Romantic Things To Do In Hoi An: Top Activities For Couples

Hội An has a way of slowing things down, making it easy for couples to enjoy simple moments. With so many romantic things to do in Hội An, every corner offers something for couples to experience. Lanterns glow over the river, narrow streets lead to hidden cafés, and the scent of fresh herbs drifts from open-air kitchens. The town’s peaceful atmosphere makes it easy to unwind, away from the rush of everyday life. Strolling through the Ancient Town or cycling past rice paddies, every experience feels unhurried.

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14 Romantic Things To Do In Hội An

Here are romantic things to do in Hội An that couples will enjoy, from lantern-lit boat rides to scenic cycling:

1. Lantern Boat Ride On The Thu Bồn River

An image of Thu Bồn River, one of the places for romantic things to do in Hội An

Photo: Dennis G. Jarvis / Wikimedia Commons

As the sun sets, the Thu Bồn River fills with small wooden boats carrying visitors through the calm waters. Many boats are rowed by locals who guide them past the glowing lanterns that line the riverbanks. Vendors sell paper lanterns with small candles inside, and couples often release them onto the water, watching as they float away. The gentle rocking of the boat, the soft light reflecting on the water, and the quiet sounds of paddles moving through the river create a relaxed atmosphere, making it an easy way to enjoy the evening together.

Location: Bạch Đằng Street or Nguyễn Phúc Chu Street, Hội An
Timings: 6 PM – 9 PM
Price: For 1 – 3 people: $6 / ₹500; For 4 – 5 people: $8 / ₹670

Suggested Read: Rivers In Vietnam

2. Walk Through Hội An Ancient Town At Night

An image of Hội An at night, showing lantern-lit streets and warmly glowing shopfronts.

Photo: katiebordner / Wikimedia Commons

Ancient Town becomes lively with streetlights, lanterns, and busy Hoi An night markets. The streets are lined with old buildings, many with wooden balconies and yellow walls that glow under the lights. Shops sell silk scarves, handmade jewellery, and traditional Vietnamese clothing. Street vendors prepare fresh snacks, filling the air with the smell of grilled meats and herbs. Musicians perform in small courtyards, and coffee shops stay open late. Walking through the town, couples can explore small alleys, visit old houses, or stop for a drink by the river, making it an easygoing and interesting evening.

Location: From the Japanese Covered Bridge to the Central Market
Timings: 6 PM – 10 PM
Price:Heritage Site – $5 / ₹415

3. Visit The Japanese Covered Bridge

An image of the Japanese Covered Bridge in Hội An, featuring its iconic wooden structure

Photo: David McKelvey / Wikimedia Commons

The Japanese Covered Bridge, built centuries ago, connects two sides of Hội An’s Old Town. Its wooden roof, carved decorations, and small temple in the centre make it one of the town’s most recognisable spots. The bridge is usually quiet in the evening, offering a short break from the busier streets nearby. Couples walking through can see the mix of Japanese and Vietnamese design in the details, from the tiled roof to the wooden beams. Nearby, small cafés and market stalls provide places to sit and enjoy the view of the river and passing boats.

Location: Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai Street, Hội An Ancient Town
Timings: 7 AM – 9 PM
Price:Included in the Hội An Old Town ticket: $5 / ₹415

Suggested Read: Top Things To Do In Da Nang

4. Tailor-Make Outfits For Each Other

A woman in a pink dress on a boat in Hoi An, one of the romantic things to do in Hoi An.

Photo: Sang Tran / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Hội An is known for its tailor shops, where visitors can get custom-made clothing within a day or two. Inside the shops, fabrics in different colours and textures cover the walls, and tailors take quick measurements before sketching designs. Many couples choose outfits for each other, selecting styles and materials that match their preferences. Fittings happen throughout the day, with small adjustments made to ensure a good fit. By the end of the process, they leave with personalised clothing, making it a fun and interactive experience that also serves as a keepsake from the trip.

