5 Interesting Activities You Must Try in Hoi An

Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s most charming destinations — a UNESCO World Heritage town filled with glowing lanterns, ancient architecture, peaceful countryside, and some of the country’s best cultural experiences. Beyond the famous yellow walls and the iconic Japanese Bridge, the city offers countless activities that allow visitors to fully connect with its history, people, and traditions.

To help you build the perfect itinerary, here are 5 interesting activities in Hoi An that every traveler should try. These activities offer a balance of culture, creativity, nature, and local immersion — ideal for first-time visitors or returning travelers seeking something new.

Address Recommendation:

Hoi An Lantern Workshop – 08 Tran Cao Van Street, Hoi An, Quang Nam

Lanterns are the beating heart of Hoi An, symbolizing luck, happiness, and prosperity. Taking part in a lantern-making class is not only one of the best activities in Hoi An, it is also a meaningful way to learn about local culture.

During the workshop, visitors build their lantern’s bamboo frame, stretch colorful silk around it, and decorate it with motifs of their choice. These handmade lanterns are lightweight, foldable, and make unforgettable souvenirs.

Why it’s interesting:

• Hands-on cultural experience
  
• Learn traditional craftsmanship
  
• Bring home your personalized lantern
  
• Great activity for families and couples
  

Tip: Attend an evening class to enjoy the lantern-lit atmosphere of the Old Town after your workshop.

Address:

Tra Que Village, Cam Ha Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam

Just a short bicycle ride from the Ancient Town lies Tra Que Vegetable Village, a peaceful farming community known for growing some of the freshest herbs in Vietnam. The scenery is breathtaking — rows of green vegetables, farmers wearing conical hats, water buffalo grazing in the distance, and quiet dirt paths perfect for photography.

Cycling around the village gives you a refreshing break from the busy streets. Most tours allow you to:

• Try planting or watering vegetables with traditional tools
  
• Learn about organic farming techniques
  
• Enjoy a herbal foot bath
  
• Join a cooking class featuring local specialties
  

Why it’s interesting:

• Authentic local life
  
• Beautiful rural landscapes
• Eco-friendly, relaxing, and ideal for slow travel.
  

Address:

Cam Thanh Coconut Village – DX18 Road, Cam Thanh, Hoi An, Quang Nam

The Bay Mau Coconut Forest is one of the most unique attractions in Hoi An. Often called the “Mini Mekong of Central Vietnam,” the forest features dense water coconuts lining winding rivers and canals. Local fishermen guide visitors in round basket boats, spinning them, singing folk songs, and demonstrating traditional fishing techniques.

This activity is fun, lively, and suitable for all ages. Along the way, you can admire the peaceful mangrove landscape, watch locals craft coconut-leaf souvenirs, and enjoy a refreshing breeze on the water.

Why it’s interesting:

• Unique basket-boat ride not found anywhere else
  
• Cultural shows and fishing demonstrations
  
• Great for kids, families, and groups
  
• Stunning natural scenery
  

Tip: Morning tours offer the calmest weather and fewer crowds.

Address:

Thanh Ha Pottery Village – Pham Phan Street, Hoi An, Quang Nam

If you enjoy creativity, culture, or architecture, the Thanh Ha Pottery Village is a must-visit. This charming riverside village has produced pottery for over 500 years, supplying ceramics to the entire region.

The highlight is the Terracotta Park, a unique open-air museum featuring miniature clay models of famous global landmarks — from the Taj Mahal to the Eiffel Tower — as well as iconic buildings from Hoi An.

Visitors can:

• Try hand-shaping pottery with clay
  
• Watch artisans craft vases, bowls, and sculptures
  
• Explore a clay world filled with artistic installations
  
• Learn about the history of ceramic craft in Vietnam
  

Why it’s interesting:

• Perfect blend of culture and creativity
  
• Great for photography and workshops
  
• Includes both indoor and outdoor activities
  

This activity appears frequently in searches for best experiences in Hoi An.

Departure Point:

Bach Dang Pier – Bach Dang Street, Hoi An Ancient Town

As the sun sets, Hoi An becomes one of the most magical places in the world. A traditional wooden boat ride along the Thu Bon River lets you experience the Old Town from a different perspective.

During the ride, you’ll see:

• Lantern lights reflecting on the water
  
• Wooden houses glowing in warm yellow tones
  
• Floating candles drifting peacefully
  
• Couples and families enjoying the romantic atmosphere
  

You can also release a small paper lantern onto the river — a tradition believed to bring good luck and positive wishes.

Why it’s interesting:

• One of the most iconic Hoi An experiences
  
• Romantic and peaceful
  
• Perfect for photos and short videos
  
• Symbolic cultural meaning
  

Tip: The best time is between 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM, during golden hour.

Hoi An is a destination full of unforgettable experiences, and these 5 interesting activities highlight the best of its culture, nature, and creativity. Whether you are making lanterns, cycling through rice fields, sailing a basket boat, shaping pottery, or enjoying a romantic sunset ride, each activity provides a deeper connection to the town’s heritage.