Must-Do’s in Hoi An Vietnam

We never imagined we’d fall so hard for Hoi An, but man, this asian destination is amazing! To say we were pleasantly surprised with how much there is to do with the mix of how relaxing, friendly, and casual of a vacation destination it was.

We're all about squeezing the most out of limited vacation days, and this charming little town is the perfect example of how to have an epic adventure while only taking a week of PTO. So, you're thinking of booking a flight to Hoi An (or, realistically, to the neighboring town of Da Nang where you can find the major airport) we’re sure this will help shine a light on all the must-do's (and a few hidden gems) that will make your trip unforgettable.

Take a Vietnamese Coffee Class

First things first, caffeine fiends! We're talking about diving headfirst into Vietnamese coffee culture. Forget your fancy lattes and frappuccinos – here, it's all about the strong, bold Robusta beans brewed in a phin filter. We took a class with Hoi An Vietnamese Coffee Culture and Coffee Making Class and it was a blast - both in fun and an overdose of caffeine. We learned about the history of coffee in Vietnam, got hands-on with the coffee crafting process, and got to taste plenty of local variations. Trust us, it's a wake-me-up course, for sure!

Try Your Hand at Lantern Making

Hoi An is famous for its stunning lanterns, and what better way to experience them than by making your own? We took a Vietnamese Foldable Lantern Making Class and it was a surprisingly fun and creative activity. You get to pick your colors and designs, and with a little guidance, you'll end up with a beautiful lantern to light up your home (or Instagram feed). Plus, you learn about the cultural significance of these lanterns in Hoi An's history as you work alongside other travelers from across the globe.

Hire a Tailor to Create Custom-Made Clothes

Whether you love fashion or not, no one should leave Hoi An without having custom clothes created to add something special to their wardrobe. We went to the Sewing Bee Tailor based on rave reviews and let's just say Bee, the owner, is a magician. We showed her some pictures of what we liked, she worked her magic with the fabrics, and voila! We walked out a few days later with some seriously cool new pieces. Bonus points: it's way more affordable and flattering than getting the same quality back home.

Take a Cooking Class & Boat Ride Tour

Calling all foodies and experience seekers! We found this amazing Boats & Cooking Class on Get Your Guide that combined two of our favorite things: exploring by water and devouring delicious food. We learned how to navigate a traditional basket boat (think giant woven basket on water!), then went back to cook up a storm with the friendliest of locals. It was a great way to learn some authentic Vietnamese recipes and see a different side of Hoi An.

Explore at Your Own Pace with a Motorbike Rental

Want to feel the wind in your hair and truly get to see all of the corners of Hoi An for yourself? Rent a motorbike! We found tons of shops and hotels offering rentals, like our hotel, the HA Hotel Apartments Ocean Front, but you can really find them anywhere. It gives you the freedom to explore the charming town at your own pace, head out to the beautiful countryside, or hit the beach whenever the mood strikes. Just remember to bring your license, drive safely, and wear a helmet!

Plan a Da Nang Day Trip

While Hoi An is all about charm and history, sometimes you just crave a bit of urban city life. Da Nang, just a short ride away, is the perfect solution. If you’re feeling active, you can explore the Marble Mountains, a cluster of five marble hills with unique caves and temples. Hike to the summit for panoramic views of the city and the coast.

If you’re more into the arts and history, visit the Museum of Cham Sculpture, which houses an impressive collection of Cham art and artifacts. Learn about the ancient Cham civilization and admire the intricate details of the sculptures.

While in Da Nang, make sure to take a stroll along the Han River and admire the stunning Dragon Bridge, a unique architectural marvel that breathes fire and water on weekends and holidays. And if you want to chill, plan to relax on one of Da Nang's beautiful beaches, such as My Khe Beach or Non Nuoc Beach, where you can soak up the sun and swim in the South China Sea.

Visit An Bang Beach

After all that exploring, it's time to unwind and soak up some sun. An Bang Beach is a local favorite gem. While it doesn’t have the crystal clear waters and white sands of the Caribbean, it's just as peaceful and chill. Grab a beach chair, order a refreshing drink, and let the stress melt away. You can also find some great seafood restaurants nearby for a delicious lunch or dinner all around the beach.

Head to the Sun World Ba Na Hills Theme Park

Looking for some adrenaline-pumping action? Take a day trip Sun World Ba Na Hills! About an hour from Hoi An, this mountaintop theme park is a whirlwind of a weird, wonderful, and exciting day, offering everything from thrill rides to breathtaking views. After you take a 15-minute cable car up to the top, you can zipline through the clouds, visit a "French Village" complete with a stunning cathedral, and finally see the Pinterest-worthy Golden Bridge for yourself. It's a truly unique experience that’s unlike any other theme park we’ve ever experienced.