massage, Bamboo Massage, Thai Massage.

• Facial Care:
  • Deep cleansing, anti-aging, and sensitive skin care treatments using natural products.
• Body Treatment:
  • Exfoliate with ingredients such as coffee, coconut.
  • Body Wrap helps nourish and soften the skin.
• Spa Packages: Packages that combine multiple treatments (e.g. massage + scrub + facial) lasting 2-4 hours, providing a complete relaxing experience.

Book a 2-3 hour spa package in the late afternoon. This is the perfect way to escape the heat, recharge and get ready for a magical evening when the lanterns start to light up the old town, creating a mesmerizing view of Hoi An ancient town at night. Remember to book at least a day in advance to ensure availability.

2.6 Release a lantern on the Hoai river

This is Hoi An's most iconic evening activity. For a small fee, you can buy a colorful paper lantern, make a wish for good luck, and release it onto the Hoai River. This beautiful tradition creates a magical spectacle and is best experienced just after sunset.

As darkness falls, the banks of the Hoai River transform into a scene from a fairy tale. The experience of releasing a paper lantern is a quintessential part of any visit to Hoi An ancient town at night. This simple, beautiful tradition is believed to bring good luck, happiness, and have your wishes granted as your light joins hundreds of others flickering on the water's surface.

2.7 Take a Vietnamese cooking class

A Vietnamese cooking class is one of the most rewarding and immersive cultural activities in Hoi An. A typical half-day class includes a guided tour of a bustling local market, hands-on instruction to cook several classic dishes, and finally, feasting on the delicious meal you've prepared yourself.

To truly understand a culture, you must understand its food. A cooking class in Hoi An offers you that opportunity, taking you far beyond simply eating in restaurants. It's a hands-on journey into the heart of Vietnamese cuisine, starting with the fresh, vibrant ingredients that define it.

2.8 Wander the lantern-lit streets at night

Experiencing Hoi An ancient town at night is an absolute must-do. After sunset, the historic core becomes a pedestrian-only zone, magically illuminated by thousands of colorful silk lanterns. For the best photos, focus on Tran Phu, Nguyen Thai Hoc, and the streets along the riverfront.

If Hoi An is charming by day, it becomes truly enchanting after dark. The town undergoes a complete transformation as the sun sets and the famous lanterns begin to glow. The air cools, the crowds soften, and a sense of timeless romance fills the air. This is the Hoi An that captures hearts and camera lenses.

2.9 Savor a bowl of Authentic Cao Lau

Cao Lầu is Hoi An's most famous culinary creation, a unique dish of chewy noodles, smoky pork, and fresh greens. According to legend, authentic Cao Lầu can only be made in Hoi An, as the noodles must be prepared with water from the town's ancient and secretive Ba Le well.

What makes Cao Lầu one of the most unique Hoi An ancient town attractions is its hyper-local origin story. The dish is a perfect harmony of textures and flavors, often called the "holy trinity" of ingredients: special noodles, tender pork, and crisp local herbs.

2.10 Try the world-famous Banh Mi Phuong

Made world-famous by the late, great chef Anthony Bourdain, Banh Mi Phuong is a true culinary landmark in Hoi An. Be prepared to queue for what Bourdain called a "symphony in a sandwich", a perfect, crispy baguette packed with an explosion of savory, spicy, sweet, and fresh flavors.

>>>>> Discover unique ideas for what to do in Hoi An when raining.

Before Anthony Bourdain visited, Banh Mi Phuong was a beloved local spot. After he featured it on his show No Reservations, it became an international phenomenon, a culinary pilgrimage site for foodies visiting the Hoi An ancient town. Joining the buzzing queue is part of the experience, watching the team of women work with incredible speed and precision, assembling sandwich after sandwich.

2.11 Immerse yourself in the central market

For a vibrant, chaotic, and truly authentic feast for the senses, head to Hoi An's Central Market. Explore the colorful produce and fresh fish sections before diving into the indoor food court, which serves some of the best and most affordable local dishes in town.

The Hoi An Central Market is the beating heart of local life. From the early morning hours, it's a whirlwind of activity, offering a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the town's daily rhythm. The air is thick with the smells of fresh herbs, pungent fish sauce, and simmering broths. The sounds of friendly bargaining and sizzling woks create a unique soundtrack.

2.12 Relax on the sands of An Bang beach

Need a break from the heat and historic streets of the Old Town? An Bang Beach is the perfect escape, located just a 15-minute ride away. With its soft golden sand, rustic beach bars, and excellent fresh seafood restaurants, it's the ideal place to relax for an afternoon.

While the history of the Old Town is captivating, sometimes you just need a dose of sun, sand, and sea. An Bang Beach is the go-to coastal retreat for visitors to hoi an old town vietnam. It strikes a perfect balance, offering plenty of amenities without feeling overdeveloped, maintaining a relaxed, bohemian charm.

2.13 Paddle a basket boat through coconut groves

For a fun and uniquely Vietnamese eco-tour, head to the Cam Thanh Coconut Village and paddle a traditional round basket boat (thúng chai) through serene water coconut groves. The experience is famous for its lively "boat spinning" performances and demonstrations of traditional fishing techniques.

Escape the bustling streets and discover a different side of Hoi An's waterways. Just a short drive from the old town, the Bay Mau Coconut Forest offers a peaceful labyrinth of palm-fringed channels. Here, you'll hop into a thúng chai, a surprisingly stable boat woven from bamboo, and be paddled by a local through the cool, green groves.

2.14 Craft your souvenir at a lantern-making class

Don't just buy a lantern, make one! A lantern-making class is a fun, hands-on cultural activity perfect for all ages. In a couple of hours, local artisans will guide you through the simple process of creating your beautiful silk lantern to take home as a truly personal souvenir.

The silk lanterns are the soul of the ancient town of Hoi An, and crafting one yourself is a wonderful way to connect with this local tradition. Numerous workshops around the town offer short classes where you can learn the art from start to finish. It’s a relaxing, creative, and surprisingly easy process.

2.15 Explore the countryside by bicycle

The beauty of Hoi An extends far beyond its historic center. Grab a bicycle and explore the surrounding countryside to discover a serene landscape of lush green rice paddies, grazing water buffalo, and quiet farming villages. Many hotels offer free bikes for guests.

To truly appreciate the area, you must venture beyond the ancient town of Hoi An. The surrounding countryside is flat, scenic, and perfect for exploring on two wheels. A gentle bicycle ride offers a refreshing contrast to the busy town, immersing you in the peaceful rhythms of rural Vietnamese life.

2.16 Enjoy Vietnamese coffee at a riverside cafe

The Vietnamese coffee experience is a cultural ritual, and there's no better place to partake than in the ancient town of Hoi An. Find a charming riverside café, order a cà phê sữa đá (strong iced coffee with sweet condensed milk), and simply watch the world go by. It’s a moment to pause your sightseeing, absorb the gentle pace of life, and watch the boats glide along the Hoai River, making it an essential part of any visit.

For the best experience, choose a café with an upstairs balcony or terrace for an elevated view away from the street-level bustle. This is the perfect vantage point for people-watching and feeling the river breeze. As an insider tip, don’t rush; Vietnamese coffee is meant to be savored slowly. For a different but equally delicious local treat, try a coconut coffee (cà phê cốt dừa) for a creamy, tropical twist on the classic.

2.17 Take a photo with the iconic yellow walls

The sun-faded, ochre-yellow walls are the unmistakable signature of Hoi An's architecture and a key reason the town is so photogenic. This specific shade, symbolizing royalty and luck, provides a stunningly warm and cohesive backdrop that makes every photograph pop. Wandering the streets to find your perfect yellow wall is an "Instagrammable" treasure hunt and one of the simplest pleasures of exploring the town.

While these beautiful facades are everywhere, Hoang Van Thu Street is known for having some particularly well-preserved and picturesque sections. For the most breathtaking photos, shoot during the "golden hours" of early morning or late afternoon. The soft, angled light enriches the yellow tones and creates beautiful shadows, giving your images a professional quality. Look for a wall adorned with contrasting pink bougainvillea flowers for a classic Hoi An shot.

2.18 Visit the museum of folk culture

To truly understand what makes this town special, look beyond the shops and restaurants and step into the Museum of Folk Culture. Housed in the largest ancient house in town, this museum offers a precious window into the soul of Hoi An, showcasing the daily life, traditions, and intangible heritage of its people. Visiting here is one of the best ways to use one of the five sightseeing passes included with your Hoi An ancient town ticket.

Inside, you'll find fascinating displays on traditional handicrafts like silk weaving, pottery, and lantern making, alongside farming tools and artifacts from daily life in centuries past. As an insider tip, visit this museum before you go souvenir shopping. Understanding the immense skill and history behind the local crafts will give you a much deeper appreciation for the beautiful items you see in the shops later on.

2.19 Watch a cultural show at the Lune Center

For a world-class evening of entertainment, experience a show at the Lune Performing Center. Often called the "Vietnamese Cirque du Soleil," it uses breathtaking acrobatics, contemporary dance, and live tribal music to tell captivating stories about Vietnamese culture, all within a stunning bamboo theatre.

If you're looking for a sophisticated and unforgettable evening activity, the Lune Center is a must-see. The venue itself is an architectural masterpiece and an attraction in its own right, setting the stage for the magic within. It's the perfect cultural highlight for your experience of Hoi An ancient town at night.

