20 Best Things to Do in and Around Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An, nestled along the Thu Bon River in central Vietnam, is one of the country’s most beloved destinations, and for good reason.
Wander through lantern-lit streets in the Ancient Town, where time seems to pause. French-colonial yellow walls, Chinese temples, wooden shophouses, and Japanese bridges come together in a rich, atmospheric blend of cultures. Add the scent of street food and the sight of handmade lanterns glowing at every corner, and you have a city that feels straight out of a dream.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hoi An has preserved its history beautifully while still offering the buzz of modern-day Vietnam. Whether you’re weaving through motorbikes in the old town or cycling out to rice paddies and beaches just minutes away, the contrast between calm and chaos is what makes this place unforgettable.

Things to Do in and Around Hoi An, Vietnam

Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, beach lover, or someone simply seeking a peaceful escape, Hoi An has something for you. This guide highlights the best things to do in and around Hoi An, so you don’t miss a thing in this magical little town that tends to steal travelers’ hearts.

Tip: To visit Hoi An’s ancient houses, temples, and cultural sites inside the Old Town, you’ll need to buy an entrance ticket. It costs around 120,000 VND (~5 USD) and grants access to 5 heritage sites, available at official ticket counters around the Old Town.

Wander Through Hoi An Ancient Town

The Ancient Town of Hoi An is best explored on foot. With motorbikes and cars restricted for most of the day, the quiet, compact streets invite you to slow down and wander. Every corner reveals something new, weathered yellow walls, wooden shopfronts with French-style shutters, hanging red lanterns, and the aroma of street food drifting from nearby stalls.

Walking here isn’t just about sightseeing, it’s about experiencing the rhythm of the town. One moment you’re snapping a photo in a postcard-perfect alley; the next, you’re chatting with a shopkeeper or watching an old tailor measure fabric at a street-side atelier. The people-watching is exceptional, and you never quite know what unexpected charm you’ll come across, an artist painting by the river, a hidden courtyard café, or a small family temple tucked behind souvenir shops.

For a more meaningful visit, consider joining a walking and food tour early in your trip. Some tours go beyond the tourist façade and take you into the stories behind the town’s preserved architecture and culinary culture. One highly recommended option is the “Hidden Gems of Hoi An” tour, which includes stops at traditional noodle makers, family-run workshops, and historic homes. It’s a hands-on introduction to the people, food, and daily life behind the lantern-lit streets.

In the evening, Hoi An transforms. As the sun sets, lanterns flicker to life, casting a warm, colorful glow over the river and rooftops. The vibe is atmospheric and romantic, though it can get crowded. For a quieter experience, consider heading out early in the morning, streets are calmer, markets are buzzing with locals, and the golden light is perfect for photography.

Step Back in Time at Ba Mu Temple

Hidden among Hoi An’s charming lanes is Ba Mu Temple, a beautifully preserved spiritual site dating back to 1626.
Recently opened to the public, this three-gated temple is a standout example of traditional Vietnamese-Chinese architecture, marked by its vibrant facade, round central gate, and intricate carvings. It offers a striking contrast to the more familiar French colonial influences seen elsewhere in the Ancient Town.

Ba Mu Temple isn’t the only sacred site worth visiting. Hoi An is dotted with dozens of incense-filled temples, like the nearby Quan Cong Temple and other small shrines tucked into alleyways, peaceful, often overlooked gems waiting to be discovered.

Pro tip: You can purchase a sightseeing pass in the Ancient Town, which grants access to several temples and heritage buildings. If you’re even slightly curious about Hoi An’s spiritual and cultural roots, don’t skip this part of your visit.

Phuc Kien Assembly Hall ( Fujian Assembly Hall )

Located at 46 Tran Phu Street in Hoi An’s Ancient Town, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall (also known as the Fujian Assembly Hall) is one of the most striking and photogenic landmarks in the city. Originally built in the 17th century by the Chinese community from Fujian province, this historical site served as both a meeting place and a place of worship for sea gods and ancestors, reflecting the deep cultural and spiritual values of early Chinese immigrants in Hoi An.

