fruit vendor on a quiet street in Hoi An Old Town in Central Vietnam

Top 10 Things to Do in Hoi An, Vietnam That You Can’t Miss – A Bucket List!

Tucked away on the central coast, Hoi An, Vietnam offers tons of unforgettable activities in its tropical, sun-kissed landscape. From its ancient city streets that whisper tales of centuries past, biking through lush rice paddies, to unwinding on the pristine An Bang Beach, Hoi An promises a trove of treasures for your itinerary. And, don’t miss adventuring through the surrounding countryside and a visit to My Son Sanctuary while you’re in the area, too!

Discover Hoi An’s Unmissable Gems: Top Things to Do in Hoi An

Hoi An is much more than your typical small city; it’s an animated museum bursting with wonders ripe for discovery. Drenched in the vivid hues of its Ancient Town and bathed in the tranquil ambience of its waterways, every nook cradles a story awaiting to be told. Behold, the ultimate, local, and unmissable experiences in Hoi An, designed to etch themselves onto your soul.

Visiting during the Holidays? Things to Do in Hoi An During the Holidays

If you’re planning to spend the festive season in Hoi An or Da Nang, get ready for a lineup of unforgettable experiences that cater to every taste and interest!

Embark on a Secret Cocktail Tasting Adventure
Wander through Hoi An’s enchanting streets and discover four hidden gem venues. Sip on expertly crafted local cocktails while soaking in fascinating stories of the city’s vibrant past and present. // Learn More
Indulge in a Luxurious Spa Escape
Pamper yourself and your partner with a serene, VIP spa experience. Nestled along the river and surrounded by picturesque rice paddies, this hidden oasis is the perfect setting for romance and relaxation. // Learn More
Dive into Thrilling Water Sports at An Bang Beach
Fuel your adrenaline with an action-packed day on the water! Whether it’s surfing, parasailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, or stand-up paddleboarding, An Bang Beach offers endless excitement and breathtaking waves this holiday season. // Learn More
Experience an ATV Countryside Adventure & Gourmet Dining
Discover the beauty of Hoi An’s countryside with an ATV ride through lush landscapes and a visit to a local organic farm. Savor a delicious BBQ lunch before heading to the Old Town for a chef-led dining experience that’s a feast for all senses. // Learn More
Join a Wood Carving & Painting Workshop at Lang Cui Lu – Driftwood Village
Unleash your creativity with hands-on crafting at Lang Cui Lu. Perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike, this workshop lets you create meaningful souvenirs while immersing yourself in local artistry. // Learn More
Discover Art Alley and Local Galleries
Stroll through Hoi An’s Old Town streets to admire stunning artwork from talented local artists. Don’t miss the charm of “Art Alley,” where each gallery tells a unique story.
Enjoy Rainy-Day Adventures in Old Town
When the weather turns drizzly, keep exploring by hopping between cozy coffee shops and historical landmarks. Enjoy the magic of Old Town while staying dry and savoring warm beverages.

With so much to offer, Hoi An transforms into a holiday wonderland that promises cherished memories and unique experiences!

Looking for more inspiration? Check out these posts:

From Christmas Markets to special performances and visits from Santa, Central Vietnam comes alive for the holiday season. Here are some tips on what’s happening in Hoi An 2024 for Christmas season:

And, join us on Christmas Day at Shore Club for a gourmet holiday buffet, live music, and unbeatable chilled beach vibes that make for a truly magical day by the sea. Or, come out for a festive celebration on Christmas Eve at The DeckHouse, featuring live music, DJ Hee’s high-energy Christmas Dance Party, visits from Santa, and fun for the whole family. Don’t miss out—bookings are now open!

Essential Cultural Encounters

Stroll through the Ancient Town: Immerse yourself in history with every step through the ancient city streets and hidden passageways, enveloped by architecture with French, Japanese and Vietnamese touches that have withstood the test of time.
Participate in a Lantern Making Workshop: Craft your very own lantern and take home a piece of Hoi An heritage with you.
Embark on an Evening River Cruise: Witness the twilight dance upon the waters, painting the river in picture-perfect lights from the local shops and businesses along the way.
Savor Cao Lau: Treat yourself to Cao Lau – a local Hoi An speciality that is sure to surprise and delight your taste buds with authentic and traditional Vietnamese flavors.
Custom Tailoring Experience: Work with one of the many local tailors to create the dress or suit of your dreams. Have you been wanting to get something custom-made? Here’s your chance!

The real magic of Hoi An however extends beyond these basic encounters into a realm brimming with unique and hidden experiences. Dive into our curated list of the top 10 things to do in Hoi An, focusing on local, authentic and off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Embark on Unique Adventures in Hoi An: Our Top 10 Things to Do in Hoi An, Vietnam

Engage and Create

#1 – Visit Artisans in Lang Cui Lu – Driftwood Village. A hidden sanctuary nestled among the rice fields, Lang Cui Lui – Driftwood Village offers a glimpse into the traditional, ancient Vietnamese art of wood carving via small group and private workshops and gallery tours. Discover the art of woodworking and fashion your own artistic masterpiece, inspired by Vietnamese tradition, or stop in to explore the gallery and coffee shop, a picture perfect place to spend an afternoon.
- How to Book: Visit Lang Cui Lu – Driftwood Village’s website, Facebook page, call them on (+84) 089 922 59 69 or via email on booking@thedriftwoodvillage.com.

