Things to Do in Old Town
8 curated spots from Old Town itineraries
Activities & Attractions
6 curated experiences
Evening Lantern Boat Ride on the Hoài River
Hire a small rowboat at the main pier after dark for a 20–30 minute glide along the lantern-lit river; agree the price beforehand and avoid any offerings that involve alcohol.[3][4]
45m · $5-10 per person (shared boat price)
Free Time in Lesser-Crowded Old Town Lanes
Spend a couple of afternoon hours veering one or two streets away from the main riverside to quieter alleys, small family shops, and pocket-sized cafés under trees where you can rest and people-watch.[2]
2h · Free (drinks or shopping extra)
Japanese Covered Bridge & Nearby Heritage Houses
Use your Ancient Town ticket to visit the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, then step into 1–2 nearby old merchant houses and assembly halls within a short walk to understand the town’s trading past.[1][9]
1h 30m · $5 (Ancient Town ticket) plus any extras
Lantern-Lit Night Walk & Hoi An Night Market
Cross the pedestrian bridge to the night market after dark to see lantern stalls, browse crafts, and take photos of the glowing riverfront; stick to packaged snacks with visible ingredients or simple fresh fruit to stay halal.[2][4]
1h 30m · Free (shopping extra)
Slow Morning Walk in Hội An Ancient Town (self-guided)
Use the cooler morning to wander the traffic-calmed streets, photograph yellow shophouses with climbing plants, and orient yourself along the Thu Bồn riverfront before it gets busy.[1][2][3]
1h · Free (Ancient Town ticket needed for some interiors)
Thu Bồn Riverside Café Break & Free Explore
Choose a leafy café along Bach Dang, order juice, coconut water, or coffee without alcohol, then spend a couple of hours wandering nearby alleys and small lanes for photos and souvenir browsing.[2][3]
2h · $3-7 per personRestaurants & Food
2 local favorites
Ganesh Indian Restaurant Hoi An
Popular Indian restaurant; ask clearly for halal-friendly vegetarian dishes such as chana masala, dal tadka, aloo gobi, vegetable biryani, tandoori roti, and confirm no alcohol or meat stock in your selections.
1h · $8-15 per person
Vegan Zone Hoi An
Fully vegan restaurant; choose dishes like tofu clay pots, veggie noodles, spring rolls, and salads, all without meat or animal by-products, and ask to avoid alcohol-containing sauces.
1h 15m · $7-12 per person