How to find and book Local tours when visiting Hoi An

When people think of Hoi An, they often imagine the ancient town with its timeless architecture, cobblestone streets, glowing lanterns, and the rich cultural heritage of Central Vietnam. However, if you only explore the Old Town, you might miss out on many fascinating experiences that Hoi An and its surrounding areas have to offer. In reality, Hoi An and its nearby regions boast a wide range of unique local tours that allow visitors to immerse themselves in nature, history, culture, and authentic daily life in the most vivid and engaging ways. In this article, we’ll guide you through the must-try local tours and the most convenient, effective ways to book them.

Must-try Local tours when visiting Hoi An

Hoi An is not only famous for its timeworn ancient streets, moss-covered rooftops, and glowing lanterns at night. The true charm of this destination lies in the authentic local cultural experiences, from tours of traditional craft villages to rural lifestyle immersions and journeys to major cultural heritage sites across Central Vietnam. Whether you’re a culture enthusiast, a food lover, or simply looking for a fun family-friendly activity, the following tours are must-do highlights on your journey to discover Hoi An.

Tours in and around the Ancient Town of Hoi An

Right within the heart of the Old Town and just minutes away, visitors can easily access various traditional craft villages where local culture has been preserved and passed down for generations through the skilled hands of artisans.

Cam Kim, Kim Bong Carpentry village

Just a 10-minute boat ride across the Thu Bon River from the Old Town, Kim Bong Carpentry village has been renowned since the 15th century as a center for fine woodcraft and traditional architecture. Here, you can witness the intricate wood carving process carried out by skilled craftsmen, many of whom have contributed to the restoration of iconic structures such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, village communal houses, and ancient mansions.

During your visit, explore local carpentry workshops, try your hand at wood carving, hear stories about the heritage craft, and pick up beautifully handcrafted souvenirs.

Thanh Ha Pottery village

Located along the Thu Bon River, Thanh Ha Pottery village boasts a history of over 500 years. This village not only preserves the ancient pottery-making techniques but also offers hands-on experiences for visitors such as shaping clay, painting designs, and firing the finished products. Here, you’ll discover why Hoi An pottery is known for its rustic, simple lines yet surprisingly long-lasting durability.

Tra Que Vegetable village

Just 3 km from the Ancient Town, Tra Que is famous for its organic vegetable gardens cultivated using traditional, chemical-free methods. Tours to Tra Que often start with a bike ride through picturesque fields, followed by a hands-on experience with local farmers watering, fertilizing with organic compost, and even learning how to make rustic Vietnamese dishes like banh xeo (crispy pancakes) or goi cuon (fresh spring rolls) using freshly harvested ingredients.

Conical Hat and Sedge Mat Weaving villages

These villages are scattered in the outskirts of Hoi An, where residents still practice the age-old crafts of conical hat making and sedge mat weaving by hand. Visiting them offers a unique chance to explore Central Vietnam’s cultural heritage through everyday objects made with patience, skill, and care.

Craft village tours typically last from 2 to 4 hours, making them ideal for families with young children or elderly members. With relaxed schedules, minimal travel, and a rich balance of education and interaction, these tours offer meaningful experiences, ensuring that every traveler brings home not just memories, but a deeper connection to the culture.

Tours to major tourist attractions in nearby provinces

If you’re looking to dive deeper into the cultural, natural, and historical richness of Central Vietnam, don’t hesitate to spend more time exploring short tours departing from Hoi An. Within a radius of about 100 kilometers, travelers can easily access numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites and spectacular natural wonders ranging from mountains, beaches to ancient temples each offering a unique, emotionally resonant experience.

My Son Sanctuary Tour: Discover the legacy of the Champa Kingdom

One of the most popular destinations is the My Son Sanctuary, located about 60 kilometers from Hoi An. This ancient complex of Hindu temples was once the religious and political center of the Champa Kingdom for over a thousand years. Set amidst sacred forests and mountainous landscapes, the site invites visitors to admire its unique tower architecture, learn about Hindu beliefs, enjoy traditional Cham dance performances, and immerse themselves in the deep cultural layers of a once-flourishing civilization. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, My Son is an ideal choice for those who are passionate about history and archaeology.

