Hidden Gems • 3 hours 5
(59)

Secret Hoi An: Courtyards, Shrines & Riverside Stillness

Explore Hoi An’s quieter corners with a host who plans around you: shrines, courtyards, and riverside calm at your pace and interest.

What makes this experience special

This walk is planned around you. Your host tailors the route to reflect your pace, energy, and interests, exploring cultural corners most travelers miss in busy Hoi An.

Key highlights

  • Follow quiet lanes lined with tailoring tables and stone basins
  • Pause at hidden courtyards where craft traditions still live
  • Notice every day shrines locals pass without fanfare
  • Walk at your pace, slow for a story or drift into the next space
  • Your host plans flexibly, adapting as your interests unfold
  • See how daily life and spiritual meaning quietly coexist
  • If time allows, end by the river where dusk softens the city

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

3 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested
Walking experience may use public transport for long distances

What’s included

Tailored itinerary based on your preferences
A knowledgeable host who knows the hidden gems
Flexible start times to fit your day

What’s not included

Food, drinks and shopping expenses
Transport fares or attraction entry fees

Meeting point

Đình Ông Voi, 27 Lê Lợi, Old Town, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

Here’s what your experience could look like

These are just suggestions from our hosts to inspire your day. Your host will tailor the experience to suit your interests and tastes

Meeting point

Đình Ông Voi, 27 Lê Lợi, Old Town, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam

Secret Hoi An: Courtyards, Shrines & Riverside Stillness

Quiet Start by Đình Ông Voi Temple

A local space just beyond the usual path

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Secret Hoi An: Courtyards, Shrines & Riverside Stillness

Tucked between homes and lantern stalls, this modest temple sits quietly at the edge of daily life. It’s not a sight to check off but a calm place to begin, away from the morning crowds and right in Hoi An’s lived-in rhythm.

Secret Hoi An: Courtyards, Shrines & Riverside Stillness

Courtyard Corners & Craft-Lined Lanes

Courtyards of craft behind garden walls

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Secret Hoi An: Courtyards, Shrines & Riverside Stillness

Begin in a shaded back lane, where narrow paths open onto quiet courtyards lined with banana trees and fabric remnants. Your host might share stories of local tailoring or herbal traditions as you pause to take in the slow rhythm or move on when you're ready.

Secret Hoi An: Courtyards, Shrines & Riverside Stillness

Shrines Behind Shutters

A quiet ritual space tucked behind daily life

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Secret Hoi An: Courtyards, Shrines & Riverside Stillness

Down quieter side streets, small shrines appear without warning, tucked into walls, framed by fences, or sitting quietly by doorways. Your host may offer a moment to pause here, or simply keep walking as daily life hums around you.

Secret Hoi An: Courtyards, Shrines & Riverside Stillness

Riverside Calligraphy

Ancient characters and quiet reflection by the water

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Secret Hoi An: Courtyards, Shrines & Riverside Stillness

Near the water’s edge, you might come across a space where hand-painted words and brushstrokes offer a moment of quiet. Some guests pause here to reflect on the meaning behind local characters; others simply take in the riverside stillness before the day winds down.

Secret Hoi An: Courtyards, Shrines & Riverside Stillness

Optional Close: Lantern-lit Footbridge

A soft farewell, guided by mood and light

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Secret Hoi An: Courtyards, Shrines & Riverside Stillness

If energy and timing align, your host might suggest a turn across a simple footbridge, lanterns swaying, the air filled with evening. You might keep going. Or stop right there.

1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories
Urban Harmony in Every Smile

Urban Harmony in Every Smile

Tram Tales & Laughter

Tram Tales & Laughter

Chopsticks & Chuckles

Chopsticks & Chuckles

Above the City, Beneath the Clouds

Above the City, Beneath the Clouds

Golden Hours, Golden Rings

Golden Hours, Golden Rings

An effortless journey with unforgettable faces.

An effortless journey with unforgettable faces.

A night to remember – soaking in the sparkle of the skyline with great company.

A night to remember – soaking in the sparkle of the skyline with great company.

