Hoi An is filled with a wealth of activities for travelers to our beautiful ancient town. From wandering the ancient city streets to explore the history and culture of Central Vietnam to cycling through the rice fields, lounging on beautiful An Bang Beach or exploring the surrounding countryside and My Son Sanctuary, there is plenty to fill your Hoi An travel itinerary.
When you think of a visit to Hoi An, many different experiences probably pop to mind: seeing the lanterns, riding in basket boats, visiting local art and cultural hubs like the famous Tan Than pottery village, Lang Cui Lu – Driftwood Village, cycling through the rice fields, enjoying the plethora of local Vietnamese coffee shops, lounging on beautiful An Bang Beach and more!
And, of course, you can’t think of Hoi An without thinking of food. Home to Central Vietnam’s unique and delicious way of Vietnamese cooking, you’ll want to block out plenty of time to explore the city’s more than 300 eateries featuring local and international cuisine sure to surprise and delight regardless of your palate and budget. From delicious cheap eats like a local to exquisite almost fine-dining experiences, you can find it all in this little hidden gem of a city.
In today’s post, we’ll look at the more unique, off-the-beaten path experiences in Hoi An.
Sure, we have some recommendations for the best tailor shops, coffee spots, cycling tours and more – just ask us.
Unique Experiences in Hoi An
Farm to Table Cooking Class & ATV Jungle Adventure
Get ready for a fun-filled day of excitement and adventure as you embark on this half-day journey unlike anything else. You’ll start with a visit to the local market where you’ll taste local fruit and vegetables before moving to a local organic farm. After a short lesson, you’re ATV adventure will begin. Follow our guide as we drive on the farm, identifying different plants, through the rice fields to local villages, into the jungle and back to the family home with a few historic sites along the way.
Upon returning to the farm, join in enjoy a Farm to Table cooking class as you prepare a selection of fresh, delicious and flavorful traditional Vietnamese dishes. After lunch, extend your experience with a visit to the original home of the Champa people, My Son Sanctuary.
For more information, contact us and we’ll help you make the arrangements or you can learn more here.
Visit Local Artisans at Work at Lang Cui Lu – Driftwood Village
Nestled among the rice paddies of Tra Que village, Lang Cui Lu – Driftwood Village is an impressive local woodworking studio, art gallery and shop featuring beautiful works of local, upcycled driftwood art and more. Book an afternoon tour of the Village and discover the history and culture of this ancient Vietnamese art while learning the skill of woodworking and creating your own unique masterpiece.
For more information or to make a booking, visit Lang Cui Lu – Driftwood Village’s website, Facebook page, call them on (+84) 089 922 59 69 or via email on booking@thedriftwoodvillage.com.
Local Rhum Distillerie Tour & Tastings
Locally-made, Sampan Rhum is a premium rhum modeled in the traditional French style of production using local, organic ingredients from Central Vietnam and meticulously crafted by French and Vietnamese artisans hand-in-hand.
Spend an afternoon with the Sampan team visiting the Distillerie and learning about the art of rhum making in Vietnam while tasting their premium rhums before sitting down to relax in the beautiful gardens and enjoy a signature Sampan cocktail or two.
For more information, you can contact us to help arrange your visit or book directly with Distillerie d’ Indochine via Facebook or their website.
Psst, we’d be happy to arrange round-trip transportation to and from the Distillerie for you – just ask!
Go Surfing on An Bang Beach
Located next to The DeckHouse, one of the most popular spots on An Bang Beach for fresh, delicious seafood, epic views and warm, welcoming staff, you’ll find ‘Go Surfing’.
Go Surfing offers surfboard rentals for experienced riders and lessons for newbies. To learn more, check out GoSurfing’s website or visit their Facebook page.
Enjoy a few hours riding some waves in the beautiful Vietnamese Sea and then pop into The DeckHouse to enjoy a delicious bite to eat and some refreshing drinks after your workout. Don’t be fooled – surfing requires energy! You’re going to be tired after!
More Water Sports
At the far left end of An Bang Beach, guests can enjoy a range of exciting, exhilarating water sports just outside of Shore Club.
Parasailing, jet skiing and banana boat rides were available last season. Current availability depends on weather conditions, time of year and the most recent government regulations. We suggest contacting them in advance to check or pop in and see!
Sip on Sensational Cocktails in Secret Spaces in Hoi An Old Town
Stroll the ancient city streets of Hoi An and discover 4 signature cocktails in Secret spaces and hidden gems. Along the way, hear stories of Hoi An as an ancient trading port where cultures from around the world peacefully came together to exchange goods and merchandise but ideas, culture, art and more.
