Wander around Old Town
The Old Town of Hoi An is a remarkably well-preserved South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. Many of the historic buildings are built in a traditional Chinese style, and the roads are narrow and winding. Classical music is piped into the Old Town, and a single ticket allows you entrance into the main attractions. Highlights of the Old Town Include the Japanese Covered Bridge, the three so-called Old Houses and the Quan Cong Temple. There are several museums in the Old Town, but you may want to skip them in favor of watching the incredible folk music performances held several times each day at the Hoi An Handicraft Workshop.
Visit An Bang Beach
Everybody loves going to the beach at night—the weather is cool, the sounds of the waves are extra soothing, and you’ll have the beach all to yourself! Grab a bicycle and cycle your way through Hai Ba Trung Street into An Bang Beach. Find an entrance where you can be alone. There is barely any light pollution in Hoi An, so you will see plenty of stars. Sit on the sand and contemplate the amazing journey you just had.
Enjoy the best local dish only found in Hoi An
The unique noodle dish, Cao Lau is the pride of locals in Hoi An and can be considered the most popular dish in this ancient town. Unlike other typical noodles such as Pho and Bun Bo Hue in Vietnam, Cao Lau is a noodle that you cannot find anywhere but Hoi An. It has a sophisticated and mysterious recipe that is even recognized as one of 10 dishes meeting the criteria of “Asian cuisine value”.
Cao Lau is served with very little broth. The broth is seasoned with cilantro, basil, and mint; sometimes chili peppers and lime are provided on the side. Don't leave Hoi An without trying this unique taste of Cao Lau.
Admire Hoi An's signature - Japanese Bridge
These days, the Japanese Bridge has become a Hoi An's signature, but turn back into the 17th century, when the bridge was built, it simply serves as a way for the Japanese community who lived on the other side of the stream to reach the Chinese quarter. The Japanese Bridge has been restored many times over the years but has mostly stayed true to the original whose simple design stands in contrast to the generously embellished Chinese temples nearby.
Shop at the Night Market
Night Market is just across the bridge over the Hoai River, in An Hoi island. This is where you find most dining and drinking venues. The market is full of stalls, stacked high with souvenirs, from clothes to accessories, shoes, handbags, lacquer wear, lanterns, and jewelry. If you’re looking to buy some gifts for your friends back home, buy them here. There are plenty of street food vendors around too, so grab some snacks such as a banh mi (Vietnamese baguette sandwich) as you jump from stall to stall.