Top 9 Things to Do in Hoi An With Your Best Friends in 2026

Things to do in Hoi An are not limited to the ancient town but also include beaches, traditional craft villages, craft workshops, and countless unique cultural experiences. If you are planning a trip with your best friends, the article below will suggest the most interesting activities in Hoi An, along with dining and resort destinations to make the trip complete.

I. Top 9 things to do in Hoi An with your best friends

Hoi An offers plenty of options for a fun getaway with friends, from well-known things to do in Hoi An around the Ancient Town to beaches, peaceful countryside, and cultural experiences. Beyond sightseeing and taking photos, your group can enjoy a variety of activities in Hoi An, including boating, traditional craft workshops, cycling, swimming, and exploring what to eat in Hoi An through the city’s signature local specialties.

1. Stroll around Hoi An Ancient Town and hunt for "Instagrammable" photos

The Ancient Town is one of the most iconic things to do in Hoi An, and it is especially ideal for groups of friends who want to combine sightseeing with photography. Rows of yellow heritage houses, moss-covered tiled roofs, narrow alleys, and timeworn streets create naturally photogenic backdrops. Your group can take a leisurely walk, chat along the way, and capture memorable moments together.

The Japanese Covered Bridge, Tran Phu Street, the Hoai River area, and the Ancient Town’s hidden alleys are all worth exploring when discovering things to do in Hoi An. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for photos, when the light is softer and the streets are less crowded. If you stay until evening, you can continue enjoying activities in Hoi An while experiencing the lantern-lit charm of the old town after dark.

Japanese Covered Bridge in Hoi An

2. SUP or kayak on the Co Co River at dawn

If you are looking for a more active thing to do in Hoi An, paddleboarding or kayaking along the Co Co River is well worth considering. With its open, peaceful setting, the river offers a refreshing way for groups of friends to stay active while taking in the riverside scenery from the water rather than simply exploring from the shore.

Sunrise is one of the best times to head out, when the weather is cooler, the light is softer, and the river is generally calmer. For groups, this experience also adds a fun social element, giving everyone a chance to paddle together, chat, and capture memorable moments on the Co Co River. Before booking, it is a good idea to check the group size, weather conditions, and available services to decide whether SUP or kayaking is the better fit.

Paddleboarding or kayaking on the Co Co River.

3. Lantern making or handmade pottery workshop

If you are looking for a thing to do in Hoi An that combines creativity with local culture, the lantern-making workshop at Anmira Hoi An is a meaningful experience to add to your itinerary. Guests can decorate their own lanterns using traditional bamboo frames, learn more about Hoi An’s local craftsmanship, and take the finished piece home as a personal souvenir.

Lantern-making workshop at Anmira Hoi An:

• Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Location: Anmira Hoi An Village of Arts & Culture
• Price: VND 150,000 per person, including materials and the finished lantern
• Registration: Directly at the Front Desk

For travelers interested in hands-on activities in Hoi An, this workshop offers a relaxed way to experience one of the town’s most recognizable cultural traditions.

Lantern making in Hoi An.

4. Explore Tra Que Vegetable Village

Beyond the Ancient Town, Tra Que Vegetable Village is a refreshing thing to do in Hoi An for groups of friends looking to enjoy greener surroundings and get a closer look at local life. Visitors can cycle through the village, explore rows of fresh herbs and vegetables, and learn how local farmers grow and care for their crops. The peaceful rural setting also offers plenty of natural photo opportunities.

For a more immersive experience, your group can join hands-on farming activities or take part in a cooking class using locally sourced ingredients. These are among the more engaging activities in Hoi An, allowing everyone to participate together, share the experience, and enjoy what they have made. Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to visit, when the weather is cooler and the sunlight is more comfortable.

Tra Que Vegetable Village in Hoi An.

5. Relax at An Bang Beach

After exploring the Ancient Town and Hoi An’s countryside, An Bang Beach is a relaxing thing to do in Hoi An for groups ready to slow down and enjoy some time by the sea. You can go for a swim, unwind on the sand, take photos, or simply catch up with friends at beachfront cafés and seaside venues. With plenty of open space, the beach is also a good choice for groups that want a few easygoing hours without packing too much into the schedule.

For a more active afternoon, your group can try beach sports or spend more time swimming. Those who prefer a slower pace can settle into a beach club or coastal café and enjoy the sea view. An Bang is also easy to combine with other things to do in Hoi An, such as the Ancient Town or Tra Que Vegetable Village, making it convenient to explore several highlights in one day. Afterward, you can continue the trip by discovering what to eat in Hoi An at nearby local restaurants and cafés.

An Bang Beach is a thing to do in Hoi An where groups of friends can enjoy a more relaxing break.

