Best things to do in Hoi An

A World Heritage Site dating back to the late 16th century, Hoi An Ancient Town remains an inhabited and historically preserved port village, with about 12,000 current inhabitants. The town displays remnants of the various nations who held stake in the spice trade run at its ports, including buildings of traditionally Chinese, Japanese, French, and Dutch architectural styles. Navigate the town on foot or by bicycle, and stop at one of its many restaurants for local specialties like "white rose" prawn dumplings.

Treat your taste buds to exotic local delicacies on a guided food tour in Hoi An. Teaming up with a small group of gourmet enthusiasts on bikes or motorcycles--pedestrian option also available--and guided by experienced professionals, you'll discover hidden gems of Vietnamese cuisine. You will learn about the country's unique gastronomic culture through cooking lessons, visits to local markets, and private dining events. The region's inviting villages await eagerly to present typical specialties and challenge you to prepare some of them by yourself. Spanning from 3 to 6 hours, many of these tours are not suitable for families with small children due to various age restrictions.

Favored by the locals, Japanese Covered Bridge stands as one of the most famous city landmarks. The iconic bridge was built in the end of the 16th century to connect the Japanese and Chinese areas of the town. A legend has it that the bridge sits on the back of an ancient monstrous earthquake-causing dragon. A small, simple temple inside the bridge is dedicated to a weather god, who is believed to have the power to stop earthquakes. The wooden pagoda roof and the original ornamentation are well-preserved and the arched shape of the road was restored in 1986. Notice the pairs of guardian statues on each entrance, representing dogs and monkeys. There are two explanations for this--one is that these are the years in the Chinese calendar when the bridge was begun and finished and the other one is that these are the Zodiac signs of many Chinese emperors.

Discover remarkable panoramic views from The Marble Mountains. The cluster of hills serves as a place of pilgrimage that shelters stone-carved temples as well as limestone and marble caves and tunnels. Look for 17th-century Buddhist sanctuaries or climb the steep stone steps leading up to superb vistas. Wear comfortable shoes, bring lots water, and carry a flashlight for your visit of the caves.

Look stylish with a few garments from Rubin Cloth Shop, where you can choose from a wide range of fabrics and designs and take advantage of bespoke tailoring services. While there, you'll be able to get advice from a professional and browse a large collection of fabric options, from cotton and wool, to quality Italian textiles.

Discover ethnic diversity of Vietnam through a series of striking portraits at Precious Heritage by Rehahn. Kept within a 19th-century French house, the collection is displayed across five rooms. As you stroll from one room to the other, you"ll see hundreds of mesmerizing portraits completed with original costumes and tribal songs. The author is a well-renowned French photographer who has spent years documenting the 54 ethnic tribes left in the country, some of which are on the verge of extinction.

Relax on the white sands surrounded by coconut palms at Cua Dai Beach. Besides lounging by the water or going for a swim in the ocean, you can also visit many surrounding seafood eateries and restaurants serving tasty local cuisine. Many beach traders cannot wait to sell you their products and souvenirs, so either sharpen your bargaining skills or politely make it clear that you do not want to buy their wares. Locals strongly disprove of topless sunbathing and nudity, which they penalize with a fine.