Top 5 Activities Hoi An, Vietnam

If you’re looking to escape the chaos of the cities, relax and have a few cheeky drinks by a pool, and experience everything Vietnamese culture has to offer, then Hoi An is the place for you. Located in south Vietnam, Hoi An is a short 1 hour flight from Ho Chi Minh city and a 40 minute drive from Da Nang airport.

Having visited Hoi An twice and taken in all the unique area has to offer, I have pulled together my top 5 favourite activities, which together can tick both the relaxation and adventure boxes.

1. Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An Ancient Town is an exceptionally well-preserved South-East Asian trading port dating back to the 15th century. The unique UNESCO heritage site is a fusion of both local and foreign culture, which is reflected in the varying architectural styles prevalent across the town. As Hoi An Ancient Town is situated on the Hoai River, a branch of the Thu Bon River, there are many unique and charming bridges that reflect the melting pot of cultures. There are also numerous historical sites to visit, with the two most popular being the Japanese Bridge and Ba Mu Temple.

The Ba Mu Temple was constructed in the 1600’s and is a place of great spiritual significance. Famous for it’s Tam Quan Gate, the site is absolutely beautiful with tranquil ponds covered in lotus flowers and lilies. The infamous Japanese bridge is also a cultural symbol and highly sought after tourist attraction. Connecting Old Town with the Japanese Quarter, the 18m footbridge contains a temple overlooking one of the river canals.

In total, Hoi An’s Ancient Town is home to 1000+ heritage townhouses, 19 pagodas, 43 shrines, 11 ancients wells, 28 ancestral halls, 44 tombs and 1 historical bridge, all of which reflect the traditional Vietnamese charm and cultural influences.

Beyond its historical footprint, Hoi An Ancient Town is also known for its shopping and cuisine. The bright yellow buildings are arranged side-by-side in tight rows along the walking streets, and are filled with boutique stores, tailors, cafes, restaurants, day spas, art galleries and more. So, if you are in the mood to snap up locally crafted goods and enjoy some of the best food in Vietnam, then Ancient Town is well-worth a visit.

2. My Son Sanctuary

My Son Sanctuary is a cluster of ancient Cham Hindu temples built between the 4th and 13th centuries. Approximately 40km from Hoi An, the UNESCO World Heritage site houses more than 70 structures, with the ruins nestled in a protected valley surrounded by 2 kilometers of dense forest.

The Sanctuary was rediscovered in 1889; the site forgotten for over 400 years when French officials found the ruins. The remaining structures feature intricately carved brick towers, 11th century statues, and temples that once housed sacred altars. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the mountains and lush forest, visiting My Son was like stepping into another world, and therefore became my favourite experience when in Hoi An.

3. Floating Lanterns, Hoi An River

The traditional lantern craft in Hoi An has been around for over 400 years. Bought in by Chinese and Japanese merchants when they came to the village in the 14th century, the lantern is Hoi An’s most famous symbol. Every night, between 6pm and 9pm, the Ancient Town is lit up with thousands of multi coloured lanterns adorning the buildings, and the Hoai River is filled with floating flower lanterns.

Visitors can board a traditional Vietnamese canal boat and take a quiet moment to make a wish as they drop a flower lantern into the river. Having witnessed the glowing candles drift on the water from one of the many restaurants that line the river, and experienced the magic of laying our own flower lanterns from a boat, our fingers are crossed that the special moment will deliver us with luck for years to come.

4. Side car tour

The side car tour was a fantastic way to explore Hoi An’s streets and travel into the Ancient Town. Starting from our accommodation at the Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa, we cruised around the beaches and zig zagged through the streets while taking in the ever changing scenery.

All the hotels offer a similar service in varying forms and we strongly recommend taking part. I have never laughed so hard at the lack of road rules and general chaos when in the busier parts of the village, which our driver expertly (and calmly) navigated.

5. Relax!

There are many, many luxurious resorts to enjoy in Hoi An, most of which are a very reasonable price. We stayed at the Victoria Hoi An Resort & Spa, which had a private beach where you could take a stroll and enjoy the cool calm water. The resort spa featured a sauna, steam room and jacuzzi, and offers the most relaxing treatments which we thoroughly enjoyed.

We also savoured the simple luxury of no work or household chores to be completed; taking advantage of the quiet to read by the pool and occasionally pausing to take a dip.

When booking holidays, it’s easy to feel pressured to make the most of the money spent and take in as many sights and experiences as possible. However, if you are like us and have demanding full-time careers, it’s also equally important to balance your holiday with downtime; embracing the slower pace and rejuvenate from the demands of daily life.