Formerly the main street of Hoi An's French Quarter, Phan Bội Châu is currently going through a renaissance: art galleries, exhibition spaces and sophisticated craft boutiques have opened here, bringing the street to the forefront of the town's cultural life. If you only have time for one gallery visit, make it the Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum. Brainchild of the acclaimed travel photographer Réhahn, the space contains an exhibition of his finest work – photographs taken across Vietnam that seemingly lay bare the souls of their subjects – as well as an impressive collection of authentic garments worn by various ethnic groups across the country. There is a printed guide to the area's venues that can be picked up free of charge at many locations across town.

Lord Howe Island is great for walking and hiking. Although only 11 km long and 2 km wide, the island has many bushwalking options for a wide range of abilities. The most challenging is the 14 km Mt Gower hike, rated as one of the best day treks in the world. An experienced guide will lead you through this 875-metre ascent, an eight-hour return journey that requires ropes in some sections.

Lord Howe Island Marine Park brings together a mix of tropical, subtropical and temperate marine life found nowhere else on Earth, making it one of the world’s best diving sites. Discover the numerous atolls, pinnacles and reefs of the Admiralty Islands. Explore the basalt caves and reefs below Balls Pyramid, the world’s tallest sea stack. The waters are home to huge schools of violet sweep, rainbow runners, marlin, dolphins, turtles and rare species such as Spanish dancers, double-headed wrasse and Galapagos whalers.

Cycling through the rice paddies in the surroundings of Hoi An is a popular day trip from town. Organised tours may include visits to rice farms and guides that walk you through the entire process of rice cultivation; tours are organised by multiple local providers and can be arranged privately or as part of a group. If you choose to go it alone, follow Cua Dai in the direction of Cua Dai Beach, and you will eventually end up in the rice fields traversed by bike paths. You're likely to encounter rice farmers and water buffalo who plough rice paddies along the way. Continue along Hai Ba Trung Street to reach An Bang Beach.