This charming city, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture, feels almost magical, especially when its famous lanterns light up the streets every night.

Walking through Hoi An’s ancient town, you’ll be mesmerised by the colourful lanterns, the aroma of local cuisine, and the friendly smiles of the locals.

Here, we’ve compiled a list of the top 11 activities you absolutely must experience during your visit. From exploring ancient temples to sampling delicious street food, each activity will make your trip to Hoi An unforgettable. So, get ready to fall in love with this enchanting city as much as we did!

WHERE TO STAY IN HOI AN?

We found the perfect place to stay in Hoi An, and it was one of our favourite accommodations in Vietnam. Little Oasis – An Eco-Friendly Hotel & Spa is ideally located just outside the old town, with beautiful river views.

The hotel features a variety of beautifully designed rooms and suites, along with two rooftop pools offering amazing views. It provides a perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and authentic local experiences.

The staff at Little Oasis Hotel are known for their warm hospitality and attentive service, going above and beyond to ensure every guest has a comfortable and memorable stay.

1. HOI AN MARKET

Hoi An Market is a vibrant and colourful place, renowned for its fresh vegetables and fruits. Both locals and tourists visit the market daily, contributing to its energetic atmosphere. It’s a fantastic place to learn about local culture through its food and people.

The market also offers a wide range of spices and herbs, perfect for visiting If you love cooking. Many fresh fruits are available, providing a great snack option while you explore. Overall, Hoi An Market is a must-see attraction, offering a glimpse into the daily life and flavours of Vietnam.

2. MY SON SANCTUARY

My Son Sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, about a 40-minute drive from Hoi An. Here, you can explore the ruins and learn about Cham culture and history.

The site is stunning, with temples made of red bricks and sandstone, surrounded by lush green forests. You can visit with your own motorbike, though the ride is quite long. The easiest way is to book a guided tour with an agency called Local Tours Hoi An.

3. TAKE A COOKING CLASS IN HOI AN

Taking a cooking class in Hoi An is a wonderful experience. The classes are usually held in local kitchens. You start by visiting Hoi An market to buy fresh ingredients. Guides will take you through the market, explaining the various foods. This is a great way to learn about local produce and spices.

Back in the kitchen, you will learn how to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes. The instructors will teach you many different tips and tricks, and the best part is that at the end of the class, you get to enjoy the delicious food you made. It was one of our most memorable experiences from our trip to Hoi An! Check the availability here.

4. VISIT RICE FIELDS

Visiting the rice fields in Hoi An is a peaceful experience. The fields are very green and beautiful, and you can see farmers working hard. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and perfect for photos.

Many tours offer bike rides around the fields, allowing you to see more of the countryside. You can also learn about how rice is grown and harvested.

5. GO TO THE BEACH

We recommend visiting An Bang Beach near Hoi An. It is just a short drive away. You can take long walks along the shore and enjoy the many small restaurants and cafes. Relax on the beach and soak up the sunshine; there are plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas available for rent.

There are also quite a few activities to enjoy at the beach. Try water sports like paddleboarding and kayaking, or join a yoga class by the sea. Watching the sunset at An Bang Beach is a must. The view is stunning and makes for great photos.

6. HOI AN NIGHT MARKET

Visiting the Hoi An Night Market is a fantastic experience. The market is lively and colourful, opening in the evening and staying open until late at night. Located in the old town area of Hoi An, it has many stalls selling a variety of goods, including clothes, accessories, and souvenirs.

The market is also famous for its street food. You can try local dishes, such as banh mi and spring rolls. The food is delicious and affordable.

7. HAVE A MASSAGE

Hoi An has many spas offering various types of massages, with the most popular options being foot massage, body massage, and hot stone massage. The prices are affordable, making it a great excuse to treat yourself.

A massage is the perfect way to unwind after a long day of sightseeing, adding a special touch to your visit to this charming town. I recommend reading reviews before visiting to ensure you get the best experience possible. We found a great deal with Blue Gift Spa.

