Historic and charming, Hoi An is often regarded as the most delightful town in Vietnam. It holds a unique place in Vietnamese history, once serving as a bustling international commercial port during the 16th and 17th centuries. Today, the city continues to captivate with its picturesque riverside setting and remarkable architecture, making it a standout destination in the country.
Hoi An's abundance of attractions and its pleasant climate create an ideal backdrop for an unforgettable journey. Take a closer look at this checklist of Hoi An's highlights to discover what awaits you in this enchanting corner of Vietnam.
18 Hoi An Attractions – Where To Visit In Hoi An, Vietnam
1. Cua Dai Beach (Cua Dai Beach)
Cua Dai Beach tops the list of Hoi An attractions, located at the end of the aptly named Cua Dai road. Spanning over 3 kilometers in length and up to 300 meters in width, this beach, whose name means "big sea mouth," is the primary beach in Hoi An. Its vast expanse offers a rare opportunity for personal relaxation, a rarity in modern Vietnam.
With its extended stretch of white sand, Cua Dai Beach features clear waters with gentle tropical blue waves, ideal for floating and swimming. Visitors will find a few changing huts and a couple of bungalows on the beach. On a sunny day, Cham Island is visible in the distance, providing natural shade beneath its willow trees. Water sports options are available, as are plenty of deckchairs, parasols, and a pleasant line of trees for shade, ensuring that you can enjoy the sun without overheating. A sunrise visit is especially rewarding, offering a glimpse of fishermen trading their catches.
2. An Bang Beach (An Bang Beach)
In addition to Cua Dai Beach, An Bang Beach is another must-visit attraction in Hoi An. An Bang Beach offers a perfect blend of convenience with its restaurants and bars, breathtaking island views, lush green lawns, year-round swimming opportunities, and the stunning East Sea. Conveniently situated just 4 kilometers from Hoi An and approximately 30 kilometers from Da Nang International Airport, it stands as one of the most idyllic spots for tourists to unwind and soak in the refreshing sea breeze.
Remarkably, An Bang Beach remains one of the few stretches of coastline that has been largely untouched by tourism development. Here, you can relish the unspoiled beauty of castaway restaurants, pristine blue waters, and bohemian beach bars. It not only boasts captivating mountain and island vistas that you can enjoy right from your lounger, but it also offers some of the finest fresh seafood in Hoi An.
What sets An Bang Beach apart is that there's always something to do, catering to various preferences. Whether you're in the mood for sunbathing or surfing, An Bang Beach never fails to deliver a fulfilling experience.
3. Cham Island (Cham Island)
One of Hoi An's most exquisite attractions is Cham Island, a picturesque coastal gem that promises tourists an unforgettable day trip featuring stunning beaches, lush forests, and a charming village.
Situated approximately 27 kilometers from the Hoi An coast, Cham Island is often described as an unspoiled paradise, with its peak season running from April to September, coinciding with the warmer months. It's worth noting that during this period, visitors might experience occasional storm activity. In the cooler months, diving opportunities become less enticing. Alongside its gorgeous beaches and breathtaking vistas, Cham Island has earned recognition as a sought-after destination for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts.
Several tour companies in Hoi An offer day trips to this island, providing travelers with the option to engage in snorkeling or diving adventures or simply revel in the island's natural beauty, featuring its impressive beaches and charming village.
4. Hoi An Riverside
Hoi An Riverside stands as one of the most renowned attractions in Hoi An, serving as a prominent landmark in the town. This site serves as a bustling hub where both traditional and modern boats dock, and where locals gather every morning to shop at the vibrant wet market.
The town has revitalized its tradition of crafting colorful and exquisite lanterns. On special nights each month, hundreds of these lanterns adorn windows and verandas, reminiscent of a practice dating back over 300 years.
Hoi An Riverside offers a delightful array of experiences, from savoring excellent coffee, seafood, and local delicacies to indulging in international cuisine. Travelers are drawn to the charming waterfront area, a popular dining spot for tourists.
As local boats gracefully traverse the Thu Bon River, the view harks back to the bygone days of Hoi An. The nightly illumination of elegant lanterns never fails to captivate visitors, leaving them yearning for more of this enchanting spectacle.
5. Hoi An Old Town (Hoi An Ancient Town)
Hoi An Old Town stands as one of Southeast Asia's principal trading posts from the 16th to the 17th centuries. This coastal town is essentially a living museum, showcasing a unique fusion of Western and Eastern architectural styles from its historical past. It unquestionably ranks among the top Hoi An attractions, and there are two standout features that make Hoi An Old Town particularly noteworthy:
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Walkable Size: The town's compact size and serene atmosphere make it ideal for leisurely strolls.
