16 activities in Hoi An, Vietnam

Discover the magic of Hoi An, an ancient South-East Asian trading port that dates back to the 15th century. Our half-day city tour will introduce you to the wonders of this charming town and its people's lifestyle, providing you with an overview of the architecture and culture that have remained remarkably preserved over the centuries.

Start your journey with a convenient pick-up from your hotel in Da Nang Center at 7:30am, and head to Hoachampa Cafe. Here, you'll meet your friendly and knowledgeable guide, who will take you on a leisurely stroll around the old town, passing by cultural attractions like the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, Chinese Assembly Halls, Hoi An Museum, and Ancient Houses.

Along the way, you'll also visit a Handicraft Workshop, the Hoi An Center market, and some hidden food treasures favored by locals. Experience a foot massage at the end to soothe your feet after a day of exploring.

Our guides are passionate about Hoi An and its rich cultural heritage and are happy to share their knowledge with you. Ask them anything you like, and they will be delighted to provide you with insightful answers.

At 10:30am, the tour ends, leaving you with a greater understanding and appreciation of Hoi An's unique blend of indigenous and foreign cultures. This tour is the perfect way to spend your very first days in Hoi An, as you'll learn more about the town than in a month of random wandering.

Book our Discover Hoi An tour now, and immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of this historic town.

Hop aboard our bus to explore Vietnam’s cultural capital, Hue! You’ll be able to hop on at any of our selected stops and hop off right next to all of Hue’s top sights. Discover ancient tombs, majestic citadels, vibrant markets, and so much more! As you travel, you’ll get unobstructed views and feel the breeze in your hair on our top deck. Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of this captivating city. Book your tickets today and get ready to experience the best of Hue!                    

Highlights

• Bus stops next to all the major sights so that you see the very best of Hue

• Explore Vietnam’s cultural capital at your own pace

• 24 or 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour with panoramic views of Hue’s top sights

• Free Wi-Fi on board

• Show your hop-on hop-off tickets on your smartphone.

• Discover fascinating facts about Hue with our multilingual audio guide.                  

Hue has it all: history, culture, and delicious street food. Hop on with us to experience some of Vietnam’s most important historical sites! We’ve got stops right next to all of Hue’s top tourist attractions, and you can hop on and off as you please.

Why not start by hopping off at the majestic Tu Duc Tomb? This is where the Vietnamese Emperor Tu Duc and his empress rest in style. As you wander through the serene gardens and marvel at the impressive architecture, you can't help but imagine the grandeur and opulence of the Nguyen dynasty. You’ll also learn all about Tu Duc’s life of luxury and extravagance. Did you know he had 104 wives?

More fascinating history awaits as you hop off at the magnificent Hue Imperial Citadel. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is like a mini-city within a city! Imagine glorious palaces, intricate temples, and ancient gates that transport you back to a time of emperors and dynasties. The majestic Royal Palace is a highlight. And, don't miss the chance to witness the impressive changing of the guard ceremony, where you'll feel like you've been given VIP access to the imperial court.

History buffs will revel in the Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities. This treasure trove of royal artifacts and ancient relics includes royal clothing fit for a king, delicate ceramics that have stood the test of time, and ancient documents that tell tales of the Nguyen dynasty.

Another of Hue’s unmissable attractions is Thien Mu Pagoda. Hop off and find your zen at this symbol of spiritual peace and tranquillity, located on the banks of the Perfume River. Marvel at the pagodas’ seven floors as you listen to the monks chanting. You’ll even see Vietnam’s most important car. The famous blue Austin was used in the monk Thích Quảng Đức’s famous protest in Saigon in 1963, which led to a series of events that changed Vietnam's history.

Now, that’s a lot of history! What about shopping? Hop back on with us, and we’ll take you straight to the vibrant Dong Ba Market. You can shop 'til you drop and eat 'til your belly's content. This bustling market is the heart and soul of Hue. Get lost in the maze of stalls filled with everything from fresh produce and aromatic spices to traditional handicrafts and souvenirs. Don't forget to try the sweet, crispy pancakes known as Bánh Khoái. This mouthwatering local specialty will light up your taste buds!

So, hop on with us to explore Hue’s hidden gems, tantalise your taste buds and immerse yourself in the rich history of this extraordinary city.

Language

Audioguide is available in Vietnamese, English, French, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Spanish, German and Russian.

