Discovering Hoi An Beyond the Tourist Hotspots
Hoi An is famous for its lantern-lit streets and bustling Ancient Town, but there’s so much more to this riverside city than tailor shops and Instagram photos. After spending time here, I’ve found that the real magic of Hoi An lies just outside the touristy core — in the food, the countryside, and the daily rhythm of local life.
Why Visit Hoi An?
Yes, it’s busy and yes, it can feel over-touristed. But Hoi An still deserves a spot on your Vietnam itinerary. The UNESCO-listed Ancient Town is a window into the past, and the surrounding villages give you a glimpse of traditional Vietnamese culture that’s still alive today.
Beyond the Ancient Town
Explore by Bicycle
Hoi An is one of the most bike-friendly places in Vietnam. Ride out of the old town and within minutes you’ll be pedaling past rice paddies, water buffalo, and farmers in conical hats. Early morning and late afternoon rides are best for cooler weather and golden light.
Visit the Countryside
Skip the crowds by heading to nearby villages like Tra Que Vegetable Village, where you can learn about traditional farming, or Cam Thanh, known for its coconut palm forests and basket boat rides.
Food, Food, Food
Hoi An is a foodie’s dream. Some dishes you won’t want to miss:
Cao Lau: chewy noodles you’ll only find in Hoi An
White rose dumplings: delicate, flower-shaped dumplings
Banh Mi: Anthony Bourdain famously declared Hoi An’s banh mi the best in the world
But the absolute best way to get to know Hoi An? Book an Eat Hoi An street food tour and/or cooking class with our friends Na and Phuoc! If you do one thing in Hoi An, make it this.
Escape to the Beach
An Bang Beach is just a 15-minute bike ride from the Ancient Town. It’s a good spot to relax after sightseeing, and while it’s not Vietnam’s most stunning beach, it’s an easy change of pace.
Tips for Visiting Hoi An
Stay overnight: Day trippers from Da Nang miss the best part — mornings and evenings, when the Ancient Town feels calmer.
Mind the crowds: The lantern festival draws huge numbers, so book early if you want to be there.
Cash is king: Many small shops and food stalls don’t take cards.
Before your trip:
Visa requirements: Be sure to check if you need a visa or any entry documents.
Double-check the details: Take a look at all of your booking confirmations and check that the names, dates, and times are all correct.
Secure travel insurance: If you haven’t already sorted this, now’s a good time to think about coverage. I most often reccommend Faye— you can use this link to build a quote. Let me know if you have any questions.
Book tours or activities:
You can browse and book directly through my travel partner link here. It’s a great way to line up day trips, skip-the-line tickets, and unique experiences. In addition to Viator, I also regularly use Get Your Guide. Both of those links are attributed back to me (thanks!)Purchase an eSIM:
For international travel, an eSIM can make things easier (and cheaper) than relying on Wi-Fi or roaming. We’ve used Holafly all over the world; it’s slightly pricier than alternatives but has unlimited data that never slows, which we appreciate. This link will save you 5%.Arrange a transfer: For airport/hotel transfers, I use Welcome Pickups around the world. It’s similarly priced to Uber, but you can pre-schedule the pickups and they wait for you with a sign at the airport. There’s an app that keeps it all organized and the drivers, once assigned, communicate via WhatsApp. .
