5 Must-Dos While You're in Hoi An

Hoi An continues to be a vibrant destination in Vietnam, offering a diverse range of recreational and adventure activities alongside its renowned sightseeing and shopping experiences. With its picturesque rice paddies, quaint villages, stunning rivers, beautiful beaches, and pristine coral reefs, Hoi An is the perfect location for those looking to try something new. Below are five of the most engaging activities to enjoy in Hoi An, as recommended by recent visitors and adventure seekers.

Join a Cooking Tour

While it may not appeal to adrenaline junkies, a cooking tour is a fantastic option for families. This popular day trip takes you to Thuan Tinh Island on the Thu Bon River and typically runs from morning until noon, with transportation provided by the tour operator.

Photo: two_wandering_potato

Your adventure begins at a local wet market, where you can experience how Vietnamese people buy and sell fresh produce. All the ingredients are organic, but don’t hesitate to ask your guides for tips on selecting the freshest items. After that, enjoy a relaxing 40-minute ferry ride along the Thu Bon River to Thuan Tinh Island. Once there, a 30-minute rowboat journey under coconut palms will lead you to a local village. Along the way, enjoy some refreshing tropical fruits and juices.

The cooking class takes place outdoors in a lovely setting, with friendly and knowledgeable guides and chefs. You will learn how to prepare popular Vietnamese dishes, such as Pho Bo (Beef Pho), Nem Cuon (Spring Rolls), and Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Pancakes). Don’t worry if you lack cooking experience—Vietnamese cuisine is approachable and delicious. The highlight is tasting the dishes you've created and evaluating your cooking skills.

The cost for this experience is $35 per person, which includes all transportation, ingredients, and a lot of fun. For further details or to book a tour, feel free to reach out.

Rent a Bike and Discover the Countryside

While Hoi An is famous for its historical houses, temples, and bridges, the surroundings offer a different landscape featuring lush rice fields, fishing villages, rivers, and beaches that are well worth exploring.

Photo: @hoiancycling

The best way to explore this picturesque area is by bicycle. Rental services are widely available in Hoi An, with costs averaging around $3 to $5 for a full day. Many accommodations, like the Ha An hotel, offer complimentary bike rentals for guests.

As you cycle along narrow paths bordered by expansive rice paddies, take in the daily lives of locals and unwind on the pristine shores of Cua Dai beach. The hospitality of villagers will assist if you happen to lose your way. On the beach, indulge in sunbathing, swimming, and savoring the region's freshest seafood, all sourced from nearby fishing villages. Renting a sun lounger costs less than a bottle of water. For those looking to enjoy the nightlife, many restaurants and bars remain open until late.

While biking in unfamiliar terrain can be exhilarating, guided tours are also available for those who prefer a structured experience. Options vary from half-day tours to overnight homestays, with prices starting at $25 for a half-day tour and $90 for an overnight stay.

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

This sport gained popularity recently in the waters surrounding Cu Lao Cham Island, which is located approximately 25 nautical miles from Cua Dai beach. As a relatively new diving site, it's less crowded, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the unspoiled beauty of the island’s coral reefs.

Photo: @chamislanddiving

The optimal time for diving in Cu Lao Cham is from April to October, when the water is warm and calm, providing clear visibility. While other months can also work for diving, be prepared for potentially overcast weather. Currently, the island features three main commercial diving sites: Hon Dai, Hon Tai, and Hon Mo. You can choose between snorkeling, which is easy and requires no special training, and scuba diving, which demands some level of skill and knowledge. Snorkeling allows you to float just below the surface, while scuba diving lets you explore depths of 15-20 meters.

If you’re new to diving but eager to explore, Blue Coral Diving is a 5-star PADI dive center that provides comprehensive scuba courses. Their experienced instructors, both Vietnamese and foreign, offer levels ranging from Beginner to Professional, starting at around $250 with group discounts available. The courses last between 2 to 4 days. Cham Island Diving also offers courses and tours, with diving sessions priced between $42 and $80 per person.

Become a One-Day Farmer in Tra Que Village

If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of luxury tourism, consider a trip to Tra Que Village. Put on your conical hat and immerse yourself in the life of a local farmer, learning to hoe, plow, and water the fields.

Photo: @jessica.eddi_

Located just 3 kilometers northeast of Hoi An’s old town, Tra Que is a charming Vietnamese village known for its lush gardens and fertile fields. Guided by local farmers, you will spend a morning learning about the farming methods that produce the delicious dishes you enjoy in Hoi An. This experience provides valuable insights for home gardeners as you acquire practical tips from local experts. After a morning of hard work, enjoy a relaxing lunch with food prepared from organic ingredients grown in the village. Many tours also include a foot massage service to help you unwind.

Most of these experiences are conducted as cycling tours, leading you to the village by bike. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to see Hoi An’s fishing village, watching local fishermen cast their nets. Prices for these enriching day trips hover around $30 per person, making it an excellent value for the insights, skills, and delicious food you receive.

Relax at a Spa

After exploring cooking, cycling, diving, and farming—each showcasing the authentic aspects of Hoi An—it's time to unwind and rejuvenate.

White Rose Spa - Photo: @whiterose.spa

Among the many spas in Hoi An, Palmarosa Spa stands out for its commitment to using only pure, natural products in its treatments. This, coupled with professional service, makes it the top choice for relaxation in Hoi An. Upon entering Palmarosa, you’ll be welcomed with herbal teas and a soothing foot soak. The spa is elegantly decorated in an East Asian style, providing a tranquil setting for your wellness experience.

Palmarosa Spa offers a variety of services, including a thirty-minute Indian head therapy, sixty-five-minute foot reflexology, and seventy-five-minute Basalt Hot Stone body therapy. Be sure to try their ninety-minute Palmarosa Spa Signature treatment, a true indulgence. Prices range from $15 to $60—slightly more than other local spas, but justifying the quality of the experience.

Located at 90 Ba Trieu Street, Palmarosa Spa is just a 9-minute walk from Hoi An’s central area. The spa operates daily from 10 AM to 9 PM, with the last appointment at 8 PM. So, if you find yourself in Hoi An, don’t miss the chance to relax and revitalize at this exceptional spa!