🏮 Lanterns & Ancient Alleyways: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Things to Do in Hoi An
There is a quiet magic to Hoi An that catches you completely off guard. As the sun sets, thousands of colorful silk lanterns illuminate yellow-walled merchant houses, while the gentle aroma of herbal tea and sizzling Bánh Xèo drifts across the Thu Bon River.
Hoi An is a living museum where ancient heritage, craft villages, and pristine beaches coexist effortlessly. Whether you’re sipping coffee in a hidden courtyard or riding a basket boat through palm groves, you’ll find an endless array of memorable things to do in Hoi An.
To help you plan a seamless trip, I’ve put together this complete guide with first-hand insights, updated entry fees, cost breakdowns, and direct booking links.
🏮 I. Must-Visit Attractions & Ticket Prices
🏯 1. Hoi An Ancient Town
The historic heart of the city features hundreds of years of preserved architecture, the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, Chinese assembly halls, and glowing night markets.
- Entry Fee: 80,000 VND (~$3.20 USD) for domestic visitors / 120,000 – 150,000 VND (~$5–$6 USD) for international visitors.
- Ticket Details: Valid for 24 hours, granting entry to your choice of 5 historic heritage sites out of 21 options.
- My Personal Tip: “Visit around 7:00 AM before the tour groups arrive to experience the serene, authentic morning life of local shopkeepers sweeping their stoops.”
🥥 2. Bay Mau Coconut Forest (Cam Thanh)
Located just 5km from the Ancient Town, this lush water coconut grove feels like a mini Mekong Delta right in Central Vietnam.
- Basket Boat Ticket: ~100,000 – 200,000 VND per person (or 150,000 – 200,000 VND per boat for 2 riders).
- Highlight: Enjoy spinning basket boat performances, local folk songs, and crab fishing among the palms.
🏝️ 3. Cham Islands (Cù Lao Chàm)
A pristine archipelago located 15km off the coast, famous for crystal-clear turquoise waters, coral reef diving, and secluded beaches.
- Transport Options:
- Round-trip Speedboat: ~400,000 VND/adult, 225,000 VND/child.
- Traditional Wooden Boat: ~100,000 – 150,000 VND per direction.
🎠 4. VinWonders Nam Hoi An
A massive modern entertainment resort featuring 5 distinct zones: River Safari, Water Park, adventure rides, and an ethnic folklore village.
- Ticket Price: 600,000 VND for adults (over 140cm) / 450,000 VND for children (100-140cm) & seniors over 60.
🏺 5. Thanh Ha Pottery Village
A 15th-century traditional craft village located 3km from Old Town where master artisans demonstrate hand-molded pottery skills.
- Entry Ticket: ~30,000 – 35,000 VND per person (Includes a small ceramic gift to take home!).
🥬 6. Tra Que Vegetable Village
An organic farming enclave where you can tour lush herb gardens, learn traditional eco-farming practices, and enjoy herbal foot massages.
- Entry Ticket: 10,000 VND for domestic visitors / 20,000 VND for international visitors.
🏖️ 7. An Bang Beach & Cua Dai Beach
- An Bang Beach (3km from center): Previously voted by CNN as one of Asia’s top beaches. Ideal for laid-back oceanfront lounging and seafood dining.
- Cua Dai Beach (5km from center): Known for soft white sands and calm waters, perfect for late afternoon walks.
- Entry: Free entrance (you only pay for sunbed rentals or food/drinks).
🎭 8. Hoi An Memories Show
Vietnam’s grandest outdoor real-scene performance, featuring over 500 actors on a 25,000-square-meter stage telling the 400-year historical story of Hoi An.
- Ticket Price: Show ticket and combination tour packages start from ~750,000 VND per person.
💰 II. Estimated 3-Day / 2-Night Trip Costs
For a 3-day, 2-night trip to Hoi An (including round-trip transport from major hubs like Hanoi or Saigon), average total expenses range from 4,500,000 to 5,000,000 VND per person (~$180 – $200 USD). If traveling locally by road, costs drop to approximately 2,900,000 – 3,300,000 VND per person.
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (VND) | Notes |
| Round-trip Flight / Bus | 1,000,000 – 1,500,000 | From major hubs like Hanoi / Saigon |
| Da Nang to Hoi An Transfer | ~500,000 | Private car or shuttle |
| Accommodation (2 Nights) | 500,000 – 1,000,000 / night | Boutique hotels or village homestays |
| Food & Dining (3 Days) | ~600,000 | Cao Lau, Mi Quang, Banh Mi, Herbal tea |
| Attractions & Tickets | ~650,000 | Old town tickets, boat rides, shows |
| Souvenirs & Extras | ~600,000 | Tailored clothes, lanterns, contingency |
Money-Saving Tip: Street food in Hoi An is incredibly affordable! Dishes average between 10,000 – 50,000 VND ($0.50 – $2 USD). Renting a bicycle for 40,000 VND/day ($1.50 USD) is the best and cheapest way to get around!
🎒 Recommended Booking Links
Keep your travel plans organized with these hassle-free service links:
Tours & Attraction Tickets on Klook:
- Full Packages & Day Tours
- Hoi An Old Town Entrance Ticket
- Bay Mau Coconut Forest Basket Boat Tour
- VinWonders Nam Hoi An Pass
- Cham Islands Snorkeling Tour
- Hoi An Memories Show Tickets
Hotels & Stay:
Food & Experiences:
SIM/eSIM:
Transfers:
💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓ How do I get from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An?
Hoi An does not have its own airport. The nearest airport is Da Nang (DAD), about 30km away. You can easily pre-book a private car on GetTransfer or book a shared shuttle bus on Klook for a 45-minute ride.
❓ How many days should I spend in Hoi An?
2 to 3 days is ideal. This gives you enough time to explore the Ancient Town, try local dishes, visit the Coconut Forest, and relax on An Bang Beach without rushing.
Final Thoughts: Hoi An is a destination that stays in your heart long after you leave. Pick your favorite things to do in Hoi An from this list, rent a bicycle, and let yourself get lost in its golden streets! Have an unforgettable journey!