15 Of The Best Dinner Experiences In Hoi An

Hoi An truly shines when the sun sets, casting a warm glow over its lantern-lit streets and tranquil rivers. While wandering the ancient town is a delight during the day, the city’s dinner options really come alive in the evening. Whether you’re after a lively street food adventure, a romantic sunset cruise, or an intimate chef-led tasting, Hoi An offers a variety of memorable experiences. We particularly love the Hoi An Food Tour by Motorbike which combines local flavors, scenic rides, and insightful guides. It’s a fantastic way to see the city from a different perspective while sampling authentic Vietnamese dishes.

For a more relaxed, scenic, and romantic option, the Romantic Sunset Dinner Cruise lets you unwind on the water with seafood, cocktails, and stunning views. If you’re interested in culinary classes, the Cooking Class Lunch/Dinner with a Local Chef offers hands-on fun and delicious results. With so many choices, you’ll find a dinner experience in Hoi An that perfectly matches your taste and travel style.

1. Hoi An Food Tour by Motorbike with Tastings and Dinner

This highly-rated motorbike food tour is perfect for those who like a dash of adventure with their culinary exploration. For about $55, you’ll spend around 4.5 hours riding on the back of a motorbike, guided through less-visited streets and local markets, and tasting a variety of foods like Vietnamese sandwiches, pancakes, and an egg dish you might not discover on your own. The tour also includes visits to a pagoda, rice paddies, and opportunities to meet locals.

What makes this tour stand out is the personal touch of riding with a knowledgeable guide, who makes sure you experience authentic flavors away from tourist traps. Reviews highlight the friendly guides, with one saying, “Beautiful sights and excellent tour.” The final stop at a local restaurant for dinner and beer wraps up the night nicely. Bottom line: this tour offers great value, combining cultural sights, food, and the fun of riding through Hoi An’s streets.

2. Vy’s Kitchen Private BBQ DINNER Experience

For about $65, Vy’s Kitchen offers a private BBQ dinner with roundtrip transfers—an excellent choice if you want to escape the busy streets and enjoy a countryside setting. The tour begins with a scenic drive through the Vietnamese countryside, away from the hustle of the town. Arriving at Vy’s Bistro, you’ll be served local dishes made from fresh ingredients, all while surrounded by peaceful rural views.

This experience is family-friendly and designed for those who enjoy a relaxed atmosphere paired with flavorful food. The combination of scenic drive, fresh ingredients, and the chance to try local flavors makes it a good value for a three-hour experience. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a quieter, more intimate dinner with the added benefit of countryside scenery. Bottom line: if you love good food in a peaceful setting and want to see a different side of Hoi An, this tour fits the bill.

3. Romantic Sunset Dinner Cruise in Hoi An

Priced at $39 per person, this sunset dinner cruise lasts about 2 hours and is ideal for couples or anyone looking for a romantic, scenic end to the day. The cruise takes you along the Thu Bon River as the sun sets, providing a peaceful backdrop for enjoying freshly prepared seafood and cocktails. Many reviews mention the exclusivity of the experience, with some couples saying, “So romantic, we were the only ones on the boat.”

The cruise offers a relaxed atmosphere and a chance to see parts of Hoi An from the water that are often missed when walking around. The gentle river breeze, combined with good food and a beautiful sunset, makes this a memorable choice. Bottom line: perfect for those wanting a romantic, elegant evening that combines scenery, seafood, and relaxation.

4. Cooking Class Lunch/ Dinner with Local Chef in Coconut Village

At around $23 per person, this cooking class is a fun way to dive into Vietnamese cuisine. Held in Coconut Village, you’ll learn how to cook staples like banh xeo (savory pancakes), spring rolls, and papaya salad, then enjoy your creations for lunch or dinner. It’s a hands-on experience that appeals to foodies wanting to connect with local flavors.

What makes this tour stand out is the chance to not only eat but also learn the techniques behind regional dishes, making it a practical and memorable activity. The chef is praised for clear instructions, and the garden setting adds to the charm. This tour suits travelers who like culture and want to bring home new cooking skills. Bottom line: a delicious, educational experience for a modest price that’s perfect for foodies and families alike.

5. Gourmet Vietnamese Secret Dining in Hoi An

For a luxurious and exclusive experience, the Gourmet Vietnamese Secret Dining for $109 offers a chef-led multi-course meal in a stunning secret location. This experience is about more than just food—it’s about atmosphere, storytelling, and pairing each dish with international wines. It’s hosted in beautiful spaces you wouldn’t normally find on your own, adding an element of discovery.

