7 Must-Try Experiences When Visiting Hoi An Ancient Town

Walking around the ancient town is the best way to feel the slow pace of life and nostalgia of Hoi An. The ancient town covers an area of about 2km² with over 1,000 well-preserved ancient houses, assembly halls, and pagodas. Starting from Tran Phu or Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, you will admire the curved tiled roofs, mossy yellow walls, and vibrant bougainvillea trellises. Don't forget to visit Tan Ky Ancient House (over 200 years old) to learn about ancient trading history, or Phuc Kien Assembly Hall with its splendid Chinese architecture. The ideal time is early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat, and remember to buy an ancient town entrance ticket (around 120,000 VND) to access historical sites. This experience not only helps you relax but also gives a deeper understanding of East Asian cultural interference.

One of the most romantic and iconic activities when traveling to Hoi An is releasing flower lanterns on the Hoai River. This activity takes place every night, but is especially lively on the full moon day of each month (lantern festival). The flower lanterns are made from colorful paper with candles inside, symbolizing prayers for peace and good fortune. You can rent a boat (about 100,000-150,000 VND for 30 minutes) to drift on the river and admire the shimmering ancient town under the lights. According to local legend, the Hoai River was once a vibrant trading route, and releasing lanterns helps "send" wishes to the river god. 

Note to choose eco-friendly lanterns to protect the river ecosystem. This is an ideal experience for couples or families, bringing a sense of peace and magic.

Chua Cau (or Covered Bridge / Lai Vien Kieu) is an indispensable symbol when coming to Hoi An Ancient Town. Built in the 17th century by the Japanese community, this 18m covered bridge connects the two banks of the Hoai River and possesses unique architecture: the middle part is a pagoda worshipping Bac De Tran Vu – the guardian deity of the land. With a crescent-like shape and statues of dogs and monkeys guarding both ends (symbolizing the years of construction start and completion according to the lunar calendar), this is a top "virtual living" check-in spot. Admission ticket is around 80,000 VND, and you can combine it with strolling around the area to take photos. Historically, Chua Cau was a place for trading goods among international merchants, contributing to Hoi An's prosperity. Don't forget to visit during the day to admire the architectural details and at night to see the bridge glowing brightly under lanterns.

Hoi An cuisine is the crystallization of Quang Nam's finest culinary traditions, influenced by Chinese and Japanese cultures. Don't miss cao lau – a chewy noodle dish made with banana ash water, topped with char siu pork and fresh herbs, priced around 30,000-50,000 VND/bowl at Thanh Cao Lau or Ba Be stall. Mi Quang with fresh noodles, shrimp, pork, and roasted peanuts is also a "must-try", best at Ong Hai restaurant. Ba Buoi chicken rice with shredded chicken mixed with aromatic herbs, and Banh mi Phuong – once praised by chef Anthony Bourdain as the "best banh mi in the world" – are other indispensable dishes. To fully experience it, join a street food tour (about 500,000 VND/person) or visit Hoi An Market to buy local specialties like banh dap with stir-fried baby clams. Hoi An cuisine is not only delicious but also rich in nutrients, using fresh local ingredients.

Hoi An at night is like a vibrant painting with thousands of colorful lanterns hanging along the streets. Starting from 6 PM, the ancient town bans motorbikes, creating an ideal pedestrian area to stroll around, listen to traditional Bai Choi folk singing, or watch water puppet shows on outdoor stages. Head to the Hoai River to admire sparkling boats, or join the full moon night festival with fireworks and art performances. As travelers share on forums, this is when Hoi An is "most lively", with cool air and less crowd than daytime. If staying at a riverside hotel like Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort, you can enjoy stunning night views. This experience helps you feel a tranquility completely different from the hustle and bustle of major cities.

Hoi An is famous for its fast, high-quality tailoring service, thanks to over 500 tailor shops along the streets. You can choose local silk fabrics, design traditional ao dai or modern suits, and receive your items in just 4-6 hours (prices ranging from 1,000,000 to 3,000,000 VND/set). Shops like Yaly Couture or BeBe Tailor are highly rated by tourists for skilled tailors and precise measurements. This is not just shopping but also a cultural experience, as ao dai is an iconic symbol of Vietnamese women. Make sure to try on clothes carefully and negotiate prices to avoid extra fees. If you love fashion, this is an opportunity to own unique "made-to-measure" outfits, making a perfect souvenir for your trip.

To gain a deeper understanding of Hoi An culture, participate in craft workshops such as lantern making at Thanh Ha craft village (priced around 200,000 VND, lasting 1-2 hours), where you can bend bamboo and glue paper yourself to create a lantern to take home. Pottery workshops at Thanh Ha Terracotta Park allow you to mold clay into souvenirs, or cooking classes at Red Bridge Cooking School teach you how to make cao lau and mi quang. These activities are usually guided by local artisans, helping you connect with Hoi An's 400-year-old handicraft tradition. According to reviews on TripAdvisor, this is a fun and educational experience suitable for families or groups of friends. Book in advance via platforms like Klook to avoid sold-out spots, especially during peak season.

Hoi An Ancient Town offers visitors a seamless series of experiences where every small activity contributes to the trip's overall value. From exploring heritage architecture, learning about local cultural life, enjoying signature cuisine to joining traditional activities, each experience helps you better understand the historical depth and identity of Hoi An. With 7 must-try experiences when visiting Hoi An Ancient Town, you can easily build a balanced itinerary between sightseeing, experiencing, and relaxing. To keep your trip well-organized and optimize your time, choosing a Hoi An tour is a suitable option for both first-time visitors and those who want to explore Hoi An in a more systematic way. Tours are often pre-designed with itineraries covering the Ancient Town, Hoai River, Covered Bridge, and traditional craft villages, combined with knowledgeable local tour guides to help you fully and conveniently access the destination. Booking a suitable tour will help you be more proactive in your journey and enjoy the full value of your trip.