6. Experience basket boats at Bay Mau Coconut Forest

Bay Mau Coconut Forest is a lively thing to do in Hoi An for groups of friends looking for a more interactive experience beyond the Ancient Town. Riding a basket boat through the water coconut groves, taking in the riverside scenery, and enjoying the journey together offers a fun way to discover a different side of Hoi An.

In addition to the boat ride, some tours also feature basket boat performances, including rapid spins and skillful demonstrations on the water. These shows often bring an energetic atmosphere and create plenty of memorable moments to capture on video. Among the more entertaining activities in Hoi An, this experience is best enjoyed in comfortable clothing, with phones and cameras kept secure throughout the ride.

Bay Mau Coconut Forest is a thing to do in Hoi An for groups of friends.

7. Enjoy Hoi An specialties with your friends

After exploring the best things to do in Hoi An, tasting the city’s local cuisine is an essential part of the journey. If your group is wondering what to eat in Hoi An, start with signature dishes such as Cao Lau, Mi Quang, Hoi An chicken rice, banh mi, banh dap, and traditional sweet soups. Each dish brings a distinct flavor, making it easy for everyone to order several specialties and share them together.

Instead of choosing just one dish per person, your group can sample a wider range of local favorites and compare the different flavors. This makes the dining experience more enjoyable and adds another layer to your exploration of things to do in Hoi An. After a full day of outdoor activities, sitting down for a local meal is also a great chance to relax, recharge, and catch up with friends.

For a deeper look intoHoi An cuisine, your group can discover more regional specialties and recommended places to try them.

Mi Quang – a signature specialty of Hoi An.

8. Relax with a Hoi An massage after a day of exploring

After a full day exploring the best things to do in Hoi An, it is natural to feel tired from walking, cycling, or spending time outdoors. Setting aside one or two hours for a massage is a relaxing way for the group to recharge before heading into the evening.

At Anmira Hoi An Village of Arts & Culture, Mira Spa offers a range of treatments, including traditional Vietnamese massage, aromatherapy massage, hot stone massage, Thai massage, foot massage, and facial care. For groups of friends looking to balance sightseeing with relaxation, it is an ideal way to slow the pace after a day of discovering different things to do in Hoi An. Booking in advance is recommended for groups to make scheduling easier.

If you would like to explore morespas in Hoi An, you can also compare different locations and treatments to find the option that best suits your needs before making a reservation.

Mira Spa at Anmira Hoi An.

9. Watch the sunset and chill at An My rice field

After a day of exploring the best things to do in Hoi An, An My rice fields offer a peaceful setting for the group to slow down and enjoy the countryside. In the late afternoon, softer sunlight creates an ideal atmosphere for a leisurely walk, conversation, or group photos. There is no need for a packed schedule here—simply spending time together can be a relaxing way to round off the day.

For those looking for a quieter photo spot away from the busier landmarks of the Ancient Town, An My rice fields are well worth considering. Open green spaces, village lanes, and natural scenery provide an effortless backdrop for group photos. Anmira Hoi An is located in this area, making it easy to combine this thing to do in Hoi An with a relaxing resort stay.

If you prefer a slower and more restorative style of travel, you can also explore ideas for wellness travel in Hoi An, combining nature, relaxation, and mindful experiences throughout your trip.

Watching the sunset and unwinding at An My rice fields.

II. Anmira Hoi An - A suitable accommodation when traveling with friends?

When traveling with a group of friends, the right accommodation should offer more than just a comfortable room. It should also provide spaces where everyone can relax, spend time together, and enjoy shared experiences throughout the trip. Anmira Hoi An fits these needs well with its nature-inspired setting, spacious grounds, and a wide range of facilities available within the resort.

1. A green retreat beside An My rice fields

Anmira Hoi An is set beside the peaceful An My rice fields, surrounded by greenery and open garden spaces. This setting is especially suitable for groups looking for a quieter place to stay, with plenty of room to unwind, catch up, and take photos after exploring the best things to do in Hoi An.

Instead of staying amid the busier streets of the Ancient Town, your group can return to the resort and enjoy a slower pace. The green surroundings also make it easier to spend quality time together without constantly having to head out for the next activity.

Anmira Hoi An is located beside the peaceful An My rice fields.

2. Spacious rooms for groups of friends

When traveling with friends, room size and sleeping arrangements can make a big difference to the overall comfort of the trip. The rooms at Anmira Hoi An provide a private and relaxing place to recharge, while still fitting naturally into a group getaway where there is plenty of time to gather, talk, and enjoy the stay together.

After a full day exploring different things to do in Hoi An, everyone can return to the resort for a break before heading out again in the evening. Choosing a room category that suits the group size also makes it easier to balance comfort, privacy, and budget.

Guest rooms at Anmira Hoi An.