Hue Imperial City: Journey into Vietnam’s last feudal dynasty

Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty, lies about 130 kilometers from Hoi An. This city captivates visitors with its elaborate complexes of royal tombs, palaces and temples masterfully planned along the poetic Perfume River and framed by the Ngu Binh Mountain. A full-day tour to Hue typically includes visits to the Imperial Citadel, the tombs of Emperors Khai Dinh and Minh Mang, the revered Thien Mu Pagoda, and experiences such as sampling royal cuisine or enjoying a traditional Hue folk song performance on a riverboat. This is a meaningful journey for those who wish to appreciate the depth of Vietnamese culture, history and architectural artistry.

Sightseeing in Da Nang City: Harmony of modernity, nature and spirituality

Just a 30 – 40 minute drive from Hoi An, Da Nang is a dynamic city where modern life, natural beauty, and spiritual landmarks seamlessly coexist. Popular day tours include exploring the Marble Mountains with their cave systems and ancient temples; visiting the tallest statue of the Lady Buddha in Vietnam at Linh Ung Pagoda on Son Tra Peninsula; and discovering the rich Cham culture at the Museum of Cham Sculpture. In addition, modern attractions such as Dragon Bridge and My Khe Beach are also must-visit check-in spots, offering unforgettable moments for your travel album.

Cu Lao Cham: The Emerald Island of Quang Nam

If you love the sea and unspoiled nature, Cu Lao Cham is a green gem just a 20-minute speedboat ride from Cua Dai Port. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve, this island offers unforgettable experiences such as snorkeling over coral reefs, fishing, visiting traditional fishing villages, Hai Tang Pagoda, ancient wells, and enjoying fresh seafood right on the island. The clean air, crystal-clear waters, and warm hospitality of the locals make it feel like you’re exploring a gentle, rustic, yet deeply captivating world.

2 Reliable ways to book local tours when visiting Hoi An

With a wide variety of destinations and diverse experiences available, booking a tour in Hoi An might seem simple. However, without careful selection, travelers may find themselves overwhelmed with too much information or end up booking low-quality tours with unclear itineraries and hidden costs. To ensure a smooth and fulfilling vacation, it’s essential to do some research and choose a trustworthy booking method.

Tour operators/ Travel Agencies in Hoi An

Hoi An is home to numerous travel agencies and tour operators offering both local and interprovincial tours.

Visitors can easily find information and register through online platforms, tour offices in the Old Town, social media channels or travel apps. However, you should always verify the reliability of the provider: read customer reviews, compare prices and itineraries, check group sizes, and evaluate the overall service quality. Extremely cheap tours often compromise on the experience, especially for heritage sites that require safety, attentive care, and knowledgeable guides.

Booking tours directly through your accommodation: Smart & Safe choice

One of the most convenient and efficient ways to book tours is through your hotel or resort. At 5-star Silk Sense Hoi An River Resort, tour booking is integrated into the front desk and guest services. This not only saves time but also ensures a high-quality experience thanks to trusted partners carefully selected by the resort.

The benefits of booking through your accommodation are clear: you’ll receive a personalized itinerary tailored to your schedule, dedicated support for any changes or requests, timely pick-up right at the resort, and often a guide or coordinator to assist with language or unexpected situations during the trip. Some tours are even customized exclusively for resort guests, with limited group sizes to ensure privacy, comfort, and safety for families, something that’s hard to guarantee with mass-market tours.

Additionally, the cost of booking through the hotel is often competitive, as resorts usually have fixed contract rates with their tour partners. You won’t face hidden fees or depend on third-party vendors. For families with children or seniors or anyone seeking flexibility and peace of mind, this is a highly convenient option.

In summary, whether you choose a shared or private tour, through an external operator or directly at your hotel, the most important factor is smart and thorough planning. With a wide range of tours, flexible schedules, reasonable prices, and professional guides, 5-star Silk Sense Hoi An River Resort is committed to making your journey complete and worry-free. Contact us now for the latest tour information and personalized recommendations!

For more information and advice, please contact us via:
(T) +84 235 3754 999
(E) reservation@silksenseresort.com
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(IG) @silksenseresort
(A) 01 Dong Da Street, Cam An Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam