Whether you're traveling with kids, or just looking to have some fun, there are a lot of things to see and do in Hoi An. From the ancient town to the pristine beach, this Vietnam destination has something for everyone.
With a little bit of research, you'll be able to find the perfect activity for you. Hopefully, you'll come away with some new memories and maybe even a souvenir for yourself!
1. The Old Town
The Old Town of Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The charming 'yellow town' is packed with history and full of opportunities to create magical memories.
The architecture of the Old Town combines a blend of different cultures including Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese. There are many historical buildings in the Old Town to see, such as the Tan Ky Family House, which was built in the 18th century and was owned by a merchant family.
The enchanting atmosphere is further enhanced by the hundreds of thousands of lanterns that light up the streets on the 14th day of each lunar month. After the sun sets, these beautiful lanterns turn the whole Old Town into a dazzling spectacle.
2. Quan Cong Temple
Erected in 1653 in honour of revered Chinese general Quan Cong, the temple preserves a variety of valuable historic artifacts. Among them, paralleled sentences and horizontal lacquered boards (Hoanh Phi), over ten pairs of parallel sentences, conferment paper, stone steles and Tang poems are some of the most precious antiques.
The main hall of the temple displays a mighty statue of Quan Cong with a dignified face and bright eyes, dressed in a dragon-embroidered robe. He is accompanied by 2 statues of Chau Thuong and Quan Binh, two of his guardians.
3. Nguyen Hue Museum
The Nguyen Hue Museum is the perfect place to learn more about the history of the city and to see some interesting artifacts. It houses a range of artefacts from the Nguyen Dynasty, from 1802-1945.
The museum also pays attention to the wars that shaped modern Hue, including the Vietnam War and the 1968 Tet Offensive. These tense periods were devastating to the city, and the museum sheds light on their impact by putting many tanks, helicopters, and other military equipment on display.
The Ho Chi Minh Museum is another must-see attraction in Hue, as it brings to life a series of photographs and artifacts that highlight the life and times of the Founding Father of Vietnam, President Ho Chi Minh. The museum is a modern, stylish building that brings to life this fascinating story with the help of state-of-the-art technology.
4. Dong Xuan Market
If you are looking for a market with a traditional Vietnamese flair and a bit of shopping, Dong Xuan Market is a must-visit. It is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike, but be sure to come early as the place gets packed with both locals and tourists in the morning.
The first floor of the market is dedicated to the wet market where you can find fresh seafood, meat and vegetables. The upper floors have shops for clothing, handbags, souvenirs and other goods at cheap prices.
The Dong Xuan Market also features a food street where you can try some of the best dishes in Hanoi. One of the most famous dishes is “pho tiu”, which consists of rice noodles, herbs, char siu meat and peanuts with a special sweet-sour sauce.
5. Phuoc Kien Temple
Phuoc Kien Temple is one of the most impressive sights in Hoi An. It was built as an assembly hall for the Fujian Chinese community, but later converted into a temple dedicated to Thien Hau.
- It’s a large space of unique architecture refined with Chinese styling and sacred characters. Its ornate green-tiled gate and courtyard with fountains lead to the main hall where a statue of Avalokitesvara sits in mediation.
- The temple also features two protectors, Thien Ly Nhan (green face with a thousand-mile vision) and Thuong Phong Nhi (red face with a thousand-mile hearing). In the back sanctuary are altars for 12 midwives who teach newborns to be sucking and smiling, as well as three Sanh Thai goddeses.
- During Tet Lunar New Year, Phuoc Kien is often a focal point of celebrations. People visit the temple to ask for blessings and make wishes.
