10 Things To Do In
Hoi An

Marble Mountains, located just a short distance from Da Nang in central Vietnam, are a cluster of five limestone and marble hills, each named after one of the five elements: Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, and Earth. These hills are not only famous for their natural beauty but also for their historical and spiritual significance, dotted with various caves, tunnels, and Buddhist sanctuaries that have been carved out of the rock over centuries.

Water Mountain (Thuy Son), the largest and most visited of the five, is home to several exquisite cave temples and pagodas, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and the nearby coastline from its summit. Visitors can explore the intricate network of caves, where natural light filters in through fissures in the rock, illuminating the religious and historical artifacts within. Among these, Huyen Khong and Tang Chon caves are particularly noteworthy for their stunning natural formations and altars adorned with Buddhist and Hindu statues.

The journey up Marble Mountains is a mix of steps carved into the rock and modern staircases, making the site accessible to a broad range of visitors. Along the way, one can admire the craftsmanship of stone sculptures and masonry, a tradition that continues in the nearby artisan village, where skilled workers craft intricate statues and souvenirs from marble and limestone.

Visiting Marble Mountains offers a unique blend of cultural, historical, and natural exploration. The site is not only a place of worship and pilgrimage but also a testament to the artistic and spiritual heritage of Vietnam, making it a captivating destination for travelers seeking to delve deeper into the country’s rich cultural tapestry.

The Hội An Night Market, a bustling and vibrant affair, offers an authentic slice of Vietnamese culture with over 150 stalls lining Nguyen Hoang Street. This 300-meter-long market near the Old Town becomes alive after sunset, buzzing with locals and tourists alike. The market is known for its array of local snacks, trinkets, clothing, and notably, its sparkling lanterns that add a magical touch to the evening atmosphere​​​​.

One of the market’s highlights is its food stalls, offering a variety of street foods that tantalize the taste buds. From traditional Vietnamese dishes to quick bites, the market is a haven for foodies. Moreover, the market’s aesthetic appeal is significantly enhanced by the myriad of lanterns that illuminate the night, making it a popular spot for photography and a must-visit for Instagram enthusiasts. The lantern corner, in particular, draws visitors in with its wide selection of lanterns in various shapes, sizes, and colors​​.

When planning your visit, note that the market operates from 5 pm to 10 pm, with the busiest hours between 7 and 9 pm. It’s advisable to be mindful of your belongings during these peak times due to the crowded nature of the market. The market’s close proximity to Hoi An’s Old Town makes it easily accessible by foot, and for those venturing from further afield, there are ample parking options nearby​​​​.

Tra Que Vegetable Village in Hoi An is a distinctive and enriching experience that showcases the traditional and organic farming practices unique to the region. The village stands out for its commitment to chemical-free farming, using natural algae from a nearby lagoon as fertilizer, which contributes to the high quality and freshness of the produce. This method not only ensures healthier and cleaner produce but also aligns with the growing global trend towards organic and sustainable agriculture .

The history of Tra Que is deeply rooted in its transition from a fishing community to a thriving agricultural village, thanks to the discovery of the fertility-enhancing properties of the local lagoon’s seaweed. Today, over 200 families cultivate a variety of herbs and vegetables on the village’s 40 hectares of land, contributing significantly to the culinary richness of Hoi An, with certain dishes requiring the distinct flavors of Tra Que’s produce.

Visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the daily life of the farmers, learn about traditional farming techniques, and even participate in hands-on activities such as planting and harvesting. The village’s location between Hoi An Old Town and An Bang Beach makes it easily accessible for a peaceful cycle or walk through the picturesque fields.

For those interested in culinary experiences, Tra Que also offers cooking classes utilizing its fresh herbs and vegetables, providing a unique chance to learn about Vietnamese cuisine in an idyllic setting. Whether exploring on your own or joining a tour, Tra Que Vegetable Village offers a glimpse into the sustainable practices and rich cultural traditions that define this charming area.

