Often claimed as Vietnam’s most romantic city, Hoi An is a must-see destination when visiting the country. Situated off the central coast of Vietnam, Hoi An is best known for its fading yellow french architecture and the hundreds of Chinese lanterns that light up the town every night. Spared from fighting during the Vietnam-American War, Hoi An has managed to preserve much of its original heritage. It created a city full of rich architecture, boutique hotels, bold and beautiful colors, intricate winding rivers, and an easygoing atmosphere.
Hoi An is on everyone’s Vietnam itinerary and for a good reason. There is so much to do in this enchanting town that you’ll likely have a difficult time deciding where to start. And while exploring Hoi An’s Old Town is easily done on your own, many other local activities are best done as part of an organized tour.
Since we have been living in Vietnam for the past year, we have had numerous opportunities to visit Hoi An. On each trip, we have tried something new. Whether it’s visiting ancient ruins, biking through rice paddies, or learning to cook delicious Vietnamese cuisine, there is a Hoi An tour for every taste. To make planning your trip easy, we have compiled the best tours in Hoi An to make sure you get the most out of this captivating town.
And if you have more time in Hoi An, we have included a couple of our favorite day trips to the surrounding cities and attractions. We do not doubt that you’ll leave Hoi An having experienced the true beauty of Vietnam. That is if you can tear yourself away from this charming ancient city at all!
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How to Book Tours in Hoi An
While there is no shortage of tour agents in Hoi An, we prefer booking our tours online. GetYourGuide is our go-to for booking tours because you can compare all the tour options around Hoi An in one place and choose the excursion that is just right for you. Plus, GetYourGuide has an excellent cancellation policy in case your holiday plans change.
Hoi An Tours & Hoi An Day Trips
1. Watch the Sunrise Over the Ancient Ruins of My Son
We can’t think of a better way to embrace the heritage of Hoi An than by taking an early morning trip to the ruins of My Son – an ancient Hindu sanctuary of the Champa Kingdom. Watching the sunrise over the abandoned and partially ruined temples is an impressive visual feast that makes you feel in tune with its rich spiritual history.
This collection of tower-like temples dates back to the Indian Hinduism culture from the 4th to 13th centuries. It’s similar to the ruins of Angkor Wat but on a smaller, more approachable scale. The well-preserved ruins are easily accessible via a walking path from the parking lot.
The ruins of My Son are amidst lush green Vietnamese countryside and mountains so you can get a glimpse of the more rural setting outside of the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s so peaceful to wander through the area, admiring the ancient ruins and the beautiful landscape.
Arriving early at My Son also means you miss the usual crowds and hot temperatures this popular landmark experiences later on in the day. If you’re looking for an enlightening and educational experience to help you understand the culture and history of Central Vietnam, this Hoi An tour is a must for your trip!
2. Experience True Vietnam on a Scenic Countryside Cycle Tour
For those who like to get out and see what lies beyond the Ancient Town, this Hoi An bicycle tour is for you! In this small-group tour, you get to bike through the countryside of central Vietnam, crossing over floating wooden bridges and through the lush rice paddies that surround Hoi An. And don’t worry if you haven’t ridden a bike in a while, there are plenty of stops along the route to refresh and snap photos.
One thing that makes this experience special is the lunch stop at a local family’s home. They’ll prepare you a traditional Vietnamese meal and share with you their cultural traditions. You’ll feel like you’ve become part of the family as you experience first-hand the wonderful Vietnamese hospitality.
When you’ve recharged and absorbed their traditional way of life, hop back on your bike for a leisurely ride back to the city. This is definitely a tour you’ll be telling everyone back home about – from the sights of the surrounding countryside to being welcomed firsthand into a Vietnamese home. This Hoi An tour will add a personal touch to your trip to Vietnam!
3. Experience a Day in the Life in Hoi An
Are you looking to immerse yourself in the day-to-day activities of Hoi An? Then you’ll love to begin your day with a trip to the market with a local tour guide! You’ll experience the abundance of new smells that come with the array of fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, and more that are available in the small stalls that line the market. You can even try your luck at bargaining with tips from your local guide!
Then cruise down the Thu Bon River in a traditional bamboo basket boat. You’ll watch the fishermen at work and even have a go yourself. Here you’ll gain a glimpse into Vietnamese heritage as folk songs are sung around you. You’ll also see the native gifts that are handmade from fresh coconut leaves.
