Six Unique Activities to do in Hoi An
Craft By You
Xu Dang Trong Has has rounded up some of the sexiest and most fun hobby and craft classes in the old town. From embroidery to Henna Art, we’re sure they’ve got something to suit everyone’s tastes so you’re sure to find something you love!
Scratch the surface and you’ll find the Hoi An artistic scene is immense. Painters, potters, jewellers, designers -- they are all here. Xu Dang Trong has rounded up the best artisans the town has to on hand to bring us Craft By You, a cultural exchange of creativity, offering classes in multiple mediums so you can test the artistic waters under expert hands.
When: Varied, but book in advance
Where: Xu Dang Trong, 8 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Hoi An
Info & Enroll: Call +84 510 3910 216 or message them here
Images: Xu Dang Trong, Hoi An
Barista Training
The Coffee Connoisseurs Dream….
Hoi An is saturated in cooking classes (and for good reason, who wouldn’t want to be able to recreate some of the amazing food you’ve indulged in during your stay), but how about a class that has the power of making every morning from this day forward, perk-fect? The Espresso Station offers an awesome coffee workshop to show all you caffeine addicts how to tell your espressos from your lattes, and your syphon coffee from your cold-dripped ice ones! You’ll also get to play barista and have a go with the Espresso Station’s coffee machines to brew up the perfect cuppa, find out the best way to steam your milk and even try your hand at some latte art.
When: Anytime, but book in advance
Where: The Espresso Station, 28/2, Tran Hung Dao, Hoi An
Enroll: Call King +84905691164 or email here
Image: The Espresso Station, Hoi An
Photography
If you haven't mastered your camera settings yet your priority should be procuring a place on one of Hoi An Photo Tour & Workshop's excellent tours. The tours are run by photographer Etienne Bossot who's talents include a natural affinity and understanding of local customs, language and culture, an uncanny talent at unravelling (and breaking down) the mysteries of manual settings, along with tips on composition, light, how to see photographically; all the ingredients that set you up with the confidence, swagger and gift of the gab to capture picture perfect memories of your adventure. Book the Sunrise with fishermen tour and you'll also be privy to some of the best backdrops and subjects in the city.
When: Daily, but book in advance
Where: 42 Phan Boi Chau, Hoi An
Website: http://www.hoianphototour.com
Enroll: Call Etienne +84 90 567 18 98 or email here
Urban Tales Hoi An
Come solve the mysterious riddle of the malediction of Jiangshi!
Showcasing local characters and knowledgable insiders, bespoke Hoi An tour company Urban Tales sidesteps the stale ‘follow the umbrella’ formula and instead offers visitors (and residents) a unique glimpse of the city’s secrets with a list of challenges to release a local family from an ancient curse.
Prepare for boating, biking (some potential bickering - there's map reading involved) and the most fun you'll have discovering off-track places and getting to know the Hoi An of old.
When: Daily, but book in advance
Where: 57 Ngo Quyen, Hoi An
Website: http://www.urban-tales.com/hoi-an
Enroll: Call +84 122 952 7365 or email here
Image: Urban Tales Hoi An
Vietnam Vespa Adventures
If you don't want the party to end, head out on Vietnam Vespa Adventures Streets and Eats night tour. It's a food lover’s paradise with an aperitif of Bia La Rue; a fun fuelled adventure for the culinary curious - taking you on a journey filled with softly glowing lanterns, secret hot pot hot spots with your very own chauffeur and a knowledgeable guide to introduce you to Hoi An's lesser known (but incredibly talented) pavement and patio chefs.
When: Daily, but book in advance
Where: Cafe Zoom, 134, Tran Cao Van, Hoi An
Website: http://vespaadventures.com/hoi-an-tours
Enroll: Call +84 1222 993 585 or email here
Image: Vietnam Vespa Adventures, Hoi An
Grasshopper Adventures
Sick of cycling in circles around parks or along polluted roads? Grasshopper Adventures, will take you on a biking adventure like none other. Our personal fave is the half day Hoi An countryside bike tour that takes you on an unforgettable journey along alleyways, waterways and small village paths, giving you a taste of Hoi An’’s heritage while you have tons of family fun. The tour also includes plentiful snack and coffee stops to build up energy for the second leg! Unlike most locally hosted cycle tours, the bikes are nice, new and safe 27 speed mountain bikes with disc brakes and a few baby seats are also in store if the littlies want to join.
When: 07:45 daily (but book in advance)
Where: 621 Hai Ba Trung, Hoi An
Enroll: Call +84 93 203 42 86 or email here
Image: Grasshopper Adventures, Hoi An