Essential Hoi An: Things to Do for Every Traveler

Looking for exciting things to do in Hoi An? This charming Vietnamese city is teeming with fascinating experiences that you can’t afford to miss. Take a leisurely biking tour through the countryside, explore the ancient temples and pagodas or shop for souvenirs at the bustling night markets. You can also indulge in delicious local cuisine or unwind with a massage at one of Hoi An’s many spas. Visit the historic Japanese Covered Bridge, stroll along picturesque alleyways and enjoy live music performances from talented local musicians. With so many unique activities to choose from, your stay in Hoi An will surely be unforgettable!

Hoi An is a city located in Central Vietnam, just south of Da Nang. The city is coastal with beautiful beach fronts. Inside the city are winding canals that make for lovely walking paths. Read below to learn more about what to do with two days in Hoi An, Vietnam.

Quick Trip Overview

• Location: Hoi An, Vietnam
• Closest Airport: Da Nang Airport
• Where are the lanterns in Hoi An? Experience the magic of Hoi An by finding the lanterns scattered throughout its charming streets. Head to Nguyen Hoang night market for a breathtaking display of vibrant lanterns in different shapes and sizes. If you’re wondering where to find them, head to the Ancient Town area near the Thu Bon River. The lanterns are usually hung up in shops, restaurants and along streets.
• How much are suits in Hoi An? If you are visiting Hoi An and looking for the perfect suit, you might wonder how much they cost. The good news is that Hoi An offers an excellent combination of quality and affordability. Suites could cost as low as 50 USD or up to 500 USD, depending on the fabric, style, and level of customization that you require. To ensure the best value for your investment, we recommend doing your research before making a purchase. Shops such as “BeBe” or “A Dong Silk” have been known to offer quality garments at reasonable prices,
• Is Hoi An worth visiting? Hoi An is definitely worth visiting! This charming ancient town boasts well-preserved historical sites, colorful lanterns and a vibrant atmosphere. You’ll fall in love with the friendly locals, delicious cuisine and lively markets. Take a stroll along the riverfront to see amazing sunset views or check out the picturesque beaches nearby. And don’t miss Hoi An’s famous tailors who offer custom-made clothing at affordable prices! Overall, Hoi An’s rich culture and heritage make it one of Vietnam’s top tourist destinations that you won’t regret visiting!

1. Obtain some Tailored Clothes!

Did you know that Hoi An, a small ancient town in central Vietnam, is famous for its skilled tailors? Hoi An tailors can create bespoke clothing and costumes within 24 hours! They also offer a wide range of fabrics to choose from, including high-quality silks and linens. From traditional Vietnamese dresses to custom suits, Hoi An has it all. The vibrant colors and intricate patterns are sure to catch your eye. It’s no wonder why fashion enthusiasts from all over the world visit this town just to have a tailored outfit made. If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam soon, don’t miss out on the experience of visiting one of Hoi An’s many tailors!

I list this as number one simply due to the fact that if you are interested in getting some tailored clothes it will have to be your first stop during two days in Hoi An, Vietnam due to the tight timeline.

There are so many tailors in Hoi An, and I would recommend Anna‘s out of all of them. I had such a lovely experience at her shop I fully intend to go back again during my next visit! I went to her shop with the intention of having my favourite shirt, and favourite pair of shorts, recreated. She assured me that she was capable of doing such a thing and then took me to the fabric store on the back of her scooter. I personally got a little excited and picked out numerous fabrics for an assortment of clothes. Afterwards, I paid, and she told me to come back the next day to pick up my items. In about twenty-four hours, I had four new pairs of shorts (all linen), five blouses, one wrap dress, a robe and a romper for $240! She was also sweet enough to take me to my hotel on her scooter as I was running a bit late and had a spa appointment – something she did not have to do.

She recreated my favourite article of clothing to perfection.  I was very pleased with her service and professionalism. Check out where her shop is here.

2.  Visit the Beach

Looking for an idyllic beachside getaway? Look no further than Hoi An Beach, a stunning coastal stretch situated in the Quang Nam Province of Vietnam. After exploring the charming historical streets of Hoi An ancient town, take a leisurely stroll down to this picturesque shoreline and bask in its pristine beauty. With white sandy beaches framed by lush greenery and clear turquoise waters that are perfect for swimming, surfing, or simply relaxing under a palm tree with a good book. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or complete relaxation – this non-commercial beach is just what you need.

The city of Hoi An is a beautiful coastal city. Therefore, it goes without saying that a visit to the beach is a must for two days in Hoi An, Vietnam. Most resorts or hotels are set along the beach. However, if you are not staying at one of those hotels there are plenty of public beach space. Check out An Bang Beach.

