Hoi An. Just saying the name feels like an exhale. The kind of place where time slows down, colors seem richer, and every street corner looks like it has a story. Maybe it’s the hand-made lanterns.Maybe it’s the scent of noodle broth in the air. Maybe it’s that travel magic where things feel both effortless and deeply meaningful — all at once. 

This isn’t a guide for checklist-chasers or Instagram collectors. It’s for the curious. The active. The ones who believe calories don’t count on vacation, who would rather bike a backroad than sit in traffic, and who know a country’s real flavor is found somewhere between a humble countryside home and that popular diner favored by locals. 

After two decades in the saddle across Asia, these are our go-to ways to explore Hoi An. Some of these are experiences we’ve built into our own Vietnam bike tours (because yes, we’re THAT passionate about them), and others are moments you might stumble on in your own free time.  

So, ready to see what Hoi An has waiting for you? Let’s dive in. 

What is Hoi An famous for? 

Tailored suits, glowing lanterns, and that golden-hour kind of charm — sure. But it’s also famous for its rare ability to make you slow down without making you feel like you’re missing out.  

Why is Hoi An so famous? 

Because it pulls off what most places only dream of: feeling timeless without turning into a time capsule. It’s not just beautifully preserved — it’s beautifully lived in. Locals still shop at the market, students still bike to class, and yes, the tailor who made your jacket probably knows your coffee order too. 

What is the best time to visit Hoi An? 

Hoi An shines brightest from February to May — when the skies are clear, the humidity takes a holiday, and lanterns glow against balmy evening breezes. It’s the sweet spot between the heat of summer and the showers of autumn. That said, there’s a certain romance to the rainy season (September to January) if you don’t mind the occasional drizzle with your dumplings. Just bring a poncho and your sense of humor. 

Is Hoi An walkable or bike-friendly? 

Very. The ancient town is blissfully car-free (and motorbike-light), making it perfect for wandering on foot — or even better, by bicycle. Ride past riverside cafés, duck into alleyways full of heritage homes, and cruise through the countryside where rice paddies stretch to the horizon. 

In fact, two wheels might just be the best way to experience Hoi An and beyond — it’s how we do it on our small group cycling tours. 

Must-See Attractions in Hoi An (Yes, They’re Popular for a Reason) 

Some places are famous because a million people go there. Hoi An’s highlights? They’re famous because you wish you could go a million times. 

Wander the lantern-lit streets of the Ancient Town at golden hour 

There’s something downright cinematic about golden hour in Hoi An’s Old Town. As the sun dips low, the yellow-washed walls glow, the river glimmers, and the silk lanterns start to flicker to life. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site but also very much a working town. You’ll see school kids riding past centuries-old temples and grandmothers haggling over herbs in the market. History’s alive here — and it smells faintly of incense and fresh bánh mì. 

Cross the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge — a Hoi An must-snap 

This 400-year-old bridge isn’t just a pretty photo op (though, let’s be honest, it’s an excellent photo op). Built by the Japanese community in the 1590s, it was designed to connect them with the Chinese quarter across the river — and to ward off a mythical earthquake-causing monster called Namazu. Yes, really. Inside, there’s even a small temple to the Taoist god of weather. It’s part architecture, part legend, and 100% classic Hoi An. 

Kayak on the Thu Bon River 

Want to see Hoi An from a different angle? Then grab a paddle! The Thu Bon River flows gently past coconut groves, stilted river houses, and fishermen still casting nets the traditional way. In the early morning or late afternoon, the water turns to liquid gold and the world slows right down. It’s peaceful, personal, and pretty much impossible to experience from a tour bus. (Psst — we do this as part of our small group Vietnam tour, and it’s a favorite for good reason.) 

Cycle through the rice paddies to the beach 

Hoi An is... flat! One of the most joyful things you can do here is pedal out of the Old Town, through swaying rice fields dotted with water buffalo, all the way to the coast. Along the way, you might pass duck farms, waving schoolkids, and farmers tending their fields with tools older than you. End with a dip at An Bang or a grilled seafood lunch by the sand — bliss, bottled. 

Visit a local tailor and get something custom-made 

Hoi An is a tailoring mecca — a place where you can walk in with a Pinterest board and walk out with a wardrobe. Want a linen jumpsuit in 24 hours? They’ve got you. The tailoring trade here goes back generations, and many families still run their shops the old-school way — by memory, measurements, and a whole lot of skill. Bonus: it’s a great excuse to say, “Oh this? Just something I had made in Vietnam.” 

Take a cooking class 

Whether you’re making green papaya salad, fresh spring rolls, or crispy bánh xèo, it’s hands-on, full of flavor, and often starts with a wander through the local market. (We include this in our small-group Vietnam tours too — because some experiences are just too tasty to skip.) 

Slow Travel, Hoi An Style 

Book a massage or Vietnamese herbal steam treatment at a wellness spa 

After a day of cycling or wandering, nothing hits the reset button quite like a traditional Vietnamese herbal steam treatment. Imagine a fragrant blend of local herbs — lemongrass, ginger, and turmeric — swirling in a warm, soothing steam that melts away more than just muscle tension. Follow it with a massage that’s part deep tissue, part magic hands, and suddenly your legs are ready to pedal another day. Spas here blend ancient remedies with a chill vibe that’s totally deserved. 

