Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s most charming travel destinations, famous for its ancient architecture, colorful lantern streets, and peaceful atmosphere. Unlike busy modern cities, Hoi An offers a slower pace of life that makes visitors feel relaxed and connected to local culture.
Besides its historic beauty, Hoi An is also known for delicious local food, traditional cultural activities, and memorable travel experiences. If you are planning a trip to this beautiful town, here are the top 7 experiences in Hoi An you should not miss.
1. Walk Around Hoi An Ancient Town at Night
2. Release Floating Lanterns on the Hoai River
One of the most iconic cultural activities in Hoi An is releasing floating lanterns on the Hoai River.
Small paper lanterns carrying candles drift gently on the water, creating a magical and peaceful scene. Many people believe that releasing lanterns brings good luck, happiness, and peace to themselves and their families.
This meaningful activity has become a memorable highlight for many travelers visiting Hoi An.
3. Try the Famous Cao Lau
A trip to Hoi An would not be complete without tasting Cao Lau – the town’s signature dish.
Cao Lau features chewy noodles served with sliced pork, fresh herbs, crispy pork cracklings, and a flavorful sauce. The unique combination of textures and flavors makes this dish unforgettable.
You can easily find Cao Lau at many local restaurants and food stalls around the ancient town, especially on Tran Phu and Phan Chu Trinh streets.
4. Take a Boat Ride on the Hoai River at Night
Taking a boat ride on the Hoai River is one of the most romantic experiences in Hoi An.
As the boat slowly moves along the peaceful river, visitors can admire the colorful lantern reflections dancing on the water while enjoying the calm atmosphere of the ancient town.
Some boat tours also include lantern releasing or traditional folk music performances, making the experience even more memorable.
5. Explore the Ancient Houses of Hoi An
The ancient houses are an important part of Hoi An’s cultural and architectural heritage.
Many of these houses have been preserved for hundreds of years and still maintain their original wooden architecture influenced by Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese styles.
Some famous places worth visiting include:
- Tan Ky Ancient House
- Phung Hung Ancient House
- Quan Thang Ancient House
- Fujian Assembly Hall
- Cantonese Assembly Hall
Each location tells a unique story about Hoi An’s rich history and cultural diversity.
6. Experience Custom Tailoring Services
Hoi An is internationally famous for its fast and high-quality tailoring services.
Visitors can order custom-made suits, dresses, ao dai, shoes, and bags based on personal measurements, often completed within just a few hours.
Thanks to the skilled local tailors and reasonable prices, this has become one of the most popular experiences among international travelers.
7. Join Traditional Folk Games
If you want to learn more about local culture, joining traditional folk games is a great experience.
In the evening, areas around Nguyen Thai Hoc Street and Kazik Park often host activities such as:
- Bai Choi singing game
- Pot breaking games
- Traditional community games
The lively atmosphere and friendliness of local people make these activities especially enjoyable for visitors.
Conclusion
Hoi An is more than just a tourist destination — it is a place where visitors can slow down, relax, and experience traditional Vietnamese culture.
From walking through lantern-lit streets and releasing floating lanterns to tasting local specialties and exploring ancient architecture, every experience in Hoi An creates unforgettable memories.
If you are planning a trip to Central Vietnam, make sure to add these amazing Hoi An experiences to your travel itinerary.
