Living in Hoi An for a few years, based on our experiences, here are some fun things to do in Hoi An. First, we all will wonder the questions about Hoi An. And why it becames so polular?
What about Hoi An?
Hoi An has been recognized as a world cultural heritage since 1999. It has been popular due to many unique things to do and see.
Hoi An Ancient Town was a Southest Asia trading port from the 15th to 19th century. The architecutre reflects the influences of both indigenus and foreign. That have well-combined to produce this unique heritage site. Hoi An city has many cool things you must do. The beautiful beaches, unique Ancient Town, charming countriside and more for you to discovers.
History of Hoi An:
Hoi An’s history dates back to the 15th century when it was a thriving port town, attracting traders from China, Japan, and Europe. The city flourished under the influence of these cultures, which is evident in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions. In the 17th century, Hoi An became a significant trading hub for spices, silk, and ceramics. The town declined in the 19th century due to the shifting trade routes and the construction of the nearby port in Da Nang. In the 1990s, Hoi An was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and efforts were made to preserve its historical and cultural heritage. Today, visitors can witness the rich history and unique charm of this ancient town.
When is the best time to visit Hoi An? How is Hoi An weather?
Weather in Hoi An:
Hoi An has a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by high temperatures and humidity.
The city experiences distinct seasons: a hot and humid summer from May to August, with temperatures ranging from 28 to 35 degrees Celsius; a cooler and drier winter from November to February, with temperatures between 18 to 25 degrees Celsius; and a transitional period in spring (March and April) and autumn (September and October), which are relatively milder.
The rainy season in Hoi An typically lasts from September to January, with the heaviest rainfall from October to December.
Best time to visit Hoi An
It is hard to say when to visit hoi an. To enjoy top fun things to do in Hoi An, you better pick the dry seasons. In the view of a local people here, for me, from Jan to April is the best time.
Since the weather is not so hot, but cool and pleasant. However, don’t hesitae if you visit Hoi An the rest of the time. Still have many cool fun things to do in Hoi An in rainy season. .
If you visit Hoi An from May to Sep, it can be very hot due to the summer heat (39-40 celcius degress). However it is nice to enjoy the beach and the rice field. From Oct to Dec is the rainny seasons in Hoi An. Occasionally, there are some typhoons, storms, and heavy rain can cause the flood in the town this preiod of time.
However, the flood in Hoi An only happens during 2-3 days. So always good to check the eather before you come. Besides, you still can enjoy 25 fun things to do in Hoi An old town during rainy days.
25 fun things to do in Hoi An:
- Riding bicyle through the rice field. The green & yellow color will please you.
- Walking through the Ancient Town and have a cafe at the roof top cafe to see the whole view. (92 Station cafe, Faifoo cafe, …). Walking through many hidden alleys, take some photos. They are normally in Tran Phu street, by time the name and owner of these cafe shops changed, but the buildings stay mainly the same.
- Join a craft, embroidery or sewing classes by Little Daisy Hoi An. Embroidery class can be the amazing things to do in Hoi An. Learn the skills that benefit you forever. These can be best things to do while you are in Hoi An.
- Having a boat ride to watch the sunset on Thu Bon river is one of the top things to do in Hoi An. Tour with Hoi An Tour Guide is highly recommended, since it will bring you to a unique sunset experience on the river. You can see the Water Coconut Village, Fishing village, Kim Bong Wood Village, Thanh Ha Pottery Village also on the way.
- Having a suit/clothing made. Hand embroidered clothings custom made can be cool things. Hoi An tailoring is cheap but so good. Why don’t get some clothes when you are here. Contact us for some custom linen cloth. If you wonder why having many tailor shop in Hoi An, please read more below.
- Having s street food tour exploration around Hoi An.
- Have a walking tour and listen to the history of Hoi An. Get some local guide totake you around and try some local food.
- Tarot reading in Hoi An can be an unique & fun thing to do in Hoi An also. You can contact us for a booking with professional tarot reader.
- Wake up early and go to the beach for a swim and seafood. Hoi An beach is awesome. Clean and fresh. Enjoy your cool day at Tan Thanh Beach, An Bang Beach or Cua Dai beach. Sound of Slience is a nice cafe to watch the beach.
- Learning to sew in Hoi An can be fun. We have sewing class for beginners. I did mention the craft classes above. But it is definitely cool class that you might not find anywhere els
- Try some vegetarian local restaurants here. Peanuts restaurant is one of our favorite.
