Best Things to Do in Hoi An For First-Time Travellers

9 Best Things to Do in Hoi An

1. Explore Hoi An’s Countryside by Bicycle

One of the best ways to experience authentic Vietnamese life is on two wheels. Rent a bicycle from your hotel or a local shop (around 30,000 VND per day) and head beyond the lantern-filled Ancient Town toward the peaceful villages of Cam Thanh and Cam Chau. As you ride, you’ll pass lush vegetable gardens, duck ponds, and local repair shops—each a slice of daily life in rural Vietnam. The journey offers fresh air, scenic rice paddies, and a slower pace that’s perfect for mindful travel and photography.

2. Take a Sunset Cruise on the Thu Bon River

Hoi An is intimately tied to water, and there’s no better way to experience its charm than from a boat. As the day winds down, hop aboard a traditional wooden sampan or small ferry for a sunset cruise along the Thu Bon River. A short bargain at the main ferry quay will usually secure a 30-minute ride for 150,000 to 200,000 VND. Set off just before sunset to watch the sky turn golden over the historic waterfront, with reflections dancing across the water and lanterns beginning to glow in the Ancient Town.

3. Go Café-Hopping Through Hoi An

Vietnam’s café culture is alive and well, but Hoi An’s coffee scene adds an extra layer of charm with its vintage interiors and serene courtyards. Start your day with fresh-pressed juice and avocado toast at the cozy Rosie’s Café, then swing by Le Fe for a smooth caramel coffee or a refreshing mango shake. For something more tranquil, visit Reaching Out Tea House, where hearing-impaired staff serve exquisite teas in a silent, soul-soothing space. Prefer a bit of buzz? Grab a balcony seat at Hoi An Roastery—perfect for people-watching as the bustle of the Ancient Town unfolds below.

4. Spend a Relaxing Day at An Bang Beach

Looking for sun, sea, and sand? Head just 7km from the Ancient Town to An Bang Beach, one of Vietnam’s most laid-back coastal gems. The main beach area offers beachfront hangouts like Soul Kitchen and The Hmong Sisters, along with casual seafood restaurants serving up the day’s fresh catch. Wander a bit farther down the shore, and you'll find a quieter stretch where local vendors offer sun loungers, fresh coconuts, and ice-cold beer at wallet-friendly prices. Whether you're in the mood to swim, nap, or sip under a palm-thatched umbrella, An Bang delivers easygoing beach vibes.

5. Shop for Handcrafted Souvenirs and Tailor-Made Treasures

Hoi An is Vietnam’s tailoring capital, renowned for custom suits, dresses, leather goods, and accessories, all made to fit in just a day or two. But the shopping scene goes beyond bespoke clothing. Spend some time exploring the boutiques of the Ancient Town, where you’ll find thoughtful, locally made souvenirs. Drop by Cocobox for artisanal Vietnamese jams, honey, and coffee, or browse Metiseko for sustainable fashion with bold, Southeast Asian-inspired prints. Artbook is a great stop for quirky posters and stationery, while Reaching Out offers elegant ceramic tea sets and handcrafted jewelry, made by artisans with disabilities. It’s the perfect town to pick up meaningful gifts and lasting mementos.

6. Savor Hoi An’s Iconic Regional Dishes

Hoi An is a culinary hotspot, and its food scene is as vibrant as its lantern-lit streets. Thanks to fresh ingredients sourced daily from nearby farms and the central coast, you’re in for some of the most memorable meals of your trip. Don’t miss Cao Lau (thick noodles with pork and herbs), White Rose dumplings, Hoanh Thanh (wontons), and the flavorful Mi Quang noodle dish. For classic recipes done right, book a table at Morning Glory, Miss Ly, or Mai Fish. Craving something modern? Head to Nu Eatery, a local favorite known for its creative Vietnamese-fusion cuisine in a minimalist setting.

7. Take an Evening Stroll Through Hoi An Ancient Town

A visit to Hoi An Ancient Town wouldn’t be complete without a leisurely evening walk. While its aged yellow façades and historic shophouses charm by day, the town truly transforms after sunset. As night falls, thousands of colorful lanterns light up the streets and bridges, casting a warm glow over this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Thu Bon River sparkles with reflections, and the air fills with the soft hum of local music and laughter. It’s a moment of pure enchantment, ideal for slow wandering, street photography, and soaking up the timeless atmosphere of old Hoi An.

8. Step Back in Time With Hoi An’s Historical Landmarks

From the 15th to 19th centuries, Hoi An flourished as a major trading port, attracting merchants from China, Japan, and Europe. Today, remnants of this rich cultural blend remain beautifully preserved within the Ancient Town. With a heritage ticket (required for entry), you can explore centuries-old ancestral homes, pagodas, and merchant buildings, all within walking distance. Be sure to visit the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, the beautifully restored Tan Ky Ancient House, and the ornate Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, each telling a unique story of Hoi An’s multicultural past.

9. Join a Hands-On Vietnamese Cooking Class

Whether you're a seasoned chef or a curious foodie, Hoi An’s cooking classes are a must-try experience. These workshops take you through the full culinary journey, starting with a visit to a local market or even a fishing village, before diving into the kitchen. Alongside expert instructors, you'll learn to prepare classic dishes like Cao Lau, spring rolls, or Vietnamese claypot fish, using time-honored techniques and fresh, regional ingredients. The best part? Sitting down to enjoy your creations at the end of a flavorful, fun-filled morning.