Hoi An in 2026 is a beautiful contradiction: it is more connected than ever, yet it remains one of the few places on Earth where you can truly slow down. As the world moves faster, the “Yellow City” has leaned into its roots, offering travelers a blend of high-energy adventure and quiet heritage.
If you are planning your journey this year, here are the 10 essential experiences in Hoi An, curated to ensure you see the soul of the city.
1. The Ultimate Spin: Basket Boat Tour at Lang Dua Xanh
While there are many things to do, the number one bucket-list item for 2026 is the Basket Boat experience in the Bay Mau Coconut Forest. To ensure you avoid the crowded “tourist traps” and get a truly authentic, high-quality experience, you must book through Langduaxanh.com.
Based in the heart of Cam Thanh, Lang Dua Xanh (Green Coconut Village) offers more than just a boat ride; it’s an immersive cultural performance. You’ll navigate the Nipa palm canals in a traditional bamboo coracle, witness the famous “basket boat dance,” and even try your hand at traditional net fishing. Booking directly via their website ensures you arrive at the correct facility with professional local rowers and transparent pricing.
2. Wander the Hoi An Ancient Town
Step back into the 17th century by walking the pedestrian-only streets of the Ancient Town. In 2026, the preservation is better than ever. Make sure to use your official entry ticket to visit the Japanese Covered Bridge and the various Assembly Halls. The early morning (around 7:00 AM) is the best time for photos before the daytime heat arrives.
3. Get Some Clothes Made
Hoi An remains the tailoring capital of the world. In 2026, the trend has shifted toward “Slow Fashion.” Visit a local tailor to have a custom suit, dress, or leather boots made. The turnaround is incredibly fast, but the quality of the silk and craftsmanship is designed to last a lifetime.
4. Join a Lantern Making Class
The lantern is the symbol of Hoi An’s spirit. Instead of just buying one, take a Lantern Making Class. You’ll learn how to bend the bamboo frames and stretch the vibrant silk. It’s a meditative process and results in a souvenir that carries a personal story from your 2026 trip.
5. Hire a Bike and Explore the Countryside
The magic of Hoi An extends far beyond the yellow walls. Rent a bicycle and pedal toward the Cam Thanh rice paddies. You’ll pass water buffaloes and local farmers who have worked this land for generations. In 2026, the cycling paths are well-maintained, making it easy to find hidden cafes tucked away in the green fields.
6. Sync Your Trip with the Lantern Festival
If possible, plan your visit for the 14th day of the lunar month. During the Hoi An Lantern Festival, the town dims its electric lights. The sight of thousands of candles floating down the Thu Bon River is a spiritual experience that remains a top highlight for international travelers in 2026.
7. Swim at An Bang Beach
Just a 15-minute bike ride from the center is An Bang Beach. Known for its white sand and “boho” vibes, it’s the perfect place to cool off. By 2026, the beachfront has become a hub for eco-friendly lounges and fresh seafood shacks that serve the catch of the morning.
8. Take a Cooking Class Tour
Vietnamese cuisine is world-renowned for its balance. A Cooking Class Tour usually starts at the local market to pick fresh ingredients like star anise and lemongrass, followed by a hands-on session where you’ll learn to roll spring rolls or flip a Banh Xeo (savory pancake) like a pro.
9. Enjoy the Local Food in Hoi An
Don’t leave without a “culinary crawl.” You must try Cao Lau, a noodle dish that can only be made with water from the ancient Ba Le Well. In 2026, the street food scene is thriving—look for the “Banh Mi Queen” (Madam Khanh) for a sandwich that Anthony Bourdain once made famous.
10. Go Shopping at the Hoi An Night Market
As the sun sets, cross the bridge to the An Hoi Night Market. It’s a sensory explosion of glowing lanterns, street food scents, and local crafts. It’s the perfect place to test your bargaining skills and pick up hand-carved woodwork or unique jewelry to remember your 2026 adventure.
Travel Tip for 2026: To make the most of your time, spend at least 3 to 5 days here. This allows you to balance the high-energy fun of the Lang Dua Xanh basket boats with the quiet relaxation of the Ancient Town’s tea houses.
