Other Things to See and Do in Hoi An
1. Cross the Japanese Covered Bridge
The bridge is thought to have been built by Hoi An’s Japanese community in the late sixteenth century and roughly translated from Vietnamese, its name means “Pagoda in Japan.” NOTE: Nearly all of the attractions in the Hoi An Old Town are covered under the ticket price of 120,000 VND ($6 USD), including the bridge, the Old Houses, and the Museum of Folk Culture.
2. Visit Quan Cong Temple
The temple was built in the early 17th century to honor the Chin Dynasty, but nowadays it serves as one of Hoi An’s most spectacular architectural accomplishments. Inside there are two huge wooden statues, one of Quan Cong’s protector, Chau Xuong, and the other of his administrative official, Quan Binh. Of course, between them is the imposing statue of Quan Cong himself.
3. Experience Da Nang city
Located about 30-minutes from Hoi An, Da Nang is a bigger city famous for its Marble Mountains, sandy beaches, and active surfing scene. There is also an extravagant party scene here that is good for a night out once in a while. Most hostels will help groups of guests arrange transportation to and from Da Nang for the night.
4. Attend the Full Moon Festival
Hoi An’s Full Moon Festival is held on the 14th day of the lunar cycle each month and is probably the best time to visit the city if you don’t mind the crowds. The streets are shut down to all traffic and are lined with brightly colored lanterns. This is a fun time to party with locals as the streets come alive with folk music, plays, and dancing!
5. Take a trip to Cham Island
Cham Island lies just 13 miles (21 kilometers) from Hoi An in the South China Sea. The diverse marine life around Cham Island draws lots of divers, and because you’re in Vietnam, it’s very cheap (starting from 1,825,980 VND/$78 USD for first-time divers). Most tours include lunch and free time on the beach, and it’s also possible to include a night dive in your excursion. If you are not into diving, a snorkelling tour costs from 47 VND ($35 USD).
6. See the Fukian Assembly Hall
Built in 1697, Fukian is the grandest of the Chinese assembly halls and is a first-rate example of Chinese architecture. The main colorful temple is dedicated to the goddess of the sea, Thien Hau, while the statues of Thuan Phong Nhi and Thien Ly Nhan are said to protect sailors in distress. There is a scale model of a sailboat inside too.
7. Boat along the river
A great way to relax for a bit and to see Hoi An from a different perspective is to hop on one of the boats that leave from Bach Dang Street. Admire the town from the water and overlook the picturesque views of the waterfront. Shop around and negotiate for the best price. Don’t just go with the first boat you find.
8. Visit the Museum of Folk Culture
This small museum aims to preserve the traditions and dress of rural Vietnamese culture. It is filled with plaster statues of figures in costume, and although it’s a bit strange there’s enough to see to give you a good idea about the local culture here.
9. Relax with some yoga
There are a few yoga studios in this relaxing city. If you want to take a class, you’ll spend around 250,000 VND ($11 USD) per class, but if you go to the Vietnamese-run Annem Yoga Studio, you can get 12 classes for 500,000 VND ($22 USD).
10. Head to the Marble Mountains
The Marble Mountains are a series of five mountains located 12 miles (20 kilometers) north of Hoi An. Besides the natural appeal, they also have many pagodas, and some also served as a base for Viet Cong fighters during the war. To get there, take the #1 bus from Hoi An towards Nha Trang and get off at the Marble Mountains stop. It costs 40,000 VND ($1.70 USD) to access the mountains.
11. Enter the Old Houses
Some of the houses in Hoi An have had their interiors turned into museums, giving tourists a glimpse at what life was life for wealthy merchants in the colonial and pre-colonial period. The Tan Ky and the Duc An homes are two of the more popular ones to visit.