Mỹ Sơn, located near Hoi An in Quang Nam Province, Vietnam, is a significant archaeological and historical site that was once the religious and political capital of the Champa Kingdom from the 4th to the 13th centuries. This UNESCO World Heritage site is nestled in a mountainous region and is known for its unique culture influenced by Hinduism, as evidenced by the series of impressive tower-temples dedicated to Hindu deities, primarily Shiva .

The sanctuary encompasses over 70 structures and extensive buried archaeology, offering a vivid picture of the spiritual and political life of an important phase in Southeast Asian history. These structures, constructed over ten centuries, stand as a testament to the Cham engineering skills and are notable for their architectural designs that symbolize Mount Meru, the mythical sacred mountain in Hinduism .

Visiting Mỹ Sơn provides a spiritual journey into a tranquil jungle setting, with the best time for tours being in the morning for fewer crowds or late afternoon for a more serene experience. The site is accessible from Hoi An by various means, including private car, motorbike, or even bicycle for the more adventurous. It’s important to dress respectfully when visiting this sacred site.

For a deeper understanding of the Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary and its significance in the cultural and historical tapestry of Vietnam, further details can be explored through the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and Vietnam Tourism websites.

The Old House of Tan Ky in Hoi An, recognized for its architectural and historical significance, dates back to 1741, marking over two centuries of history. This house has been home to seven generations of the Le family. The name “Tan Ky” implies the wish for a prosperous business, which was given by Mr. Le Tan Ky, the second generation owner. Initially established for trading agricultural products, its strategic location by the Hoai River facilitated commerce, especially during Hoi An’s peak as an international trading port.

The architecture of Tan Ky Old House is a harmonious blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese styles, reflecting the multicultural influences of Hoi An’s trading history. The use of wood and stone from Thanh Hoa Province and Bat Trang tiles in its construction contributes to the house’s durability and aesthetic appeal. Remarkably, the house was built without using any nails, yet it stands firmly to this day. The house also features unique elements like a atrium for natural light, and its tubular structure typical of old town Hoi An provides a cool environment in summer and warmth in winter.

Visitors to Tan Ky Old House can expect to see a collection of antiques and artifacts that tell the story of Hoi An’s rich trading past and the Nguyen family’s legacy. Among these are horizontal lacquered boards with philosophical inscriptions, a unique horizontal lacquered board named “One Hundred Birds”, and a valuable “Confucius Bowl”. The house serves as a living museum, offering insight into the cultural and architectural heritage of Hoi An.

For those planning a visit, the Old House of Tan Ky is located at 101 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Minh An Ward in Hoi An, and it’s open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:45 PM. The entrance fee for foreigners is modest, making it an accessible and enriching experience for all visitors.

Thanh Ha Terracotta Park, nestled within the Thanh Ha pottery village near Hoi An, is a remarkable cultural and artistic venue that showcases traditional Vietnamese pottery techniques alongside modern terracotta creations. The park, established in 2011 by local architect Nguyen Van Nguyen, spans almost 6,000 square meters and is divided into various thematic areas, each telling a unique story of the 500-year-old pottery tradition of the region.

Visitors to the park can expect to encounter an array of terracotta miniatures representing iconic global and Vietnamese structures, including the Temple of Literature in Hanoi and the Imperial City in Hue, among others. The park also features two main buildings known as the Opening Kiln and the Closing Kiln, which house exhibitions ranging from traditional pottery villages across Vietnam to the history of Thanh Ha Village and its pottery-making tradition. Each level of these buildings offers a different thematic exploration, from clay sculptures and paintings to interactive pottery-making classes where visitors can try their hand at shaping their own terracotta pieces.

The park not only serves as a museum to preserve and exhibit the rich heritage of pottery making but also as a vibrant creative workshop where traditional and contemporary techniques merge. For those looking to immerse themselves further, pottery-making classes are available, providing a hands-on experience with guidance from skilled artisans. This allows visitors to create their own terracotta items as souvenirs, which can be dried and taken home.