Experience a relaxing time at Vietnam Da Nang International Airport (DAD) by staying at one of their lounges! Take advantage of their luxurious and well-equipped facilities before getting on your next flight. Choose between two lounges, both of which have enough features to keep you satisfied.

Enjoy high-speed WiFi, freshly prepared food and beverages, and much more. They have flight monitors, and they are located near boarding gates so you won’t miss your flight even if you get carried away with the many luxuries available. Choose a lounge now, and say goodbye to tediously waiting for your flight at the airport!

Lounge options:

Domestic flights: C2 Domestic Lounge - Domestic departure terminal

International flights: CIP Orchid Lounge 2 - International departure terminal 

Important information

Please bring your confirmation number to the chosen lounge check-in desk to enter.

Sinh village is also known as Lai An village with its famous folk painting industry. Sinh village is like a cultural village of the ancient capital, where ancient painting crafts are kept. Perhaps due to the ancient traditions still in existence, the woodblock printing industry in Sinh, from its inception, was not purely a line of paintings that served elegant play, but mostly in need beliefs, used to worship, to chemical in the ceremony for peace, relief.

Specializing in researching, creating and designing works/artworks made from bamboo paper, only in Hue and by Hue people, Truc Chi Garden is a workplace for 15 famous artists, designers, and graphic artists in Hue.

We then make a trip to the incense village. Spring where talented artists are day by day preserving the tradition of "the soul" of the Vietnamese nation. You will witness firsthand the stages of making an incense tree. The selection of raw materials includes Five herbs of cinnamon with cinnamon, cardamom, buds, cloves, and anise; In addition, it also includes forest grapefruit peel, dried grapefruit flowers, cinnamon, eucalyptus, etc to make incense.

We will also have a chance to enjoy making the Bai Tho palm-leaf conical hat, a typical and traditional Vietnamese hat.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in the unspoiled natural beauty of Cham Island. Located just 15km from Cua Dai, Cham Island is a group of seven small islands that have been recognized by UNESCO as the World Biosphere Reserve (Cu Lao Cham Marine Park). The islands boast a cool climate year-round, with an abundance of trees, animals, and marine life. The coral is simply marvellous, and the beaches are stunning, with clean white sand and crystal-clear water.

Join us for a Cham Island tour and discover the seven islands named according to their shapes or characteristics. From Lao (pear) to Nồm (East Wind), each island is unique and beautiful in its own way. Your adventure begins when our local tour guide picks you up from your hotel at 7:30am.

At 8:30am, we'll transfer you to Cua Dai harbour to register with the Border Police before heading to the islands. After just 20 minutes on a speedboat, you'll arrive on the island and be taken to the Cu Lao Cham Museum and showroom, where you'll learn about the island's history, maps, and objects.

Your guide will then take you to Au Thuyen, where the local boats are hidden during big storms. Take a walk through the rice fields to the over-200-year-old temple of Hai Tang, where you can also see Cham's old well and the seafood market – a place for exchanging and trading all kinds of fresh seafood caught by local fishermen after just one night.

At 11am, we'll take you back to the boat for snorkelling at Xep beach for half an hour. Here, you can swim, dive, and see the forest of beautiful coral under the sea. At 11:45am, we'll head to Bai Bac beach for lunch and relaxation.

After a full day of adventure and relaxation, we'll take you back to Cua Dai estuary, where our vehicle will be waiting to take you back to your hotel. Don't miss out on the chance to discover Cham Island's unspoiled natural beauty and experience the warmth and friendliness of the locals. Book your Cham Island tour today!

Have you discovered the magic of Hoi An by night? The glowing lanterns will capture your attention as you step into this charming town. According to locals, hanging lanterns in front of their homes brings luck, happiness, and prosperity to their families. Now, you too can make your own awesome handmade souvenir lantern!

Join our half-day Hoi An tour and step back in time to the 17th century, exploring the local lifestyle, and historical sights, and enjoying the delicacies of Hoi An. No prior skill is required - just come ready to have fun!

Start the day by sipping on traditional Vietnamese tea as you learn the art of lantern making. Our skilled tutors will provide you with bamboo bars and guide you through the process from start to finish. You'll be able to choose from a variety of silk colours to make your creation unique and personal.

