If you’ve strolled through the Ancient Town and splashed in the waves on An Bang Beach, you might think that you know what Hoi An is about – but chances are you’d be wrong! There’s a lot more to this region than most travelers realize. Wondering where to start? Make your Hoi An holiday extra special by adding some of these unique activities to your itinerary.
Go kayaking on the Thu Bon River
The Thu Bon is one of three major river systems that shape the landscape in Quang Nam. Its calm waters and leafy canals make the Thu Bon ideal for kayaking. Kayaking tours are an ecofriendly way to travel, with the chance to see local life and natural scenery along the way. Look up Hoi An Kayak Tours for community-based kayaking adventures.
Explore wartime tunnels in Ky Anh
The charming village of Thach Tan holds an interesting secret. This is the central link for 32 kilometers of underground tunnels built by guerilla forces during the American War. Hear stories about the conflict on a guided tour of the tunnels led by Mr. Ta, a former soldier from the village. The visitor center in Hoi An can help you organize a tour of the Ky Anh Tunnels.
Discover the lotus fields in Duy Xuyen
The summer months from April to August are lotus season in Quang Nam. You can find vast lotus fields in Duy Xuyen, just one hour from Hoi An. Take an unforgettable walk through this dreamy landscape with thousands of pink blossoms surrounded by mountains and rice fields. Stay for a chat with the lotus farmers to find out about their crop and taste raw lotus seeds.
Shoot photos at the fish market in Tam Tien
Wake up early and bring your camera along to catch one of the most remarkable sights in Vietnam. The Tam Tien Fish Market is a clashing spectacle of fishing boats, basket boats, vendors, and fishermen hastily moving a huge variety of seafood in the early light. Hoi An Photo Tour organizes photography trips to Tam Tien for amateurs and professionals.
TIP: If you’re not a photographer but want to see the fish market, book an overnight stay at on Tam Tien Beach. It’s a short walk or bicycle ride from the resort to the fish market in the morning.
Join a cooking class in an organic farm
Thanh Dong Organic Farm is the first model organic farm in Hoi An. Here, you can learn the basics of organic agriculture, harvest local herbs and vegetables, and cook authentic Vietnamese dishes with a local family in the beautiful countryside of Cam Thanh. Contact the farm on their Facebook or via phone to organize a farm visit and cooking experience.
Stay in a fishing village on the Cham Islands
Instead of a short day trip, why not stay overnight on the Cham Islands, and see more of what the archipelago has to offer? Bai Huong is a friendly community with several small homestays. Wake up to banh mi breakfasts, SUP and snorkel off gorgeous hidden beaches, and soak up the islands’ natural beauty. Contact Island Smiles or Ngo Khanh Homestay to plan your trip.
Take a bamboo craft workshop
When was the last time you were so immersed in an activity you forgot everything else? Explore your creative side using natural material in Hoi An’s craft workshops. Mr. Tan of Taboo Bamboo is a third-generation bamboo worker who is passionate about sharing his knowledge. His hands-on workshop will give you a new appreciation for this amazing and versatile plant.
Sail a catamaran off Cua Dai Beach
A big part of Quang Nam culture is coastal culture. While you may not have your own fishing boat, you can still get out on the water and appreciate the seascape on a sailing boat. offers sailing classes and sailing trips on its catamaran. Push off from Cua Dai Beach in the early afternoon to catch the wind, and see the whole coastline of Hoi An from the water.
Have a seafood lunch in Tam Ky
The coastline of Tam Ky is dotted with fishing villages, so it’s no surprise that seafood is abundant in local cooking. Hunt down Quan Goi Ca Kien Giang, a restaurant that serves much-loved southern fish salad, alongside just-caught fish, clams, prawns and squid – all expertly cooked with fresh herbs and vegetables, and served in a casual outdoor setting.
Cycle around Cam Kim Island
Cycle over the bridge from Hoi An to Cam Kim, a quiet island with a wonderful cultural heritage. The roads wind past colorful fishing boats, lush rice fields and tidy vegetable patches. See the woodcarvers in Kim Bong Village, tour community gardens in Triem Tay, and poke around the Cam Kim Market. Grasshopper Adventures leads sustainable bicycle tours around Cam Kim.
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