- Joining a cooking class can be one of 25 best things to do in Hoi An. While experience local cooking styles, you can enjoy food cooked by you.
- Picking Hoi An tours to Cham Island, Coconut village, and Basket Boat Tour.
- Indulge in the fascinating coffee culture of Hoi An! Discover numerous hidden gems serving amazing coffee varieties, including egg coffee, coconut coffee, salt coffee, and so many more!
Questions about Da Nang and Hoi An
Where to withdraw money from ATM? Where to exchange money?
ATM is everywhere, in the Hoi An Old Town Central. In Hai Ba Trung street, Hoang Dieu street,… You can find Vietcombank, MB, Teckcombank ATM,…
To exchange currency, many gold shops in Hoang Dieu street do that. They have good service and fair price.
Hoi An in Rainy flooding season?
It is not that bad, many fun things to do in Hoi An for rainy season. But to know more about Hoi An floods, click this post.
Does Hoi An flood every year?
Yes, but small part of Hoi An only. As the rain comes, the rives rises up a little bit on the road around the river. Every 4 years, there will be a bigger flood than normal. The rest of the town stays nice, so you still can enjoy many fun things to do in Hoi An. While it can be an unique experience to see the local life in this special time.
Banh Mi Hoi An – Hoi An sandwiches.
Besides Banh Mi Phuong, Madame Khanh Queen Banh Mi, we have many locals banh mi very tasty. Where locals tend to go such as Banh my Lanh,… The fact that we all have different taste, but these local brands of Banh Mi are all good and tasty.
Food are relative, so it is hard to say which is the best Banh Mi. You have to try to decide, but dont feel bad if you miss any of them. They are quite similar taste.
Fun things to do in Hoi An for children and mom – Embroidery & Crochet class.
What about Hoi An, Da Nang & Hue?
How far is it from Da Nang to Hoi An?
It is 35 kms, 40 mins by motorbike riding or car riding. The beach road is nice, wide, and plesant. Riding motorbike from Da Nang to Hoi An can be cool things to do in Hoi An.
How to get from Da Nang to Hoi An?
By taxi, or rent a motorbike, or bus. There is a company name Hoi An Express. They run bus from Da nang to Hoi An and Hoi An to Da Nang every 1-2 hours. The price is around 5 usd/ one trip.
How to travel between Hue to Hoi An, Hoi An to Hue?
By motorbike, you can rent one and drive. The road is big and safe. However, be prepared since it take 4 hours.
Is it safe to drive from Da Nang to Hoi An at night?
It is safe to drive motorbike to Hoi An from Da Nang. The lights on the roads are on all the time, and the road is wide and nice.
Best tailors in Hoi An
Hoi An is renowned for its skilled tailors who offer bespoke clothing at affordable prices. Some famous tailoring shops like Bebe Tailors, Yaly Tailor, Beli Tailor, ….
Why having so many taior shops in Hoi An?
Well, actually there are a few of sewing factory and many tailors in town. Normally the shops connect with them and become the middle party. But when you come here with limited amount of time, it always good to go to the shops, and pay more for things get done quicker.
Little Daisy Hoi An, a popular linen tailoring shop in the area. We are the team of tailors and artisans specialize in linen clothing and best hand emrboidery in town.
You can place an order before you come, and pick up by the time you are here.
Little Daisy Hoi An stands out for its exceptional quality of hand embroidery & custom sewing service, prompt delivery times, making us a top choice for both locals and tourists alike seeking the best tailors in Hoi An.
Is it better to stay in Hoi An or Da Nang?
When deciding between staying in Hoi An or Da Nang in Central Vietnam, there are several factors to consider. Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers well-preserved ancient architecture, traditional crafts, and delicious local cuisine such as Cao Lau and Banh Xeo.
It has a laid-back and peaceful atmosphere compared to Da Nang’s bustling city life. Hoi An is accessible for all types of travelers with a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious resorts.
However, Hoi An may not have as many modern amenities and entertainment options as Da Nang due to its smaller size and slower pace of life.
On the other hand, Da Nang is a modern and rapidly developing city with a mix of traditional and contemporary attractions, including a beautiful coastline, stunning beaches like My Khe Beach, and a vibrant nightlife scene.
Da Nang offers a variety of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels, making it an attractive choice for travelers seeking a mix of modern amenities and cultural experiences.