The best part? These lanterns are easy to fold down and pack in your luggage, so you can take home an original souvenir after just an hour of making it.

Our tour also includes visits to the Museum of Folk Culture, the Old House of Tan Ky, the Japanese Covered Bridge, and the Fujian Assembly Hall, all steeped in history and culture.

Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience. Book your Hoi An half-day tour today and take home a piece of Hoi An's charm and beauty with you.

Da Nang is not only famous for its beautiful sandy beaches but also for its bridges and museums. We will visit the Ho Chi Minh Museum which features a replica of President Ho’s home in Ha Noi with a fishpond, a house on stilts, a garden, and other relics. It's all very genuine and feels as though 'Uncle Ho' is still there. Next is the Museum of the Fifth Military Zone, which has a lot of large war equipment including aircraft and tanks that were captured in the French and American wars by the soldiers of the Fifth Military Division.

Leaving these museums, we will continue to the Cham Museum which gives you an understanding about the Champa existence in the coastal areas of Vietnam. Housing the largest exhibition of Cham sculpture in the world, the museum displays almost 300 terracotta and stone works of art ranging from the 7th to the 15th centuries.

Next, head to Thuan Phuoc Bridge at Tien Sa Port, another wonderful bridge in Da Nang City. Our last stops are Dragon Bridge, a very unique and modern bridge that

crosses the Han River, the Love Lock Bridge and Ca Chep Hoa Rong Statue, which was designed to spray water towards the Dragon Bridge to present the culture, traditional lifestyle, and literature of Vietnam.

As the sun begins to set, set off on a food adventure as you walk through local cafes, food stalls, markets, and restaurants! First up – is a local bakery that has been making the tastiest banh mi in town for over twenty years. They use the freshest local ingredients and are famous for their banh mi, a scrumptious sandwich that will fire up your taste buds and get them ready for the flavours ahead!

From one local fave to another, next, we’ll join locals at a small eatery, taking a seat on the ubiquitous small plastic chairs and sampling hot and crunchy banh can crackers. Tasty BBQ pork rolled with rice paper and fresh herbs. Served with typical soya dipping sauce, this dish is one of the highlights of the local food scene and an absolute must-devour.

Our food tour of Hoi An continues into the atmospheric heart of the city as we head straight for the central market. What awaits us is there are hundreds of street hawkers and food stalls selling a staggering array of local produce, including fresh noodles, sweet jelly, seasonal fruits, and live seafood. Your knowledgeable local guide will walk you through the colourful array of ingredients, filling you in on the most popular dishes in Hoi An and the significance of these foods to the traditional culture of central Vietnam.

From here, we’ll dig even deeper into the local food scene, passing through a maze of tiny alleys to emerge at one of our fave (secret) restaurants in Hoi An, where we’ll sample two of Hoi An’s specialities: Cao Lau local noodles with pork and nice wonderful sesame and peanut hot milk, or you may get another choice of Chicken rice instead.

Believe it or not, there’s more food to come! We’ll finish our Hoi An food adventure at a local hideout bar in the town where you will have a chance to taste the locally infused sake and reflect on your fave dishes of the evening (if you can pick!).

Get ready for the ultimate foodie adventure! You will try banh mi, BBQ pork rolled with rice paper and fresh herbs, Cao lau noodle/chicken rice, rice cakes (banh beo), local milk (soy milk), sweet black sesame soup (xi ma), and local dessert (coconut biscuits). There is also one drink included. You can choose between local beer, coffee, or soft drinks.

We reserve the right to change both the route and places visited within the tour. Food inclusions are subject to change, dependent on availability on the day.

End Point

Hoi An Old Quarter’s Old Market, front entrance on Tran Phu Street

Our English-speaking guide and driver will meet you at the hotel lobby and transfer you to these two amazing destinations.

The Marble Mountains, also referred to as Ngu Hanh Son or Mountains of the Five Elements, consist of five marble mountains: Thuy Son (water) which is the highest, Moc Son (wood), Kim Son (metal), Tho Son (soil), and Hoa Son (fire). Climbing up about 150 stone steps from the foot of Thuy Son, one will reach the most beautiful observatory spot of stunning coastal city , enjoying fresh air from the ocean offering a breathtaking view to Kim Son or the mountain of metal, Truong Giang and Cam Le rivers and beautiful coastal scenery ahead. After exploring Mable Mountain , you continue your trip to Cham museum.