8. VISIT CHUA CAU

Chua Cau, also known as the Japanese Covered Bridge, is a famous landmark in Hoi An. Built in the 16th century by Japanese merchants, the bridge is made of wood and stone and has a unique and beautiful design.

A lot of people visit the bridge to pray for good fortune. It is one of the most photographed spots in Hoi An.

9. ENJOY THE DELICIOUS LOCAL FOOD

Hoi An is famous for its tasty and unique dishes. One popular dish is cao lau, made with noodles and fresh herbs. Another favourite is banh mi, a crispy baguette filled with various toppings.

You can also try white rose dumplings, which are delicate and delicious. If you are vegan or vegetarian, there are many great options in the city. You can read our article about it here.

10. BA MU TEMPLE

Ba Mu Temple in Hoi An is a special place to visit. The temple is very old and has a rich history. It is located in the heart of Hoi An’s old town, where locals come to pray and seek blessings.

The temple has beautiful architecture, and the atmosphere is peaceful and calm.

11. CAM TANH COCONUT VILLAGE

Visiting Cam Thanh Coconut Village in Hoi An is a unique experience. The village is famous for its water coconut palm trees, which you can explore by taking a basket boat ride. These round, bamboo boats are rowed by local guides who will show you around.

The villagers are very friendly and welcoming, happy to share their way of life with visitors. You can book your tour with Viator or go directly to the village and ask locals about the tour.

Whether you’re a history buff, a food lover, or simply looking for a relaxing escape, Hoi An has something special for everyone.

SEE ALSO: Explore Hoi An’s Vibrant Vegan Restaurants: Where Flavour Meets Tradition

The post Hoi An: Discover the Top 11 Must-Do Activities. A Complete Guide for Every Traveller appeared first on Vegan Friendly Travel.

Hoi An is truly a unique Vietnamese city, close to the ocean and beautiful nature. Every night, the town transforms into a magical place. Colorful lanterns light up the streets and the river. This tradition is especially beautiful during the monthly Lantern Festival, but you can enjoy the sight any evening.

WHERE TO STAY IN HOI AN?

We found the perfect place to stay in Hoi An, the hotel is Little Oasis – An Eco-Friendly Hotel & Spa. It is ideally located just outside the old town with beautiful river views. It was a true oasis and one of our favourite accommodations in Vietnam.

The hotel offers beautifully designed rooms and suites. Some of the rooms have the most amazing views of the river and water buffalo. Two rooftop pools offer views of nature. In this hotel, you will find a perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and authentic local experiences.

When we come back to Hoi An, we will definitely book the Little Oasis Hotel again. 

The staff goes above and beyond to ensure every guest has a comfortable and memorable stay at the Little Oasis Hotel.

VEGAN FOOD IN HOI AN

Our top tip? Learn the Vietnamese word “chay.” This term means “vegetarian” or “vegan” in English and stands for plant-based meals without animal products. Knowing this word will make exploring vegan restaurants in Hoi An a breeze. You can also go on a vegan food tour with Momo travel company!

Here are our favourite restaurants:

SHAMBALLA VEGETARIAN BISTRO

Shamballa Vegetarian Bistro is a hidden gem in the beautiful city of Hoi An. This vegetarian restaurant offers mostly vegan dishes. With locations all over Vietnam, their food is one of our favourites.

Their menu takes you through different regional cuisines, allowing you to explore the traditional flavours of Vietnam. We tried a few different dishes, and all of them were amazing.

Our favourite from the menu was “Tales of the Old Town,” which included steamed coconut rice cakes and a Hoi An specialty, Cao Lau. This is a restaurant you cannot skip when visiting this town!

ELLIE’S CAFE HOI AN

Ellie’s Cafe Hoi An is a family-run café serving healthy, clean-eating dishes with many vegan options. We ordered scrambled tofu and a smoothie bowl. The scrambled tofu was good, but the smoothie bowl was our favourite—it was the best we had in Hoi An.

Other options on their menu include peanut butter toast, Buddha bowl, falafel bowl, and oatmeal pancakes. You can also order my favourite iced-blended coconut coffee in a vegan version.

