Top 25 Unmissable things at the Hoi An Festival

Nestled along the dreamy Thu Bon River, Hoi An is one of the picturesque ancient towns in Quang Nam province. With over 400 years of history, Hoi An still preserves more than 1000 ancient architectural sites, including streets, pagodas, assembly halls, and traditional dishes imbued with the soul of the native people. Many say, "Hoi An tires the feet, but never the spirit." Indeed, this gentle land possesses enchantments that leave every visitor with memories of awe and fondness. There are numerous exceptional activities you can engage in when visiting the charming town of Faifo, and here are 25 experiences considered to be the most worthwhile.

1. Stroll Through the Old Town

Wandering through the streets of Hoi An, whether in the early morning or evening, offers unique experiences. If you visit in the early morning, you'll feel the freshness and tranquility with the melody of birdsong, the tinkling sound of bicycles, and the faint scent of incense lingering in the air, making time seem to slow down. In the evening, the soft rays of the sunset gently flow over the moss-covered ancient tile roofs, creating a serene atmosphere. As night falls, the streets become even more romantic with the sparkling lights from lanterns and flower-shaped candles. Therefore, if possible, spend a day to fully experience the Old Town during the Morning - Afternoon - Evening to witness its varying moods, from lively to tranquil, and sometimes festive.

2. Releasing Lanterns

In addition to enjoying the serene beauty of Hoi An at night, visitors can experience the enchanting tradition of releasing lanterns on the poetic Hoai River. This is one of the fascinating activities that many tourists love when exploring Hoi An's streets. At this time, visitors can personally release small lanterns onto the river, hoping that they will light up hopes for a future full of health, peace, and luck for their families and loved ones.

Visitors can experience the tradition of releasing lanterns on the Hoai River.

3. Boat Ride on the Hoai River at Night

Taking a boat ride and admiring the ancient town at night is one of the delightful activities that many visitors find enjoyable here. Sitting on the boat, besides the scenic view and gentle breeze, visitors can also experience the swaying life on the boats of Hoi An locals, listen to ancient stories, and enjoy a sweet folk song on the river.

4. Indulging in the Specialty "Cao Lau"

One of the must-try dishes when in Hoi An is "Cao Lau." According to locals, Cao Lau has been present since the 17th century. During that time, Hoi An was a bustling trading port, attracting Westerners and Easterners for commerce. Japanese and Chinese people who came here often visited local eateries to savor this dish on high floors adorned with green and red lanterns. Hence, the name "Cao Lau" was born. Cao Lau is made from wheat flour, served with shrimp, pork, and fresh herbs. A bowl of authentic Cao Lau is characterized by a perfect balance of sour, spicy, sweet, the chewiness of the noodles, the crispiness of pork crackling, and the rich aroma of spices such as soy sauce and fragrant powder.

One of the definite dishes you must taste when in Hoi An is Cao Lau.

5. Explore Ancient Houses

The ancient houses are a precious heritage that Hoi An has preserved through the ups and downs of time. Despite wars, urbanization, and natural disasters, these ancient houses still exist intact, both in architectural beauty and their "soul." Among them, the most renowned are Tan Ky House - the first nationally recognized monument in Hoi An, Phung Hung House, Quan Thang House, along with assembly halls like Phuc Kien and Quang Dong. These structures represent the diverse architecture of the Chinese community in this town.

6. Taste the Flavors of Old Town Cafés

If you find yourself tired while strolling around the Old Town and want to take a break, head to one of the Hoi An Old Town cafés to savor the strong bitterness of Vietnamese black coffee or the sweet creaminess of egg coffee. Not only are the drinks delightful, but the cafés in Hoi An also offer picturesque spaces that will tempt you to capture a moment as a souvenir.

7. Participate in Traditional Folk Games

Visiting Hoi An without engaging in traditional folk games would be a missed opportunity. These games not only contribute to preserving the cultural identity but also evoke childhood memories, providing visitors with moments of innocence and rich emotions. Typically, traditional folk games in Hoi An are organized in the evening at the beginning of Nguyen Thai Hoc Street or Kazik Park. Visitors can join games such as Bai Choi, hitting a pot, or breaking a clay pot.

8. Purchase Lanterns as Souvenirs

In Hoi An, there are many charming and unique items that you can buy as souvenirs. One standout option is the lantern, a symbolic item synonymous with Hoi An. Lanterns come in various styles, including cylindrical lanterns, flying disk lanterns, square lanterns, dragon-shaped lanterns, or garlic-shaped lanterns.

