8 Things to do in Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An’s night market is something you do not want to miss out on. It usually starts around 5 p.m. and is open till 11 p.m giving you plenty of time to shop and eat. The bustling market has more than 50 vendors selling a variety of local snacks, handicrafts, souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, and handmade lanterns. 

You can learn a few Vietnamese phrases to make shopping easier.

Take a day trip to My Son ruins

An hour away from Hoi An lies the ancient My Son ruins. The site is a great opportunity to learn more about the diverse history of the Vietnamese. The site was once a thriving city of the Champa Kingdom but now lies in ruins. Despite it being in ruins the site is still an impressive sight and one of the few places in Vietnam where you can see the remnants of Hindu mythology. To get to My Son you will need to rent a car.

Sunbathe at An Bang beach

An Bang beach is one of Hoi An's most popular beaches. It is located 7km away from Hoi An and is a great place to soak in the sun or go for a swim. Despite its popularity, the white sand beach is less crowded than other beaches in the area making it a great place to relax away from all the hustle and bustle. 

Get a custom-made suit

Hoi An has been a textile trading hub for centuries. So it doesn't come as a surprise that the city is filled with talented tailors who are experts in making custom-made suits. You can get a full custom-made suit designed in your style for around $100 with quality material. 

Explore Hoi An’s nightlife 

Hoi An’s nightlife is not a nightclub vibe like Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi but more of laid back vibe with a chilled beer in hand vibe. Head to one of the many bars and cafes nestled along the narrow streets of Hoi An to get a taste of the amazing cocktails and alcohol while a live band plays Vietnamese and international songs.

Attend a Vietnamese cooking class

Vietnamese food is one of the most popular cuisines in the world. If you come to Hoi An you need to attend a Vietnamese cooking class. You will get to learn how to cook some of the famous Vietnamese food like pho, banh mi, and more. There are plenty of cooking classes in the city to choose from. Some of the classes take place for just an hour or two, some take place over a period of a few days. You can also go on a Vietnamese food tour around Hoi An.

Admire the Japanese bridge

The iconic Japanese Bridge in Hoi An Old Town is the symbol of Hoi An and a visit to Hoi An is incomplete without visiting the bridge and taking photos of it. Located in the middle of Hoi An Ancient Town, the bridge was built in the 16th century as a symbol of peace between the Japanese and Chinese merchants. 

Now that you’ve seen the 8 things you need to do when you visit Hoi An. Let’s talk about your visa. In order to enter Vietnam, you will need a visa. You can either get a visa from the embassy or a visa online. The latter is the preferred method since it's easier, faster, and best of all you don’t have to jump through any bureaucratic hoops. You can apply for a Vietnam visa online with BDATrip, an easy-to-use platform that will help you obtain your travel visa.