Thanh Ha Terracotta Park is accessible from Hoi An’s center by various means, including taxi, shuttle bus, motorbike, bicycle, and even by boat, given its picturesque location by the Thu Bon River. This accessibility, combined with the park’s educational and interactive offerings, makes it a must-visit destination for those interested in the cultural and artistic traditions of Vietnam.

The Hoi An Lune Center, located in the heart of the ancient town, offers a unique cultural experience with its bamboo theater, which is the first of its kind in Vietnam. The theater’s architecture, featuring a 24-meter bamboo dome standing 13 meters high, is inspired by the full moon, a revered symbol in Vietnamese culture. This setting provides a perfect backdrop for the Vietnamese Bamboo Circus performances that vividly bring traditional cultures to life through storytelling, bamboo props, and live music.

The center hosts a variety of performances, including “Teh Dar,” which showcases the culture of Vietnamese tribes with acrobatics, dance, and music played on tribal instruments, some of which are recognized as cultural heritage by UNESCO. The performances offer a window into the daily life and traditions of different regions in Vietnam, making it a must-visit for those seeking to immerse themselves in the local culture and arts.

Hoi Quan Phuoc Kien, also known as the Fujian Assembly Hall, is an integral part of Hoi An’s cultural and historical landscape. Established in the 1690s by the Fujian Chinese Congregation, this assembly hall is a testament to the Chinese community’s rich heritage in Hoi An. Initially constructed to serve the community and worship the deity Thien Hau, the goddess of the sea, the hall has undergone various transformations over the years. Its architecture, deeply influenced by Fujian artistry, showcases an intricate design that symbolizes the harmony of the universe through its “heaven-earth-human” gate and the array of holy animal sculptures adorning its structure.

The hall is not just a place of worship but also a community center where the Fujian Chinese community would gather. The assembly hall’s premises include a courtyard filled with ornamental plants and flowers, creating a serene atmosphere for visitors. The main shrine within the hall is a sacred space dedicated to Thien Hau Holy Mother and Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, embodying the spiritual significance of the site. The presence of statues like Thien Ly Nhan and Thuan Phong Nghi further accentuates the hall’s role in safeguarding the seafarers and fishermen.

For those interested in exploring this architectural gem, the assembly hall is located at 46 Tran Phu Street, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province, and is open to visitors from 8 AM to 5 PM daily. Entry to the hall is included in the Hoi An Ancient Town admission fee, which is required for all international tourists.

An Bang Beach in Hoi An is a haven for both relaxation and adventure. During the day, the main attractions include sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the gentle ocean waves. For those looking for more excitement, water sports such as parasailing, jet skiing, and stand-up paddleboarding are available. The beach is known for its vibrant atmosphere, especially during the surfing season from September to April, offering a fun experience for families and adrenaline seekers alike.

For a more laid-back experience, An Bang offers yoga and meditation classes, particularly enchanting at sunrise. The beach’s nightlife brings a different charm with venues like Soul Kitchen and Soul Beach, known for their live music and relaxed ambiance. An Bang Beach also hosts food and music festivals, offering a glimpse into local culture and cuisine.

Eating options at An Bang Beach cater to all tastes, from fresh seafood served right by the shore to local delicacies available at nearby stalls and markets. For a more luxurious dining experience, The H’mong Sisters and other high-end restaurants offer sophisticated takes on Vietnamese and international cuisine.

Getting to An Bang Beach is easy, with options ranging from a leisurely bike ride through the picturesque countryside to a quick taxi or electric shuttle bus ride from Hoi An’s center. The journey offers a chance to witness the tranquil rural scenery, making the trip to the beach an experience in itself.

Chùa Cầu, also known as the Japanese Covered Bridge, is a unique and iconic structure in Hội An, Vietnam. This historical bridge, dating back to the 17th century, is a symbol of the town and reflects a blend of Japanese, Vietnamese, and Chinese architectural styles. It originally served both as a temple and a bridge, illustrating the cultural fusion in Hội An, a bustling trade port of the past. Today, Chùa Cầu stands as a testament to the rich heritage and enduring connections between these cultures.