Want a lovely photo op? Check out the beaches at sunrise for some beautiful scenery! You will be surprised by the number of people already at the beach in the morning but it will be far less crowded than during the day.

3.  Walk around Old Town and the Japanese Covered Bridge

Have you heard of Old Town Hoi An? This charming ancient town in central Vietnam is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is renowned for its well-preserved buildings, lantern-lit streets and picturesque canal. Wander through the narrow alleys filled with tailor shops, art galleries and restaurants serving up local delicacies like cao lầu noodles and bánh mì sandwiches. Admire the Japanese Bridge, Pagodas and Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation. With so much culture to explore in one place, Old Town Hoi An should be on every traveler’s bucket list.

Looking for a picturesque bridge that boasts extraordinary architectural beauty? Then, look no further than the Japanese Bridge in Hoi An. This iconic landmark is a must-see destination for visitors looking to delve into the rich culture and history of Vietnam. Built by Japanese merchants during the 17th century, this unique structure represents an exquisite blend of Japanese and Vietnamese architectural styles. Arriving at either end one will see two statues- one depicting monkeys, while the other shows dogs – as this is believed to be an auspicious beginning when crossing over water (a historical symbol of life and death).

Find this sign for a great Instagram photo! It’s located in the centre of Hoi An. Start at the Tourist Information Center and walk along Dorung Tran Phu towards the Japanese Covered bridge. You will see the above sign on the right-hand sign (it’s hard to miss since it’s a bright orange wall!)

The Old Town is the central part of Hoi An. The district is lovely with easy to navigate streets. The main area of the old town is a biking and walking area only – which means no need to worry about scooter drivers! Walk around this area during the day and enjoy the various cafes, bars, and restaurants.

Some great places to eat or drink at in Hoi An:

• Aubergine49 Restaurant – You will find a lot of European / French influenced restaurants in Hoi An. However, it should not be surprising given Vietnam’s history. This is a French-influenced place, but a bit on the fancier side!
• Taco NGON – Tired of Vietnamese? Try out this place for that quick taco fix!
• Dive Bar & Restaurant  – I spent more time here than I probably should have during my two days in Hoi An, Vietnam. As a diver, this was a perfect fit for me. The bar is a mixture of a dive shop and a dive bar. The wall is covered in nautical and underwater inspiration. Their TV plays dive footage from dive trips around Vietnam. Additionally, drinks are cheap and there are board games, a pool table, and other means to keep busy. The food is also delicious!

Enjoy the cocktail selection at most bars. I was able to get Gin and Tonics and Mojitos at various locations for only about $3 USD. Quite the steal!

4. Visit the Night Market

If you’re looking for a truly unique experience that’s packed with stunning sights, sounds and delicious aroma, don’t miss the Night Market in Hoi An. Located in the heart of this historic city, this bustling market offers all sorts of local souvenirs, traditional handicrafts and mouth-watering street food that are sure to delight your senses. Wander through vibrant alleyways lined with colorful lanterns as you sample local specialties like Banh Mi sandwiches or delectable Banh Xeo pancakes.

One of the top things to do in Hoi An, Vietnam, a stopover would not be complete without a visit to the Night Market at Hoi An.

Wait for the sun to set with a couple of drinks or dinner in old town. Then head over to the nightly market. Crossing Cau An Hoi bridge you will see lanterns floating down the Thu Bon river. Additionally, earlier in the day you can arrange for a night tour of Hoi An by boat and paddle down this canal to see the numerous lanterns.

Finish crossing the bridge and check out the night market full of souvenirs and street food. Capture a couple of photos of the beautiful lanterns strung up all over Hoi An as well!

Where I stayed

For my two day trip in Hoi An, Vietnam, I chose to stay at a resort. I wanted some relaxation and spa treatment as a treat to myself and opted to spend a bit more than normal. Ultimately, Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort and Spa met all my requirements: bathtub, private beachfront, pool, and a breakfast.

The location of the hotel is lovely, right next to a beach. The resort offers a shuttle to Hoi An Old Town, which is a mere 11-minute drive away. Ultimately making it my key choice for two days in Hoi An, Vietnam.

The resort has a private pool, and a private beach resort offering options. Additionally, there is a spa on site where you can get a variety of type of massages, facials, or body scrub. I opted for a three-hour treatment: 60-minute facial, 30-minute body scrub, and a 90-minute massage for $120.

There are also three bars on the resort. Additionally, there is a lovely buffet breakfast every morning that is included with most reservations. There are also themed meals nights (seafood, brunch, etc) that you can eat at with an additional cost.

How to get to Hoi An

The best way to get to Hoi An is by flying into Da Nang Airport. From there it is an approximately 30-minute ride into Hoi An. There is the option to arrange a ride from your resort/hotel. Or to grab a taxi from the airport to your hotel which can run about $25 USD.