1. Coconut Forest (Cam Thanh)
2. Boat ride & floating lanterns
3. Tailor-made clothes
4. Old Town & Night Market
5. Food tour or cooking class
6. Biking through rice fields
7. An Bang Beach
8. Tips & Tricks
9. Best Time to visit

🌴 Explore the Coconut Forest (Cam Thanh)

This was one of the most unique and fun experiences I had in Hoi An! The Coconut Forest, just a short drive from the Old Town, feels like a hidden jungle oasis. We jumped into round bamboo basket boats — and yes, they really are round! Local guides paddled us through the water channels surrounded by towering palm trees.
The highlight? A spontaneous “spinning show” by the boatmen — fast, dizzying, and super fun (don’t worry, they’ll ask before they spin you). You’ll also see crab fishing and maybe even try paddling yourself. It’s best to go early in the morning when it’s quiet, cooler, and the light is perfect for photos.

🛶 Evening Boat Ride & Floating Lanterns

When the sun sets, Hoi An becomes pure magic. Take a small wooden boat on the river that runs through the Old Town. As you drift under glowing lanterns and past lit-up bridges, you can release your own colorful paper lantern with a candle and make a wish — a local tradition for good luck.
The atmosphere is peaceful yet vibrant, especially around the Full Moon Festival. Just make sure to negotiate the price before boarding (100–150k VND is normal for about 20 minutes). It’s incredibly photogenic and a must-do for couples and solo travelers alike.

👗 Get Clothes Tailored – Fast Fashion, but Classy

Hoi An is the place to get custom clothes made. Tailor shops are everywhere, and they work fast! I brought some Pinterest screenshots and walked out two days later with a perfectly tailored blouse and dress.
You can have suits, dresses, coats, shoes, and bags made — even swimwear. It’s best to shop around, check fabric quality, and read reviews (some shops are better than others). I recommend starting this process on day one, so there’s time for adjustments if needed. Quality-wise, I was genuinely surprised — the fit was perfect, and the price fair.

🏮 Stroll Through the Old Town & Night Market

Hoi An’s Old Town is like stepping into a dream. Picture mustard-yellow colonial houses, traditional wooden shops, and streets lined with silk lanterns. By day, it’s peaceful and perfect for photos; by night, it glows.
Cross the river to reach the night market — a lively street full of snacks (hello grilled skewers and rolled ice cream), handcrafted lanterns, souvenirs, and even clothes. I spent hours just wandering, sipping mango smoothies, and taking in the ambiance. Be sure to check out the Japanese Covered Bridge and Tan Ky Old House for a deeper historical vibe.

🥟 Take a Food Tour or Cooking Class

Hoi An is a foodie paradise. I joined a small-group street food tour, and it was honestly the best way to discover local dishes. I tried Cao Lau (a noodle dish you can only get in Hoi An), White Rose Dumplings, grilled skewers, Banh Mi, and more.
If you prefer a hands-on experience, cooking classes are widely available — many include a trip to the local market or even a boat ride. It’s a great way to learn about Vietnamese ingredients and take a skill home with you (and recipes!).

🚴 Bike Through the Rice Fields

This was one of the most peaceful moments of my Vietnam trip. Renting a bike in Hoi An is super easy and cheap, and once you leave the town center, you’ll be surrounded by lush rice paddies, palm trees, and water buffalo.
Locals will smile and wave as you pass, and the flat landscape makes biking easy and relaxing. You can ride out to Tra Que Vegetable Village or combine it with a beach visit. Don’t forget water, sunscreen, and a hat — the sun can be strong!

🌊 Chill at An Bang Beach

If you’re craving some ocean time, An Bang Beach is your spot. It’s a short ride from the Old Town, and once there, you’ll find golden sand, clear waves, and laid-back beach bars.
We spent the afternoon lounging with fresh coconuts and iced Vietnamese coffee, enjoying the sea breeze. Some bars offer free sunbeds if you order drinks or food. It’s not overly touristy, and there’s a lovely relaxed vibe. Sunset here is gorgeous, and a great way to end the day after sightseeing or cycling.

💡 Tips & Tricks for Visiting Hoi An

✨ Wake up early
Hoi An gets busier as the day goes on, especially in the Old Town. Mornings are quieter, cooler, and offer perfect lighting for photos. I loved walking along the riverside around 7 AM — just me, a few locals, and the lanterns still gently glowing.

📸 Bring screenshots for tailors
If you plan on getting clothes made (and you should!), come prepared. Tailors work fast but rely heavily on references. I showed them a few Pinterest screenshots, and they copied the cut and fabric almost perfectly. Don’t rely on describing things — visual inspiration is key.

🚤 Set boat prices in advance
Whether it’s a bamboo basket boat in the coconut forest or a romantic lantern boat ride at night, always agree on the price before getting on board. Prices can vary depending on time of day and your negotiation skills. A short boat ride shouldn’t cost more than 100–150k VND per person.

💵 Carry cash (Vietnamese Dong)
While some places accept cards, most transactions — especially in markets, street stalls, or with smaller vendors — are cash only. ATMs are available, but having some smaller notes makes your life easier, especially when tipping or haggling.

🦟 Use mosquito repellent
Hoi An’s tropical vibe also means mosquitoes, especially in the evening or near the water. Bring a good repellent or buy some locally (they’re cheap and effective). A small spray bottle in your daypack will save you from itchy bites later.

🧳 Stay 2–3 days for the full experience
Hoi An may seem small, but there’s a lot to do — from cooking classes and beach time to exploring the countryside and shopping. I stayed for three nights and could’ve easily stayed longer. If you’re in a rush, two full days can still cover the essentials, but anything less would feel rushed.

📅 Best Time to Visit Hoi An

☀️ February to May – The Sweet Spot
This is arguably the best time to visit. The weather is dry, sunny, and warm but not too humid. It’s perfect for bike rides, sightseeing, and beach time. Expect pleasant evenings and cooler mornings — ideal for early adventures.

🔥 June to August – Hot but Doable
This is Vietnam’s summer season. Days can be really hot and humid, so plan your activities for early morning and late afternoon. You’ll sweat, but if you love sunshine and beach days, it’s totally manageable. Don’t forget sunscreen and water!

🌧️ September to January – Rainy Season
These months bring more rain and occasional flooding, especially in October and November. On the plus side, it’s less crowded, prices are lower, and the town still looks magical in the rain. Just be flexible with your plans and pack a light rain jacket.