However, Hoi An also offers a wide range of entertainment and adventure services, in addition to sightseeing and shopping. With rustic paddling fields, idyllic villages, beautiful rivers, beautiful beaches and undamaged coral reefs, Hoi An is the place to try new things. Here are the 5 most interesting activities to do in Hoi An recommended by foreign tourists and backpackers.
Join the Cooking Tour
Perhaps not for the daring explorer but a great idea for families, the tour is a day trip to Thuan Tinh Island on the Thu Bon River. It will take place from morning to noon and transportation will be provided by the tour operator.
Photo: two_wandering_potatoe
The first destination is a local wet market where you will see how Vietnamese people usually buy and sell their food. All the ingredients here are organic, but you should ask your guide how to choose the freshest and tastiest if you want to buy. Next, you will have 40 minutes of relaxation and sightseeing along the Thu Bon River on the ferry to Thuan Tinh Island. Here, you will have an additional 30 minutes of boating under the coconut canopy to explore the local village. Once in a while, you’ll get to take a break and enjoy tropical fruits and juices.
The cooking class is outdoors and has fresh air. Both the chef and the guide were knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. You will be taught how to cook the most famous Vietnamese dishes like Pho Bo, Nem Cuon (Cha Cuon), Banh Xeo (Banh Xeo), etc. to cook so don’t worry too much about your cooking experience. only you. It’s fun to try homemade dishes and judge your own cooking skills.
The price is $35 per person, not terribly cheap but definitely worth it, with all the transportation along with the food and fun you’ll enjoy. Contact us for more information about tours and reservations.
Rent a bike and explore the countryside
Hoi An has been known for its ancient houses, temples, pagodas and bridges. However, outside this small town is a completely different landscape with rice fields, fishing villages, rivers and beaches that you definitely don’t want to miss.
Photo @hoiancycling
The ideal means of transportation for this expedition is a bicycle. Bicycle rental services are available everywhere in Hoi An. Pay around 2-3 dollars and you’ll have that bike for the whole day, going wherever you want. Some hotels like Ha An even let guests rent bicycles at no extra charge.
Cycling slowly through the narrow roads along the vast rice fields, discovering the daily life of the locals and relaxing on the pristine Cua Dai beach, you will find the peace of life that is hard to find anywhere else in Vietnam. The friendly villagers will help if you get lost. On the beach, you can sunbathe, swim and eat: the seafood here is the freshest in the region because of the nearby fishing village. Renting a sun lounger for a day is as cheap as buying a bottle of water. The good news for drinkers is that restaurants and bars stay open until late at night.
While thrilling and adventurous, especially when you’re riding in a group, traveling on your own in an unfamiliar area can be quite daunting for some people. Another way is to take a guided tour. There are many types of services, from half-day homestay to overnight homestay. Riding on strong sports bikes, you will be guided to visit the best places near the old town. Prices range from $24 (for a half-day tour) to $89 (for an overnight homestay).
Scuba diving and snorkeling
This sport has only appeared about 4 years ago in the waters around Cu Lao Cham island, 25 nautical miles from Cua Dai coast. Therefore, this is a relatively new diving site. You will not be annoyed because there are too many divers and boats, and there are many opportunities to experience the unspoiled beauty of the seabed and coral reefs of Cu Lao Cham.
Photo: @chamislanddiving
The best time of year for diving in Cham Island is from April to October when the water is warm and calm and the underwater visibility is clear. There are good times in other months as well, but chances are you’ll be disappointed by the overcast weather. Currently, Cu Lao Cham has three main commercial diving sites: Hon Dai, Hon Tai and Hon Mo. You can choose to snorkel or scuba dive. Scuba diving is wearing a snorkel and floating underwater near the surface. You need to hold your breath during this dive and therefore cannot dive too deep. But the good thing is that you don’t need any experience to snorkel. On the other hand, scuba diving requires some skill and knowledge. With a fuel tank and tight diving suit, you can dive 5-7m deep underwater, take pictures and play with the fish.
If you are new to diving but are too passionate about exploring the seabed, there is a company called Blue Coral Diving. This is a 5-star PADI diving center offering diving courses. Guides are experienced Vietnamese and foreign divers. There are three levels of the course, from Beginner and Advanced to Professional. Prices start at $250 and you get a discount if you go in groups. For Beginner and Advanced level, the course lasts only 2 to 4 days. Another PADI certified company is Cham Island Diving, which offers both courses and tours. The price for a scuba diving is not too expensive, ranging from $42 to $80/pax.
A Day as a Farmer at Tra Que Village
Tired of luxury and want to experience a little thrift? Just take a bus to Tra Que village, put on a conical hat and start hoeing, plowing and watering like a real farmer.
Photo: @jessica.eddi_
Located 3 km northeast of Hoi An ancient town, Tra Que is a typical Vietnamese countryside village with lush gardens and fields. Guided by local farmers, you’ll have a morning working in the sun to understand what delicious food you enjoy in Hoi An. You will also gain insight into traditional Vietnamese farming methods. The tour will be informative for home gardeners as you will get some very useful tips on how to plant and care for plants from local experts. After a hard morning at work, lunch time is when you are taken care of. Foot messages are often included in some of these “farmer” tours. Professional staff will help you get rid of stress and pressure in body and mind. Another bonus is food and water made from organic food grown in the village.
Most of these day trips are cycling tours as you will reach the village by bicycle. Along the way, you will have a chance to explore the fishing village of Hoi An and observe the farmers catching fish with nets from their rowing boats. Priced around $30 per person, which is quite reasonable given the insight, hands-on skill and good food you’ll get.
Spa relaxation (finally)
We went through cooking, biking, diving and farming, all in authentic Hoi An and Vietnamese style. Alas, after all this adventure and physical activity, our final piece of advice for your full experience in Hoi An is to relax and invigorate.
White Rose Spa – Photo: @whiterose.spa
Although there are many spas in Hoi An, Palmarosa Spa is the first spa to use only pure natural products and ingredients in its treatments. This, combined with professional staff and service, makes it number one in Hoi An. You will feel relaxed and peaceful from the first moment you step into Palmarosa. The staff cannot do enough to help you. They are always ready to greet you with herbal teas and foot baths, even before you choose your treatment. The facilities are new and clean, the spa is decorated with art in Asian style. Once inside Palmarosa, with the soft light and refreshing cool air all around, all you want to do is pull over and take a nap, especially if you’ve just returned from a day trip busy or a long tiring flight.
But wait, you still need to book your service! Palmarosa Spa has a variety of treatments and treatments for you: 30-minute Indian head treatment, 65-minute foot reflexology, 75-minute Basalt Hot Stone body treatment, etc. And don’t forget to check it out! try the 90-minute Signature Spa Palmarosa (sounds like something really special!). Prices range from $11 to $43, a bit more expensive than other local spas but never mind because money goes hand in hand with quality!
Palmarosa Spa is located on 90 Ba Trieu, just a 9-minute walk from the town center. The spa is open from 10am to 9pm and last booking is at 8pm. So if you are staying in Hoi An, don’t hesitate, come and have a relaxing experience!
Source: https://traveland.com.vn
