Hoi An is an ancient town on the Central Coast of Vietnam and is home to some of the most exquisite beaches, temples and ruins in the country. The beachside homes and architecture display influences of the French colonization and Chinese mastery in equaly measure. Once a major port of Vietnam, it is relatively remote and free from pollution and traffic. This beach town has a laid back and fun atmosphere, complemented by a buzzing food scene and nightlife that keeps visitors coming back for more. The My Son Ruins and the city of Da Nang are also very close by and are frequented by visitors for day trips. Visitors can even check out the rural countryside for a change of pace and scenery. All in all, Hoi An has some of the best things to do in Vietnam, something for every kind of visitor and it is a hidden gem that is not to be missed. 

Thanks to its ideal location on the coast, one the best things to do in Hoi An is to soak up some sun on one of the multiple gorgeous beaches on offer. Ang Beach and Cua Dai Beach are both 3 and 4 km away from Hoi An respectively. Both are prime locations to indulge in some adventure sports like snorkelling, jet skiing, swimming and surfing. The beaches are easily reachable on foot, although most visitors tend to hire cycles or motorbikes and use them to move from one spot to another. This is a great way to spend the day for both couples and families alike. 

A specail fact about Hoi An is that it is also one of the premier food destinations in all of Vietnam. There are a bunch of outstanding restaurants in and around this ancient town. The White Rose, Morning Glory and Mango Mango are just some of the go-to places for most visitors. These places tend to serve the most delicious local dishes like pho noodles, dumplings and skewered meat and vegetables. The food scene here caters to all visitors' needs with varying budgets and taste buds. 

There are a shockingly large number of tailor shops all over Hoi An. Visitors can get everything from a dress to a suit tailored to perfection, using the finest silk and raw materials. Visitors tend to flock here to get clothes made in bulk. Bao Khan Silk and Bebe are just some of the most famous shopping spots in the town. The stores cater to various budgets and most visitors tend to flock here during the Christmas and New Year festival season to buy gifts for themselves and their loved ones. 

Only 45 minutes away, one of the most enjoyable things to do is to pop over to the neighbouring city of Da Nang. It is one of the largest cities in Vietnam and is frequented by most visitors who travel to Hoi An. The city is bustling with energy and people and it offers people the best of both worlds. The city is also home to the famed Cao Dai Temple and Dragon Bridge. Visitors can take a bus, taxi or hire a motorbike to get to Da Nang. 

One of the most popular things to do is to go explore the more rural laidback countryside of Hoi An. Most visitors tend to hop on a cycle and go explore the surrounding landscape or sign up to join cycle tours of the paddy fields and rivers. There are also river cruises, motorcycle tours and fishing tours available for visitors keen on experiencing something different. 

Created way back in the 18th century by the local Japanese community in the area, the bridge serves as a symbol of Hoi An's diversity and inclusion over the years. The bridge overlooks a gorgeous pond and is lit up at night giving it a magical atmosphere. There are dog and moneky statuettes safeguarding the bridge on both sides. The bridge is about 60 feet long and on crossing it visitors can find local artworks from artists in the area. 

Just an hour away from Hoi An are the incredible ruins of My Son, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ruins were created by the old Kings of Champa between the 4th and the 14th century. There are a small group of Hindu temples here, intricately carved and dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. A large part of the ruins were destroyed by American bombs during the Vietnam War. A day trip here is not to be missed and is one of the best things to do. History and design enthusiasts will find this place to be the stuff of dreams. The ruin's complex itself is stunning and covered partly by lush jungle land.