Hoi An Holidays

Paddle through the swaying coconut palm forests of Cam Thanh village aboard traditional round basket boats. Local guides often spin the boats for fun while performing folk songs, creating a playful, memorable experience along the water.

Pedal past rice paddies, water buffalo, and quiet villages just outside Hoi An's bustling centre. Flat terrain makes this accessible for all skill levels, offering a refreshing way to experience rural Vietnamese life away from tourist crowds.

Paddle along calm waters lined with palm trees and traditional fishing boats. Morning or sunset trips offer peaceful scenery and occasional glimpses of local river life, making this a relaxing yet active way to explore Hoi An.

Explore vibrant coral reefs and marine life just off the coast near Hoi An. These protected islands offer clear waters ideal for beginners and experienced divers alike, combining underwater adventure with stunning island scenery.

Ride winding roads to this cluster of limestone peaks dotted with caves, pagodas, and viewpoints. Climbing stone steps to hidden shrines and panoramic overlooks adds a physical challenge to this scenic, adventure-filled day trip.

Head out on traditional boats after dark to try your hand at squid fishing using simple lines and lights. Guided by local fishermen, this hands-on activity offers an authentic, adventurous glimpse into coastal livelihoods.

Balance across calm river waters as you paddle past coconut groves and fishing villages. Suitable for beginners, this activity combines light physical challenge with scenic views, especially rewarding during golden sunrise or sunset hours.

Join fishermen using traditional nets and techniques on the Thu Bon River or in coastal waters. This immersive activity blends physical effort with cultural exchange, offering a hands-on adventure rooted in local tradition and daily life.

Take part in playful boat races through the narrow waterways of the coconut forest, often combined with basket boat rides. Energetic and interactive, this activity adds an adrenaline-filled twist to exploring Cam Thanh's unique landscape.

Cross this iconic 16th-century bridge, built by Japanese merchants to connect their community with the Chinese quarter. Its distinctive curved roof and small shrine reflect centuries-old trade relationships that shaped Hoi An's early development.

Step inside centuries-old wooden homes like Tan Ky House, where trading families once lived and worked. Preserved furnishings, architecture, and family artefacts offer a rare glimpse into daily life during Hoi An's trading port heyday.

Explore ornate halls like Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, built by Chinese merchant communities as gathering places and temples. Intricate carvings, statues, and courtyards reflect the cultural and religious traditions these communities brought to Hoi An.

Walk through streets lined with centuries-old shophouses, their yellow facades and wooden shutters largely unchanged since the trading era. This UNESCO-listed quarter reveals layers of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architectural influence at every turn.

Housed in a traditional building, this museum showcases artefacts tracing Hoi An's development from an early trading port to a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering context for the town's diverse cultural heritage.

This centuries-old temple honours Quan Cong, a revered Chinese general symbolising loyalty and integrity. Ornate statues and traditional architecture make it a significant stop for understanding Hoi An's Chinese cultural roots.

Seek out centuries-old wells like the Ba Le Well, believed to have been built by the Cham people. These historic water sources once supplied the town and remain tied to local culinary traditions.

Visit this well-preserved ancestral chapel, built over 200 years ago to honour the Tran family lineage. Traditional architecture and ritual objects offer insight into Vietnamese ancestor worship and family heritage practices.

Walk along the Thu Bon River's historic docks, once bustling with merchant ships from China, Japan, and Europe. This waterfront area tells the story of Hoi An's rise as a vital 16th-century trading hub.

Explore this ornate hall built by Cantonese merchants, featuring elaborate dragon sculptures and traditional Chinese architecture. It reflects the significant role Chinese trading communities played in shaping Hoi An's cultural and commercial history.

Runners tackle half marathon, 10K, and 5K distances through Hoi An's scenic streets and countryside. Drawing both local and international participants, the race combines athletic challenge with the town's picturesque riverside and rural surroundings.

Crowds gather along the riverside and Ancient Town streets as the year comes to a close. Fireworks, music, and festive gatherings create a lively, modern atmosphere distinct from the town's usual laid-back charm.

On the 14th night of every lunar month, the Ancient Town switches off electric lights in favour of glowing lanterns. Streets fill with music, traditional games, and floating candle lanterns released along the river, creating a magical, immersive atmosphere.

Vietnam's most important holiday transforms Hoi An with flower displays, ancestral offerings, and festive decorations. Visitors can witness family rituals, temple visits, and communal celebrations marking the arrival of spring and the new lunar year.

Children parade through lantern-lit streets while communities gather for mooncakes and lion dances. This beloved festival blends folklore and family tradition, filling Hoi An's Ancient Town with colour, music, and festive energy.

This local festival honours agricultural traditions and village guardian spirits through processions, offerings, and communal rituals. Rooted in Hoi An's farming heritage, it offers visitors insight into rural customs surrounding the Tet season.

Coastal fishing communities near Hoi An honour Ca Ong, the whale spirit believed to protect sailors, through processions and ceremonial offerings. This maritime tradition reflects the deep spiritual connection between local fishermen and the sea.

Visitors can learn traditional lantern-making techniques from local artisans, crafting silk-covered frames by hand. This hands-on cultural experience connects travellers to Hoi An's centuries-old craft heritage in an interactive, memorable way.

Traditional ceremonies honouring the revered Chinese general Quan Cong take place throughout the year at this historic temple. Incense offerings, prayers, and ritual observances offer visitors a window into Hoi An's Chinese cultural roots.

Families gather at pagodas to honour ancestors through prayers and offerings, burning paper money for spirits. Hoi An's atmospheric temples make this ritual especially poignant, reflecting Vietnamese beliefs about gratitude and family.

Cultural shows and street performances celebrate Vietnam's iconic ao dai against Hoi An's historic backdrop. These showcases blend traditional craftsmanship with elegant presentation, highlighting the town's enduring textile and fashion heritage.

Street corners come alive with Bai Choi, a UNESCO-recognized folk game blending music, poetry, and performance. Visitors can watch or join in this playful, community-driven tradition unique to central Vietnam's cultural landscape.