Today, it’s one of the most popular attractions in the Ancient Town, especially for those interested in architecture and culture. As you step through its ornate gate, you’ll be greeted by vibrant red and pink walls, intricately carved dragons, and tile-roofed halls that reflect traditional Chinese design. The entire structure is designed along a clear axis, typical of Chinese temple layouts, with a peaceful inner courtyard leading to the main hall where incense coils spiral slowly in the air.

What makes this place especially worth visiting is how visually rich and culturally layered it feels. It’s not just another temple, it’s a well-preserved chapter of Hoi An’s multicultural history. Visitors often spend time here not only taking photos but also observing locals lighting incense or leaving offerings, giving the site a living, spiritual energy beyond its historical architecture.

Japanese Covered Bridge

The Japanese Covered Bridge (Chùa Cầu) is one of the most iconic landmarks in Hoi An and a must-see for anyone visiting the Ancient Town. Built in the early 18th century by the Japanese community to link them with the Chinese quarter across the river, this wooden bridge may be small in size, but it carries deep historical and cultural meaning.

From the outside, the bridge stands out with its curved roof, stone foundation, and well-preserved carvings, making it one of the most photographed sites in town. There are statues of a monkey and a dog guarding each side, symbolizing the years many believe the bridge began and ended construction. Inside, there’s a small shrine dedicated to Trấn Vũ, a Taoist god believed to protect travelers from natural disasters.

Explore Hoi An by Bicycle

Cycling is one of the most relaxing and rewarding ways to explore Hoi An. Most hotels in town offer complimentary bikes, making it easy to set out and see the city from a slower, more local perspective. Whether cruising through the Ancient Town, along the riverbanks, or out into the countryside, you’ll find that every turn reveals a different side of Hoi An.

One of the most popular routes is the ride from the Old Town to An Bang Beach. While the main road to the beach can be busy and a little chaotic, it’s well worth taking detours through the narrow paths that cut through lush rice paddies. These quiet backroads not only offer stunning scenery but also let you catch glimpses of daily rural life, buffalo in the fields, farmers in conical hats, and kids waving as you pass.

After the ride, An Bang Beach offers a perfect break from the heat. It’s a clean, breezy stretch of coast with casual beachfront cafés where you can cool off with a coconut or fresh juice.

Practical Tip: When you arrive at the beach, you’ll find bike parking on the right-hand side before the entrance. There should be a posted rate, typically 10,000 VND (~$0.40 USD) to 30,000 VND (~$1.20 USD). Some attendants may ask for more, but don’t be afraid to point to the sign and pay the listed price. Alternatively, if you’re eating at one of the beachfront restaurants, parking is usually free.

Dive into the Bustling Chaos of Hoi An Central Market

You haven’t really experienced Hoi An until you’ve stepped into its Central Market (Chợ Hội An). Located just steps from the riverside, this market is the heartbeat of the city, alive with color, noise, and local flavor from dawn until early afternoon.

In the morning, the market is at its most chaotic and captivating. Outside, local vendors fill the sidewalks with tropical fruits, leafy greens, and baskets of fresh herbs. Closer to the river, you’ll find seafood stalls with glistening fish, prawns, and even live crabs still snapping in baskets. Right at the entrance is the butcher section, raw and unfiltered, not for the faint of heart or vegetarians.

Deeper inside the covered market, you’ll find small food stalls where locals squeeze onto low stools for breakfast, usually noodle soups, rice dishes, or bánh mì. At the back, look for the well that locals say supplies the water used to cook the city’s iconic cao lầu noodles. Whether true or not, it adds a sense of folklore to your stroll.

After lunch, the market slows down as vendors nap beside their goods, literally. It’s a charming, very Vietnamese kind of siesta that adds to the charm of the place.

Have Clothes Custom-Made in Hoi An

Hoi An is famous for its tailoring industry, and getting clothes custom-made here is more than a shopping experience, it’s a local tradition. Whether you’re dreaming of a breezy linen dress, a sharp blazer, or a whole wardrobe update, there are dozens of skilled tailors ready to bring your ideas to life, often within just 24 to 48 hours.

Here’s how it works: Choose a tailor (a favorite among travelers is Tailor 85 Nguyen Thai Hoc, known for its friendly service and attention to detail), bring along photos or sketches of your desired design, pick a fabric, and get measured. You’ll usually get a price quote on the spot and pay a small deposit before they begin crafting. Most tailors offer at least one fitting to ensure everything is just right, and if you’re short on time, many can even deliver the finished garments to your hotel.

