Explore TOP 10+ UNIQUE Things To Do in Hoi An
Hoi An isn’t just a preserved trading port – it’s a living, breathing canvas where centuries of culture, food, and nature come together in harmony. Whether you’re drifting along palm-fringed rivers, savoring a bowl of cao lầu, or strolling past golden-lit lanterns, every step uncovers something special.
Here’s your curated guide to the top 10+ unique and authentic things to do in Hoi An in 2025 – blending leisure, discovery, and local charm in every moment.
Enjoy the Beach
Hoi An isn’t just about the Ancient Town – its beaches are among the most beautiful in central Vietnam. An Bang Beach, Hidden Beach, and Ha My Beach offer a tranquil escape just 10-15 minutes from the Old Town. Open all day, they’re best visited at sunrise or sunset when the light is golden and the sea is calm. Swim, relax, sip fresh coconut water, or enjoy seafood at local beachfront cafés. These beaches are quieter and cleaner than Da Nang – perfect for a peaceful retreat.
Hoi An Coconut Palm Village: Coconut Boat Tour
Taking a coconut boat ride is one of the most fun and unique activities in Hoi An. Head to Cam Thanh Village to ride a round bamboo boat through lush coconut groves. Open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., early morning and late afternoon are ideal. Beyond the famous spinning boat show, you can try casting fishing nets or making crafts with coconut leaves. A great mix of fun and cultural immersion – especially for families.
Read more: What to Expect from Hoi An Coconut Basket Boat Tour 2025
Enjoy the Streets and Specialty Hoi An Dishes
Why is eating considered one of the top things to do in Hoi An? Because the city’s specialty dishes are truly one-of-a-kind. From steaming bowls of cao laầu to fragrant chicken rice, buttery Banh Mi, and bold egg coffee, Hoi An’s food is a sensory journey. Many cafés and food stalls open from late morning to late night. Don’t miss the famous salt coffee – surprisingly addictive!
Insider Tip: Start at Hoi An Market and follow your nose from there.
Hoi An Monthly Full Moon Festival
Only in Hoi An will you find a full moon festival held monthly – on the 14th day of each lunar cycle. During this time, the Ancient Town transforms into a candlelit dreamscape. No motorbikes, just soft lantern glow, traditional music, and folk games. Best enjoyed after 6:00 p.m., walk the riverbanks and release floating lanterns with locals. It’s one of the most romantic and spiritual things to do in Hoi An.
Thanh Ha Pottery Village
Another uniquely local experience in Hoi An is getting your hands in the clay. Just 15 minutes from the center, Thanh Ha Pottery Village keeps centuries-old traditions alive. Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., you can watch artisans at work or try the pottery wheel yourself. The riverside setting is peaceful and perfect for creative travelers.
Fun Fact: Hoi An pottery has roots in Champa techniques – giving it a distinct character you won’t find elsewhere.
Watch a Hoi An Cultural Show
Don’t miss performances like the Hoi An Memories Show or A O Show by Lune Production. These artistic spectacles bring Vietnamese history to life through music, dance, and acrobatics. Shows usually start around 7:30 p.m. Book in advance for best seats. These aren’t just performances – they’re cultural journeys you’ll remember long after the curtain falls.
Hoi An Spa and Massage
Hoi An is a place of retreat, and no visit is complete without some pampering. Relax with a traditional Vietnamese massage at La Spa, inside La Siesta Hoi An Resort. Open daily until 9:00 p.m., La Spa offers herbal therapies, body scrubs, and facials in a lush garden setting. More than just relaxation – it’s rejuvenation for body and soul.
Cycle Through the Countryside
No other destination in Vietnam encourages slow exploration quite like Hoi An. Rent a bike and ride through rice paddies, lotus ponds, and peaceful village lanes. Best done in the early morning or late afternoon for cooler weather and stunning light. You’ll pass by farmers, grazing buffalo, and local tea stands – a slice of rural life at your own pace.
Get Clothes Custom-Made at Tailors in Hoi An
This is a signature Hoi An experience you won’t find elsewhere. The town is famous for its tailors – places like Yaly Couture or BeBe Tailor can craft your custom outfit in just 24 hours. Go in the morning for measurements, return later for fitting, and walk out with your own bespoke piece.
You’ve probably seen those viral “tailor in Hoi An” videos – now it’s your turn to join in!
Cooking Class in Hoi An
Hoi An is a delicious reflection of Vietnam’s culinary soul. One of the most memorable ways to explore it? A cooking class. At Red Bean Restaurant, inside La Siesta, you’ll learn to cook traditional dishes like fresh spring rolls and Hanoi Beef Noodle Soup. Many classes include market visits and herb garden tours – a full cultural experience on a plate.
Read more about the cooking class details here.
Feel Your Green Retreat at La Siesta Hoi An
After a day of exploring, return to serenity at La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa. Elegant rooms blend Vietnamese charm with modern comfort, while La Spa restores both body and mind. Join a cooking class, savor authentic dishes, or simply float beneath swaying palms – every moment here helps you reconnect with yourself and your loved ones.
Escape the bustle of lantern-lit streets and markets – let La Siesta welcome you home to your serene green retreat.