Savor and Taste

#2 – Enjoy Sensational Cocktails in Secret Spaces in Hoi An Old Town. Next on our top 10 things to do in Hoi An, journey through the ancient streets, uncovering hidden venues and exclusive, creative concoctions, while soaking in tales of a bygone era of trade and cultural amalgamation led by our local host. Expect an evening unlike anything else as you navigate the city streets to discover some of Hoi An’s hidden gems on the Hoi An secret cocktail tour.
- How to Book: Contact SecretEATS Vietnam on their website or Facebook page.

#3 – Discover the Art of Rhum at a Local Distillery: Delve into the craft of premium local rhum, inspired by French traditions and crafted with Vietnamese flair, encompassing a taste of the local spirit. Home to award-winning Sampan Rhum, Distillerie d’Indochine offers Rhum tastings, distillerie tours and is available for private events and functions. (Definitely a great spot to host a birthday – if you don’t celebrate with us at Shore Club, of course!)
- How to Book: Contact Distillerie d’ Indochine via Facebook or their website

#4 – Indulge in Premium French Wine in An Intimate Setting: Encounter a secluded paradise, where each sip of imported French wine tells a story, complemented by gourmet pairings.
- How to Book: Check availability and book online here.

Cook and Connect

#5 – Join a Family Cooking Class: Begin with a vibrant market tour, choosing fresh ingredients for a cooking adventure in a local home, where you’re guided through the preparation of Vietnamese culinary classics.
- How to Book: It’s easy – just contact Ms Trang from Claypot Hoi An here.

Café Culture and Beyond

#6 – Hoi An Coffee Shop Exploration: With over 400+ establishments, the coffee scene in Hoi An invites you to taste its variety, from the traditional to the innovative, ensuring every palate is delighted. Whether you’re looking to sip on a cafe sua dua, a coconut coffee or are keen to try the unique and delicious Salt Coffee, Hoi An’s coffee shop scene has got you covered. What’s the best place to start? That’s a tough question as Hoi An has soooo many fantastic coffee shops to discover. Here are five of our favorite spots:
- Phin Coffee in Old Town
- Moments Hoi An in Old Town
- Espresso Station in Old Town
- Coco Casa on the River
- And, of course, we couldn’t not mention our sensational Coconut Coffee here at Shore Club on An Bang Beach. Is it the best Coconut Coffee in Hoi An? Judge for yourself.

Explore and Capture

#7 – Photography Tours through Hoi An: Capture the soul of Hoi An through your lens with guided tours tailored for every interest, from sunrise to street photography, led by seasoned experts.
- How to Book: Contact Hoi An Photo Tours directly or visit their Facebook page.

Surf’s Up at An Bang Beach

#8 – Surfing Lessons and Rentals: Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned surfer, An Bang Beach is the ideal backdrop to catch waves, followed by relaxing moments right here at Shore Club. Hitting the water and the waves is definitely on our list of top 10 things to do in Hoi An! When government regulations permit, water sports like parasailing, jet ski riding and banana boats are also available from just outside the beach club. Check with our reception desk to see what’s available during your visit.
- How to Book: For surfing lessons and board rentals, visit GoSurfing’s website, Facebook page or pop in and say hello! For other water sports, check with Shore Club reception for daily availability.

Adventure Awaits

#9 – ATV Jungle and Cooking Experience. Next on our top 10 things to do in Hoi An list is for the adventurous souls among us! Get ready to merge your sense of adventure with some culinary exploration. Ride through rice fields and jungle landscapes before arriving at their beautiful organic farm. Then enjoy a farm-to-table cooking class and a delicious, home cooked lunch before you head off for a visit to the historic My Son Sanctuary.
- How to Book: Contact us and we’ll help you make the arrangements.

Elegance Under the Stars: An Unforgettable Beachfront Dinner

#10 – Intimate Celebrations & Private, Gourmet Dining on An Bang Beach. Seize the opportunity for a mesmerizing dining experience on An Bang Beach, tailored for those special, unforgettable moments, engulfed by the symphony of the sea. Our gourmet menu of delicious local and international dishes is sure to satisfy any appetite.

If you’re looking for things to do in Hoi An for a birthday or special celebration? We’ve got you covered at Shore Club! Our experienced team have hosted birthday parties and bachelorette’s, proposal dinners, beach weddings, epic DJ parties and mega private functions.

Get in touch and our team will make sure you have an evening unlike anything else on beautiful An Bang Beach.

A Mosaic of Memories Awaits in Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam, is a vibrant canvas, offering a spectrum of activities catering to every taste and preference. From sun-drenched beaches to traversing age-old streets, each moment in Hoi An is poised to capture your heart, promising an unforgettable sojourn in this charming city.

If you need any help or specific recommendations during your travels, don’t hesitate to ask us – we’re here to help!

Updated 22 December 2024