For something ready-to-wear but still special, stop by Metiseko in the Old Town. This boutique blends contemporary fashion with traditional Vietnamese artistry, using sustainable fabrics like organic cotton and silk. Their collections are stylish, high-quality, and ethically made, perfect for those who want to bring home something truly unique without going through the tailoring process.

Wander Through the Hoi An Night Market

After sundown, Hoi An transforms into something almost surreal. Across the An Hoi Bridge from the Ancient Town, the Hoi An Night Market comes to life from around 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM (sometimes closer to 11:00 PM on busy nights). With over 200 stalls lined along the Hoai River, you’ll find everything from handmade souvenirs, clothes, and jewelry to sizzling street food and fresh smoothies.

Unlike the daytime central market, this night market caters mainly to tourists, so expect a lively, colorful, and sometimes crowded experience. The rows of glowing silk lanterns hung overhead are a feast for the eyes, and a favorite backdrop for photos. It’s no exaggeration to say this is one of the most photogenic markets in Vietnam.

But what makes the night truly memorable is what happens on the river.

Releasing Floating Lanterns On Hoai River

For around 200,000 VND (~$8 USD), you can hop on a small wooden boat for a 20-minute ride and join a beloved local tradition: lighting a paper lantern, making a wish, and releasing it onto the water. Each lantern typically costs 10,000 VND (~$0.40), and watching hundreds of these glowing wishes drift downstream is a moment of quiet wonder amidst the crowds.

If you’re in town during the Lantern Festival (held monthly on the full moon), the atmosphere gets even more enchanting, but be prepared for bigger crowds and longer lines for boat rides. You can’t book in advance, so arrive early. Pro tip: Have dinner nearby before heading to the river. It makes the wait more pleasant, and the streets are magical as dusk sets in.

And while it’s true that the river isn’t crystal clear, once the lanterns start floating and the boats light up, you won’t notice. There’s something universal about moments like this, simple, beautiful, and just a little bit magical. It’s a great way to slow down and connect with Hoi An’s cultural spirit.

Basket Boat Ride in Bay Mau Coconut Forest

A basket boat ride in Hoi An is a uniquely Vietnamese experience that blends fun, culture, and a bit of thrill.
These small, round boats, made from woven bamboo, are known locally as thuyền thúng, and are a signature of Central Vietnam, particularly in the Cam Thanh area, just 5 km from Hoi An’s Ancient Town.

The ride usually takes place in the lush Bay Mau Coconut Forest, a former wartime hiding place turned eco-tourism gem. It’s surprisingly affordable, often costing under $5 per person (with hotel pickup included if you book in advance). Local guides paddle you through narrow water channels, shaded by swaying nipa palms, creating a peaceful, tropical atmosphere. (Book your basket boat tour here)

That said, some boatmen add a bit of flair, spinning their boats rapidly to the beat of loud music. These “spinning shows” are optional and mostly for entertainment. While they look intense on social media, most rides are calm and safe, and you won’t be tossed unless you ask for the wild version!

Relax at An Bang Beach

If you’re looking to take a break from the bustle of Hoi An’s Ancient Town, An Bang Beach offers the perfect coastal escape, just a 15-minute drive away.
This 4-kilometer stretch of golden sand is known for its chilled-out vibe, clear blue waters, and the rows of beach chairs lining the shore. Whether you’re in the mood for a swim, a beachside nap, or simply watching the waves with a cold drink in hand, this is the spot.

There are plenty of beachfront restaurants and bars here, and most allow you to use their loungers for free as long as you order something, yes, even just a coffee or fresh coconut. For a quieter experience, consider walking north along the shore to escape the main crowds. It’s easy to spend a half or even full day here without getting bored.

Pro tip: Central Vietnam is known for sudden tropical downpours, especially from October to January, so always check the weather before planning your beach day.

Reaching Out Tea House

If you’re looking for a pause from the busyness of Hoi An’s streets, this is where time slows down, by design. Reaching Out Tea House is run by people with hearing and speech impairments, and silence is gently woven into the experience. Guests are asked to respect the quiet. Even whispers are softened, and instead of speaking, you place your order using wooden blocks with printed words or hand-written notes. Somehow, this lack of sound heightens everything else.

