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Planning a trip to Hoi An? We’re here to help!
Hoi An is just so easy to fall in love with! It’s small and beautiful, and at first we thought we would just show up and figure it out along the way. However, as it turns out, there’s actually quite a lot to do here, so it’s definitely worth having an itinerary to follow.
After spending time exploring Hoi An and the surrounding area, we’ve put together a 3-day itinerary that keeps things simple. It covers the main highlights and includes our favorite foodie hotspots, as well as time to chill out and just take it all in. Ready? Let’s get into it!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did was this Hoi An afternoon and evening tour! It’s such an easy way to experience the Marble Mountains, explore the Ancient Town with a local guide, and see the lantern-lit streets come alive at night.
Itinerary Overview
One of our favorite things about Hoi An is how easy it is to get around! The Ancient Town is very compact and walkable, so most of your exploring will be on foot.
Then, for anything outside the Old Town, the easiest option is Grab, which works just like Uber. You can choose between a car or a motorbike, and it’s a cheap and reliable way of hailing a ride. Plus, prices are fixed, so you won’t get ripped off!
Most of the tours in this itinerary also include hotel pickup, which makes things even simpler. We love not having to think about logistics when we’re exploring a new place.
Day 1: Start with a self-guided walk through the Ancient Town before joining a guided afternoon and evening tour to Marble Mountains, the night market, and a lantern boat ride.
Day 2: Enjoy a quiet morning before a lantern-making class, followed by a cooking tour in the afternoon where you’ll prepare your own authentic Vietnamese dinner – yum!
Day 3: Choose between a full-day trip to Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge, or a morning at My Son Sanctuary followed by a relaxed afternoon at the beautiful An Bang Beach, before wrapping up your time here with the legendary Hoi An Memories Show.
Day 1
Breakfast – Mê Hội An Rooftop Coffee & Kitchen
Mê Hội An Rooftop Coffee & Kitchen is a quaint cafe set inside a traditional Vietnamese house, right in the heart of the Ancient Town. It opens at 8 am, and we recommend getting there around then to enjoy a coffee and a pastry before exploring. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, you must try the egg coffee, a thick, almost dessert-like drink made with whipped egg yolk and condensed milk over strong Vietnamese coffee.
Try to snag a seat on the rooftop if you can, because you get amazing views over Hoi An from here! This spot is also located just one minute from the famous Japanese Bridge, which is where our morning itinerary kicks off.
Morning – Wander Hoi An Ancient Town
This is what you came to Hoi An for! We’re starting the day by wandering through the Ancient Town. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its well-preserved buildings, colorful lanterns, and blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences.
We recommend getting out early if you can. It’s much quieter in the morning before the crowds build up, and it’s much nicer to explore before the heat of the day kicks in. Although this is Vietnam we’re talking about, so it’s never exactly cold.
To visit the main heritage sites, you’ll need to buy an Old Town Pass. These are sold at the yellow booths at the entrances to the Ancient Town and cost 120,000 VND (around $4.50 USD). The ticket gives you access to five different heritage sites, and you’ll also get a map showing what’s included, which makes it easy to plan your route.
Here are a few of the highlights we recommend checking out:
Japanese Bridge (Chùa Cầu)
Right near our breakfast spot is the Japanese Bridge (Chùa Cầu), which is probably the most iconic symbol of Hoi An. It was built by Japanese merchants in the 1590s, and there’s a small temple inside. You may actually recognize it from the back of the 20,000 VND banknote!
You don’t have to go inside the bridge, but if you want to, it opens at 9 am. It’s included in the Old Town Pass, so you may as well check it out! It only takes about 10-15 minutes to explore the structure and snap your photos before moving on to Tan Ky Ancient House.
Tan Ky Ancient House
Just a 3-minute walk from the Japanese Bridge, you’ll find Tan Ky Ancient House. It’s a 200-year-old merchant house, and it’s amazingly well-preserved. In fact, it’s still owned by the same family after seven generations – how cool is that? Entry is covered by the Old Town Pass, and you’ll need 20-30 minutes to explore.
