What do you get when you mix Chinese, Japanese and French influences in Vietnam?

The beautiful city of Hoi An.

Thanks to its rich history, there are so many cool things to do in Hoi An. It’s my favourite place in the country and I know a lot of other travellers to Vietnam feel the same.

The UNESCO heritage site has been well-preserved so a walk around the ancient town really does feels like nowhere else. Even just looking at the buildings you get a mini history lesson because of all the different cultures reflected in the buildings.

Hoi An is all based around the Thu Bon River, making it a magical city to see at night. In fact, setting a lotus flower off in the river at night definitely ranks as one of the coolest things to do in Hoi An.

52 Cool Things to Do in Hoi An

Just outside the coastal city of Hoi An, you’ve got rice paddies, beaches and lots of villages known for their crafts. Like all Vietnamese cities, there’s also amazing food, loads of spas and extremely friendly locals on hand to help you out with all the area’s must-dos.

1. Commit to the life of a beach bum on An Bang, Cua Dai or Mui Ne beaches.

2. Take a bike ride out to the paddy fields.

3. Get crafty with a workshop at Taboo Bamboo, which is a whole building made of bamboo.

4. Stock up on veggies at the Tiger Market.

5. Bring home the ultimate souvenir in the form of a new swanky, tailor-made outfit from Bao Khanh Silk.

6. Get your caffeine fix at Faifo Coffee.

7. Experience a little slice of rural Vietnam life with a farming and fishing tour.

8. Walk across the ornate Japanese Bridge.

9. Get rid of the backpack pains with a Vietnamese massage at Heaven Garden. Massages are absolutely, definitely one of the coolest things to do in Hoi An – they’re such good value.

10. Feel all the luck at the fancy Fujian Assembly Hall where couples go when they need some good vibes to help them conceive.

11. Paddle board through the peaceful Nipa Palms.