Top 10 Things to Do in Hoi An, Vietnam That You Can’t Miss – A Bucket List!
Unveil the Enchantment: Top Things to Do in Hoi An, Vietnam
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
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.
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!)
- #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!