Da Nang’s location also makes it a convenient base for exploring nearby attractions such as the ancient city of Hoi An and the picturesque Marble Mountains.
However, Da Nang’s faster-paced lifestyle and higher cost of living may not appeal to travelers looking for a more relaxed experience compared to Hoi An’s slower pace of life and lower cost of living due to its smaller size.
Ultimately, the choice between Hoi An and Da Nang depends on the traveler’s preferences and priorities. We recomend you stay 1-2 night in Da Nang and 1-2 night
What are the must-see attractions in Hoi An?
Please visit Rehann museum, Luna Show and Little Daisy Hoi An Embroidery Workshop.
The Rehann Museum and Luna Show in Hoi An offer visitors a distinctive and immersive experience.
The museum situated in Hoi An’s ancient town highlights the traditional lifestyle and culture of the Vietnamese people through displays comprising ancient artifacts, traditional costumes, modern-day technology, and contemporary art.
The interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations offer fascinating insights into Vietnam’s rich history and heritage.
In contrast, the Luna Show is a mesmerizing performance that combines traditional Vietnamese music, dance, and theater with modern technology and visual effects.
The show, held in a specially designed theater, takes the audience on a captivating journey through Vietnamese mythology and folklore, featuring stunning costumes, intricate choreography, and awe-inspiring special effects that leave the audience spellbound until the end of the unforgettable experience.
Little Daisy Hoi An Embroidery Workshop & Showroom is a place where local artisans can showcase their intricate embroidery work, highlighting their exceptional skills and techniques that have been passed down through generations.
Situated in the heart of Hoi An’s ancient town, the workshop and showroom offer visitors a unique chance to witness the art of embroidery being created live.
The showroom features a diverse collection of exquisitely crafted embroidered products, ranging from traditional Vietnamese clothing and accessories to modern-day fashion items, all made using the finest materials and traditional techniques, paying homage to Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage, making Little Daisy Hoi An Embroidery Workshop & Showroom a must-visit destination for anyone interested in local crafts and artisanal products.
What are the best places to eat in Hoi An?
Please scroll down for food recommendations from us.
How many days should I spend in Hoi An?
Two to three days are usually sufficient for exploring Hoi An, a charming town in central Vietnam known for its well-preserved old quarter filled with historic landmarks such as temples, pagodas, museums, shops selling traditional crafts like lanterns and silk, and a variety of delicious local cuisine.
During your stay, take time to wander through the narrow streets lined with colorful houses and lanterns, rent a bicycle or motorbike to explore the surrounding countryside, and catch a sunset over the Thu Bon River.
With its relaxed pace of life, Hoi An is an ideal destination for travelers who want a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse themselves in Vietnamese culture and history!
Is it worth visiting Hoi An during the rainy season?
Lesser crowds and lower prices make Hoi An during the rainy season (April to September) a worthwhile choice for some travelers who don’t mind occasional showers.
Are there any local markets or night markets in Hoi An?
Local market or night market located along Hoi An river, Bach Dang street.
What are some unique souvenirs to buy in Hoi An?
Hoi An is a treasure trove for shoppers seeking unique souvenirs. Hand-embroidered gifts, such as tablecloths, pillowcases, and wall hangings, are a specialty here.
The intricate designs and vibrant colors are a testament to the skill of the local artisans. Notebooks from Little Daisy Hoi An are another must-buy item. These notebooks are made from recycled materials and feature beautiful illustrations of Hoi An’s landmarks and street scenes.
They make for a thoughtful and eco-friendly souvenir that will remind you of your time in this charming town. Other items to consider include lanterns, silk scarves, and traditional Vietnamese clothing like ao dai and conical hats.
Shopping in Hoi An is a feast for the senses, with the colorful and bustling markets offering a wide variety of goods at affordable prices. Whether you’re looking for a small memento or a larger gift, Hoi An has something to suit every taste and budget.
Is Nha Trang better than Hoi An?
In my view, Hoi An is better since its unique beautiful ancient town. and lifestyle.
Both Nha Trang and Hoi An offer unique experiences. Nha Trang is known for its beautiful beaches, while Hoi An is famous for its charming ancient town and tailoring. Preferences differ, so it’s subjective to say which is better. Visit both to decide which suits you best.