Location: Various tailor shops in Hội An
Timings: 9 AM – 9 PM
Price:Starts at $30 / ₹2,500 per outfit

5. Enjoy A Riverside Dinner

A dessert with ice cream and chocolate cake served with a cold drink on the table.

Photo: Artem Beliaikin / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Hội An’s riverfront restaurants offer a relaxed setting with views of the water and passing boats. Many have outdoor seating, where lanterns hang above wooden tables, casting a soft glow over the dishes. The menu often includes local specialities like cao lầu, white rose dumplings, and grilled seafood. The sounds of the river mix with quiet conversations and occasional music from street performers nearby. With the cool evening breeze and the steady movement of boats in the background, couples can enjoy a quiet meal while watching the town’s lights reflect on the water.

Location: Restaurants along Nguyễn Phúc Chu Street and Bạch Đằng Street
Timings: 5 PM – 10 PM
Price:$10 – 30 / ₹830 – 2,500 per person

Suggested Read: Food In Vietnam

6. Cycle Along Rice Paddies To Cẩm Thanh Village

An image of a rice field, one of the places for romantic things to do in Hội An.

Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Just outside Hội An, paved and dirt paths lead through wide fields of bright green rice paddies. Bicycles are a common way to explore, with small bridges and narrow roads winding through the farmland. Along the way, small roadside stalls sell fresh coconut water and sugarcane juice, offering a break from the ride. As the path continues, it leads to Cẩm Thanh Village, where wooden houses stand among nipa palm trees, giving a glimpse of traditional rural life near the town.

Location: Hội An tô Cẩm Thanh Village
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Price:Bicycle rental: $2 – 5 / ₹165 – 415 per day

7. Stay In A Traditional Hội An Villa

An image of a boutique villa in Hội An at night, featuring warm exterior lighting.

Photo: An Villa Hoi An / Wikimedia Commons

Boutique villas are among the romantic places in Hoi An, combining old architecture with modern comfort, creating a peaceful place to stay. Many have yellow walls, wooden shutters, and tiled courtyards surrounded by tropical plants. Inside, rooms are decorated with dark wood furniture, lantern-style lighting, and local textiles. Some villas have small pools, while others offer garden spaces where guests can have breakfast outdoors. Many provide bicycles for guests, making it easy to explore nearby streets.

Location: Various boutique villas near Hội An Ancient Town
Timings: Check-in: 2 PM; Check-out: 12 PM
Price:$40 – 150 / ₹3,300 – 12,500 per night

8. Take A Basket Boat Ride In The Bay Mau Coconut Forest

Close-up view of a tall coconut tree with green coconuts and palm leaves against blue sky.

Photo: Pexels / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

A short ride from Hội An, the Bay Mau Coconut Forest is a network of waterways surrounded by thick clusters of nipa palms. Instead of regular boats, locals use round bamboo basket boats, which float lightly on the water. Guides steer the boats through narrow channels, pointing out local wildlife along the way. Some demonstrate traditional methods, throwing large nets into the water. Others offer quick spins in the boats for those who want a more playful experience. The ride is also a simple way to see a different side of Hội An’s landscape.

Location: Cẩm Thanh Village, 5 km from Hội An
Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM
Price:$5 – 10 / ₹415 – 830 per person

9. Explore The Chàm Islands

An image of the Chàm Islands showing clear blue waters and green hills in Vietnam.

Photo: Wwhyte / Wikimedia Commons

A speedboat from Hội An takes visitors to the Chàm Islands, a group of small, forested islands known for their clear waters and coral reefs. The beaches have white sand and are lined with fishing boats, while the inland paths lead to quiet villages and small temples. Snorkelling spots around the islands reveal colourful fish and coral formations. Beachfront restaurants serve fresh seafood, grilled on open fires, with simple tables overlooking the water.