Guests rave about the carefully curated menu, which features exquisite local ingredients and flavors, paired with premium wines. The experience lasts around 4 hours, making it suitable for those who want a special night out. It’s ideal for couples celebrating something special or food connoisseurs seeking an intimate, high-end dinner. Bottom line: this experience elevates Vietnamese cuisine into a fine dining adventure in a private setting.

6. Sunset Eco and BBQ Dinner in Cruise Boat

At $35 for about 3 hours, this eco-friendly dinner cruise is a great way to combine nature and food. It features a boat ride around Cua Dai Bay, interaction with local fishermen, and wildlife spotting in mangroves. The highlight is the sunset barbecue with local seafood and sticky rice wine, accompanied by music and storytelling.

The boat stops mid-river for fishing and to watch the sunset, creating a peaceful, laid-back atmosphere. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a nature-focused experience that combines a scenic cruise with good food. Reviewers mention it as “an authentic experience with beautiful views.” Bottom line: a relaxed, nature-oriented dinner option that offers a different perspective on Hoi An’s surroundings.

7. Vegan/Vegetarian Bay Mau Cooking Class for Lunch Dinner

For $29, this vegan/vegetarian cooking class in Cam Thanh Coconut Village is ideal for plant-based eaters. You’ll cook six traditional dishes in an outdoor garden setting, learning how to prepare authentic local recipes without animal products. It’s a hands-on tour that appeals to eco-conscious travelers or those with dietary restrictions.

The chef is praised for clear instructions, and the experience provides insight into local ingredients and traditions. It lasts about 3 hours and ends with your tasting of the dishes you’ve made. This tour is good for families, solo travelers, or anyone seeking a healthy, sustainable culinary experience. Bottom line: a unique, wholesome way to enjoy Hoi An’s flavors in a beautiful setting.

8. Hoi An Memories Skip-the-Line Ticket with Dinner and Pickup

For $80, this skip-the-line experience combines a cultural performance with dinner, plus convenient hotel transfers. The show, held in a modern setting, lasts about 3 hours, mixing traditional music, dance, and historical storytelling. The included dinner offers a mix of Vietnamese and Western dishes, making it a good all-in-one option.

Guests appreciate the ease of booking, with many noting the professional service and quality of the performance. It’s ideal for travelers who want a cultural night out with minimal hassle. The only downside might be the dinner’s rushed timing, but the entertainment compensates. Bottom line: a practical and engaging way to combine sightseeing and dining in one seamless package.

9. Hoi An Sunset Dining Cruise

At $80, this sunset cruise is a longer, 3-hour journey perfect for a peaceful evening. It features cocktails, seafood, and live music as you drift along the Thu Bon River. The cruise provides a relaxing setting to enjoy Hoi An’s scenery, especially during the golden hour, with reviews mentioning “delightful, authentic food” and “beautiful decorated dishes.”

Ideal for couples or those wanting an elegant dinner with a view, the cruise offers both scenery and good food. It’s a gentle way to unwind after a day of exploring. The only consideration is that it’s a bit pricier, but the atmosphere and scenery make it worthwhile. Bottom line: for a romantic, scenic dinner, this cruise is hard to beat.

10. Da Nang by Night from Hoi An: Seafood dinner, night market and cruise trip

This 5-hour tour priced at $47 offers a lively night out combining a seafood dinner, visiting Da Nang’s night market, and crossing the Han River on a boat. It’s a great way to see Da Nang’s nightlife, with stops at iconic bridges like the Dragon and Han bridges, and a chance to bargain at the market. Many reviewers say, “Loved the fun guides and local food,” emphasizing the authentic experience.

It’s perfect for travelers wanting a full evening of local culture, food, and city sights. The mix of land, water, and food makes it a well-rounded option. The main drawback could be the longer duration, so it suits those with time and energy for a lively night. Bottom line: a dynamic way to explore Da Nang’s evening scene with good food involved.

11. South Hoi An River Safari With Candle-lit Beach Dinner

Priced at $106 for 5.5 to 6.5 hours, this river safari offers a mix of wildlife, culture, and a scenic beachfront dinner. It includes a boat trip from Cua Dai Bridge, wildlife viewing at Vietnam’s first river-accessible sanctuary, and a romantic candle-lit dinner on the beach at sunset.