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Light Traffic: Unlike the bustling metropolises of larger cities, traffic in Hoi An Old Town is notably lighter. Some streets permit only motorbike and bicycle traffic, while others are reserved exclusively for pedestrians. These factors collectively contribute to a more inviting ambiance for tourists, especially those who have navigated the frenetic streets of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City (also known as Saigon).
Many of the structures in Hoi An Old Town have a history spanning more than a century and bear the distinctive imprint of Chinese influence, courtesy of merchants hailing from Fujian, Guangzhou, Hainan, and Chiu Chow. Some storefront signs proudly display company names in gilded and intricately carved Chinese characters, a testament to the enduring presence and influence of the Chinese community in Hoi An.
Despite a few shops in this Old Town transitioning into modern businesses to cater to tourist interests, the town has admirably preserved its traditions. Tailors, art galleries, souvenir shops, restaurants, and cafes have all undergone careful transformations to ensure the preservation of their historical character.
Visitors to Hoi An have the option of exploring this charming town through delightful cycling tours. Numerous bars and cafes in Hoi An offer happy hours, some as early as 4 pm, providing an excellent opportunity for tourists to unwind. Relaxing in a coffee shop on spacious, comfortable sofas, enjoying snacks, drinks, or engaging in a game of darts or pool becomes a thrilling way to wind down after a day of exploring the Old Town on foot.
For more recommendations on must-visit places in Hoi An, continue reading this list of Hoi An attractions!
6. Gem Art Museum (Gem Museum)
If you have a passion for jewelry, the Gem Art Museum (GAM) should be your ideal destination. Situated in a charming villa near Hoi An's Japanese Bridge, GAM is a unique establishment that combines a private museum, a jewelry store, a lounge, and a bar. The museum showcases an impressive collection of gems curated by a native Hanoian named Dung Duong, making it the most extensive assemblage of gem sculptures, rare minerals, and cut stones in Vietnam.
Visitors can enjoy free admission to the museum by simply ordering a drink at the garden bar located in the rear area. This bar also offers the convenience of staying open late into the night, providing a perfect opportunity for a relaxing visit.
7. Tan Ky House (Tan Ky Ancient House)
This house was constructed two centuries ago by an ethnically Vietnamese family and has been meticulously preserved for seven generations. Its architectural design draws influence from both Japanese and Chinese styles. Japanese design elements are evident in the ceiling, which is upheld by three increasingly shorter beams stacked on top of one another. Meanwhile, Chinese design motifs are showcased on the 150-year-old panels adorned with graceful depictions of birds in various flight positions. The roof is constructed using tiles on the exterior, while the interior features a wooden ceiling. These architectural characteristics serve to maintain a comfortable climate within Tan Ky House, keeping it warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
- Time: 8 am – 11 am & 2 pm – 4 pm daily
- Location: No.101 Nguyen Thai Hoc (Nguyen Thai Hoc) Street, Hoi An (Hoi An)
8. Japanese Bridge (Japanese Bridge)
The Japanese Bridge, a prominent Hoi An attraction, stands as an iconic landmark and emblem of the town. Originally constructed by Japanese merchants in the 16th century, it holds a significant place in Hoi An's history.
Located at the western end of Tran Phu Street, this bridge served as a vital link between the Chinese merchant community on the east side of the canal and the Japanese community on the western side during the 16th century. Despite undergoing several reconstructions since its initial construction, it has managed to preserve its unique architectural features and distinctive Japanese elements.
The entrances to the bridge are adorned with weathered statues: a pair of dogs on one side and a pair of monkeys on the other. While there is no admission fee for crossing the bridge, a small fee may be required to access a temple situated on the northern side of the bridge.
- Location: Tran Phu (Tran Phu) Street, Hoi An, Vietnam
9. Cam Kim Island (Cam Kim Island)
A brief ferry ride from the center of Hoi An transports you to Cam Kim Island, a captivating destination perfect for an early morning bicycle excursion. This island is a worthy addition to the list of Hoi An attractions.
Cam Kim Island is renowned for its woodcarving village, known as Kim Bong, and it exudes the tranquility of the countryside. Visitors can also discover other local crafts, including the construction of traditional basket fishing boats and the vibrant weaving of sedge mats. A highly recommended activity when exploring Cam Kim Island is to venture off on a bicycle ride through the surrounding corn and rice fields, even without the need for a tour guide. Rest assured, getting lost is unlikely, and the experience promises to be exceptionally rewarding.
