I was pleasantly surprised on my visit to Hoi An, admittedly I had heard it was a charming ancient town in central Vietnam, but it offered a really nice blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty, which was greater than I was expecting. So whether you love exploring history, are a foodie, or you simply enjoy wondering the streets and soaking up the unique atmosphere, Hoi An has something for everyone. Here are the top 5 things to do:

1. Explore The Ancient Town

You could easily spend an enjoyable whole day just wondering the Ancient Town, which is a treasure trove of history and culture. Stroll through the narrow streets and explore the various merchant houses, temples and assembly halls. Stop and indulge at local restaurants and cafe's. Don’t miss landmarks like the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge and the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall. At night, the town really comes alive with colourful lanterns lining the streets and side of boats on the river, great for photos.

My Tip: Purchase an entry ticket that grants access to several historical sites within the Ancient Town.

2. Take A Lantern Making Workshop

As soon as you enter the Old Town, you will see these beautiful colourful lanterns everywhere, which are a symbol of luck and prosperity. You can join a lantern making workshop to learn this traditional craft from skilled artisans. These workshops are available in many local shops and usually last about 1-2 hours.

3. Savour Local Cuisine

If you are a foodie, Hoi An will be a paradise for you. From street food stalls to fine dining restaurants, you can find an array of dishes from the region, which present a variety of unique flavours. Recommended dishes include:

• Cao Lau: A noodle dish with pork and fresh greens in a special broth.

• White Rose Dumplings: Delicate steamed dumplings with shrimp filling.

• Banh Mi: Vietnamese baguette sandwiches with a local twist.

You can take a cooking class to learn how to prepare these delicacies yourself.

4. Visit An Bang Beach

Just a few kilometres from Hoi An town centre is An Bang Beach, which has lovely golden sand, clear waters and a laid back vibe. It’s a great spot to chill out with many beachfront bars and restaurants.

My Tip: Rent a bike to get to the beach and enjoy the scenic ride through rice fields.

5. Cruise Along The Thu Bon River

My 5th recommendation would be taking a boat cruise along the Thu Bon River. Choose a sunset tour for absolutely gorgeous views as the sun dips below the horizon or you can opt for a traditional basket boat ride for a more fun and unique experience. Some tours also include fishing or visiting local villages along the river. You can negotiate prices directly with a local boat operator or book through a trusted agency.

Bonus Activity: Shop For Tailor Made Clothes

Hoi An has some very skilled tailors and you can have yourself custom made clothing, often within 24 hours. From suits to dresses, the quality and craftsmanship is outstanding.