9. Visit Hoi An on Full Moon Days

On the full moon days each month, the Old Town of Hoi An typically turns off its lights to make way for the sparkling lanterns illuminating the streets and the flickering light emanating from the floating flower lanterns on the river. Therefore, if visitors can time their visit to Hoi An on a full moon day, they will have the opportunity to witness the breathtaking scenery. Additionally, visitors can also come during special occasions such as the Lady Thien Hau Festival, Vu Lan Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, or Lunar New Year to experience the unique cultural beauty here.

10. Relax at An Bang Beach

If you are a fan of the sea, Hoi An is ready to please you with An Bang Beach, voted as one of the top 25 "charming" beaches in Asia. Just 7 km from the city center of Hoi An, An Bang Beach offers a peaceful setting, ideal for leisurely strolls, photo opportunities, immersing yourself in the cool water, and sipping on a refreshing coconut.

11. Bike Riding and Breathing in the Countryside Air

According to many travelers, there's no better place for cycling than Hoi An. Whether meandering through the ancient streets adorned with vibrant red lanterns or cycling along the Thu Bon River to reach Cua Dai Beach shaded by lush greenery, Hoi An provides a perfect backdrop. Renting an affordable bicycle allows visitors to connect with nature, traversing dirt roads, inhaling the fresh air while passing through expansive rice fields. Hoi An combines all the elements for a delightful cycling adventure.

12. Snorkeling to Explore Coral Reefs in Cu Lao Cham

Cu Lao Cham, located in Tan Hiep commune, Hoi An city, was once a pristine island. However, since UNESCO recognized it as a biosphere reserve and it became a tourist destination, Cu Lao Cham has attracted many visitors from all over. With its diverse coral reefs and rare marine species, Cu Lao Cham has become a popular spot for snorkeling, drawing a large number of tourists to experience the unforgettable sight of vibrant coral formations beneath the sea. Witnessing and touching the beautiful coral reefs with their diverse colors underwater is an unforgettable experience for every traveler.

13. Ferry Ride to Cam Kim

For just a few thousand dong, visitors have the opportunity to sit on a ferry and cross the river to Cam Kim town, famous for its carpentry village in Hoi An. Although there are not as many carpentry families nowadays, taking a ferry ride to Cam Kim, inhaling the cool breeze on the Thu Bon River, and admiring the Ancient Town gradually appearing in the distance will be a very interesting experience.

14. Explore Every Corner of the Streets with Your Camera

As soon as you step into Hoi An, you'll immediately feel the mystical and ancient atmosphere of the ancient streets. To capture these unique moments, take the time to explore every corner of the streets with your camera. The narrow alleys, ancient houses, flower lanterns bathing in the thin mist, and intricate details on the rooftops will create unique and attractive photos. Hoi An is a paradise for photography enthusiasts, where you can explore the beauty of Vietnamese history and culture.

Moreover, you can choose to explore the Memory Island of Hoi An (only about 2km from the Old Town) with 1001 interesting photo spots, just lift your camera, and you'll capture hundreds of beautiful pictures. 

Hoi An is indeed a paradise for photography lovers.

15. Admire the Sunset on the Thu Bon River

An unforgettable experience in Hoi An is admiring the sunset on the Thu Bon River. The serene landscape of the river, combined with the bridges and sparkling lights, creates a beautiful natural painting. If you've spent a day wandering through the narrow alleys of the Old Town, when the sunset descends, sit by the riverbank and watch the sun slowly sink, casting a vibrant orange glow. At this moment, you will undoubtedly feel the tranquility gradually "creeping" into your soul.

Additionally, you can also admire the sunset at the Moon Light Bridge – a bridge that spans the Hoi An Memories Land, full of romance. From the Moon Light Bridge, you can fully enjoy the beauty of the sunset over the Hoai River and the Old Town. This is also a stunning sunset check-in point that you shouldn't miss.

16. Swing by Riverside Pubs

Hoi An not only boasts ancient beauty but also comes alive at night. After a long day of exploration and photography, it's enjoyable to visit the riverside pubs. Live music, twinkling lights, and a lively atmosphere will create an excellent entertainment experience.

17. Indulge in Mango Cake - a Street Food Delight in Hoi An

One of the highlights of Hoi An is its delectable street food. Among these, the mango cake is a must-try. Despite its name, the mango cake doesn't contain any mango inside. In reality, it is made from glutinous rice flour with a filling of peanuts and sesame seeds. It's called mango cake simply because its outer appearance resembles a mango.

18. Capture Vintage-Style Wedding Photos

Hoi An is so beautiful and poetic that any corner, simply with a camera, becomes picturesque. Even a narrow alley with two rustic yellow walls is enough to captivate couples and bring back stunning wedding photos. The time-honored, tinted architecture of the Old Town, combined with traditional costumes, will result in wedding photos rich in Vietnamese essence. If you and your partner are enthusiasts of Vietnamese history and culture, this is an ideal location to commemorate the day you start a meaningful life together.