3. Convenient access to Hoi An’s top attractions

One of the advantages of staying at Anmira Hoi An is being able to enjoy a peaceful setting while still having convenient access to many attractions and experiences around the city. From the resort, your group can easily plan visits to the Ancient Town, An Bang Beach, Tra Que Vegetable Village, and other cultural highlights.

This means there is no need to choose between a resort stay in Hoi An and exploring the destination. Mornings can be spent outdoors, afternoons can be reserved for relaxing at the resort or enjoying its facilities, and evenings can be used to discover more of Hoi An at your own pace.

Anmira Hoi An offers convenient access to many attractions and leisure experiences around Hoi An.

4. Plenty to experience without leaving the resort

Another advantage for groups is that not everyone has to follow the exact same schedule. At Anmira Hoi An Village of Arts & Culture, guests can choose from a variety of experiences based on their interests while still having plenty of opportunities to reconnect and spend time together.

• Workshops: Join creative and cultural activities with friends and make your own keepsakes to take home.
• Cooking Class: Prepare local dishes together, discover more about Hoi An cuisine, and enjoy the results after the class.
• Mira Spa: Unwind with massage and body treatments after a day exploring things to do in Hoi An.
• Swimming Pool: A laid-back space for swimming, relaxing, or simply spending time together.
• Restaurant: Enjoy a meal together at LAM Kitchen, making it easy to wrap up the day without having to travel elsewhere.

Join friends for hands-on craft and cultural activities while creating meaningful keepsakes together.

III. FAQs about things to do in Hoi An

1. Where should a group of friends stay in Hoi An?

For convenient access to the best things to do in Hoi An, groups should consider staying somewhere close to the Ancient Town while still having easy connections to the beach, craft villages, and surrounding countryside. Anmira Hoi An is a suitable option for travelers who want to balance relaxation with local experiences. From the resort, your group can easily plan different activities in Hoi An, from exploring the Ancient Town and cycling through the countryside to visiting traditional villages or spending time at the beach, without having to change accommodation during the trip.

2. How much does a group trip to Hoi An cost?

For a 2-day, 1-night trip covering several things to do in Hoi An, a reasonable budget is around VND 1,200,000–2,500,000 per person:

• Accommodation: VND 500,000–1,200,000 per person/night
• Motorbike rental: VND 120,000–200,000 per bike/day
• Food and drinks: VND 300,000–600,000 per person/day
• Entrance fees and activities in Hoi An: VND 200,000–600,000 per person
• Coffee, shopping, and additional expenses: VND 200,000–400,000 per person

Traveling as a group can also help reduce costs by sharing rooms and transportation, leaving more room in the budget to explore things to do in Hoi An and discover what to eat in Hoi An.

3. When is the best time to visit Hoi An with friends?

The period from February to August is generally the sunnier season in Hoi An, making it a good time to explore things to do in Hoi An and enjoy outdoor activities in Hoi An such as cycling, paddleboarding, beach trips, and visits to local craft villages.

During the rainy season, your group can switch to indoor experiences such as trying local cuisine, visiting cafés, or joining a workshop at Anmira Hoi An. These options make it easier to adapt the itinerary to the weather while still enjoying meaningful cultural experiences.

4. What is the best way to get around Hoi An, and where can you rent a vehicle?

To explore things to do in Hoi An at your own pace, groups can consider several transportation options:

• Motorbike: Around VND 90,000–150,000 per day for a standard manual or automatic scooter.
• Suggested rental service: Anh Khoa Motorbike Rental offers delivery within Hoi An, with rates starting from approximately VND 110,000 per day.
• Private car: A convenient option for larger groups or those planning several activities in Hoi An in one day. Private cars with drivers are widely available in Hoi An.
• Electric shuttle: Suitable for short trips around the Ancient Town, with reference fares starting from around VND 50,000 per vehicle for journeys under 2 km.

For groups of two to four people, motorbikes are often the most flexible and budget-friendly option, especially when combining sightseeing, discovering what to eat in Hoi An, and exploring areas beyond the Ancient Town.

IV. Conclusion

Hoi An has much more to offer than its famous Ancient Town, with a wide variety of things to do in Hoi An for trips with close friends. From cultural discoveries and outdoor adventures to enjoying Hoi An cuisine, relaxing, and taking memorable photos together, every experience can add something special to the journey.

For groups looking to combine exploration with a more relaxing stay, Anmira Hoi An Village of Arts & Culture is worth considering for its green surroundings, diverse facilities, and convenient access to attractions and experiences across Hoi An.

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Contact Information:

Anmira Hoi An Village of Arts & Culture

Address: 276 Cua Dai Street, Da Nang City, Vietnam

Tel: +84 235 3923 999

Email: reservations@anmiraresort.com

Website: https://anmiraresort.com/

Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552815789581

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