Hoi An is in central Vietnam 40 minutes south of Da Nang Airport and is known for the hundreds of lanterns hung up around the city. Here are 10 things to do in Hoi An on your next trip!
1. Bike through the rice fields in Hoi An
Grab a bike from your hotel and bicycle through the rice fields to the coast. Even though the streets of Hoi An are relatively calm compared with larger cities in Vietnam, getting out of the city center can be a little stressful. However, once you get to the edge of town the ride becomes much more pleasant and calm. There are bike tours if you don’t want to venture on your own.
I recommend taking Đ. Hai Bà Trưng road to get from Hoi An to the beach.
2. Spend the day at the beach
Put on your swimsuit and head to the beach. An Bang Beach, which is the most popular, is just 10 minutes from Hoi An downtown by car. The best way to get to the beach is by bicycle, scooter, or taxi.
3. Explore Hoi An by scooter
With a scooter you can cover a lot of ground and have more flexibility to explore. Talk to your hotel about scooter rentals either onsite or nearby.
4. Lounge at the pool
If you’re staying somewhere with a pool, go for a swim to beat the heat. I stayed at Bel Marina resort which had a fabulous pool, including a swim up bar, that I made sure to get use of.
5. Drink a coffee at the Sound of Silence
Sound of Silence is a digital nomad paradise by the beach. Even if you’re not a digital nomad, this dreamy coffee shop is worth a visit. Bring your book, swimsuit, and appetite and post up at a table overlooking the ocean. There is a staircase down to the beach, so between coffees you can go for a swim.
6. Cross the Japanese Covered Bridge
The Japanese Covered Bridge was originally built in the 16th century when Japanese merchants were present in the area. The bridge is associated with protection against Namazu, a Japanese mythological monster that causes earthquakes.
7. Eat at the Hoi An Night Market
The Hoi An night market is conveniently set up near the river in the heart of Hoi An. There are stalls with food, dessert, trinkets, and clothes. Check it out and see what catches your attention. I tried the rolled ice cream!
8. Take a cooking class
I didn’t get a chance to take a cooking class in Vietnam, but have heard Hoi An is a particularly good area to find one.
9. Walk around Hoi An Ancient Town during the day
Wander through Hoi An’s Ancient Town during the day to admire the hundreds of hanging lanterns, window shop, and embrace the lively atmosphere. This area can get quite busy and can be a little overwhelming, but that’s also the fun of it.
10. Walk around Hoi An Ancient Town at night
Wandering through old town at night is a must do with hundreds of lanterns lit up once the sun goes down.
11. Browse the shops
Hoi An has endless clothing shops that are fun to browser even if you don’t want to buy anything.
12. Have custom clothes made
Hoi An is a popular place to get custom-made clothes. While I did not personally have anything made, I met people who were happy with the custom suits and dresses they had made.
13. Go bar hopping in Hoi An
The nightlife in Hoi An is actually pretty fun! Check out the bars on Nguyễn Phúc Chu just south of the river. Tiger Tiger is a popular bar and I had fun at The Shamrock on St Patricks day.
14. Day trip to Mỹ Sơn from Hoi An
Visit Mỹ Sơn which is a ruin site of Hindu Temples built between the 4th – 14th century. The site is approximately 1 hour from Hoi An and has an entrance fee. To get to Mỹ Sơn either find a tour or find your own transportation.
15. Day trip to the Marble Mountains
Visit the Marble Mountains with multiple temples and caves to explore. The Marble Mountains are just 25 minutes from Hoi An and can be reached either by tour or private transport.
16. Day trip to Da Nang from Hoi An
Da Nang is Vietnam’s third largest city and sits right on the coast. Check out the famous dragon bridge, expansive beaches, museums, restaurants, and temples.
17. Experience Hải Vân Pass
Hải Vân Pass is a scenic mountain pass along the coast that is popular among motorcylists. Either rent private transport or find a tour that includes the pass.
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