Upon entering, the calm is immediate. The tea house feels like a peaceful bubble, set apart from the noise outside. The ambiance encourages mindfulness, every small movement, every sip of tea or coffee, feels intentional. There’s no rush. Conversations, if they happen at all, are quiet and thoughtful. This is a rare space that invites stillness.

Out back, there’s a serene garden shaded by trees and lined with a small koi pond. It’s a hidden corner of zen, ideal for sipping your favorite blend while watching fish glide through the water. The tea and coffee are excellent, beautifully presented, served with handmade biscuits, and prepared with care.

What makes this place truly special isn’t just the quality of the drinks, but its purpose. By choosing to visit, you’re supporting inclusive employment and experiencing a different way of connecting, through presence rather than words.

Taste Hoi An’s Most Famous Dishes

If you’re a foodie, Hoi An is your playground.
Vietnamese cuisine is wonderfully diverse, and every region has its own specialties, but Hoi An stands out even among that variety. The flavors here are bold, balanced, and deeply local.

Start with cao lầu, a signature Hoi An noodle dish that you won’t find anywhere else. Made with thick rice noodles, slices of pork, fresh herbs, and crispy rice crackers, it’s satisfying without being heavy. What makes it truly special is the water used to prepare the noodles, traditionally drawn from an ancient Cham well, giving it a unique texture and flavor.

One excellent place to try it is Cao Lầu Trung Bắc, located in a 100-year-old house right in the heart of the Ancient Town. It’s more than just a meal, it’s a quiet glimpse into Hoi An’s cultural past.

Address: 87 Trần Phú Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An
Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Price range: 30,000–50,000 VND (around $1.25–$2)

Other local must-tries include mì Quảng (turmeric noodles with pork, shrimp, and herbs), bánh xèo (crispy Vietnamese pancakes), and of course, the iconic banh mi, which many travelers claim is the best in the country.

Bottom line? Come hungry. Leave happy.
Hoi An is one of those rare places where eating isn’t just an activity, it’s part of the destination.

Bánh Mì in Hoi An

If there’s one food you absolutely cannot miss in Hoi An, it’s Bánh Mì. This iconic Vietnamese sandwich, born from French colonial influence, has evolved into something uniquely local. Stuffed with grilled meats, herbs, pickled veggies, chili, mayonnaise, and sometimes paté or cheese, it’s a flavor-packed bite that’s both crispy and juicy, fresh and savory.

Hoi An is often called the Bánh Mì capital of Vietnam, and for good reason. The bread here is something special: golden, airy, and crisp without being overly crumbly. It’s all about that perfect texture and contrast.

One place that keeps getting international attention is Bánh Mì Phượng.
Address: 2B Phan Chu Trinh, Cẩm Châu, Hoi An
Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Price: 20,000–35,000 VND per sandwich

This humble shop gained global fame thanks to features in travel magazines and food shows. Its menu includes over ten filling options, from BBQ pork to chicken with cheese, or vegetarian selections with crispy tofu and herbs. Expect a line, especially around lunchtime, but it moves quickly, and the payoff is absolutely worth it.

Insider tip: Grab your sandwich and head to the riverside for a casual picnic with a view. Or take it back to your hotel for a midnight snack, you might end up wanting another one by the next morning.

Cooking Classes & Food Tours in Hoi An

If you want to understand Vietnamese cuisine beyond just eating, Hoi An is one of the best places to do it.
Cooking classes here are incredibly popular, and for good reason. Most sessions last around 3 to 5 hours and go far beyond the kitchen. Many include a trip to the local market, where you’ll learn how to pick fresh ingredients the Vietnamese way. Some tours even start with a relaxing ride in a traditional basket boat through the coconut forest, where you might get to try casting a net like a local fisherman.

For those short on time or looking for a less hands-on experience, consider an evening walking food tour.
One popular tour takes you through Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets while you sample local specialties like Bánh Mì, White Rose dumplings, and Cao Lầu. It’s a fantastic way to explore the town and its flavors in one go, especially if you’re visiting for just a couple of days.

