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Activities & Experiences

Activities & Experiences

Central Vietnam, Vietnam

Outdoor Adventures

While Hoi An is flat, its surrounding areas provide opportunities for cycling, water activities, and exploring nature.

Water Sports & Activities

Swimming & Snorkeling

Enjoy swimming at An Bang Beach. Snorkeling and diving are popular around the Cham Islands (Cu Lao Cham Marine Park). Tours depart from Cua Dai Port.

Paddleboarding & Kayaking

These activities are available on the Thu Bon River and at An Bang Beach.

Basket Boat Rides Thung Chai

Experience this unique activity in the Bay Mau Coconut Forest. These rides often include crab fishing.

Cycling & Nature Exploration

  • Cycling: One of the best ways to explore Hoi An and its surroundings; flat terrain makes it accessible.
  • Popular Routes: Ride from Ancient Town to An Bang Beach (5 km), or cycle through Tra Que Vegetable Village.
  • Cam Kim Island: Cross bridges to this quieter island for rural village exploration.
  • Wildlife: Cham Islands offer marine wildlife (fish, coral, some turtles) while snorkeling or diving.

Hiking & Trekking

  • Hoi An's terrain is flat.
  • No significant hiking routes within town.
  • For trekking, consider day trips to nearby national parks.
  • Bach Ma National Park is an option from Da Nang/Hue.

Adventure Sports

  • Hoi An does not feature extreme adventure sports.
  • For adrenaline, head to Da Nang.
  • Paragliding from Son Tra Peninsula in Da Nang.
  • Mountain biking is not common due to flat terrain.

Farm Experiences

  • Tra Que Vegetable Village offers organic farm tours.
  • Learn about traditional farming methods.
  • Participate in farm work directly.
  • Combine with cooking classes for a full experience.

Safety Note for Motorbikes

Renting motorbikes offers flexibility, but traffic conditions can be challenging. Drive cautiously and ensure you have appropriate insurance.

Cultural Immersion

Hoi An provides many opportunities to engage with Vietnamese culture through hands-on workshops, traditional performances, and community visits.

Workshops & Classes

  • Cooking Classes: Very popular, often include market visits and hands-on cooking.
  • Lantern Making Workshops: Learn to create and decorate traditional Hoi An lanterns.
  • Tailoring: Get custom-made clothes within 24-48 hours.
  • Calligraphy: Learn Vietnamese calligraphy. Leather making/shoe making workshops are also available.

Cultural Performances & Events

Hoi An Memories Show

A large-scale outdoor cultural spectacle depicting Hoi An's history and traditions, takes place at Hoi An Impression Theme Park.

Traditional Art Performance House

This venue regularly hosts traditional Vietnamese music and dance performances.

Hoi An Lantern Festival

On the 14th day of each lunar month, the Ancient Town lights up with thousands of lanterns, and traditional music and games occur.

Community Tourism

Engage in activities that directly benefit local communities. Visiting Tra Que Vegetable Village or Kim Bong Carpentry Village are examples.

Farm & Craft Village Visits

Visit Tra Que Vegetable Village for farming activities. Explore Kim Bong Carpentry Village on Cam Kim Island for traditional crafts.

Language Learning

Some language schools in Da Nang offer short courses in Vietnamese, useful for cultural engagement.

Relaxation & Wellness

Hoi An offers many ways to relax and rejuvenate, from soothing spa treatments to tranquil yoga sessions.

Spas & Wellness Centers

  • Numerous spas and massage parlors range from budget-friendly to luxurious hotel spas.
  • Services include traditional Vietnamese massages, hot stone massages, facials, and other treatments.
  • Traditional healing practices like Vietnamese massage and acupuncture are available at some establishments.
  • Natural Therapy: Hoi An does not have natural hot springs directly in town; Than Tai Mountain Hot Springs Park is near Da Nang.

Yoga & Beach Clubs

Yoga & Meditation

A growing number of yoga studios and small retreats are found in and around Hoi An, notably in the quieter Cam Chau area.

Beach Clubs

An Bang Beach offers many beachfront restaurants and bars with sun loungers and umbrellas. Some have pools available for patron use.

Hotel Pools

Many hotels and resorts in Hoi An feature pools, with some offering day passes for non-guests.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live Music

Various bars and restaurants, especially on An Hoi islet, feature live acoustic music or Vietnamese folk music.

Cultural Shows

Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House and Hoi An Impression Theme Park host cultural performances.

Nightlife Hubs

An Hoi Islet serves as the main area for bars and pubs, notably along the riverside. The Ancient Town has quieter bars.

Shopping & Markets

Hoi An is a shopper's delight, offering everything from traditional crafts and tailored clothing to bustling local markets.

Markets & Bazaars

  • Hoi An Central Market: A bustling market for fresh produce, meat, fish, spices, and local snacks.
  • Hoi An Night Market (An Hoi Islet): Mainly for souvenirs, clothing, lanterns, and street food.
  • Artisan Workshops: Many in the Ancient Town sell silk, lanterns, ceramics, and leather goods.
  • Craft Villages: Kim Bong Carpentry Village (Cam Kim Island) and Thanh Ha Pottery Village show traditional crafts.

Souvenir Recommendations

Lanterns

Iconic Hoi An souvenirs, available in various sizes and designs, making for beautiful gifts.

Silk Products

Look for high-quality scarves and clothing made from local silk.

Tailored Items

Custom-made clothing or shoes from Hoi An's famous tailor shops are popular, with quick turnaround times.

Other Souvenirs

  • Vietnamese coffee and coffee filters.
  • Craft items like ceramics, wood carvings, and lacquerware.
  • Local spices, especially from Tra Que Vegetable Village.
  • Traditional ao dai dresses.

Luxury & Boutiques

  • Boutique shops throughout the Ancient Town.
  • Unique clothing designs.
  • Handcrafted jewelry.
  • Home decor items.

Ethical Shopping

  • Support local artisans and fair trade initiatives.
  • Bargain respectfully for fair prices.
  • Be wary of items from endangered species.
  • Choose responsibly sourced products.

Shipping & Customs

International Shipping
  • Most tailor shops and larger souvenir stores arrange international shipping.
  • Inquire about shipping costs and estimated delivery times.
  • Keep receipts and shipping documents for your records.
Customs Regulations
  • Be aware of your home country's customs regulations regarding imports.
  • Certain items, like specific food products or materials (e.g., ivory, turtle shell), may have restrictions.
  • Check official government websites for import guidelines.

Shopping Tip

For activities and experiences, GetYourGuide is a good resource for booking tours and classes in advance.

Activity Planning Summary

Must-Do Experiences

  • Join a cooking class to master Vietnamese cuisine.
  • Cycle through the scenic rice paddies and villages.
  • Experience a fun basket boat ride in the Coconut Forest.
  • Attend a lantern making workshop or witness the Lantern Festival.

Unique Cultural Touches

  • Get custom clothing made at a local tailor.
  • Relax with a traditional Vietnamese massage at a spa.
  • Watch the Hoi An Memories Show for a grand cultural spectacle.
  • Enjoy a laid-back afternoon at An Bang Beach.