In the afternoon, you will explore the art of Cham Empire in Cham Museum. Many of the Cham sculptures here were actually gathered over the 20 years. The establishment of a museum of Cham sculpture in Da Nang was designed by two French architects, M. Deleval and M. Over the years, the Museum has been extended twice, but the unique combination of Cham and French colonial architecture has been well preserved.

At the end of the trip, our tour guide and driver transfer you back to your hotel in Da Nang.

Exploring Hoi An on foot is one of the best ways to absorb the beauty of this city. While walking around Hoi An, exploring the small yet beautiful town, tourists (even frequent visitors) find it to be a place of quiet. The unique atmosphere combines elements of Vietnam, China, and Japan.

The ancient houses' most remarkable views remind visitors of a long gone past and provide a momentary glimpse of a more subdued and simple time.

The tour includes visits to Hoi An Market, Hoi An Museum, many of the town’s renowned Ancient Houses which boast a remarkable architectural style, Assembly Halls of Chinese influence, Art Craft Manufacturing, and of course the must-see Japanese Covered Bridge.

These spots are considered as typical architecture styles in Hoi An and reflect clearly the cross culture among France, Japan, China and Vietnam. Passing over hundreds of years and withstanding the severity of the weather, Hoi An still exists and keeps the ancient and quiet beauty.

Once strolling around the ancient city, you will contemplate the simple and rustic life activities, the trellises of windflowers covering around the houses. It is certain that this tour will bring great moments for you.

The Marble Mountains are a cluster of five marble and limestone mountains which are named after the five elements. Stone steps carved into the mountain lead to a Buddhist Pagoda. You can also discover stunning caves and enjoy the beautiful view from the mountaintop.

Next, you will go to Am Phu Cave where there is a replica of “Heaven and Hell”, The Marble Mountains are also home to Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village, which is a unique craft village. Situated at the foot of the Marble Mountains, this craft village has a proud history covering more than 200 years.

We will head north to visit the Son Tra Peninsula. It is 693 meters high above sea level and 10 kilometers from the center of Da Nang City to the northeast. Pay a visit to Son Tra Linh Ung Pagoda, considered one of the biggest pagodas in Da Nang City. The most striking feature of this vast pagoda is its huge Lady Buddha statue, which is one of the tallest in Vietnam and spectacularly dominates the skyline.

You can contemplate the whole city, the Son Tra peninsula as well as the Marble Mountains along with white sand-bank. The beautiful landscape creates a unique impression that you cannot find in other places.

We'll pick you up from your hotel in Danang city center or in Hoian to depart for our first destination of the day - Coconut forest. This is where we will have the chance to try the fishing traditional techniques, paddle a unique bamboo basket boat, and explore serene waterways amidst lush palms. Gain unique insights into Vietnamese culture through hands-on activities.

Journey to the enchanting Hoi An Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unravel the mysteries of Phuc Kien Assembly Hall - a mesmerizing blend of vibrant colors, intricate roof designs, and dragon statues. Step back in time at Phung Hung or Tan Ky Ancient House to marvel at their 200-year-old architecture. Uncover the stories of prosperous merchants who once resided here and traded with global communities. Enjoy a captivating performance at the Hoi An Traditional Performing Arts House. Cross the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, built over 400 years ago. Decipher the symbolic carvings and paintings adorning its interior. Immerse yourself in Hoi An's vibrant handicraft scene, exploring hidden alleyways and charming local neighborhoods. Discover treasures in galleries and shops, appreciating the endless charm of this city.

Savor a delicious dinner featuring Hoi An's culinary specialties. Board a traditional boat and embark on a mesmerizing ride along the Hoai River. Gently release floating lanterns, carrying your hopes and dreams with them. Be mesmerized by the magical atmosphere of lantern Street.

Saying goodbye to the ancient town, we board the bus to return back to your hotel.

Begin your adventure by our guide picking you up from your hotels in Danang city centre. Our journey takes us to the Son Tra Peninsula, providing a panoramic view of Da Nang's coastal city from elevated heights. Explore the renowned Linh Ung Pagoda, home to the 67-meter Quan The Am Buddha statue, the tallest in all of Vietnam.

