What to do in Hoi An: your guide to must-have experiences in central Vietnam

The old town of Hoi An is a true open-air museum where each stone tells a millennia-old story. This exceptionally preserved cultural heritage transports you to the atmosphere of a prosperous trading port, witnessing the commercial exchanges between the East and the West.

In the heart of the old town stands the famous Japanese bridge, a true emblem of Hoi An since the 16th century. This remarkable work, also called Chua Cau, demonstrates the architectural ingenuity of the Japanese community settled in the city. The covered bridge symbolically connects the ancient Japanese and Chinese quarters, creating a physical and cultural link between these two communities.

The building fascinates with its refined architectural details: statues of monkeys and dogs guarding each end, a roof of traditional tiles sheltering a miniature pagoda. Legend has it that these animals symbolize the lunar years during which the construction took place. You will also discover the multiple influences that characterize this unique monument, a perfect fusion between Japanese and Vietnamese traditions.

The Tan Ky house is one of the best-preserved architectural gems in Hoi An. This family home, inhabited for seven generations, perfectly illustrates the lifestyle of prosperous merchants of the past. Its architecture subtly blends Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese influences, creating a unique architectural style in the world.

As you move through the different rooms, you admire the carved woodwork, the inner courtyards bathed in natural light, and the roofs adorned with protective dragons. These houses demonstrate the exceptional craftsmanship of local artisans and their ingenious adaptation to the tropical climate. Every architectural detail reveals the fascinating history of the merchant families who shaped the city's identity.

The Phuc Kien temple, dedicated to the protectress of mariners Thien Hau, immerses you in the spiritual world of the Chinese community in Hoi An. This beautifully decorated sanctuary features typical Chinese architecture with its raised roofs, dragon sculptures, and peaceful courtyards adorned with centuries-old bonsais.

The mystical atmosphere of the place invites contemplation, amid swirls of incense and colorful offerings. You also discover other remarkable temples like Quan Cong, honoring a legendary Chinese general, and the Chuc Thanh pagoda, the oldest religious building in the city dating back to 1454.

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Beyond its architectural heritage, Hoi An offers immersive experiences that reveal the authentic Vietnamese soul. These privileged encounters with local culture transform your stay into a true initiatory journey.

Vietnamese cooking classes are one of the most enriching experiences you can have in Hoi An. These culinary workshops usually start with a guided tour of the central market, where you discover the secrets of local products alongside passionate chefs.

You will learn to prepare the famous cao lau, an iconic specialty of Hoi An consisting of thick noodles, slices of caramelized pork, and fresh aromatic herbs. This unique preparation can only be made with water from the city's ancestral wells, giving the dish its distinctive flavor. The workshops also introduce you to the art of banh mi, this legendary Vietnamese sandwich, as well as techniques for preparing spring rolls and other local delights.

The surrounding craft villages perpetuate ancestral skills passed down from generation to generation. The village of Thanh Ha welcomes you to its pottery workshops where artisans shape clay using millennial techniques. You participate in creating your own pieces under the benevolent guidance of master potters.

The village of Tra Que, known for its herb gardens, invites you to discover traditional organic farming methods. The gardeners teach you the art of growing basil, coriander, and Vietnamese mint using techniques passed down for centuries. This ecological approach makes Hoi An's culinary reputation renowned throughout Vietnam.

The lantern-making workshops allow you to create your own colorful silk lantern, an iconic symbol of the city. This family activity offers a moment of privileged sharing while preserving a traditional craft threatened by modernity.

The Precious Heritage Museum, created by French photographer Réhahn, presents an exceptional collection of traditional costumes from the 54 Vietnamese ethnicities. This unique exhibition takes you on a journey through the remarkable cultural diversity of Vietnam, revealing the richness of the country's textile and craft traditions.

Full moon evenings transform the old town into a magical theater where lanterns replace electric lighting. These monthly celebrations perpetuate ancestral rituals: performances of traditional music, folk dances, and releasing floating lanterns on the Thu Bon River. These privileged moments connect you to the Vietnamese spiritual soul in a magical atmosphere.

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The privileged geographical location of Hoi An, between the sea and green countryside, offers a variety of natural escapes. This diversity of landscapes allows for a mix of cultural discoveries and relaxing moments in unspoiled natural settings.

An Bang beach stretches for several kilometers of fine, golden sand, fringed by the crystal-clear waters of the South China Sea. This beach area, ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Asia, welcomes you in a relaxed atmosphere far from the tourist hustle. The seafood restaurants set up directly on the sand offer freshly caught specialties accompanied by a stunning view of the sunset.

Cua Dai beach, closer to the town center, offers easy access in just a few minutes by bike from the old town. Its pristine white sand and coconut palms create a tropical setting ideal for your moments of relaxation. The swimming conditions are excellent most of the year, with a generally calm sea and pleasant temperatures.

The My Son sanctuary, located an hour's drive from Hoi An, is a must-see excursion to understand the history of the Champa kingdom. This World Heritage-listed archaeological site houses the remnants of Hindu sanctuary towers dating from the 4th to the 14th century. A morning visit allows you to avoid the heat while enjoying soft light that enhances the red sandstone sculptures.

The Cam Thanh coconut forest invites you to a unique experience in a traditional basket boat. These circular woven boats, used for generations by local fishermen, lead you through the meanders of the mangrove. Your local guides share their ancestral fishing techniques while introducing you to the exceptional biodiversity of this preserved ecosystem.

The surrounding rice paddies offer bucolic landscapes perfect for contemplative bike rides. These green expanses, dotted with palm trees and small traditional villages, reveal an authentic rural Vietnam. The dirt paths wind between the fields, creating peaceful routes away from busy roads.

These cycling getaways lead you to fishing villages where time seems to stand still. The locals welcome you with legendary Vietnamese kindness, eagerly sharing their stories and traditions. These chance encounters often make the most precious memories of your stay.

The Hoi An night market perfectly concludes your days of exploration. This daily hustle transforms the banks of the Thu Bon river into a festival of flavors and colors. Between street food stalls, local artisans, and multicolored lanterns, the atmosphere becomes magical at nightfall.

Our advice: plan at least three full days to fully enjoy the richness of Hoi An. This duration allows you to alternate between cultural discoveries, gastronomic experiences, and beach relaxation as you wish. The city reveals its secrets to travelers who take the time to stroll through its paved streets and immerse themselves in its unique lifestyle.

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