Best Things to Do in Hoi An Besides the Old Town

When people think about Hoi An, the first image that usually comes to mind is the charming Old Town, with its yellow buildings, colorful lanterns, ancient houses and peaceful riverside streets.

But there is much more to Hoi An than the Ancient Town.

Just a short bicycle ride or drive away, you can discover beautiful beaches, peaceful rice fields, traditional craft villages, coconut forests, local food and authentic Vietnamese experiences.

If you have already explored the Old Town or simply want to see a different side of Hoi An, here are some of the best things to do in Hoi An besides the Old Town.

1. Relax at An Bang Beach

If you want a break from sightseeing, head to An Bang Beach, one of the most popular beaches near Hoi An.

Located around 7 km from the Ancient Town, An Bang is a great place to spend a relaxing morning or afternoon. You can walk along the beach, swim, enjoy fresh seafood or simply sit and enjoy the sea.

The beach is also a good choice for travelers who want a slower day after exploring the busy streets of Hoi An.

For a more peaceful experience, visit early in the morning when the beach is quieter and the weather is cooler.

2. Explore Hoi An’s Countryside by Bicycle

One of the best ways to experience Hoi An beyond the Old Town is by bicycle.

Leave the busy streets behind and cycle through small countryside roads surrounded by rice fields, vegetable gardens, rivers and local homes.

The areas around Cam Thanh, Cam Chau and Tra Que offer a completely different atmosphere from the Ancient Town. Vietnam Tourism also recommends cycling through these countryside areas to experience everyday Vietnamese life.

Early morning is one of the best times to go cycling because the temperature is cooler and the countryside is particularly peaceful.

3. Visit Tra Que Vegetable Village

For travelers interested in local life and Vietnamese food, Tra Que Vegetable Village is a wonderful place to visit.

The village is known for its vegetable gardens and traditional farming methods. You can walk or cycle through the gardens, see local farmers working and learn more about the fresh herbs and vegetables commonly used in Vietnamese cuisine.

Tra Que is also a great place to combine with a Vietnamese cooking experience.

Instead of simply visiting tourist attractions, you get to see where some of the ingredients used in Vietnamese dishes actually come from.

4. Take a Basket Boat Ride in Cam Thanh Coconut Forest

Another popular experience outside the Old Town is visiting Cam Thanh, home to the famous water coconut forest.

The area is about 5 km from central Hoi An and is known for its waterways, nipa palms and traditional round basket boats.

You can take a basket boat through the narrow waterways, watch local fishing activities and enjoy the green surroundings.

For many visitors, the basket boat ride is one of the most memorable things to do in Hoi An because it offers a completely different experience from walking around the Old Town.

5. Discover Traditional Craft Villages

Hoi An has a long history of traditional crafts, and several villages around the city are worth exploring.

Thanh Ha Pottery Village

At Thanh Ha Pottery Village, you can discover the traditional pottery-making culture of Hoi An and even try working with clay yourself.

The village is located only a few kilometers from the Old Town and is suitable for a short half-day visit.

A hands-on pottery experience is especially fun for families and travelers who prefer interactive activities rather than simply sightseeing.

Kim Bong Carpentry Village

You can also visit Kim Bong, a traditional woodworking village where local craftsmanship has been passed down through generations.

These villages offer a glimpse into the traditional skills and working culture that helped shape Hoi An.

6. Take a Vietnamese Coffee Making Class

Vietnamese coffee is an important part of everyday life in Vietnam, but many visitors only experience it by ordering a cup at a café.

Why not learn how to make it yourself?

A Vietnamese coffee making class in Hoi An is a fun way to discover the culture behind one of Vietnam’s most famous drinks.

At a hands-on coffee experience, you can learn about Vietnamese coffee beans, discover how coffee is roasted, grind the beans and prepare traditional Vietnamese coffee using a Phin filter.

Depending on the class, you may also have the chance to make popular Vietnamese coffee drinks such as:

• Traditional Vietnamese Phin Coffee
• Egg Coffee
• Salt Coffee
• Coconut Coffee

At Trí Long Coffee, visitors can also explore the roasting process and learn how coffee beans go from green beans to roasted coffee before making their own Vietnamese coffee.

It is a particularly good activity for travelers who want to take home more than just photographs from Hoi An — you can learn a skill and recreate Vietnamese coffee after your trip.

7. Try Local Vietnamese Food

Food is another reason to explore beyond the Old Town.

Instead of only eating at restaurants around the tourist center, look for local places serving traditional Hoi An dishes.

Some foods worth trying include:

• Cao Lau
• White Rose Dumplings
• Mi Quang
• Com Ga Hoi An
• Vietnamese coffee

Hoi An’s food culture is closely connected to the surrounding countryside, where local farms and fishing communities supply fresh vegetables, herbs, seafood and other ingredients.

Trying local food is one of the easiest ways to experience the everyday side of Hoi An.

8. Watch the Sunset by the Thu Bon River

You don’t always need a scheduled activity to enjoy Hoi An.

Sometimes, one of the best things to do is simply slow down.

Find a quiet place near the Thu Bon River and watch the sunset as the light changes over the water and surrounding countryside.

If you have already spent the day walking through the Old Town, this is a relaxing way to finish the afternoon.

9. Take a Day Trip to My Son Sanctuary

If you have more time in Hoi An, consider taking a day trip to My Son Sanctuary.

Located around 40 km from Hoi An, My Son is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important historical site associated with the ancient Cham civilization.

The temple complex is surrounded by green hills and offers a fascinating contrast to Hoi An’s architecture and trading-port history.

It is a good option for travelers staying in Hoi An for several days and looking for a cultural experience outside the city.

10. Slow Down and Experience Local Hoi An

Perhaps the best thing to do outside the Old Town is simply to slow down.

Rent a bicycle.

Ride through the rice fields.

Stop at a small local café.

Talk to a farmer.

Try Vietnamese food.

Learn how Vietnamese coffee is made.

Watch the sunset.

Hoi An is not a destination that needs to be rushed. The areas outside the Ancient Town allow you to experience a quieter and more local side of the city.

Final Thoughts

The Old Town is certainly one of the highlights of Hoi An, but it is only one part of the destination.

If you have extra time, go beyond the yellow walls and explore the beaches, countryside, vegetable gardens, coconut forests and traditional villages.

And if you want to experience Vietnamese culture in a hands-on way, don’t miss the opportunity to learn how to make authentic Vietnamese coffee.

From cycling through the countryside to making your own Phin coffee, the best Hoi An experiences are often the ones that let you slow down, participate and connect with local life.

Planning your Hoi An trip? Add a Vietnamese coffee making class to your itinerary and take home a taste of Vietnam with you.