High above the hustle, discovering breathtaking views with those who matter most.

High above the hustle, discovering breathtaking views with those who matter most.

From city peaks to memory highs – a skyline framed by connection.

From city peaks to memory highs – a skyline framed by connection.

Where local charm meets skyline silhouettes.

Where local charm meets skyline silhouettes.

Standing in awe beneath timeless grandeur

Standing in awe beneath timeless grandeur

Sharing laughs in the heart of a vibrant Thai market street

Sharing laughs in the heart of a vibrant Thai market street

Unwinding by the water on a peaceful Thai boat ride

Unwinding by the water on a peaceful Thai boat ride

Hugging it out on a colourful Thai street adventure

Hugging it out on a colourful Thai street adventure

Tuk-Tuk Adventures and Smiles in Thailand

Tuk-Tuk Adventures and Smiles in Thailand

Street eats and good company at a local Thai food stop

Street eats and good company at a local Thai food stop

Evening lights and easy smiles on a Thai night out

Evening lights and easy smiles on a Thai night out

River breeze and good vibes on a Thai ferry ride

River breeze and good vibes on a Thai ferry ride

17,500+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting

Trusted and recommended by travelers worldwide, including 99% on Google and TripAdvisor.

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recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor
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What travelers think of our Hidden Gems experiences in Asia

Osam Aug 2025

I enjoyed the interactions with thr tour guide. Very knowledgeable and attentive.

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Lauren Aug 2025

We loved this tour and Criselda made it extra special! We walked and explored the castle, Kenroku-en Garden, and samurai district. Criselda shared a lot of information and taught us a great deal. We love Japan and Kanazawa and are really glad we chose this tour. What a unique city.

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Panagiotis Jul 2025

Mia's comfort to the region

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Tara Jul 2025

Cici was so knowledgeable about Gion. She catered our walking tour to meet our needs - and was very accommodating when we wanted to shop for gifts or sightsee outside the area. She was easy going and fun to tour with. Highly recommend! Ps. She didn’t ask us for a recommendation - which is why I felt compelled to leave one.

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Mary Jul 2025

Seiichi was exceptionally accomodating and friendly, gave us plenty of space to express our own wishes and interests for the tour and gave us a great insight into the local culture. The overall tour was a great experience. I wish every tour-going traveler a guide as good as Seiichi!

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Marieke Jul 2025

It was a great experience and because of the early start (8am) we had a quiet and pleasant experience ahead of the incoming (other) tourists. Great way to learn about the history of Kanazawa, its crafts and typical food specialties. Our guide was very knowledgeable and had great suggestions to do by ourselves the rest of the day.

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FAQs

Your questions, answered

Is this a traditional tour?

No. Our experiences are unscripted and designed around you. Instead of following a rigid itinerary, your host will plan a personalized journey that feels natural, immersive, and unique.

What if I don’t know what I want to explore?

That’s completely fine! Select an experience theme or a flexible discovery experience, and after booking, answer a few questions so your host can design the perfect experience for you.

How does personalization work?

After booking, you’ll complete a short questionnaire about your interests and travel style. We’ll match you with the best host who will tailor the experience to you. You'll have the opportunity to chat with them before the experience and agree on a plan.

Can I request specific places to visit?

Yes! After booking, you will receive a questionnaire where you can highlight must-visit spots and anything else you’d like to include, and your host will craft your experience around them.

Can my host meet me at my accommodation?

Hotel meet-ups are available upon request in central areas. If you're staying outside the city, your host will recommend the best meeting spot and guide you with directions.

How much walking is involved?

This depends on the experience, but your host can adjust the pace to suit your comfort level.

Will I see famous landmarks or just hidden gems?

Both! Your host will take you to iconic sights if you want to see them, but they’ll also introduce you to places and stories most travelers miss.

Can I change the meeting place?

Yes, you will be in touch with your host before your experience, and you can agree on a different meeting point with them. Your host can meet you anywhere central that’s convenient.

Will I know my itinerary in advance?

Yes, you will have the opportunity to chat with your host directly and agree on a plan for the day. However, there’s always room for spontaneity and local surprises!