While the reviews are mixed, many appreciate the unique combination of nature, culture, and a beautiful setting. It’s suited for travelers interested in wildlife and authentic experiences. The lengthy duration makes it more suitable for a full-day outing. Bottom line: if you want to combine nature with fine dining and have time to spare, this safari is a compelling choice.

12. Hoi An: Dinner Experience at Home Hoi An Restaurant

For about $28, this cozy dinner at Home Hoi An offers a set menu featuring white rose dumplings, fried wontons, and Cao Lau. Located in a French colonial mansion, it provides an authentic, elegant setting to enjoy local flavors in a relaxed atmosphere. While the reviews are not specified, the focus on traditional dishes makes it suitable for those wanting a taste of classic Hoi An cuisine.

This option is straightforward and affordable, ideal if you prefer a sit-down meal without a touristic focus. It’s best for travelers who want quality local food in an atmospheric setting. Bottom line: a reliable choice for a traditional Vietnamese dinner in a comfortable environment.

13. Hoi An: Local Dinner with BBQ in Professional Chef

At $50 per person, this local dinner with BBQ is about 4.5 to 6 hours long, led by a professional chef. It’s a hands-on culinary experience in a peaceful home setting, where you’ll learn about local ingredients and enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner. The tour is praised for its relaxed vibe and authentic flavors.

Ideal for food lovers wanting a more intimate, educational experience, this tour is best suited for those with extra time. It also offers insight into local food traditions. The main potential drawback is the longer duration, but the quality of the food and the personal attention make it worthwhile. Bottom line: an enriching, flavorful experience for those eager to learn and taste in a quiet setting.

14. Hoi An: Private Bicycle & Boat Tour with Local Dinner

For $138, this private bicycle and boat tour combines physical activity with scenic relaxation. Starting with a cycling ride through rice paddies and villages, then switching to a boat on the Thu Bon River, it offers a peaceful way to explore Hoi An’s surroundings. The tour ends with dinner at a local restaurant, providing a complete evening experience.

Guests appreciate the intimate setting and the chance to see real countryside life. The combination of outdoor activity, river views, and local cuisine makes it suitable for active travelers or those seeking a more personalized experience. The longer duration suits those with flexible schedules. Bottom line: a well-rounded, private adventure blending sightseeing, activity, and authentic dining.

15. Hoi An: Gourmet Secret Dining in Old Town with Local Chef

Finally, for around $129, this secret gourmet dinner offers an exclusive, chef-led multi-course experience. Held in a hidden riverside spot, it features seasonal ingredients, innovative flavors, and a chance to learn about Vietnamese cuisine from top local chefs. The experience lasts about 3 hours and is perfect for small groups or romantic dinners.

Reviewers highlight the intimacy and quality of the dishes, making it an ideal choice for food connoisseurs. The secret location adds an element of surprise and exclusivity. It’s best suited for travelers wanting a special, upscale meal in a cozy setting. Bottom line: a sophisticated and memorable way to indulge in Hoi An’s culinary delights.

How to Choose Your Perfect Dinner Experience in Hoi An

When selecting among these options, consider your budget, preferred setting, and how much time you want to invest. If you love adventure and local flavors, the Hoi An Food Tour by Motorbike offers a lively, authentic experience. For those seeking romance or a peaceful evening, the Sunset Dinner Cruise or Sunset Eco and BBQ Dinner provide scenic options.

Culinary learners or families might enjoy the Cooking Class in Coconut Village, while food aficionados may appreciate the Gourmet Secret Dining for its high-end, chef-led menu. Budget-conscious travelers can opt for the Home Hoi An Dinner, which offers a traditional meal in a charming setting.

Booking early is advisable, especially for popular experiences like the sunset cruises or secret dining nights, to secure your spot and enjoy a smooth, memorable evening.

Final Thoughts

From lively street food motorbike tours to elegant river cruises, Hoi An offers a wide array of dinner experiences that cater to different interests and budgets. For an authentic taste of Vietnamese cuisine combined with local culture, the Hoi An Food Tour by Motorbike is hard to beat. If romance or scenery is your priority, the Romantic Sunset Dinner Cruise or Sunset Dinner Cruise will leave you with unforgettable memories.

For those who wish to learn, indulge in luxury, or explore beyond the town, options like the Gourmet Secret Dining or Cooking Class in Coconut Village provide deep, flavorful experiences. No matter what you choose, booking in advance will ensure a smooth and satisfying night of dining in this charming Vietnamese town.