After collecting your ingredients throughout the day, you’ll get the chance to learn how to use them in a traditional hands-on cooking lesson. What’s better than learning firsthand how to cook Vietnamese spring rolls, papaya salad, or pork in clay pots? Then kick back and enjoy the rewards of your busy day by enjoying your delicious meal. Don’t worry if you have dietary restrictions – vegetarian and vegan options are available on this cooking tour.
This is one of the best tours in Hoi An to give you a real insight into the daily life of the local people!
4. Sample the Delicacies of Hoi An in the Heart of the Old Town
This is the perfect Hoi An tour for all the foodies out there! For over two and a half hours, you’ll be guided through the streets of Hoi An, eating your way from one end of the Old Town to the other.
From traditional bakeries and street food stalls in the middle of the bustling night market to the ancient well that supplies the city’s water, you’ll explore the culinary history of Hoi An and sample the best dishes in the city!
On this Hoi An food tour, you’ll be guided through winding side streets to unassuming hidden gems where you’ll try closely-guarded Vietnamese recipes passed down through the generations. Try local specialties like Cao Lau, Mi Quang, and White Rose.
This tour not only shows off the delicious cuisines of the city but also its fantastic atmosphere as you interact with cheerful locals and take in the sounds and smells of Hoi An at night. If you love food, you absolutely can’t miss this tour of Hoi An!
5. Ride over the Famous Ba Na Hills on the World’s Longest Cable Car
This jam-packed tour of the Ba Na Hills is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Did you know Central Vietnam is home to the world’s longest cable car? So long, you’ll want to pack a sweater because it gets chilly all the way at the top. And you can bet the views of Central Vietnam’s coast far below are pretty spectacular during your 3-mile-long cable car ride!
You’ll arrive at the top of the impressive Sun World Ba Na Hills – a surreal theme park modeled after a European village. If you’re a wine fan, you’ll love the Debay wine cellar which was built in a French colonialism architectural style. Or check out the Linh Ung Pagoda with its 27-meter-high Buddha Statue. You can also visit God Mountain, the highest peak in Central Vietnam. There’s even a traditional German beer hall for an afternoon brew when you need a break from sightseeing.
Ba Na Hills is also the site of the newly constructed Golden Bridge. It is two giant hands connected by a pedestrian bridge set high on the hill overlooking the valley. The hands are weathered as though they’ve been there for generations, although the bridge was only opened in 2018. Seeing it will definitely be a highlight of your tour!
If you’re traveling in Vietnam with kids, they will love this day trip from Hoi An. Ba Na Hills has a ghost house, exhilarating rides, a range of exciting electronic games, and even a selection of 4D films. They will also enjoy seeing monkeys in the natural monkey garden. It’s fun for the whole family!
6. Take a Day Trip to the Ancient Imperial City
Another incredible Hoi An day trip is a visit to the ancient city of Hue! Known as the “Imperial City”, Hue was the capital of Vietnam until 1945 and is home to palaces, shrines, and the royal citadel surrounded by immense stone walls and a moat.
Hue was also home to one of the longest and bloodiest battles of the Vietnam War. Thankfully the country did a fantastic job of preserving and refurbishing the treasures of the city. This captivating city is simply too close to miss on your trip to Hoi An.
Along the journey from Hoi An to Hue, you’ll follow one of Vietnam’s most beautiful coastal roads, the Hai Van Pass, which achieved international fame when it was featured on an episode of Top Gear. And at the highest point on the mountain pass, you’ll stop for a 30-minute break to take in the incredible views.
On your tour of Hue, you’ll have the chance to explore several of the city’s attractions and historic landmarks, including the Thien Mu Pagoda, the Forbidden Purple City, and the Tomb of Khai Dinh, one of Vietnam’s last emperors. A highlight of your tour will be floating through the city center along the elegantly named Perfume River on a beautifully crafted dragon boat.
A beautiful and historic city, Hue is full of ancient culture and heritage which makes this one of the best tours from Hoi An!
7. End your Day on a Romantic Sunset Dinner Cruise
What better way to end a perfect day in Hoi An than with a relaxing sunset cruise on the Thu Bon River?
After arriving at the pier, you’ll be welcomed on the boat with a complimentary cocktail and shown to your private table. The boat will cast off just as the sun is setting over the charming town of Hoi An. You’ll be served a dinner of fresh local seafood, including a selection of prawns, fish, and squid.
As you spend the next two hours cruising along the river you’ll love getting the opportunity to see Hoi An from a new angle – sitting peacefully and enjoying the beauty of the sunset over the river.
This sunset dinner cruise encapsulates the romantic charm of the city. It is a must if you’re looking for a special way to end your trip to Hoi An.
We hope you find the perfect tour in Hoi An!
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