{"id":40953,"date":"2020-07-02T08:20:00","date_gmt":"2020-07-02T15:20:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bucketlistjourney.net\/?p=40953"},"modified":"2025-04-08T01:54:04","modified_gmt":"2025-04-08T08:54:04","slug":"things-to-do-in-hoi-an","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bucketlistjourney.net\/things-to-do-in-hoi-an\/","title":{"rendered":"Hoi An Bucket List: 21 Things to Do in Vietnam’s Ancient Town"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

From the best tailors in the world to pretty beaches to historic attractions, and an ancient town center that is recognized as an UNESCO World Heritage site, Hoi An is one city in Vietnam that you don’t want to miss. Located just an hour and a half plane ride from Ho Chi Minh City<\/a>, it has all the intrigue of its larger counterpart, minus some of the chaos and sprinkled with more charm. There are virtually dozens of fun things to do in Hoi An and I’ve listed some of the best ones for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

The Best Things to Do in Hoi An\u2014Vietnam’s Ancient Town<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

1. \u2727 Sample Cau Lao<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

What is Cao Lau you ask? It is a traditional noodle dish that comes right from the city of Hoi An. The authentic Cao Lau takes a significant amount of to prepare (maybe that’s why it tastes so good!). The noodles have to be soaked in the water from Cham wells and wood ash lye. It typically consists of a little broth spiced up with mint, basil, and cilantro, then topped with slices of pork and croutons. It won’t be hard to find, almost every restaurant in the Ancient town and surrounding areas have it on their menus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

2. \u2726<\/strong> Get a Custom-Made Clothes at a Tailor<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Have a passion for nicely fitted clothing? There\u2019s the perfect tailor waiting for you on almost every corner in Hoi An. The most popular bucket list<\/a> worthy thing to do in Hoi An is to have either a suit or dress made for you from scratch. You will be able to choose the color, style, and fabric. And the tailor will make sure it fits you perfectly!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The turnaround time for the first fitting is around 24 hours, so you don\u2019t need to hurry to grab the first tailor you see. If you want to get a really good piece, you should stroll around the city and find the tailor whose clothes, fabrics and technique you really like. The selection is really wide and the prices differ greatly. Take note that many times a tailor will initially tell you the price which is around 30-50% higher than they expect to get\u2014so negotiate!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I went to 3 different shops, and bought a total of seven pieces. My first stop was to Blue Ms. Tam Tam, who charged $230 (very expensive!) for a dress, a pair of pants and a jumpsuit. Next, was a stop just a few shops down to Trang Tri. there I had a pair of pretty linen pants made for $25. Last, and what shop was my favorite of them all, was to Clothes Shop Fourteen 14 at the fabric market. My pieces purchased from them are pictured below and each cost between $30-$35.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

3. \u2727 Visit the Precious Heritage Museum<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Located in a 19th-century French house, the Precious Heritage Museum<\/a> showcases the collection of stunning portraits, costumes, and songs of 54 tribal ethnicities found in Vietnam. The permanent exhibition was created by French photographer R\u00e9hahn. He aims to make the unique tribal culture valued outside of their ethnic community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

4. \u2726<\/strong> Sip Egg Coffee<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you tire of a normal cappuccino, shot of espresso or cup of jo, Vietnam can surprise you with something truly different\u2014an egg coffee. Egg coffee is a local drink wherein egg yolk and condensed milk are mixed with Vietnamese Robusta coffee. The richness of the egg, the sweetness of condensed milk, and the bitterness of black coffee make a frothy drink that\u2019s perfect to warm your soul. I know what you think\u2013egg on coffee? Hard pass.<\/em> However, after a single cup, I was a die-hard fan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you decide to check this off your bucket list, the best egg coffees can be found at Hoi An Roastery<\/a>, The Espresso Station<\/a> and The Bird House<\/a> where you can drink your cup inside a life sized birdcage!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"Annette<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Egg<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

5. \u2727 Visit Tra Que Vegetable Village<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Only a few kilometers from Hoi An, you can escape the noise and urbanization at Tra Que Vegetable Village<\/a>. This peaceful farming village grows remarkably clean and healthy vegetables. Why? They don\u2019t use any artificial fertilizers. The only fertilizer used is a type of algae found in Tra Que lagoon. Once there you can take a gardening or cooking class, as well as take a tour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Hoi An Countryside Scooter Tour<\/a> makes a stop there, along with visits to craftsmen in the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

6. \u2726 Ride in a Lantern Boat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The paper lanterns are a symbol of Hoi An, and hang throughout the ancient town. They were introduced in the 16th century by the Japanese and the Chinese when people believed that paper lanterns would bring good fortune to their houses. Every evening you can become a part of this tradition just by walking through the Old city as it is colorfully illuminated or take it one step further and hop onto a lantern boat along the Thu Bon river.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For about $12 they will take you on the river for a 20-minute ride where dozens of boats light up the water. While cruising along, you will even get to light your own candle lantern and set it free on the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

