Despite having limited time, it’s important to get out of the town and experience the rural areas surrounding Hoi An. Heaven and Earth Bicycle Tours are a great way to do just that, taking you off the usual tourist track and to local homes and businesses in the countryside. Learn about trades such as rice making and mat weaving and feast on tasty home-cooked food at a local family’s home.

The original bridge was built in the 1590s by the Japanese to provide a link to the Chinese quarters across the waterway. Construction apparently began in the Year of the Monkey and was completed in the Year of the Dog, hence the monkey and dog sculptures at either end.

As a bonus though the museum is housed in an early 20th century house which you can explore. While not the most visually stunning it's nice to see a portion of normal life from this time period.

Very impressive architecture and art work. There are nice guides online which are fairly easy to find which can guide you through different murals and sculptures as you wander around.

Here you can marvel at all the arts and crafts, silks and jewellery, plus learn how to make your own lantern to take home as a souvenir. There’s also a cultural performance twice daily, which aims to portray a sense of traditional Vietnamese life through song and dance.

If you have the chance to visit this wonderful little gallery while in Hoi An, you’re in for a real treat. The powerful photography on display here provides a fascinating and unique glimpse into Vietnam and the people who live there. The photographer, Rehahn, can often be found at the gallery, ready and willing to talk about his work.

Great beach, clean and peaceful, with showers and some cafés. It is a city beach but still with crystal clear water. You can even surf here in the days of good swell!