{"id":12152,"date":"2021-11-21T19:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-11-21T18:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/girlaroundtheworld.co.uk\/?p=12152"},"modified":"2023-05-02T17:33:03","modified_gmt":"2023-05-02T16:33:03","slug":"complete-hoi-an-guide-vietnam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/girlaroundtheworld.co.uk\/complete-hoi-an-guide-vietnam\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Things to Do in Hoi An, Vietnam – A Complete Hoi An Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you\u2019re heading to Hoi An in Vietnam<\/a> soon, I hope you\u2019re ready for a real adventure! Scroll down to find my recommended list of things to do in Hoi An, as well as a complete Hoi An guide that includes the best accommodation options for all types of travellers, as well as the best places to eat and precious information about how to get around the city – and more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hoi An (H\u1ed9i An) is a charming town located on the central coast of Vietnam and an underrated tourist destination – that\u2019s if you ask me, of course. Stepping into Hoi An is like stepping into another world. In fact, it\u2019s more like stepping back in time to when there were no skyscrapers, electronics and traffic full of cars. Old temples, a Japanese bridge, An Bang beach, night markets\u2026 Hoi An has it all – and my heart, too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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There is a simplicity to Hoi An. And this simplicity creates a charm and magic that make this town the most loved destination in all of Vietnam. Are you ready to find out everything you need to know about the best things to do in Hoi An? Let\u2019s get going:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>9 Best things to do in Hoi An, Vietnam<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are countless unique things to do in Hoi An, but I did my best and made a special selection below with some of the most exciting places and activities that turned my vacation into an unforgettable experience:<\/p>\n\n\n

1 – Hoi An Old Town<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Hoi An Old Town is one of the most special places in this town – and in all of Vietnam, if you ask me. The reason is pretty simple: the Old Town of Hoi An wasn\u2019t bombarded during the Vietnam War, so all the beautiful, ancient buildings are still well-preserved here. Taking a walk around Hoi An Ancient Town is a top activity here; while you\u2019re there, take your time and admire the unique architecture of this place and maybe stop for a coffee in one of the numerous coffee places. By the way, did you know that Hoi An Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2 – Hoi An Central Market<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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If you\u2019ll take a stroll down the banks of the Thu Bon River, you\u2019ll discover one of the gems of the city right there: I\u2019m talking about Hoi An local market, of course, also known as Ch\u1ee3 H\u1ed9i An! This is a great place to buy some handmade souvenirs to bring back home to your loved ones. You\u2019ll find everything you wish for there, from silk dresses to spices and, of course, a lot of amazing street food stalls!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TIP #1:<\/strong> The best time to visit is after 8 PM when there are fewer crowds around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TIP #2:<\/strong> If you have the time, make sure to visit Hoi An Night Market as well!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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3 – Japanese Covered Bridge<\/h3>\n\n\n
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The Japanese Covered Bridge is one of the most interesting Hoi An attractions in the centre of the city. Its ornaments are simply stunning and it\u2019s the perfect place to take some superb photos!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TIP #1:<\/strong> If you want to enter the bridge, you\u2019ll need a Hoi An Old Town Ticket<\/a> – a basic ticket worth 120.000 VND (5,20$). This was created as an initiative to preserve the old, precious buildings of this city – you\u2019ll often be required to present it when entering parts of the historic centre, so it\u2019s best to have it on you at all times. You can buy it at numerous attractions  throughout the centre of the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TIP #2:<\/strong> If you\u2019re already close to the Japanese Bridge, make sure to visit Phung Hung Old House as well, as they\u2019re very close to each other!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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4 – Fujian Assembly Hall \/ Phuc Kien<\/h3>\n\n\n
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This gorgeous building (spoiler alert: it\u2019s PINK!) dates from the 17th century and it\u2019s one of the most beautiful things to see in Hoi An. It\u2019s actually a sacred place built by the Fujian Chinese community and it has a gorgeous gate full of carvings of Chinese figures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fujian Assembly Hall entrance fee:<\/strong> you can enter using your Hoi An Old Town Ticket (more info above).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED READ:\u00a0<\/strong>12 Things To Do in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam – A Complete Guide<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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5 – My Son Sanctuary<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Okaaay, I\u2019m cheating a bit here (but it\u2019s worth it!), as My Son Sanctuary is not technically inside Hoi An, but a bit outside of it. No worries, nothing that can\u2019t be managed during a day trip from the city. Why am I saying that My Son Ruins are worth visiting (despite the weird name, lol)? Well, because this sanctuary hosts beautiful, ancient temples dating from the 4th to the 13th century – that\u2019s a LONG time ago! Plus, My Son ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so if this doesn\u2019t convince you, then you just need to take a look at some pictures!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My Son Sanctuary entrance fee: <\/strong>150,000 VND (6,50 US$). I recommend visiting with an organised tour<\/a> and a professional guide so that you can learn the history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED READ:\u00a0<\/strong>Da Nang Marble Mountain, Vietnam – Everything You Need to Know Before You Go<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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6 – Get tailor-made clothes just for you<\/h3>\n\n\n
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This is SUCH a thing to do in Hoi An! Vietnam is well-known for its textile industry and going back home with a custom made suit or dress might just be the highlight of your trip!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The process is pretty simple and fun: you\u2019ll first have to find the ideal tailor for you and your needs (some of them are more expensive, with high-quality materials, while others offer more regular services), show them the item you want made (Pinterest boards are ideal for inspiration!), pick your fabrics, get fitted (so the final piece will perfectly suit your body and preferences) and then pick up your custom-made items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When I was in Hoi An, I actually had 3 identical dresses made across 3 different tailors of different budgets, as a fun little experiment. It was a very interesting experience seeing how the quality varied! If you want to read more about it, I recommend checking out this post<\/a>.<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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7 – Beaches near Hoi An<\/h3>\n\n\n
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I know I said that Hoi An is a superb ancient town, but let\u2019s not forget that it\u2019s also located on the coast of Vietnam, which can only mean one thing: cool beaches! Sunbathing! Fun in the water! Yep, all of the above is possible, and you\u2019re even spoiled with choices when it comes to Hoi An, as there are more than a couple of beaches to choose from. Here are two of the best options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n