Reaching Out Teahouse
Reaching Out Teahouse is just a 2-minute walk from Tan Ky Ancient House, and we consider it a total must-visit. The teahouse is run by hearing-impaired staff, and instead of speaking, guests order using wooden blocks and handwritten notes. It creates a really calm, quiet atmosphere, which is very welcome given how busy the streets outside can be! This is the perfect place to take a break during your walk and refresh before heading on to your next stop.
Fujian (Phuc Kien) Assembly Hall
There are five assembly halls in Hoi An, and the Fujian Assembly Hall is the grandest of them all! It’s about a 5-minute walk east along Tran Phu Street, and it’s known for its ornate carvings and courtyards, which are filled with incense. It was built in 1697 and dedicated to the sea goddess Thien Hau, and it’s a great place to get a sense of the area’s Chinese heritage. Entry is included with your Old Town Pass, and we’d recommend allowing around 25 to 30 minutes to explore it properly.
Lunch – Bánh Mì Phượng
You really can’t go to Hoi An without grabbing a sandwich from Bánh Mì Phượng! This is perhaps the most famous bánh mì in the entire country, thanks to Anthony Bourdain, who visited as part of his TV show and described it as “a symphony in a sandwich.”
Look, I’ll be honest, I don’t know if this is the best bánh mì I’ve ever had in Vietnam, but it is very tasty, and this place is iconic, so you can’t miss it! Plus, a bánh mì is always a cheap and delicious lunch! It’s a 3-minute walk from the Assembly Hall, and you’ll easily spot it thanks to the ever-present queue outside.
After you’ve eaten, head back to your hotel to freshen up. Walking around Hoi An can be a sweaty affair thanks to the intense humidity! This afternoon’s tour includes hotel pickup, so you just need to be ready to go by 2 pm.
Afternoon/Evening – Explore Marble Mountain, Ancient Town, and the Night Market with a private guide
This afternoon, you’ll head out on one of the best all-around tours in Hoi An! It starts at 2 pm and runs for around 6 to 7 hours, with hotel pickup included, which makes things really easy.
The first stop is the Marble Mountains, a group of limestone hills filled with caves, temples, and viewpoints. It’s a really unique place to explore, with hidden passages and pagodas tucked into the rock – how cool is that? The views from the top are absolutely beautiful, too, and this site offers an interesting contrast to the Ancient Town.
Later in the day, you’ll head back to Hoi An for a guided walk through the Ancient Town. Even though you’ve already explored it earlier, everything will start to make a bit more sense when you have a knowledgeable local guide with you to add context and share local stories. Since this is a private tour, you can also tailor it a bit, spending more time at places you’re interested in or skipping anything you’ve already seen.
And as the evening sets in, the town really comes to life. You’ll stop at the night market for dinner, where your guide will clue you in on all of the best food stalls to try before you finish up with a lantern boat ride along the river. Floating past all the glowing lanterns is easily one of the most memorable experiences in Hoi An, so it’s the perfect end to the night.
Read 200+ 5-star reviews and book this sightseeing tour here!
Day 2
Breakfast – KURUMI
This morning, head to KURUMI for a sit-down breakfast. It’s a trendy vegan cafe which offers yummy brunch options like smoothie bowls and coconut pancakes, as well as the classic avocado toast! If you’re the type of person whose camera eats first, you will absolutely love this place.
Kurumi opens at 8 am every day except Tuesdays when they’re closed, and while you don’t need to arrive at 8 on the dot, do make sure to give yourself plenty of time to eat before heading to meet your tour at 10 am. It’s only a 3-minute walk away, though, so you don’t need to rush around too much!
Morning – Make your own lantern
We had a blast at this lantern-making class, and it’s a quintessential Hoi An experience that you shouldn’t miss. The class is just a 3-minute walk from breakfast, so it’s super easy to get to. We recommend booking the 10 am start time, which runs for around 2 hours and fits nicely into the rest of your plans.
Lanterns are a huge part of life in Hoi An, and you’ll see them everywhere, hanging above the streets and lighting up the river at night. They’re believed to bring wealth and prosperity, so this is a pretty special souvenir to take home!
During the class, you’ll get to create your own foldable lantern from scratch. You’ll choose from a range of different colored silks and patterns, then work with your instructor to build the bamboo frame and shape your lantern. The instructors are really helpful and patient, so even if you’re not the most creative, you’ll still end up with something you’re proud of.