10. Kim Bong Carpentry Village (Kim Bong Carpentry Village)
Kim Bong Carpentry Village has its origins in northern Vietnam dating back to the 16th century. This village has been home to skilled artisans who have crafted furniture and constructed buildings across the country. Their work ranges from embellishing the tombs of the Hue royal citadel to the grand edifices of Hanoi and numerous architectural endeavors during Hoi An's golden era. The style of Kim Bong Carpentry is a unique blend of influences, including the Cham kingdom, Japanese, Chinese, and, of course, the expertise of Vietnamese craftsmen. Over the years, the village has thrived and given rise to three distinct groups of artisans: those specializing in civil wooden furniture, ancient architectural construction, and shipbuilding. Regardless of their focus, craftsmen in Kim Bong continue to uphold the traditional path of starting as apprentices and ascending to the rank of master through years of dedicated labor.
Today, many tour companies organize visits to Kim Bong Carpentry as part of half-day bike rides. These tours offer tourists the chance to witness artisans and craftsmen at work, demonstrating their professional and skilled craftsmanship on various projects. Common products produced in the village include religious statues, furniture, and intricately designed wooden doors, readily available for purchase at numerous souvenir shops. Prices vary from just a few dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the item's complexity and craftsmanship. Many artisans have also shifted their focus to the restoration of historical monuments and relics, particularly old houses in Hoi An.
Strolling through Kim Bong Village, you'll encounter two parallel streets lined with open-fronted buildings, several of which serve as workshops for artisans. Mr. Huynh Ni's shop is one of the most renowned, where visitors may even have the chance to observe the shipbuilding process, where wooden fishing vessels are meticulously constructed using traditional techniques.
To reach Kim Bong Village, simply embark on a boat trip from Hoi An's Old Town, starting at Bach Dang Street. If you're seeking an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience in Hoi An, this is a must-add destination to your list of Hoi An attractions.
11. Tra Que Village (Tra Que Village)
Located just 3 kilometers north of Hoi An's Old Town, Tra Que Village lies nestled between the Tra Que algae pond and the De Vong River. This village has garnered a well-deserved reputation for cultivating a diverse range of vegetables, including basil, salad, lettuce, fragrant knotweed, houttuynia, and coriander, thanks to its fertile soil and abundant water supply. It has also become synonymous with Hoi An's traditional culinary specialties. The name "Tra Que" is not only attributed to the village but also denotes the sweet vegetables that enhance the daily meals of Hoi An's residents.
Visitors who venture to Tra Que Village are often captivated by the agricultural practices of the local farmers. They can observe every step of the farming process, from soil preparation and sowing to watering and harvesting, activities that are increasingly rare in today's modern world.
Furthermore, visitors have the opportunity to learn about organic farming techniques from the locals and even try their hand at farming. Notably, the farmers in Tra Que Village eschew the use of fertilizers and chemicals, relying instead on a unique type of algae found exclusively in the village's lagoon. This innovative approach has earned Tra Que herbs and vegetables widespread recognition for their safety, quality, and, most notably, exceptional flavor and taste.
For tourists, Tra Que Village offers the chance to participate in cooking lessons provided by various tourism companies. It's a fantastic opportunity to learn how to prepare Vietnamese dishes independently—a valuable experience to gain while exploring the many attractions of Hoi An!
12. Tran Family Chapel (Tran Family Chapel)
Tran Family Chapel is considered as one of the most historical and oldest houses in Hoi An, also a must-see historical Hoi An attractions. Original, this place served as a worshiping place for the ancestors of the family and a reminder about the tradition to the following generations of the family. Nowadays, visitors could find this place one of the must-see Hoi An attractions in the old town.
Located amidst a garden of about 1500 m2, this site is surrounded by flowers, ornamental plants, century-old plants, and fruit trees, with high surrounding walls. Tran Family Chapel is the work of a combination of Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese architecture, which has remained almost the same as it was in two centuries ago.
It is made of precious wood and pan-tiles-covered roof and famous for its architecture of Asian style. There are several parts in this house, one for worshiping, one for the leader of family as well as his guests. The garden and this house were established in a perfect combination of rules of Feng Shui. There are separate entries in the drawing room of this chapel, one for males and one for females. The left is for males and the right is for females.
In the center of this room, there is another door for the souls of the ancestors to enter the house. This door is often used for different festivals like Tet.
Each year, the Tran Family Chapel is the place for every member of the family to meet as well as express their appreciation and gratitude to their respectful ancestors.
For those visitors who are interested in the historical and unique atmosphere of those ancient sites, then visiting to the Tran Family Chapel will become one of the most remarkable routes of their trip. In order to get this site, you can use bike or even walk on foot as it is located in the center of Hoi An.
- Location: No.21 Le Loi (Le Loi) Street, Hoi An
13. My Son Sanctuary (My Son Sanctuary)
The My Son Hindu Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a compelling testament to the ancient Champa civilization. Nestled in the southern region of Vietnam, it is a must-visit among Hoi An attractions and holds significance as one of Vietnam's notable destinations. Having thrived as an independent state from the 2nd to the 17th century, these ruins, steeped in Hindu themes, are adorned with exquisite stone sculptures, towering structures, and temples enveloped by a lush tropical jungle.
