Things to Do in Hoi An: Food, Crafts, Old Town & Day Trips

Hoi An is easiest to enjoy when you plan experiences around the time of day rather than trying to tick off a long attraction list. Give the Ancient Town an early or late walking block, choose one or two hands-on experiences such as food, tailoring, cooking or basket boats, and leave room for a slower evening. This page owns the things to do question; for a location-by-location list of landmarks, beaches and villages, use our places to visit in Hoi An guide.

Start with the experience, not a checklist of landmarks

The Ancient Town is the beautiful, beating heart of Hoi An. It is a wonderfully preserved 15th-century trading port, and the best way to explore its magic is simply on foot or by bicycle.This historic zone is where you will spend most of your time, soaking in the incredible atmosphere and discovering centuries-old landmarks at every turn. Here are the essential sights.

Iconic sightseeing and history

• Wander the famous yellow streets: The number one activity in Hoi An is simply to get lost in its charming, cobblestone lanes. The signature golden-yellow buildings, draped in colorful bougainvillea flowers, and the traditional wooden carvings make for the most beautiful photo opportunities.
• The Japanese Covered Bridge: This is the iconic, 16th-century landmark and the symbol of Hoi An. You can admire its beautiful architecture from the outside for free, or use your Old Town ticket to walk across and see the small temple inside.
• The Assembly Halls: You must visit the historic and ornate meeting places of the early Chinese traders. The Phuc Kien (Fujian) Assembly Hall is the most magnificent, with its grand, colorful gate and beautiful courtyards.
• The Ancient Houses: Step inside a beautifully preserved merchant’s home, like the famous Tan Ky Ancient House, to see the unique blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architectural styles and to get a glimpse into the life of a wealthy trading family from centuries ago.

The magic of the evening and the river 

• The Hoi An Lantern Festival: While thousands of beautiful lanterns light up the town every single night, the true festival occurs on the 14th day of every lunar month (the Full Moon). On this special night, the entire Ancient Town switches off its electric lights, and the streets are illuminated only by the soft, magical glow of lanterns. The atmosphere is truly breathtaking.
• Thu Bon River Boat Ride and lantern release: This is a beautiful and essential Hoi An ritual. In the evening, take a gentle ride on a small wooden sampan boat along the Hoai River. For a small price, you can buy a colorful paper lantern, make a wish for good luck and peace, and release it onto the water to join hundreds of others, creating a floating river of light. It is an incredibly romantic and peaceful experience.

READ MORE: Places to visit in Hoi An: The ultimate guide to UNESCO Heritage, beaches, and cultural shows

Culinary adventures and the comfort of Indian dining

Hoi An is a food lover’s paradise. From world-famous local dishes to the familiar tastes of home, Hoi An has it all. Let’s explore the delicious options.

Must-try local specialties

• Cao Lau: This is the definitive, must-try Hoi An noodle dish. It is made with thick, chewy noodles (which are said to get their unique texture from local well water), served with slices of savory pork, fresh local greens, and a small amount of rich, flavourful broth.
• Banh Mi: Hoi An is famous for having some of the best Vietnamese baguette sandwiches in the world. You must try one from a famous spot like Madam Khanh – The Banh Mi Queen or Banh Mi Phượng.
• White Rose Dumplings (Banh Bao Vac): These are a true Hoi An delicacy—delicate, translucent steamed shrimp dumplings that are skillfully shaped to look like beautiful white roses.

A haven for Indian and vegetarian food

You will be delighted to find a fantastic selection of high-quality Indian restaurants right in the heart of Hoi An.

Restaurant name	Location vibe	Highlight for Indian tourists
Baba’s Kitchen	Located near the Ancient Town. It is famous for its incredibly warm hospitality and is very family-friendly.	This is a traveler favorite. They are known for often offering complimentary appetizers and have an extensive menu with both North and South Indian dishes.
Ganesh Indian Restaurant	A central and very popular location.	Ganesh is a very reliable and well-known name across Vietnam for its consistent, high-quality North Indian cuisine in a beautiful setting.
Rasoi Indian Restaurant	A convenient, central spot.	This is an essential find for many. It explicitly specializes in Pure Vegetarian, Vegan, and Jain Cuisine, with a dedicated chef to meet your needs.
MAAZI Hoi An	Located in the Old Town. It has a modern, more upscale, and “Instagrammable” setting.	Perfect for a special occasion or a more stylish Indian meal.

Shopping, crafts and relaxation

Hoi An is the ultimate destination for unique, handcrafted souvenirs and, of course, its world-famous custom tailoring. This is your chance to find the perfect souvenir or to have a beautiful garment made just for you. Here is what to look for.

