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<\/figure>\n\n\n\n2. Taking a Lantern Boat Ride on the Thu B\u1ed3n River<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
This was easily one of the most peaceful and romantic experiences I\u2019ve ever had. As night falls, the whole river transforms into something magical, and it’s glowing with hundreds of tiny lights drifting on the water. You hop into a small wooden boat, release your own candle-lit lantern, and make a quiet wish as it floats away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes, it gets packed, especially on weekends, dozens of boats gliding side by side, the river buzzing with chatter and laughter. But honestly? I didn\u2019t mind at all. I was too caught up at the moment, I was excited like a kid, heart full, eyes wide. The reflections of the lanterns flickering on the water and manifesting my dream life while I released my lantern is one of those experiences that lives in your memory long after it\u2019s over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Relaxing at An Bang Beach<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Just a short ride from the lively Hoi An Ancient Town, An Bang Beach is the perfect place to unwind. The beach is quiet, clean, and super relaxing. I ordered fresh coconut water from one of the beachside vendors, kicked off my shoes, and dipped my toes in the warm sea.
It felt like the perfect break from all the sightseeing. There were no crowds, no hustle, just the sound of the waves and the fresh sea breeze. I could\u2019ve easily spent the whole day there, lounging and enjoying the simple peace of it all. A great way to recharge before diving back into Hoi An\u2019s action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Cycling Through the Hoi An Countryside<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Renting a bicycle in Hoi An is a must! I stayed at Lasenta Hotel, which is right next to beautiful rice paddies, and one of the best parts was that they offered free bicycles for guests. I had picked up a traditional Vietnamese hat from one of the local vendors earlier, so I popped it on, hopped on the bike, and set off to explore \u2014 and honestly, it turned out to be one of my favorite things I did in Hoi An.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I rode past bright green rice fields, water buffaloes grazing in the distance, and locals smiling and waving as I passed by. The roads are flat and easy to ride, so it\u2019s perfect even if you haven\u2019t cycled in years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It was everything that I imagined, the peaceful and beautiful fields, the sound of birds and the breeze. I took my time, stopped whenever something caught my eye, and just enjoyed the slow pace. It\u2019s a really special way to see the quieter side of Hoi An.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Visiting the Thanh Ha Pottery Village<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
One morning, I decided to check out Thanh Ha Pottery Village, just a short ride from central Hoi An. I\u2019m so glad I did because it\u2019s such a peaceful, traditional village where pottery has been handmade for over 400 years. I loved watching the local artisans shape clay so skilfully and beautifully, totally in their element.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The best part? You can try it yourself! I sat at the wheel (with a lot of guidance) and managed to make a wobbly little vase. Then I attempted to paint a clay pig\u2026 and somehow ended up with a bright pink pig wearing black tiger stripes. Not sure if it\u2019s art or a crime against pottery and painting, but it definitely made me laugh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s such a fun, hands-on break from the usual sightseeing, plus a great way to support local crafts and take home a quirky souvenir. I did this whole pottery village tour and pottery for only $8.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. Touring the Hoi An Silk Village<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
I didn\u2019t expect to enjoy a silk tour as much as I did, but it turned out to be one of the interesting parts of my trip! At the Hoi An Silk Village, I got a close-up look at how traditional Vietnamese silk is made, from silkworms munching on mulberry leaves to the weaving of beautiful fabrics on old wooden looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s a guided experience, so you actually learn about the whole process (spoiler: it\u2019s way more complex than it looks). I even tried weaving a few threads myself, but let\u2019s just say I\u2019ll stick to buying silk instead of making it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There\u2019s also a little showroom where you can shop for silk scarves, clothing, or even get something custom-made. It\u2019s a great mix of culture, craft, and a bit of shopping. I highly recommend if you\u2019re curious about Vietnamese traditions and a little shopaholic like myself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
7. Watching the Hoi An Memories Show<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
WOW. I\u2019m not usually a big \u201cnight show\u201d person, but the Hoi An Memories Show completely blew me away. It\u2019s an open-air performance with hundreds of dancers, glowing lanterns, boats, traditional costumes and a stage that literally looks like it stretches across a river. It tells the story of Hoi An\u2019s history through dance, music, and stunning visuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I don\u2019t want to spoil it for anyone, so I\u2019ll just say this: GO SEE IT. Trust me, you don\u2019t need to know Vietnamese to follow along, it\u2019s all about the vibe, and the vibe is epic. I sat there with my jaw open half the time, wondering how they even pulled off some of those scenes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s a bit pricier than other shows in Vietnam, but honestly? Totally worth it. Plus, the outdoor setup makes it feel more like an immersive experience than a regular performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
8. Eating All the Hoi An Specialties<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s talk about the food because Hoi An seriously blew me away. The first thing I tried was cao l\u1ea7u noodles, which are smoky, chewy, and topped with fresh herbs and crispy pork (or tofu!). I\u2019d never tasted anything like it. Then came the white rose dumplings: soft, delicate, and filled with minced shrimp or mushrooms. I\u2019m not even exaggerating when I say I almost ate them every single day. They\u2019re addictive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I also grabbed a banh mi from one of the famous street stalls (yes, it lives up to the hype), and tried way more dishes than I care to admit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And the best part? Hoi An is incredibly vegan and vegetarian friendly. With its Buddhist roots and a rising number of plant-based visitors, there are loads of vegan spots and veggie twists on local dishes. No matter your diet, the food here is unforgettable and packed with fibre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
9. Day Trip to My Son Sanctuary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Just about an hour from Hoi An, My Son Sanctuary is a must if you’re into ancient ruins, nature, or just want a quick escape from the city. It\u2019s a cluster of old Hindu temples tucked into a lush, green valley, kind of like a mini Angkor Wat, but way less crowded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The site dates back to the Champa Kingdom, and even though a lot of the structures were damaged over time, walking through the mossy bricks and jungle paths still feels magical. You can almost hear the history echoing around you (or maybe that was just the cicadas).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I actually went without a guide because it was a last-minute decision early in the morning, but I still had a great time just wandering around and soaking in the atmosphere. If you’re not super into history, don\u2019t worry. It’s a nice and peaceful place to explore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I recommend going early before it gets too hot, but if you’re into learning the deeper stories, a guide would be a great option. Either way, it\u2019s 100% worth the trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
10. Browsing the Hoi An Night Market<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
As the sun sets, the Hoi An Night Market lights up with colourful glowing lanterns, sizzling street food, live music, and stalls full of handmade treasures. I wandered through it all with sugarcane juice in hand (so refreshing!), just soaking in the energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While I was there, I decided to treat myself to something Hoi An is famous<\/em> for: a tailor-made outfit. I went for a simple cotton dress and, not gonna lie, it ended up being a bit pricier than I expected (a $100, oops), but the fit is amazing, and I honestly look gorgeous in it. So, zero regrets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you\u2019re shopping, snacking, or just enjoying the buzz, the night market is the perfect way to explore the Vietnamese buzzing night market. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s be real \u2014 if you came to Hoi An and didn\u2019t hit the night market, did you even Hoi An?<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\nTravel Must-Haves for Hoi An<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Travel Insurance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n