There’s also a Vietnamese tea tasting included, which is a nice touch! But what we liked most was leaving with something that we actually made ourselves. The lantern folds down easily, so it fits into your luggage without any hassle. It’s a fun, hands-on experience and a great way to take a little piece of Hoi An home with you – no wonder it has over 2,000 glowing reviews!
Book this top-rated lantern-making class here, with free cancellation!
Lunch – White Rose Restaurant
Just a few minutes’ walk from your lantern-making class, you’ll find the White Rose Restaurant, which is the only place in the world licensed to make bánh bao bánh vạc – aka White Rose dumplings. These translucent, flower-shaped dumplings come stuffed with minced shrimp or pork, mushrooms, spices, and fish sauce, but the exact recipe is a closely guarded family secret that’s been passed down for over 130 years. And if you see White Rose dumplings elsewhere in Hoi An, they will have been supplied from this very kitchen!
However, we highly recommend visiting the White Rose Restaurant itself because here, you get to watch them being made right in front of you. They produce thousands of dumplings every single day, and seeing the process adds a bit more to the experience before you even take a bite.
After lunch, it’ll be around 1 pm, so this is a good time to head back to your hotel. Take a moment to relax and freshen up before your next activity, which kicks off at 2:30 pm.
Afternoon – Learn how to cook Vietnamese food
I’m completely obsessed with Vietnamese food, so of course I had to add a cooking class to this Hoi An itinerary! It’s my go-to whenever I’m ordering takeout, and I was super keen to learn how to cook it for myself, but the tour actually ended up being way more than just a cooking lesson!
The 2:30 pm option works best for this itinerary, and the whole experience lasts around 4 hours, finishing at about 6:30 pm. You’ll also make enough food for dinner, which is ideal after a busy day.
The experience starts with a visit to a local market. Hoi An’s wet markets can be overwhelming, so it’s great to have a guide with you to show you the ropes. They’ll introduce you to key ingredients and even help you to bargain with vendors, which, trust me, is an experience in itself!
After that, you’ll head out to the countryside and hop into a traditional basket boat to float through the coconut palm waterways. We tried catching crabs along the riverbank, which turned out to be much harder than it looked, and we were laughing like crazy the whole time.
Then it’s on to the cooking school, where a local chef guides you through a few classic dishes step by step. We made fresh spring rolls, crispy bánh xèo, and noodle dishes, and everything was easy to follow. And best of all, at the end we got to sit down and feast on everything we had made, which was so delicious!
Read 3,200+ 5-star reviews and book this top-rated cooking class here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Evening – Riverside stroll and rooftop drinks
After your cooking class, head back into Hoi An Ancient Town to enjoy the evening buzz. This is one of the best times to be here, because the lanterns are glowing and the streets are busy with people. Take this time to just stroll around, take some photos from the small pedestrian bridges, and see where you end up – no strict plan necessary.
When you’re ready for a drink, head to Morning Glory Lounge Bar. It’s a rooftop spot overlooking the Thu Bon River, with a relaxed setting and a good mix of cocktails. If you time it right, you might even catch some live music while you’re there, which is an ideal way to end the day!
Day 3
Today is a bit more flexible, so you can choose what suits you.
You can either do a full-day trip to Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge, which is genuinely one of the most breathtaking sights in Vietnam. It’s a bigger day out, though, so if you’re a bit low on energy by this point in your trip, or if you’re heading to Da Nang next, you could always save it for later since it’s closer from there.
Or, you can visit My Son Sanctuary in the morning for a look at Vietnam’s ancient ruins. Then, you can go spend the afternoon resting and recharging at the beach, which is a nice way to break up the day before our final evening activity tonight!
Option 1 – Ba Na Hills & the Golden Bridge
If you’ve seen photos of the Golden Bridge and thought “that looks unreal,” this is your chance to see it in person! It really is one of the most striking sights in Vietnam, and honestly, the scale of it is hard to appreciate until you’re standing on it yourself. Best of all, it’s super easy to visit with this guided tour.
The day starts with hotel pickup around 7:30 am and a drive out to the Ba Na Hills cable car station. There are also a few ways to customize your experience, like choosing a later 9 am departure, adding a buffet lunch, including your cable car tickets, or even upgrading to a private tour.
