Quick answer: Walk the Ancient Town early in the morning and again at night for the lanterns, see the Japanese Covered Bridge, ride a basket boat in Cam Thanh, cycle to An Bang beach, take a cooking class and visit My Son Sanctuary.
Ancient Town
- Japanese Covered Bridge – Hoi An’s 17th-century symbol.
- Phuc Kien Assembly Hall – the most ornate Chinese hall.
- Tan Ky Old House – a merchant home over 200 years old.
- Central Market – food stalls and fabric.
- Lantern river at night – release a floating candle from a boat.
- Night market on An Hoi islet – lanterns and street snacks.
- Traditional performances at the Handicraft Workshop.
Food
- Cao lầu – Hoi An’s signature noodle dish.
- Bánh mì – queue at a famous stall.
- White rose dumplings – delicate shrimp dumplings.
- Cooking class with a market tour.
- Coffee – try coconut or egg coffee by the river.
Countryside and beaches
- Basket boats in Cam Thanh coconut forest.
- Cycle through rice paddies to Tra Que vegetable village.
- An Bang Beach – beach bars and loungers.
- Thanh Ha pottery village.
- Cham Islands – snorkelling day trip (calm season only).
Shopping and day trips
- Tailor-made clothes – allow 2–3 days for fittings.
- My Son Sanctuary – Cham temple ruins at sunrise.
- Marble Mountains and Da Nang on the way to the airport.
FAQ: things to do in Hoi An
What is Hoi An famous for?
Its lantern-lit Ancient Town, tailors, food and the Japanese Covered Bridge.
Is the Ancient Town better at night?
It’s most magical at night, but go at dawn too for empty streets and good light.
More Hoi An guides
- Hoi An travel guide
- Hoi An itinerary: 2, 3 or 4 days
- Where to stay in Hoi An
- Best time to visit Hoi An
- Da Nang airport to Hoi An
- Hoi An Ancient Town ticket
- My Son Sanctuary day trip
- Hoi An tailors guide
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