7. \u2726 See a Traditional Water Puppet Show<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Getting to know the Vietnamese culture is not only limited to going to museums. You can also do so by going to one of the most traditional attractions, the Hoi An Water Puppet<\/a> show. These shows depict Vietnamese traditions, folklore, and myths by using puppets that splash around in a water stage. They have an elaborate set-up and lively music and effects to make your experience truly unique. Although the was done entirely in theVietnamese language, don\u2019t worry, the play was easily understood because of the puppets\u2019 obvious actions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets are sold in the booths all around the Old Town or at the entrance to the theater, but if you want some extra assurance of getting a seat and want a dinner included, book your puppet tickets in advance at Viator<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"Annette<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Golden<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

8. \u2726 See the Hoi An Traditional Art Performance Theatre<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At the Hoi An Traditional Art Performance Theatre folk lovers will be able to get a taste of folk dance, ethnic instrumental ensembles, Quang Nam folk, and Bai Choi singing. You\u2019ll be surprised to see how many sounds one can make using only one string when you hear the Vietnamese instrument \u201cDan Bau\u201d! Its a cute and very little theater that gets packed, so make sure to arrive early if you want a seat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"Hoi<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Hoi<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

9. \u2726<\/strong> Admire the Japanese Covered Bridge<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dating back to the 18th century, the Japanese Covered Bridge was built by the Japanese community to connect it with the Chinese quarter. Today it is important not only because of its history, but its ornate construction and its religious value since there are shrines to several deities inside of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What most people want is to take a picture in front of this bridge during the daytime, but that is only half of the beauty. Come back in the evening and admire the bridge with all the magical lanterns shining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

10. \u2726<\/strong> See the AO Show (aka: Bamboo Circus)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Have you heard about the Vietnamese AO Show<\/a>? The show, which has been dubbed as the \u201cbamboo circus\u201d, is similar to Cirque du Soleil, except Vietnamese style. And it is quite impressive! You can enjoy this artistic phenomenon at Lune Center<\/a>, a famous 24-meter-wide bamboo dome, which imitates the full moon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The show is a contrasting portrait of Vietnam\u2019s peaceful country life versus urban modernization. Entertainers light heartedly poke fun at the Vietnamese culture, do acrobatics on bamboo sticks and use large wicker baskets in creative dances that create quite an attraction!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The performance takes place almost every day, except Monday and Thursday. Book the tickets online here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

11. \u2726<\/strong> Explore the Ancient Town<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hoi An’s Ancient Town is recognized as one of the top UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/a>, and for good reason. The old town was once a trading hub, but now is a well-preserved example of Southeast Asian architecture. Plus, the streets are lined with shops, bars, cafes and food markets!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many travelers believe that the Ancient town is most beautiful at night\u2014the midday heat is gone, and the streets are full of life and color. Thousands of paper lanterns shine throughout the streets, the Japanese bridge is glowing with lights and the street markets are lively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

12. \u2726<\/strong> Climb the Marble Mountains<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Marble Mountains are a cluster of five limestone and marble hills located between Hoi An and Da Nang. One of them, Mount Thuy, offers a challenging  climb to the top that is pretty dang surreal. Every level has either a cave to be explored, a pagoda to be admired or intricate stone statues. There is an elevator that will take you partway to the top, but by choosing that route you may be missing some spectacular sites along the way. So take the stairs if you can!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We took a taxi, from our hotel in Hoi An, which took about 20 minutes, and explored on our own, but you could also take a guided tour like the Marble Mountain and Sculpture Village Tour<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"Marble<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Marble<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

13. \u2726<\/strong> Shop at Hoi An Central Market<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Want to have a unique shopping experience? Go to the Hoi An Central Market<\/strong><\/em>. It\u2019s located on the riverside in the Hoi An Ancient town and here you\u2019ll find a variety of fresh local foods, herbs and spices, silk and much more. With the bustle of the people and delicious smells, it will make for a lively time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As with most Southeast Asian markets, it\u2019s a perfect place to exercise the art of bargaining. When first asking for a price, you will typically hear a price around 50% higher than expected. So, don\u2019t be shy and pay your tribute to the traditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

14. \u2726<\/strong> Taste a Traditional Bahn Mi<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A Banh Mi is like the Vietnamese equivalent of a sub. It\u2019s a baguette sandwich with lots of cilantro, pickled vegetables, pate, chilies, and hot peppers. You can choose your preferred meat fillings like roasted pork belly, fried fish in turmeric sauce, boiled sausages, boiled chicken, and many more. There\u2019s a dozens of ingredients you can pick from!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking for the best place to buy it? Try Banh Mi Phuong<\/a>. Anthony Bourdain loved it, so will you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"traditional<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"traditional<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

15. \u2727 Take A Day Trip To My Son Sanctuary<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Architecture lovers just can\u2019t miss a day trip My Son Hindu Sanctuary<\/a>. These ancient temples were constructed between the 4th and 14th centuries by Champa civilization, and are a part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. The Champa used a very unusual technique while building their temples. Most of them are made of red bricks and the carvings of Hindu deities are made directly onto the bricks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are plenty of tours that will have enjoying My Son Sanctuary, as well the Vietnamese landscapes, rice, and sunflower fields on your way. Here are a few top rated ones:<\/p>\n\n\n\n