At Hoi An Memories Land in Hoi An, there are countless valuable and picturesque spots, allowing you and your loved one to "pocket" hundreds of stunning wedding shots. Here, you can transform into historical characters with 1001 unique photo opportunities in the Impression Theme Park - Hoi An Memories Land. Whether you choose Vietnamese or Chinese styles, Memory Island in Hoi An is ready to enchant you.

19. Experience Pottery Making

Hoi An is also renowned for its pottery village. If you have a passion for shaping clay, you can join a pottery-making workshop here and experience the process of creating unique handmade pieces. The meticulous feeling of shaping every line on the soft clay and producing your own artwork will undoubtedly be a fascinating and memorable experience for you.

20. Experience Buffalo Riding in Tra Que

Another interesting experience in Hoi An is buffalo riding in the Tra Que village. With this rustic rural activity, you'll have the opportunity to experience the life of farmers and participate in caring for buffaloes. This not only provides you with new and unique experiences but also fosters a valuable connection with the local community.

21. Try Lantern Making at Tieng Vong Pho

If you're someone with creativity and a passion for handicrafts, trying your hand at lantern making at Tieng Vong Pho will provide you with memorable moments. Here, you'll learn to choose paper, cut, and attach traditional patterns to lanterns. After completing the activity, you can take home your self-made lantern as a precious keepsake.

22. Enjoy Thung Cheo (Basket Boat) Activity

Dubbed as "The Mekong Delta in the heart of the ancient town," the coconut forest of Bảy Mẫu in Cẩm Thanh commune is an ideal destination for visitors to experience the exciting activity of rowing basket boats. You'll sway on the river in these round boats, learn the art of rowing, and immerse yourself in the lush greenery of the water coconut forest. This is a perfect opportunity to cast away all stress, allowing your soul to wander and breathe in the fresh, invigorating air.

23. Visit the Famous Cau Pagoda

Crossing a small branch of the Thu Bồn River, Cầu Pagoda offers a serene sanctuary for the human soul. As night falls, the pagoda sparkles under dazzling lights, providing a captivating and enchanting space. Visitors can forget all the pressures and worries of daily life, strolling through the ancient town and visiting the pagoda to be immersed in its uniquely tranquil atmosphere.

24. Watch Water Puppetry

Hội An is renowned for its traditional water puppetry. At select restaurants and traditional stages, you have the opportunity to witness a unique water puppet performance. Water puppetry narrates Vietnamese history and culture through creatively designed puppets and the skilled artistry of the performers. This is considered a culturally rich and colorful experience in Hội An.

25. Enjoy the "Hoi An Memories" Show - A Must-Try Cultural Program in Hoi An

Situated on a pristine green island known as "Hoi An Memories Land," the Hoi An Memories show has become a cultural icon of the city. Premiered on March 18, 2018, this spectacle has rapidly gained acclaim and is hailed as the world's largest live performance art show.

Featuring the charming backdrop of the "Hoi An Memories Land," the show is recognized for its grand outdoor setting, making it the largest outdoor show in Vietnam at the time of its debut. The stage is magnificently designed to recreate the distinctive architecture of Hoi An, including ancient tiled roofs, moss-covered yellow walls, and bridges.

Noteworthy is the meticulous design of models and props used in the show, all crafted at a 1:1 scale, providing the audience with an authentic and vivid experience. With over 500 performers, a stage spanning 25,000m2, a length of nearly 1km, and an outdoor sound and lighting system meeting international standards, the show has been acknowledged by Guinness Vietnam. It even made an appearance in Times Square, New York, on March 14, 2019.

The "Hoi An Memories" show unfolds through five acts: "Lives," "Wedding," "Lanterns & Sea," "Integration," and "Ao Dai." Each act tells a story deeply rooted in the culture and history of this UNESCO World Heritage site, taking the audience on an emotional journey from nostalgia to excitement and pride.

As of now, the show has captivated over 1,000,000 spectators, earning "Hoi An Memories" the distinction of being the first artistic program in Vietnam recognized by Guinness with two records: the daily live scene program with the largest number of actors and the largest outdoor performance stage.

Tickets for the "Hoi An Memories" show can be purchased on the official website, Hoi An Memories Land, or by contacting the hotline at 1900 63 66 00 - 0904 636 600 for personalized assistance.

The "Hoi An Memories" show boasts a stage covering 25,000m2

Beyond the highlighted 25 activities mentioned, Hoi An holds numerous other wonderful experiences for you to savor. Whether you follow the suggestions or design your perfect itinerary, may your journey to this tranquil piece of Central Vietnam be filled with relaxation and enjoyment.