Continue the expedition to the Non Nuoc Carvings-Stone Village, where you'll be captivated by the artistry of local craftsmen. Then, venture into the captivating Marble Mountains. Delve into the enchanting allure of its mysterious caves, and pay your respects at the ancient temples, Linh Ung and Tam Thai, which hold centuries of history.

As we bid farewell to Marble Mountains, you'll have the opportunity for some shopping to pick up local specialties. We'll then head to the enchanting ancient town of Hoi An.

Savour a delectable dinner at a charming restaurant in Hoi An, tantalizing your taste buds with the town's renowned cuisine. Following dinner, take a leisurely walk through the ancient town of Hoi An and delight in the captivating beauty as the town is illuminated by a myriad of multicoloured lanterns, creating a truly magical atmosphere.

Conclude your day of exploration as we journey back to Da Nang City, ensuring a comfortable send-off at your hotel.

Our driver and English-speaking guide meet you at your hotel in Hue city, then we will explore Hue city located by the poetic Perfume River.

First of all, we will have a visit to the UNESCO-Heritage Imperial Citadel. This ancient castle was construct on the expansive grounds, admiring buildings that reflect the pomp and ceremony of the once-mighty Nguyen Dynasty. You will hear the stories of the majestic buildings and intriguing former emperors, take a look at areas damaged by conflicts, both ancient and modern, and learn of Hue’s role and Nguyen Dynasty’s one in Vietnam’s military history.

Hue Museum is our next stop (closed every Monday). The Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities covers on area of more than 6,000m². The main showroom of the museum was Long An Palace reconstructed in 1909 as the library of Quoc Tu Giam (Natio nal Academy). This work has the architectural style “trung thiem diep oc” (sloping successive roofs), a unique palace architecture of Hue. The interior and exterior of the palace are decorated artistically, magnificently and exquisitely. Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities also stores more than 80 Cham objects found in the areas of O and Ly (now Quang Tri and Thua Thien-Hue provinces) and Tra Kieu (Quang Nam Province).

After our wonderful journey in peaceful Hue city and transfer you back to your hotel in Hue city.

Start the day with a relaxing introduction with your guide at the Hai Scout Café. After getting to know one another over a drink, head over to Hoi An’s colourful market and experience the amazing sights, sounds and aromas of this busy market. Interact with the local sellers and purchase some of the ingredients to be used in the cooking lesson later.

Hop aboard the Red Bridge boat for a leisurely 25-minute cruise along the Hoi An River to the Red Bridge Cooking School. As you glide down the river, remember to keep your camera ready, as you keep your eyes open for the incredible wildlife which call these waters and banks home!

On arrival, explore the cooking school’s herb and vegetable garden, before learning about some of Hoi An’s and Vietnam’s well-known dishes.
Immerse yourself into an informative 2-hour cooking lesson, where not only you will receive a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving (plate decoration), you will carefully watch the skilled and experienced chefs as they demonstrate how to prepare each dish before preparing the dishes yourself.

After learning the tips of the trade, enjoy the fruits of your labour as you sit down to eat one of the most mouth-watering meals you have ever cooked!

Hoi An Ancient Town was once a bustling international trading port, a meeting place for the trading ships of Japan, China, and the West during the 17th and 18th centuries. Before this period, there were here also traces of Champa Port which was known as a site on Silk Road along the sea. Hoi An ancient town today is a special example of a traditional port city in Southeast Asia that has been well preserved. Most houses here are of traditional architecture dating from the 17th to the 19th century and are along the narrow main streets. Hoi An is also a landmark that recorded much of the mixture of acculturation. The architecture of the city reflects the influence of Chinese, Japanese, and French traders. Hoi An still maintained an intangible cultural diversity and richness. UNESCO recognized the ancient town of Hoi An as a world cultural heritage in 1999

Arrive Hoi An, you will walk with a guide for visiting any 1 site from the 4 categories:
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A) Historical and Cultural Museum, or Trade Ceramics Museum, or Sa Huynh Museum.
B) Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, or Cantonese Assembly Hall, or Trieu Chau Assembly Hall.
C) Quang Thang house, or Tan Ky house, or Phung Hung house, or Tran Family Chapel.
D) Quan Cong Mieu Temple or Japanese Covered Bridge.

After your tour of the town, you'll board a boat and enjoy a 1-hour cruise on the Thu Bon River to enjoy the natural views and to observe the daily lives of the local fishing people.

Afterward, you will return to your hotel.