Meet the local mixologists, chefs, artists and entrepreneurs behind these hidden gems as you hear their stories and see Vietnam from a unique perspective. To learn about the SecretEATS Cocktail Experience visit their website or Facebook page.
Premium French Wine Tasting in an Intimate, Romantic Garden
Experience a guided wine tasting featuring 3 premium pours of outstanding, imported French wines while enjoying some gourmet bites perfectly paired with each wine in an intimate garden oasis. Led by an experienced and knowledgeable wine connoisseur, you’ll learn about the origin of each wine, discuss its flavor profile and have some fun along the way.
Keen to experience a tasting like no other? Learn more here.
After your tasting, come enjoy dinner with us at Coco Casa – this hidden gem is just steps from our riverfront oasis.
Exclusive, Private Dining in Stunning Spaces
Sometimes, we all deserve a special treat. If you’re in search of a romantic, intimate evening for a two, a private birthday celebration or small group gathering or simply a sensational evening sure to surprise and delight, these unique dining experiences in Hoi An won’t disappoint.
Rooftop Garden with Stunning Sunsets
Located on the second story of Coco Casa, our private rooftop garden is ready to welcome you for an intimate evening under the stars.
Begin with welcome drinks and canapés poolside as your guests arrive and you welcome them to your special day. Move upstairs to our private rooftop garden for a sensational sunset overlooking the Coco River and sit down to dinner.
As the stars come out, indulge your taste buds in our signature gourmet Vietnamese and international dishes from our extensive menu or work hand-in-hand with our team to create the ideal set menu or gourmet buffet spread.
Available for 2-20 guests by advance booking.
Romantic Evening under the Stars on An Bang Beach
Ever dreamt of a picture perfect dinner under the stars with the sand between your toes and the waves crashing not far from your table?
The height of romance, Shore Club An Bang Beach offers an exclusive, intimate and romantic dining experience for two.
Perfect for proposals, anniversary celebrations and magical moments, the team of seasoned event managers at Shore Club will work with you to create your perfect experience.
If you’re looking to celebrate with friends and family gathered around, Shore Club is the picture-perfect beach wedding destination. Contact them for more details.
Secret Evenings out in the City
If you’re up for a bit of mystery and intrigue, book a Secret dinner. Led by your local chủ nhà (host), you’ll be transported from your accommodation to a Secret spot in Hoi An’s Old Town for an unforgettable, intimate dining experience reflecting the Chef’s unique story, experience and journey through Vietnam’s past, present and future.
Complement your dining experience with a hand-picked wine pairing or delicious cocktails or mocktails using fresh, organic and locally sourced ingredients.
For more information, visit the SecretEATS Vietnam website or check out their Facebook page.
Family Cooking Class in Hoi An
Start your experience with a visit to the local Hoi An market where you’ll be introduced to the unique flavors and tastes of Vietnamese cuisine in their raw, natural state. After selecting the needed ingredients, you’ll return to their family home and restaurant close to the Old Town to learn the traditional recipe and methods for 4 unique Vietnamese dishes of your choice from their extensive menu featuring meat, seafood and vegan / vegetarian options.
After preparing your dishes, it’s time to sit down and enjoy your work with an ice cold local beer. (Don’t worry, during class, you don’t need to take any notes! You’ll receive a copy of all the recipes so you can make the dishes over and over again for your friends and family back home.)
Keen to book? Contact Trang from Claypot Hoi An here.
Play a Round of Mini Golf
A recent addition to the Hoi An scene, Flow Club – Hoi An Mini Golf has just opened up and we’re excited to try it. While there isn’t a fun theme or much decor to the course, it looks very well done.
If you’re looking for something different, this definitely makes the list. Grab a few friends and spend your afternoon enjoying a few drinks on this ‘mini’ golf course. Learn more on Flow Club – Hoi An Mini Golf’s Facebook page.
More Ways to Spend Your Time in Hoi An
- Spend the day soaking up the sun on An Bang Beach
- Get a suit, dress, swimsuit or shoes custom-made by local, talented tailors and leather artisans
- Join a cycling tour through the local countryside
- Learn how to make your own Lantern
- Enjoy a spa day – treat yourself to a luxurious day in one of Hoi An’s many spas
- Coffee Shop Hop – that’s right, pop from coffee shop to coffee shop in Hoi An enjoying the unique and delicious coffee styles Vietnam is known for!
- See Hoi An from a unique perspective with a guided photography tour through the ancient city streets or out exploring the local countryside, fish markets and more
Whether you’re in Hoi An for only a few days, a full week or even longer, it’s easy to see that there are plenty of ways to keep busy and make the most of your time in our beautiful little city by the sea.