My Son once served as a political hub, boasting over 70 structures dedicated to Hindu deities. Among them, Shiva, revered as the protector of Champa's kings, remains the most iconic figure. A visit to this site reveals the remarkable craftsmanship of the artisans who meticulously worked with sandstone and bricks.
Like many historic sites worldwide, My Son bore the scars of conflict and the passage of time. Neglected for an extended period, it was eventually rediscovered and painstakingly restored by the French. However, it endured further destruction during American bombings, although the central complex miraculously survived the onslaught. Some sections of the ruins have since been meticulously reconstructed.
My Son Sanctuary unquestionably ranks among the most worthwhile Hoi An attractions, particularly for history enthusiasts. It is advisable to visit this site early in the morning when the weather is cooler, and the crowds of tourists are less overwhelming.
- Location: Duy Xuyen (Duy Xuyen) District of Quang Nam (Quang Nam) Province (approximately 70km southwest of Danang and about 40km from Hoi An)
Looking for somewhere to shop? Continue checking this list of Hoi An attractions!
15. Hoi An Central Market (Hoi An Market)
If you're a fan of bargaining and shopping, the Hoi An Central Market is the place for you. While it may not be considered one of the absolute must-see Hoi An attractions, it still draws a significant number of tourists looking to purchase gifts for their loved ones. This bustling market offers an opportunity to hone your bargaining skills. It's a vibrant hub filled with the brilliant colors of Vietnamese silk and the enticing aroma of fragrant spices and herbs. You'll find a wide variety of goods for sale, including prized spices like cinnamon and saffron, making it an excellent place for spice enthusiasts. Thanks to its riverside location, you'll also discover a diverse selection of fresh seafood.
Renowned for its silk, the market offers high-quality silk at prices lower than those found elsewhere in Hoi An. What's particularly remarkable is the speed at which garment makers here can craft a shirt, dress, jacket, or even a full suit, often within just 24 hours. For those in search of local handicrafts and souvenirs, the market offers an array of options to explore and browse through while shopping.
16. Museum Of Trade Ceramics In Hoi An
A visit to the Museum of Trade Ceramics is undeniably worthwhile, as it grants you the opportunity to explore a meticulously restored timber house that serves as the museum's home. Upon entering, you'll be greeted by an extensive collection of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese ceramics, all of which were unearthed during archaeological excavations in the region, primarily spanning the 8th to 18th centuries.
Nestled within Hoi An's old quarter, this museum provides a rich historical and cultural perspective on the town's heritage and its trade relationships with various Asian counterparts, including Japan, India, and China. Moreover, you'll encounter captivating illustrations depicting the various architectural styles that have graced Hoi An over the years.
While Hoi An is currently renowned as a fishing town, it was once a key player in the trading of pottery from various nations, including Thailand, China, India, Japan, and the Middle East. During your visit, you'll find informative exhibition signs in English that offer detailed explanations, ensuring that visitors gain a profound understanding of the treasures on display.
- Location: No. 80 Tran Phu (Tran Phu) Street, Hoi An
17. Ba Le Well (Ba Le Well)
Ba Le Well, a square-shaped well, holds a special place in Hoi An as it is believed to be the primary source of water used to create the authentic Cao Lau, one of Hoi An's signature dishes. Numerous tales surround the water of Ba Le Well, with locals considering it the sweetest and most refreshing water in the entire town.
Today, the well is lovingly tended to by Ms. Ba Le, who generously contributed funds to restore it. Each day, Ms. Ba Le draws water from the well and provides it to nearby impoverished families. They rely on this water for preparing Cao Lau, a traditional medicinal watercress soup, as it is believed that using any other water source would result in a loss of flavor. Additionally, this sacred water is reserved exclusively for making tea and is never used for regular washing purposes.
While Ba Le Well may not be categorized as one of the must-see Hoi An attractions, it holds a prominent place in local lore. As a tourist, the ideal times to visit the well are around 3 pm or during the early hours of dawn.
- Location: 45 Phan Chau Trinh (Phan Chau Trinh) Street, Hoi An
Welcome to Vietnam! Innoviet hopes that you will have a joyful trip. Hoi An boasts ancient beauty, and Innoviet would like to suggest some destinations for you to explore. In addition, Innoviet offers a special program tour about the Mekong Delta, where you can experience the local lifestyle. Innoviet's unique tour will allow you to enjoy the Mekong Delta from a different perspective, providing you with a unique emotional connection to this remarkable region.
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