Top Attractions in Hoi An:
Hoi An, a picturesque city in central Vietnam, is known for its well-preserved ancient town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The top attractions in Hoi An include the Ancient Town, a charming area with colorful merchants’ houses, narrow streets, and numerous historical sites like the Japanese Covered Bridge, a symbol of Hoi An that dates back to the 16th century.
Other notable attractions are the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, a beautiful temple dedicated to Thien Hau, the Goddess of the Sea; and the Museum of Trade Ceramics, showcasing Hoi An’s historical role as a trading port. Visitors can also explore the tranquil Tra Que Village, known for its organic vegetable gardens, and the nearby My Son Sanctuary, an ancient complex of Hindu-like temples that showcase the Cham civilization.
Cost of Traveling in Hoi An:
The cost of traveling in Hoi An depends on your travel style and budget. Accommodation options range from budget hostels to luxurious resorts.
Local street food is affordable, with meals costing around $2-$5, while mid-range restaurants can cost $7-$15 per meal. Transportation within Hoi An is inexpensive, with options like cycling, walking, or taking motorbike taxis.
If you plan to travel around the region, consider renting a motorbike or booking day tours. Overall, Hoi An is a budget-friendly destination, but additional expenses like souvenirs, activities, and personal comforts can increase your overall cost.
Famous Dishes to Try in Hoi An:
Hoi An is renowned for its delicious and unique local cuisine. Some famous dishes to try include Cao Lau, a noodle dish with pork, greens, and crunchy rice crackers, served in a savory broth.
Mi Quang is another popular dish featuring yellow noodles, topped with local ingredients like pork, shrimp, hard-boiled eggs, and peanuts. Banh Beo is a small, steamed rice cake served with fish sauce, while Com Ga is a traditional Hoi An chicken rice dish, seasoned with turmeric and served with a flavorful broth.
Don’t forget to indulge in local desserts like Che Bap (corn pudding) or enjoy a cup of Vietnamese coffee at a riverside café.
Safety for Solo Travelers in Hoi An:
Hoi An is considered safe for solo travelers, with a friendly atmosphere and low crime rates. The city has a relaxed and welcoming vibe, making it easy for travelers to explore on their own. However, it’s essential to practice basic safety precautions, such as keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded areas and avoiding walking alone in deserted streets at night.
Familiarize yourself with the local customs and respect the local culture to ensure a positive travel experience.
Getting Around in Hoi An:
Hoi An is a compact city, making it easy to get around on foot or by bike. Walking is the most popular and environmentally friendly way to explore the Ancient Town and nearby attractions.
You can rent a bicycle or motorbike to cover more distance or visit places outside the city center. Motorbike taxis and cyclo rickshaws are also available for short trips, while taxis can be used for longer journeys.
Consider using a map or GPS to navigate the city, as some streets in the Ancient Town are narrow and easy to get lost in.
Nightlife in Hoi An:
Hoi An’s nightlife offers a mix of relaxed and lively options for travelers. Along the riverside, you’ll find numerous bars and rooftop lounges with stunning views of the Thu Bon River and the colorful lanterns that light up the Ancient Town.
Live music venues, such as The Riverside and Hoi An Roof Top Bar, host local and international performances. For those seeking a more low-key atmosphere, cozy cafes and street-side bars offer a chance to unwind with a drink while watching the world go by.
Some of the bar or restaurant to enjoy a nice colktails, wines:
The Hill Station – happy hour from 2-6pm 50% discount on wine.
Hoi An also has a vibrant street food scene at night, allowing you to sample local delicacies while enjoying the city’s enchanting atmosphere.
Recomendations for foods, cafe, shops – best things to do in Hoi An
Cafe shops:
- Bill cafe 22 Tran Hung Dao
- Phồng Phồng cafe – 36 Trần Quý Cáp street – near Hoi An Market for the best croissant in Hoi An
- Tri Long Cafe – Lê Hồng Phong street for the best egg cafe in Hoi An.
- Faifoo cafe – Tran Phu street for the rooftop Hoi An view
Restaurants:
- Cơm Linh – Best traditional Vietnamese food, both vegan or non vegan
- Peanuts restaurant – best Vietnamese vegan food in Hoi An
- Nourish Eatery – Vegan food more western style, big portion, good price.
- Ngôi Sao Beer – Lê Hồng Phong street – Best Hoi An local chicken bbq and steamed.
- Cao Lau Thanh – 26 Thai Phien street, Hoi An for the best Cao Lau speciality of Hoi An.
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