What to see and do in Hoi An, Vietnam

At night, I went down to the river in Hoi An, and it was absolutely beautiful. The water was glowing with hundreds of colorful lanterns, and the streets were buzzing with music and people. I bought a lantern, made a wish, and watched it float away.

Explore the Ancient city on foot or on bike. My hostel had free bicycles to use during my stay, and it was so much fun to get from Point A to B by bike. Explore through the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An. It is such a cute small town. The yellow buildings, narrow alleys, and mix of shops and food stalls made it super fun to explore. I loved browsing the markets for souvenirs, grabbing snacks, and watching locals’ light lanterns by the river. It’s busy but still relaxed.

I got to pick the frame shape and fabric, then carefully wrap and glue it together. It was a bit tricky at first, but the workshop employees were super patient and helpful. Seeing my finished lantern light up at the end felt so satisfying. I adore handmade souvenirs.

Take a guided tour of the UNESCO Site My Son Sanctuary. It is a cluster of ancient Hindu temples set in a lush valley about an hour from Hoi An. Built between the 4th and 13th centuries by the Champa Kingdom.

I’m sooooo glad I went early. As we were eating breakfast, hundreds of tourists started sprinkling into the area.

Hoi An is famous for its tailor shops! Did you know that you can have custom dresses, suits, or outfits made in just a day or two? It truly is my absolute favorite souvenir from my trip to Vietnam.

Here’s a more detailed blog post

Shopping Guide (tailors, shoes and more) to Hoi An, Vietnam

I was very pleasantly surprised by this modern performance. Just take a short Grab ride away from the center of town to Memories Land. Memories Land is essentially a location made up with multiple shops and cafes. You walk all the way to the end of the property to access the show. I recommend getting in line at least thirty minutes before so that you can get good seating.

Hoi An’s Memories is a huge outdoor (show goes on even if it rains) performance set on a water stage with hundreds of dancers, lights, and music. It tells the story of Hoi An’s history through stunning choreography, traditional costumes, and beautiful visual effects. The scale and creativity were amazing, and it honestly felt like watching a live movie under the stars. You also learn so much as within the sixty-minute show you zoom past 400 years of history.

I loved getting a glimpse of everyday rural life on an eco-friendly tour from Hoi An. We started at a local market, where I got to see all the colorful produce and spices locals use for cooking. Then we cruised through a coconut palm forest in a bamboo basket boat. Let’s just say it’s a very unique ride! The day ended with a hands-on cooking class where I learned to make a few Vietnamese dishes from scratch (and ate way too much).