Hoi An Suggested Activities
Hoi An on a Scooter (Half Day)
Take an electric scooter tour and discover the charm of Hoi An and
the surrounding countryside in a sustainable, and eco-friendly way.
The tour starts with a delicious smoothie and muffin at a lounge in
the centre of Hoi An. Drive past the old town to Cam Nam Island
and visit a local ship-repair yard to experience the hard work
involved in maintaining a local fishing boat.
After a short drive through a local village and beautiful countryside,
stop at a local family’s graveyard. Here, guests learn more about the belief system in Vietnam and the importance of family. Continue on to the local shoemaker, and learn about the ancient tradition of tailoring and shoemaking in Hoi An. Take a break with a healthy local snack and drink overlooking Hoi An Ancient Town and the Thu Bon River.
Afterwards, drive through the countryside to experience first-hand the beauty of the rice paddies, monkey bridges and grazing buffalos. Photo opportunities in this picturesque area. At the next stop, learn about the local craft of pottery making, and witness first-hand the skills and expertise of the local craftsmen. Continue the drive through Tra Que Village, Hoi An’s vegetable and herb garden. At the end of the tour, unwind in a stunning beach lounge overlooking An Bang Beach with a refreshing drink.
Hoi An City Tour (Half Day)
Experience the beautifully preserved and UNESCO-listed Hoi An
up-close and at your own pace on a walking tour to its key sites
including:
Quan Cong Temple
Founded in 1653, this Chinese temple is dedicated to Quan Cong,
whose partially gilded statue is in the central altar at the back of the
sanctuary. Stone plaques on the walls list contributors to the
construction and repair of the temple.
Phuoc Kien Pagoda
This Chinese pagoda was built around 1690 and then restored and enlarged in 1900 and is typical of the Chinese ‘clans’ that were established in the Hoi An area. The temple is dedicated to Thien Hau Thanh Mau (Goddess of the Sea and Protector of Sailors and Fishermen).
Japanese Covered Bridge
The first bridge on this site was constructed in 1593 by the Japanese community of Hoi An to link the town with the Chinese quarters across the stream. The bridge was provided with a roof so it could be used as a shelter from rain and sun.
Tran Family Chapel
This house for worshipping ancestors was built about 200 years ago with donations from family members. The Tran family traces its origins to China and moved to Vietnam around 1700 and the architecture of the building reflects the influence of Chinese and Japanese styles.
Sa Huynh Museum
Located near the Japanese Covered Bridge, it contains exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An’s history.
Phung Hung House
The same family has been living here for eight generations. The house is a combination of Vietnamese, Japanese and Chinese styles.
Quang Dong Pagoda
This pagoda was open to all Chinese traders or seamen and is dedicated to Thien Hau. It is a small Chinese style temple with a lintel gate, a rockery courtyard and lucky animals depicted in statuary.
Reaching Out Teahouse (Half Day)
Enjoy afternoon tea at Reaching Out Tea House, a lovely and tranquil
setting to experience the tradition of tea drinking, and also a social
enterprise aimed at empowering the speech and hearing impaired,
who comprise its staff.
Reaching Out is an enterprise founded in 2000 to help the disabled
grow their artistic talents and lead independent lives through their
art. In addition to the Teahouse, the organisation also has Reaching
Out Arts and Crafts, a fair trade gift shop showcasing high quality
handicrafts made by disabled craftspeople in Vietnam.
Authentic Minority Experience (3 Days)
Travel outside of Hoi An or Danang for an authentic experience and insight into traditional minority village life.
Day 1: Hoi An
From Hoi An, head to a 1000-year-old Cham temple as well as former US and French bases from the independence wars. We then wind our way into the mountains through the tea plantations, home to the Co Tu minority. Take a break to enjoy a visit to the tea plantations before a visit with one of the few remaining Co Tu woodcarvers and his family. We experience a home-cooked lunch in their house before continuing our journey deep in to the mountains. This area is very isolated and the culture and traditions remain essentially untouched by time; making this remote and staggeringly beautiful region home to one of the most authentic hill tribes to remain in Vietnam.
Our next stop is Bho Hoong, a traditional Co Tu village where we will stay for the night. A light village walk, guided by a local resident, allows us to explore the village and unlock its cultural secrets. After our walk, we are free to enjoy a refreshing dip in the river. Dinner in the evening is a BBQ by the river (in the summer time), followed by a traditional dancing performance and a chance to interact with the villagers, gaining more insight into their rich culture.
Overnight in Local Village.
Day 2: Local Village
In the morning, wake up to the sounds of the village coming to life.
Enjoy breakfast and a hot cup of coffee as you watch the morning
activities of the Co Tu, heading to the fields and preparing the days
meals. Today is yours to enjoy, immerse yourself among the culture.
After breakfast, you can take a full-day trek to mountain waterfalls
and explore parts of Ho Chi Minh Trail system by foot. If that is not for you, a mountain bike ride through the country side and villages could be more to your liking. If heading out of the road is more your style, we will set off to another ethnic minority town, visiting small villages along the way exploring and enjoying local food, learning about the differences of each village and culture from one village to the next. Or you can simply spend the day in the village relaxing in the river! The evening is highlighted by a superb dinner of Co Tu traditional dishes and a traditional music performance from the men of the village, allowing you to enjoy their stories and learn more about their ancient culture.
Overnight in Local Village.
Day 3: Local Village
On our last day, we bid farewell to our hosts and make our way toward to Ho Chi Minh trail, stopping to enjoy the brocade weavers, a craft the Co Tu are famous for.
Then we embark on the historic Ho Chi Minh Trail, through lush forests and past jaw-dropping views of the central Vietnam Mountains. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any more beautiful we arrive at a waterfall tucked alongside a towering peak for a picnic lunch. The afternoon sees us descending back down toward the coast, stopping along the way to explore historic sites and places of interest, before heading east to Hoi An.