Tailoring and the famous markets

• Custom tailoring: Hoi An is world-famous for its incredible tailoring services. You can have a high-quality custom suit, a beautiful dress, or a crisp shirt made to your exact measurements in as little as 24 to 48 hours. The main streets for tailoring are Trần Hưng Đạo and Lê Lợi.
• Hoi An night market: Located on An Hoi Islet (just across the bridge), this is the best place to shop for affordable souvenirs like the iconic colorful silk lanterns and other beautiful handicrafts, all under the magical glow of a thousand lights.
• Hoi An central market: For a truly authentic local experience, visit the bustling Central Market in the morning. This is where you can see local life in action, buy fresh spices and beautiful silks, and find the best and most affordable street food court in town.

READ MORE: Complete Guide to Hoi An Night Market for Indians

Creative and wellness activities

• Traditional crafts workshops: For a fun, hands-on experience, you can participate in an interactive workshop. The most popular are lantern-making classes, but you can also try your hand at pottery or silk weaving and take home a souvenir that you made yourself!
• Spa and wellness: After a long day of walking, treat yourself to some relaxation. Hoi An has countless spas offering wonderful and very affordable massages and wellness treatments.

Family fun, nature and unforgettable day trips

Hoi An offers a wonderful variety of activities beyond the walls of the Old Town, which are perfect for families and nature lovers. These excursions will show you a different, but equally beautiful, side of the region.

Coastal and river activities

• Coconut Forest Basket boat ride: This is a must-do for families! Head to the nearby Cam Thanh Coconut Forest for a fun and sometimes thrilling ride in a traditional round basket boat (Thung Chai). The local boatmen will skillfully spin the boats in a dizzying dance and show you how they catch crabs. It’s a lot of fun!
• An Bang Beach: This is the most popular and beautiful beach for tourists. It offers full facilities, fun water sports, and a very relaxed atmosphere with many great beachfront restaurants. It is the perfect place to unwind.
• Tra Que Vegetable Village: Take a short and scenic bicycle ride to this charming organic farming village. Here, you can learn about the local herbs, meet the friendly farmers, and even participate in a fun, hands-on Vietnamese cooking class.

Unmissable day trips

Destination	Distance from Hoi An	Highlight	Best for
My Son Sanctuary	~1 hour	This is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring the incredible ruins of the ancient Cham Kingdom, which has deep Hindu roots.	History buffs and those interested in ancient cultures. A sunrise tour is highly recommended to beat the heat.
Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge	~1.5 hours	This is the famous mountain resort and theme park that is home to the iconic Golden Hands Bridge and a charming French Village.	Families, luxury travelers, and anyone wanting that breathtaking, high-altitude photo opportunity.
Cham Islands	~1.5 hours (by speedboat)	A protected marine area with pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs.	Snorkeling, swimming, and nature lovers who want to experience our beautiful marine life.

If Hoi An is one stop in a wider Da Nang–Hoi An–Hue trip, compare Central Vietnam tour routes before adding separate day trips one by one.

Practical tips for Indian travelers

• Getting around: The Ancient Town is very pedestrian-friendly. For longer distances, bicycles are a wonderful and popular option (and are often provided for free by your hotel). Taxis and the Grab ride-hailing app are also affordable and easy to find.
• Best time to visit: The dry season (from February to May) offers the absolute best weather – sunny, pleasant, and not too hot. I would recommend avoiding the high-rain and potential typhoon season (from September to November) for the best experience.
• Currency and payment: You will need VND cash for the markets and for most small purchases. You can exchange major currencies at the local gold shops in town for the best rates. Credit cards are usually only accepted at major hotels and more upscale restaurants.
• Safety: Hoi An is an extremely safe and friendly town. Just use your common sense, especially when crossing the busy streets outside the Old Town.

READ MORE: Traveler’s guide to currency exchange in Hoi An: Cash, ATMs and avoiding scams

Conclusion 

The story of your journey to Vietnam deserves a beautiful and unforgettable chapter, and Hoi An is the perfect place to write it. It is a town that invites you to create your own unique adventure. Your story might be one of culinary discovery, tasting every local dish and learning to cook it yourself. It could be a story of artistry, getting a bespoke suit made and taking home a handcrafted lantern. Or it could be a story of adventure, exploring ancient ruins at sunrise and snorkeling in pristine island waters. Whatever your interests, Hoi An has a perfect story waiting for you.Your travel story should be a reflection of you. Allow Vietnam Story to be your guide. We specialize in crafting seamless and personalized Tour Packages from India that are tailored to your unique passions and preferences. Reach out to us, and let’s start writing your perfect Hoi An story together.