Hoi An completely stole our hearts. It’s the kind of place where you think you’ll “see it in a day”… and then suddenly you’re three days deep, still wandering lantern-lit streets, still eating your way through local spots, still finding new corners to love.
Here’s everything we did (and a couple things we didn’t—but you absolutely should), plus where to stay, what to eat, and the experiences that made this one of our favorite stops in Vietnam.
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The Best Things We Did in Hoi An
1. Take a Lantern Making Class
This was hands down one of the most memorable things we did. There’s something really special about learning a traditional craft in the very place it’s famous for.
Hoi An is known for its lanterns, and getting to make one yourself makes you appreciate them even more when you see them glowing all over town at night.
2. Take a Vietnamese Coffee Making Class
Vietnam doesn’t just do coffee—it elevates it.
From egg coffee to coconut coffee, this class gave us a whole new appreciation for how creative (and delicious) Vietnamese coffee culture is. Plus, now we can recreate it at home… or at least try to.
👉 Read our full post: Egg, Salt, Coconut and Phin Coffee: A Simple Guide to Vietnam’s Most Famous Coffee Drinks
3. Watch the Hoi An Memories Show (A MUST SEE)
If you do one thing in Hoi An—make it this.
The Hoi An Memories Show is one of the most visually stunning performances we’ve ever seen. Massive stage, hundreds of performers, and a beautiful storytelling of Vietnam’s history.
It’s not just a show—it’s an experience.
👉 Check out our honest review at: Everything You Need to Know About the Hoi An Memories Show
4. Wander the Streets of Hoi An Ancient Town
You don’t need a plan here. Just walk.
The magic of Hoi An Ancient Town is in the wandering—yellow buildings, glowing lanterns, riverside cafés, street art, and tiny alleys that somehow always lead to something beautiful.
We easily spent hours here… multiple days in a row.
👉 Read our full guide: Wandering Hoi An: Why the Best Thing to Do Is Nothing
5. Visit Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary
A day trip to the ancient ruins of Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary is absolutely worth it.
Think: jungle-covered temples, fewer crowds than other Southeast Asia ruins, and a peaceful, almost mystical atmosphere.
We lucked out with an overcast day—which made exploring way more enjoyable.
👉 For our detailed guide, check out: Visiting Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary From Hoi An: Travel Time, Tips & What It’s Really Like
6. Shop Handmade Goods
Hoi An is shopping heaven—but not in a chaotic way.
We found:
- Handmade leather bags
- Custom clothing
- Unique street art (our personal favorite)
- Beautiful souvenirs that actually feel meaningful
If you love bringing home pieces from your travels, this is your place.
7. Lantern Release Boat Ride (Do This at Night!)
One of the most iconic Hoi An experiences.
For about $5–$10, you can hop on a small boat, float along the river, and release a lantern into the water. It’s peaceful, a little touristy—but honestly, still magical.
8. Take a Day Trip to Da Nang (So Many Bucket List Spots Nearby)
One of the best things about Hoi An? You’re incredibly close to Da Nang—which means even more adventures are just a short drive away.
From Hoi An, you can easily visit:
- The famous Marble Mountains
- The iconic Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills
- The scenic peninsula of Son Tra Peninsula
We based ourselves in Da Nang for a bit and explored all of these—and they’re absolutely worth adding to your itinerary, even if you’re staying in Hoi An.
👉 Check out our full guide here: 7 Amazing Things to Do in Da Nang You Can’t Miss (Beaches, Ba Na Hills & More)
Hoi An Experiences We Missed (But Are Worth Adding to Your Trip)
9. Coconut Boats & the Coconut Forest (We Skipped—You Might Not!)
The Cam Thanh Coconut Village is famous for its basket boats spinning through palm-lined waterways.
We didn’t do this—but if you’re looking for something fun, interactive, and a bit different, this is a popular pick.
10. Bike Through Rice Fields (We Wish We Did This!)
One thing we saw so many people doing—and wish we had time for—was biking through the countryside.
Just outside Hoi An, you’ll find peaceful rice paddies, water buffalo, and quiet dirt paths that feel worlds away from the Old Town. Many hotels (including ours) offer free or cheap bike rentals, making this an easy and beautiful way to explore.
11. Spend Time at the Beach
Hoi An isn’t just lanterns and temples—it also has beaches.
An Bang Beach is one of the most popular spots, with soft sand, laid-back beach bars, and a more relaxed vibe than nearby cities.
It’s perfect for a slow afternoon or a break from sightseeing.
12. Take a Day Trip to Cham Island (Snorkeling & Clear Water)
If you’re craving clear blue water and a bit of adventure, consider a day trip to Cham Islands.
Known for:
- Snorkeling and diving
- Crystal-clear water
- White sand beaches
We didn’t make it here—but it’s one of the top recommended day trips from Hoi An.
Where to Stay in Hoi An (We Found a Gem)
We stayed at Spring Breeze Hotel—and honestly, we would go back in a heartbeat.
It’s about 15 minutes outside the Old Town, which ended up being perfect:
- Close enough to explore easily
- Far enough to escape the crowds
- Surrounded by more local, less touristy food
But what made it unforgettable? The people.
The staff treated us like family. They were warm, kind, and genuinely cared about our stay. They teased my husband and brought treats for my daughter.
Rose at the front desk was incredible—she organized:
- All our car transfers and drivers for day trips
- Tickets to the Memories Show
- Our coffee class
- Our lantern-making class (which was actually onsite!)
- Facials/Pedicures/Haircuts
She even assisted us with shipping a package back home as we needed some translation. She definitely went the extra mile for us and it was appreciated!
The hotel itself:
- Brand new, modern, and spotless
- Super comfortable rooms
- Quiet and relaxing atmosphere
- Breakfast included: Both Vietnamese and Western Options
It has a 5-star rating on Booking—and we fully agree. We gave it 5 stars too.
Where We Ate (Local Gems Near Our Hotel)
Being outside the Old Town meant better (and cheaper) local food—and these were our favorites:
- Pho Xua 2
- Nhan Kitchen
- Tuan Restaurant (incredible lemongrass clams)
- FireFly Restaurant & Bar
And yes—you have to try Cao lầu.
This dish is unique to Hoi An—chewy noodles, tender pork, crispy toppings, and fresh herbs. It’s rich, flavorful, and completely different from pho. One of those meals you’ll still be thinking about later.
| The Syps Family Hoi An Tip Box 🏮 Eat local – try the Cao lầu and White Rose Dumplings which are both unique to Hoi An 🏮Go early morning or late evening to avoid peak crowds in Old Town 🏮Bring cash—many smaller vendors don’t take cards 🏮Get a custom made suit or outfit, it’s what Hoi An is known for 🏮Book experiences (like coffee making classes or the Memories show) ahead of time in busy seasons 🏮Lantern boat rides are cheapest if you walk a bit further from the main bridge 🏮Stay slightly outside Old Town for better value and local food 🏮Book a Bicycle Tour or Rent a bike—even if just for an hour—to explore beyond the tourist core (note that Spring Breeze Hotel where we stayed had complimentary bicycles) 🏮Consider a food tour if you’re overwhelmed with where to eat |
The Syps Survival Summary
Did we survive Hoi An’s charm without completely falling in love with it? No chance. It got us immediately.
Hoi An is one of those rare places that feels both lively and peaceful at the same time.
It’s in the lanterns, the food, the people, the slow walks, the little moments you didn’t plan for.
We came for a few days—and left wishing we had more. And if we were to return anywhere in Vietnam, it would be here without hesitation.
And honestly? That’s how you know a place is special.