Sit by the river with a drink and just people-watch 

Sometimes, the best thing to do in Hoi An is absolutely nothing — except maybe sip a cold bia hơi (fresh draught beer) or a chilled rosé and watch the world float by on the river. Families, vendors, fishermen, and fellow travelers all play their part in this moving tapestry. 

Visit the nearby countryside village of Tra Que 

Just a short hop from the center of Hoi An, Tra Que is where rows of vibrant herbs stretch toward the sun and farmers still work the soil with quiet dedication. It’s known for organic, chemical-free growing methods — and for the punchy flavors those fresh herbs add to local dishes. You can wander the gardens, chat with the growers, or simply soak up the slower pace. On our bike tour, we wrap up our Vietnam adventure here with a homegrown farewell feast — and trust us, it’s the kind of meal (and memory) that lingers long after the bikes are parked. 

For the Food-Lovers (aka everyone) 

Hoi An might be small, but its food scene punches way above its weight. From market stalls to riverside cafés, every bite comes with a side of story. 

Devour a steaming bowl of Cao Lau 

A local specialty! Made with water drawn from an ancient well (yes, really), topped with slices of roast pork, crunchy croutons, and heaps of fresh herbs, it’s a dish you won’t find anywhere else in Vietnam.  

Snack on Banh Mi Phuong or Madam Khanh’s banh mi 

Ask a local where to get the best banh mi in Hoi An and you’ll spark a passionate debate. Team Phuong or Team Khanh? Either way, you’re getting a crisp baguette loaded with pâté, pork, pickles, herbs, and sauces that somehow taste like they’ve been perfected over decades. Hot tip: try both. You’re on holiday. It's research. 

Drink fresh sugarcane juice or kumquat soda from a street stall 

Sometimes the best refreshment comes from a friendly roadside vendor with an antuque looking juicer. Sugarcane juice is pressed fresh to order, ice-cold and naturally sweet, with a squeeze of fresh citrus if you’re lucky. Kumquat soda, meanwhile, delivers a fizzy, tangy punch that’ll jolt you back to life after a long wander. Simple, cheap, and oh-so satisfying. 

Go on a coffee tour! 

Vietnamese coffee doesn’t play around. Whether it’s creamy egg coffee or frosty coconut coffee that’s halfway to being a dessert, this is caffeine with character. Drip filters, slow pours, strong brews — every café has its own twist. On our Vietnam bike tour, we dive into this caffeinated culture with a local coffee experience that’s equal parts tasty and eye-opening. Because once you’ve had coffee Hoi An-style, flat whites just feel... flat. 

Just Outside Town 

Hoi An may be the star of the show, but its supporting cast? Absolutely worth the detour. 

Discover Cham culture and relics at nearby My Son Sanctuary  

Tucked in a misty valley less than an hour from Hoi An, My Son is a hauntingly beautiful cluster of Hindu temples built by the Cham people over a thousand years ago. Think mossy brickwork, jungle-framed ruins, and echoes of ancient rituals. While the structures bear the scars of time (and war), the spirit of the site still hums beneath your feet. Best way to soak it all in? By bike, of course.  

Cycle to An Bang or Cua Dai Beach for a swim or seafood lunch 

Flat, breezy, and just a few pedal strokes away, the road to the beach is lined with rice paddies, buffalo sightings, and the occasional waving grandmother. An Bang is laid-back and local; Cua Dai has a few more umbrellas and beach shacks. Either way, you’re rewarded with a salty dip and grilled seafood so fresh it might’ve been swimming ten minutes ago. Bring your sunglasses and your appetite. 

Hop on a boat to the Cham Islands for snorkeling or a beach break 

If you’re craving a dose of island time, the Cham Islands deliver turquoise water, colorful reefs, and sandy coves perfect for doing absolutely nothing. There’s rustic charm (don’t expect resort vibes), plenty of marine life, and the kind of laid-back beach lunches that involve cold drinks and fish cooked over coals. We swing by here on our Northern Vietnam tour — because sometimes, the best itinerary is one that builds in a bit of blissed-out beach time. 

Cycle from Hue to Hoi An via the Hai Van Pass 

The Hai Van Pass winds between jungle and coast, revealing cinematic views at every switchback. Once dubbed “one of the best coastal roads in the world,” it offers a perfect mix of challenge and reward. You’ll roll through fishing villages, past dragon fruit stands, and arrive in Hoi An with your legs humming and your heart full. With our support van nearby and like-minded riders by your side, it’s as achievable as it is epic. 

Vietnam bike tours with Grasshopper Adventures 

Hoi An can be savored in a hundred ways – but if you’re the kind of traveler who wants to pedal the backroads, waving at farmers tending fields, and end your day with a riverside cocktail and good company, you’re our kind of traveler.  

Hoi An won’t just fill your camera roll — it fills your cup. Leap into local Vietnamese life on our small-group Vietnam cycling tours.