Romantic Sunset Dinner Cruise in Hoi An

Watching the golden light dance across the Thu Bon River as the sun sets is one of the most serene ways to experience Hoi An. A sunset dinner cruise offers just that, a relaxed evening gliding down the river, cocktail in hand, with the fading sun painting the sky. If that sounds like your kind of evening, you can reserve a spot here. Fresh seafood is served on board, making it a perfect way to unwind after a day of sightseeing.

Day Trip to the Marble Mountains

Just 19km north of Hoi An, the Marble Mountains are a must-see for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts alike. These striking limestone peaks hide caves, centuries-old pagodas, and panoramic viewpoints. Don’t miss the view from Linh Ung Pagoda, it’s especially breathtaking on a clear day.

The best time to visit is during spring (February to May) or early summer (June to August) when the weather is dry and pleasant. From September onward, skies can be cloudy with frequent showers, so plan accordingly.

You can reach the Marble Mountains by local bus (Danabus route #8 runs every 20 minutes), taxi, or motorbike. The roads are easy to navigate, making this a smooth day trip from Hoi An, just be sure to go early to beat the crowds.

Day Trip to My Son Sanctuary

If you’re into ancient ruins and jungle vibes, My Son Sanctuary makes for an unforgettable day trip from Hoi An. Located about an hour west of the town, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was once a spiritual center for the early Cham people. Today, moss-covered Hindu temples dedicated to deities like Shiva, Krishna, and Vishnu are scattered across a lush valley.

Though smaller in scale than sites like Angkor Wat, My Son still offers a unique atmosphere, with centuries-old red brick towers rising between the trees and intricate stone carvings telling stories of a lost civilization. It’s especially rewarding for history lovers and photographers.

For something extra memorable, some tours offer a return boat ride along the Thu Bon River, a peaceful and scenic way to end your cultural adventure. Book your My Son Sanctuary tour here.

Snorkeling Adventure to Cham Islands

If you’re craving a quick island escape from Hoi An, a snorkeling day trip to the Cham Islands is a fantastic choice. Just about 20 kilometers off the coast, this protected marine reserve offers some of the clearest waters and richest coral reefs in central Vietnam.

The tour typically includes a speedboat ride, a guided visit to a local fishing village and ancient pagoda, snorkeling in tropical fish-filled waters, and plenty of time to swim or relax on serene Xep Beach. Some lucky visitors even spot wild monkeys in the trees! A fresh seafood lunch rounds out the experience, a great way to refuel after your time in the water.

Want to make it easy? There’s a convenient, top-rated day tour that includes everything: speedboat transfers, snorkeling gear, a local guide, and lunch. You can book this hassle-free day trip here.

Day Trip to Ba Na Hills & the Golden Bridge

A Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge tour from Hoi An makes for a fun-filled day packed with scenic views, whimsical architecture, and family-friendly attractions. The journey begins with a scenic drive from Hoi An to the Ba Na Hills base station, followed by a ride on one of the world’s longest cable cars, offering breathtaking 360-degree mountain views.

At the top, you’ll step into a dreamy European-style village and explore Sun World Ba Na Hills, a colorful mix of French-inspired streets, Fantasy Park’s thrilling rides, and of course, the iconic Golden Bridge held up by giant stone hands. It’s a surreal photo spot that lives up to the hype.

This full-day tour includes roundtrip transportation from Hoi An and a buffet lunch, making it one of the most convenient ways to experience this magical mountain destination.
👉 You can check availability for the all-in-one tour here.

How to Get to Hoi An

Hoi An doesn’t have its own airport, but getting there is easier than you might think.
The nearest airport is Da Nang International Airport, just a 45-minute drive away. You can fly into Da Nang from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or other Southeast Asian cities, with more international routes being added all the time. Flights within Vietnam are fast, frequent, and affordable, perfect if you’re short on time or simply prefer comfort.

From Da Nang, you can take a public bus for about $1 USD, hop on a shuttle, or book a taxi directly to Hoi An.

If you’re up for a bit of adventure, Vietnam’s extensive train network offers a scenic route. Overnight trains run from both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang. While the journey might not be luxury-class, many travelers find it an authentic and memorable experience, especially if you’re traveling with family or want to see more of the countryside.