Location: 18 km off the coast of Hội An, accessible by speedboat
Timings: 8 AM – 3 PM
Price:$30 – 50 / ₹2,500 – 4,200 per person, including boat transfer

Suggested Read: Tuan Chau Island

10. Take A Sunset Cooking Class Together

An image of a couple cooking Vietnamese dishes together during a sunset class.

Photo: Gustavo Fring / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Taking a Vietnamese cooking class that starts with a trip to a market and ends with a dinner by candlelight is among the best things to do in Hoi An. You will get to know each other better while making traditional foods like bánh xèo and fresh spring rolls as the sun goes down over the river. It’s a hands-on, immersive experience that combines romance, culture, and food. It’s great for couples who want to spend a romantic evening together while learning something new in one of Vietnam’s most charming and atmospheric towns.

Location: Hoi An Night Market
Timings: 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Price: ₹2,000 – 5,000

11. Release Lanterns On The River With A Wish

An image of the lanterns floating on a river at night as a couple makes a wish together.

Photo: maxed. RAW / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Putting paper lanterns into the Thu Bồn River is a magical ritual in Hoi An that you can take part in. When you make a wish together while watching your lanterns float quietly on the water, it’s a very romantic and emotional moment. It catches the spirit of Hoi An at night with soft lights, calm waters, and the quiet hope that two people in love share. It is especially beautiful during the Lantern Festival, being one of the Hoi An wonders.

Location: Thu Bon River, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam
Timings: 7 PM – 9 PM
Price: Varies

12. Enjoy A Private Beach Picnic At An Bang Or Hidden Beach

Have a romantic beach picnic setup with food and pillows on the sand by the sea.

Photo: dronepicr / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Get away from Hoi An’s busy streets for a quiet, romantic beach lunch. You can enjoy a bowl of fresh fruit, snacks, and cold drinks while watching the waves from the soft sands of An Bang or the more private Hidden Beach. As the sun goes down over the South China Sea, the peaceful atmosphere makes it a great place to have a deep talk or a moment of quiet reflection with your partner.

Location: Near Hanoi Ancient Town
Timings: 4 PM onwards
Price: Varies

13. Take A Vietnamese Coffee Workshop For Two

Learn to brew Vietnamese coffee at a local workshop - one of the things to do in Hoi An.

Photo: Andrian Nugroho / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Learn about Vietnam’s lively coffee culture in a lesson designed just for couples. In a cosy café, you can learn how to make phin-filter coffee, try out unique tastes like egg coffee, and do tastings by hand. You’ll enjoy rich, strong flavours and learn to appreciate each other’s tastes more as you make your own perfect cup. That you both like something warm and are interested in it is an easy but personal way to connect.

Location: 78a Tran Nhat Duat Street, 3rd Floor, Kim Tours Vietnam’s Building, Hanoi 10000, Vietnam
Timings: 7 PM onwards
Price: ₹1,030 – 1,300

14. Book A Couples Spa & Massage Experience

Book a couple spa & massage experience - one of the best things to do in Hoi An.

Photo: Kaboompics.com / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

In one of Hoi An’s many peaceful health centres, you and your partner can relax and feel better with a massage or spa package. Tea steam baths with herbs, hot stone massages, or traditional Vietnamese massages are all great ways to relax your body and mind. With soft music, calming scents, and candlelight, the experience leads to deep relaxation and mental closeness. It’s a great way to relax after sightseeing and improve your physical health.

Location: Art Spa or White Rose Spa
Timings: 9 AM – 9 PM
Price: Varies

Hội An’s mix of history, nature, and culture creates the perfect setting for a memorable getaway. From lantern-lit boat rides to quiet tea ceremonies, every experience brings a chance to slow down and enjoy time together. With so many romantic things to do in Hội An, there’s always something special to discover. Plan your trip with TripXL and explore the best of this beautiful town.

Cover Photo: Supanut Arunoprayote / Wikimedia Commons

Romantic Things To Do In Hoi An For An Unforgettable Getaway

14 Romantic Things To Do In Hội An

1. Lantern Boat Ride On The Thu Bồn River