2.10 Take a day trip to My Son Sanctuary

Take a fascinating half-day trip to the My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site often called "Vietnam's Angkor Wat." Located just an hour from Hoi An, you can explore the atmospheric, jungle-clad temple ruins that were once the political and spiritual capital of the ancient Champa Kingdom.

For a powerful dose of ancient history, venture beyond Hoi An to the hauntingly beautiful My Son Sanctuary. This sprawling complex of brick temples and towers, now partially reclaimed by the jungle, predates Hoi An by centuries. Walking among these ancient, crumbling structures in their lush valley setting is a truly profound experience, offering a stark contrast to the bustling energy of the Hoi An ancient town.

2.21 Sample traditional Hoi An 'Che'

For an authentic dessert experience often overlooked by tourists, find a street-side vendor and try Chè. This is a whole category of traditional Vietnamese sweet dessert soups, often served over ice and featuring ingredients like sweet beans, corn, jellies, and coconut milk, perfect for cooling down.

It's a delicious, light, and incredibly cheap treat that offers an authentic taste of the local food culture in the ancient town of Hoi An.  You'll find it served from humble street-side stalls, often by elderly women who have been using the same recipes for decades.

3. Essential Hoi An travel planning guide

3.1 Best time to visit Hoi An

The ideal time to visit Hoi An is during the dry season, which runs from February to August. During these months, you can expect plentiful sunshine, blue skies, and warm temperatures perfect for exploring the ancient streets and relaxing on the nearby beaches. The rainy season, from September to January, sees fewer crowds and cooler weather, but comes with frequent rainfall and a risk of flooding in the Old Town, especially in October and November.

For a truly magical experience, try to time your visit with the monthly Full Moon Lantern Festival. Held on the 14th day of every lunar calendar month, this is when the entire ancient town switches off its electric lights and becomes illuminated solely by thousands of colorful silk lanterns. The streets glow with a soft, romantic light, and the river is filled with candlelit paper lanterns, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

3.2 How to get to Hoi An (From Da Nang & Beyond)

Hoi An does not have its own airport or train station; the main gateway is the nearby city of Da Nang (DAD), which is served by numerous domestic and international flights. From either Da Nang International Airport or the Da Nang train station, it is a scenic and straightforward 45 to 60-minute journey south to reach the heart of the ancient town of Hoi An.

3.3 How many days do you need in Hoi An?

While you can see the main highlights of the Hoi An ancient town in two full days, the ideal length for a well-rounded and enjoyable trip is three to four days. This recommended timeframe allows you to thoroughly explore the historic streets, savor the incredible food scene, and even get an outfit custom-tailored without feeling rushed.

3.4 Where to stay: Near the old town or at the beach?

Choosing to stay in or just outside the Old Town puts you right in the heart of the action, with the best attractions, restaurants, and shops just a short stroll away. The primary advantage is this complete immersion and walkability; you can easily step out of your hotel and be surrounded by the magical atmosphere, especially when the lanterns of the ancient town Hoi An are lit at night.

4. Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

4.1 Is the Hoi An entrance ticket mandatory?

Officially, a ticket is required to enter the designated heritage sites within the Hoi An ancient town, such as the Japanese Bridge, ancient houses, and assembly halls. While you can often walk through the main streets without being checked, you will need a valid ticket pass to enter any specific attraction. We highly recommend purchasing one, as the fee directly supports the vital preservation work that keeps this UNESCO site beautiful for everyone.

4.2 What should I wear when visiting Hoi An's temples?

For general walking and sightseeing, light, comfortable clothing like shorts, t-shirts, and dresses is perfectly acceptable. However, to show respect when entering any active religious site—including temples, pagodas, and assembly halls, you must ensure your shoulders and knees are covered. A great insider tip is to carry a light scarf or sarong in your bag, which you can easily drape over your shoulders or tie around your waist when needed.

4.3 Is Hoi An safe for tourists?

Yes, Hoi An is considered exceptionally safe for tourists, with a famously relaxed atmosphere and a very low crime rate. As with any popular travel destination, it is wise to take standard precautions against petty theft by being mindful of your belongings in crowded areas like markets. The streets of the ancient town of Hoi An are lovely to walk at night, but it is always sensible to be aware of your surroundings.

Herbal Spa hopes this guide has helped you better understand the incredible diversity of experiences waiting for you in Hoi An Ancient Town. From the historical depth of its ancient houses and the magic of its lantern-lit nights to the unforgettable flavors of its unique cuisine, Hoi An is a destination that truly captivates the senses. Herbal Spa's goal was to give you more than just a list; Herbal Spa wanted to provide the insider tips and practical advice needed to make your trip truly special.

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