Things to Do in Hoi An
See the old town at dusk
The UNESCO old town is the heart of Hoi An, a few traffic-calmed blocks of yellow merchant houses, the Japanese Bridge and a river that fills with silk lanterns after dark. Walk it in the late afternoon when the light softens, buy the 120,000 VND heritage ticket if you want to enter the historic houses, and stay for the night market across the river.
Take a cooking class and a basket boat
Cooking classes are the highest-rated activity in Hoi An. Most begin with a morning market tour, add a short basket boat ride through the coconut palms of Cam Thanh, and finish with a hands-on kitchen where you cook and eat local dishes. It is the best-value half day in town and a great rainy-season backup.
Pick one big day trip
Two day trips dominate. The Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills is the photogenic one, reached by a long cable car about 90 minutes away. My Son is the quiet one, a set of Cham temple ruins best at sunrise. The Marble Mountains sit between Hoi An and Da Nang and pair well with the giant Lady Buddha statue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the number one thing to do in Hoi An?
Wander the lantern-lit old town at dusk. It is free to walk, atmospheric and the single most memorable thing in town, especially when paired with a cooking class earlier in the day.
How many days do you need in Hoi An?
Two to three days. One for the old town and a cooking class, one for a big day trip to the Golden Bridge or My Son, and an optional third for the beach or the countryside.