15 Wonderful Things To Do In Hoi An, Vietnam

Located in the heart of Hoi An’s Old Town is Ba Mu Pagoda, a striking temple for multiple deities and with origins dating back to the 17th century.

Ba Mu consists of a three-chamber hall and a spacious outdoor area. While it’s suffered damage over the years from wars and changing locations, its unique architectural character is still evident today. Its beautiful lily pond, three door gate and lovely moss-covered walls in particular, make it nothing short of enchanting.

Address: 675a Đ. Hai Bà Trưng, Old Town

Entry Cost: Free*

The Japanese Bridge, also known as Cau Pagoda (Chùa Cầu), is an iconic footbridge and symbol of peace and prosperity in Hoi An. Constructed around the 17th century by Japanese merchants, legend says that it was built to protect the village against Namazu, a mythical creature believed to cause earthquakes and floods.

With a Japanese-style curved roof decorated in yin and yang patterns and a temple atop, the bridge’s design expertly blends a few different cultural and architectural styles.

Address: 186 Trần Phú, Phường Minh An

Entry Cost: Free*

As an art lover, I made sure to explore Old Town Hoi An’s art scene. From contemporary galleries to traditional lantern painting workshops, I was blown away by the creativity and talent on display. I even picked up a few pieces to take home as souvenirs of my time in this vibrant town.

Cost: Varies*

I booked my tour with David, a local guide in Hoi An and Da Nang.

One activity that I always aim to do while traveling is sampling delicious local cuisine. In Hoi An, this means digging into a plate of White Rose Dumplings.

Despite being widely available at numerous restaurants and street food stalls around town, this local specialty is actually a secret recipe! Only one family in all of Hoi An knows how to make the White Rose Dumplings and have been supplying to all the restaurants and vendors throughout town for over 100 years.

Cost: Varies by Restaurant*

Escape the bustling streets of Hoi An and embark on a day trip to picturesque SunWorld Ba Na Hills. Nestled in the Truong Son Mountains, this hilly theme park offers a perfect retreat from the heat and a day filled with thrills, peacefulness, and stunning views.

As you ascend the mountainside via the iconic Ba Na Cable Car – the longest non-stop single track cable car in the world – you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas of lush greenery and cascading waterfalls below. Once atop the hills, a world of themed wonders unfolds.

From the Instagram-famous Golden Hands Bridge, to the whimsical French Village to the stunning Linh Ung Pagoda and towering Buddha statue, every corner of Ba Na Hills exudes its own unique charm.

In terms of activities, for those looking for serenity, Ba Na Hills’ tranquil gardens and walking trails provide the perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature. On the other hand, thrill-seekers will love the Fantasy Park area, which holds the theme park’s most exhilarating indoor rides and games.

All-in-all, a day trip to SunWorld Ba Na Hills will enchant and inspire, leaving you with unforgettable memories of your time amidst the clouds.

Located in Old Town Hoi An, Tan Ky House is a beautifully preserved 18th-century merchant’s residence. While the home’s layout is in the same style that you’ll find in many buildings have throughout Hoi An, Tan Ky’s design also includes a lot of Chinese and Japanese influences. 

Here, you’ll find Chinese poems written into the home’s columns and a triangular five rafter Japanese-style roof inside the front house, symbols of the city’s past as a popular international trading port.

Now, if you’ve been following along for a while now, you’ll know I love “living museums” and Tan Ky is no exception. Full of horizontal lacquered boards, priceless vintage furniture and beautifully preserved antiques, Tan Ky House provide a revealing glimpse into the day-to-day life of Hoi An’s citizens centuries ago.

Perhaps the most rare and intriguing antique you must see at Tan Ky is The Confucius Cup. Dating back to the 16th century, the Confucius Cup recounts the story of Confucius, receiving a unique cup while traversing the desert that poured out water when filled to capacity but retained it when only partly filled.

Marble Mountain and Monkey Mountain are two iconic landmarks near Hoi An that are often combined on half day trips from town.

Marble Mountain, known locally as Ngu Hanh Son, is a cluster of five limestone hills named after the five elements: earth, water, fire, metal, and wood. Each hill is adorned with caves, pagodas, and intricate marble sculptures showcasing Vietnam’s rich heritage and craftsmanship. Visitors can climb staircases carved into the mountainside to explore hidden grottoes, Buddhist sanctuaries, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the coastal plains.

Monkey Mountain, or Son Tra Mountain, is a perfect place to observe diverse and endangered wildlife. The mountain derives its name from more than 400 brown-shanked douc langurs that call this area home. While I unfortunately had to cancel my visit here due to a last minute injury, I’ve heard that it’s absolutely magical to see the monkeys swing around, find food, and interact!

In addition to their thriving monkey population, Monkey Mountain is also home to a number of endangered species like the brocade python and red-faced chicken. And if animal sightings aren’t at the top of your bucketlist, Monkey Mountain is still worth the visit for its large Lady Buddha Statue, the tallest Buddha statue in all of Vietnam!

After a day full of sightseeing and exploring, there’s nothing better than winding down with a bit of relaxation. And in Hoi An, there’s so many quality and affordable spas available, I found that getting a treatment was hard to pass up!

With options ranging from quick foot massages to full traditional Vietnamese massages, there’s something for every type of traveler and itinerary.

Visiting Hoi An during the dry season? Relax and unwind at An Bang Beach, a beautiful stretch of coastline located just a short drive or bike ride from Hoi An’s town center.

With warm water, soft sand and plenty of restaurants along the stretch, An Bang is a perfect place to cool off during Vietnam’s warmest months.

Address: W87R+C7R, Đ. Hai Bà Trưng, Tp.