PEANUTS – VEGAN VIETNAMESE FOOD IN HOI AN

At Peanuts, you can savour traditional Vietnamese vegan and vegetarian cuisine. They use locally grown ingredients whenever possible, making it one of our favourite restaurants in Hoi An.

The portions are huge, and the food is amazing. You can choose your base and then pick from a variety of delicious sides. We also tried their sourdough vegan chicken banh mi.

Their selection of desserts is delightful, but my favourite item was their Vietnamese coconut coffee. It was the best one I had in the whole of Vietnam.

V VEGAN RESTAURANT IN HOI AN

V Vegan Restaurant is located right in the heart of Hoi An’s old town. If you can get a table outside, the ambiance is amazing, as you sit on the walking street and watch people stroll by.

Their menu offers a wide selection of delicious vegan dishes. We tried several and loved most of them. Our favourite was the tofu and mushroom bun noodle curry.

ROSIE’S CAFE

Rosie’s Cafe is a famous breakfast spot in Hoi An. The cafe is named after the main character Rosie Dunne, from the movie “Love, Rosie.”

Although the menu is not entirely vegan, it is carefully curated with both taste and nutritional value in mind, using fresh and local ingredients. All their smoothie bowls are vegan. For breakfast or brunch, you can also enjoy tofu scramble, oatmeal, vegan pancakes, and a veggie wrap.

MINH HIEN VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT

Minh Hien is a vegetarian restaurant offering mostly vegan options. They serve a local specialty called white rose, which is not found elsewhere. We tried it, and it was delicious.

We also ordered fresh spring rolls and pho. The restaurant is affordable with great food, and you can even take a cooking class there.

LE HOI VEGETARIAN BREAD

Le Hoi offers one of the most affordable vegan dishes in Hoi An. Their vegan banh mi, a Vietnamese sandwich, combines a crispy, airy baguette filled with various ingredients, offering a blend of French and Vietnamese flavours. It is a delicious mix of savoury, sweet, and spicy elements.

ROM VEGETARIAN BISTRO

ROM Vegetarian Bistro offers mostly vegan dishes with generous portions and very tasty food. You can try many traditional Vietnamese dishes as well as other Asian cuisines. The menu offers a lot of variety, and the staff are very friendly.

THON DA AM – VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT AND COFFEE SHOP

Thon Da Am is a charming coffee shop and vegetarian restaurant in Hoi An’s old town. I recommend going upstairs to eat on their cute wooden balcony overlooking the pedestrian street.

Though their menu does not offer a lot of options, we tried the pho, and it was very good.

MANGO CAKE IN HOI AN

While strolling through Hoi An’s old town, you’ll come across street vendors selling mango cake, also called Banh Xoai. We learned that it is vegan. Despite its name, it has nothing to do with mango.

It is more like mochi, filled with sweetened and crushed peanuts. By buying it, you also support local vendors. It is a great and very affordable snack.

VEGAN COOKING CLASS IN HOI AN

We attended the famous Chickpea Eatery vegan cooking class in Hoi An. The class began with a tour of the local market, which was our favourite part. You learn so much about the history of Hoi An and the local culture, and they introduce you to the vegan food available in the market and in Vietnamese cuisine.

During the class, we cooked fresh spring rolls, a Vietnamese pancake, and a salad. The cooking class was fun, and we left with a bag full of food. The only thing we would change is having a bit more cooking and less chopping of raw veggies. Otherwise, it is a cooking class you cannot miss when visiting Hoi An!

In Hoi An, you will find a blend of traditional flavours and modern culinary creativity in vegan food. If you decide to eat at a dedicated vegan restaurant or explore the food markets, you will love the food here. Taking a cooking class in Hoi An is also a fun thing to do. 

SEE ALSO: Taste the Best of Hanoi: 9 Vegan Restaurants That Offer an Unforgettable Experience

The post Explore Hoi An’s Vibrant Vegan Restaurants: Where Flavour Meets Tradition appeared first on Vegan Friendly Travel.