Feeling adventurous? Riding a motorbike from Da Nang or even Hue to Hoi An is a thrilling way to explore the central coast at your own pace. The route is scenic and ideal for travelers looking for freedom and a bit of adrenaline.

Getting Around Hoi An

The Old Town of Hoi An is designed for slow travel, and that’s exactly how it should be experienced.
Cars are banned, and even motorbikes have restricted access at certain hours of the day. So the best way to explore is simply on foot. Walking lets you take in the scent of street food, hear the chatter of tailors negotiating with customers, and admire the weathered yellow buildings glowing under strings of lanterns.

For slightly longer distances, say, getting from your hotel to the beach or rice paddies, biking is the way to go. Many hotels and guesthouses offer complimentary bikes, or you can rent one for just a few dollars a day. Riding through Hoi An’s flat, easy roads, especially in the early morning or before sunset, is peaceful and immersive. You’ll pass quiet villages, grazing water buffalo, and rows of lush green rice fields.

Want something unique? Try a cyclo ride. These three-wheeled bicycle taxis are slower-paced and let you sit back and take in the scenery. Some visitors love it, others find it a bit awkward. It’s definitely a throwback experience, just know it’s more about charm than speed.

For anything beyond cycling distance, like heading to An Bang Beach or coming back from a cooking class on the outskirts, Grab is your friend. It works just like Uber: Grab bikes are cheap and fast for solo travelers, while Grab cars are perfect if you’re going in a group or just want air conditioning.

Another fun, slightly quirky option is the Hoi An GO shuttle.
These are electric carts that look like old-school golf buggies, painted gold and brown to match the vibe of the old town. You’ll see them looping around the outer edges of the historic center. You can flag one down like a taxi, or rent the whole cart for a private little tour. It’s a chill, eco-friendly way to get around, and definitely makes for a great photo op.

Quick Tip: To enter some heritage buildings in the Ancient Town, you’ll need to buy a ticket. It costs 120,000 VND (~$5) and includes access to a selection of temples, assembly halls, and old houses. You can walk around freely without one, but it’s worth getting if you want to dive deeper into the culture.

Where to Stay in Hoi An

Where you stay in Hoi An can shape your entire experience, so it’s worth giving it some thought.
If you’re looking for quiet nights and easy access to both the Old Town and the beach, the best balance is to stay just outside the historic center. Accommodation here tends to be more affordable, and you can still walk or bike to wherever you need to go.

One standout place to consider is RiverTown Hoi An Resort & Spa.
Nestled along the river, this hotel offers gorgeous views, spacious rooms, and an overall 5-star experience without the usual pretentious vibe. Guests rave about the super comfy beds, top-tier service, and especially the food. The breakfast buffet is a dream for vegans, with plenty of plant-based options clearly labeled, and the chefs are known to customize dishes without even being asked. It’s those little things that leave a big impression.

Best of all, it’s a short walk to the Old Town, but still far enough to avoid the noise and crowds that can build up after sunset. That way, you can enjoy the magic of lantern-lit streets by night and return to peaceful riverside tranquility afterward.

If you prefer to be right in the middle of the action, staying inside the Old Town is also possible. Just keep in mind: while it’s convenient during the day, the nightlife can get quite loud, so be prepared for some street noise if you’re a light sleeper.

When to Visit Hoi An

Hoi An enjoys warm weather year-round, but if you want the best conditions for wandering through lantern-lit streets or cycling along rice paddies, the ideal time to visit is between February and April. During these months, the temperatures are pleasantly warm, humidity is lower, and rain is minimal, making it perfect for exploring both the Old Town and surrounding countryside.

If you’re planning a beach day or hoping to enjoy Hoi An’s natural beauty under clear skies, February to July is generally dry and sunny. Just make sure to avoid Vietnamese national holidays, especially Tết (Lunar New Year), which usually falls between late January and mid-February. During this time, most local businesses, restaurants, and shops shut down for several days, and the atmosphere becomes quieter and more subdued (but not in a charming way).

One thing to know: while the monthly Hoi An Lantern Festival is visually beautiful, it tends to attract big crowds, and unfortunately, also leads to large amounts of trash ending up in the river. If you’re passionate about sustainable travel, you might want to skip the festival or attend it mindfully, choosing a quieter month and contributing to cleanup efforts where possible.