Once you arrive at the station, you’ll hop on one of the longest cable cars in the world, gliding up into the mountains over dense forest with views stretching for miles. It’s an experience in itself and sets the tone for the rest of the day.
At the top, you’ll walk across the Golden Bridge, a long, curved walkway held up by giant stone hands. It’s every bit as impressive as it looks in photos, and you’ll have time to take it in properly and get a few photos.
After that, you can explore the French Village, which feels completely different from anywhere else in Vietnam. There are cobbled streets, European-style buildings, cafés, and a few temples and viewpoints scattered around. It’s kind of bizarre, but definitely worth checking out!
There’s also Fantasy Park, an indoor amusement area with games and rides, so there’s quite a bit to do once you’re up there. All in all, this is a full-day outing (about 9 hours), but if the Golden Bridge has been on your list, this tour is the easiest way to see it without having to plan anything yourself.
Read 2,800+ glowing reviews and book this epic full-day tour here!
Option 2 – My Son Sanctuary + An Bang Beach
Morning – My Son Sanctuary
If you’re interested in history at all, visiting the My Son Sanctuary is 100% worth doing while you’re in Hoi An. It’s one of the most important historical sites in Vietnam, and it feels completely different from anything you’ll see in town.
This half-day tour runs in the morning, with departures between 6 am and 8 am and lasts around 4 hours. If you can, we’d recommend going earlier to beat both the crowds and the heat, but if you’d rather sleep in a bit, the later option still works fine.
The tour starts with hotel pickup, followed by about an hour’s drive through the countryside. Once you arrive at My Son Sanctuary, you’ll find a collection of ancient temple ruins set in the middle of the jungle. It was once the spiritual center of the Champa Kingdom, and walking around the site really does feel like stepping into another time!
Having a guide also makes a big difference here. They’ll explain the history behind the temples, point out carvings you might otherwise miss, and give a bit more context to what you’re looking at, which makes the whole experience more interesting.
If you’re lucky, you might also catch a traditional Champa dance performance while you’re there, which adds another layer to the visit. After exploring the site, you’ll head back to Hoi An with drop-off included, leaving you with the rest of the day free to enjoy the beach – yay!
Book this fascinating history tour here, with free cancellation!
Afternoon – An Bang Beach
After this morning’s dose of history, head over to An Bang Beach for a change of pace this afternoon. This is one of the best beaches near Hoi An, with soft sand and warm water. There are plenty of beachfront restaurants and bars along the sand, and if you order food or drinks, you can usually use their sun loungers for free! It’s an easy setup, and nothing beats drinking a fresh coconut on the beach, am I right?
An Bang Beach is roughly 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the Ancient Town, so we suggest calling a Grab to drop you off there whenever you’re ready. It should take about 15 minutes, depending on traffic and exactly where you’re staying.
Dinner/Evening – Hoi An Memories Land
For your final evening, head over to Hoi An Memories Land for one of the most unique experiences in the city. This park is where the Hoi An Memories Show takes place, a huge outdoor performance that brings over 400 years of the town’s history to life. It’s not your typical show either, that’s for sure! There are hundreds of performers, impressive lighting, music, and large-scale sets that stretch across the entire stage, so there’s always something happening wherever you look.
The show starts at 8 pm and runs for about an hour, but we recommend getting there around 6 pm. That gives you time to explore the Impression Theme Park beforehand, grab dinner at one of the restaurants, and wander through the shops and photo spots around the area. There’s just so much to see!
Getting there is simple. You can actually take a free boat from the Old Town near Tran Quang Khai Street, which we recommend doing as it’s the most unique way to arrive! You can also walk via the pedestrian bridges, which takes around 25 minutes, or just book a Grab for ease. However, we do recommend booking a taxi through your hotel to bring you back afterward, as it can be difficult to get a ride after the show when everyone’s leaving at the same time.
The show itself is beautifully done, with different scenes telling the story of Hoi An’s past through music and movement. At one point, they even use water as a screen for projections, which is pretty impressive to see in person.
The only thing to note is that the show doesn’t run on Tuesdays. If that’s how your final day in Hoi An falls, no worries, because you can easily just switch days 2 and 3 of this itinerary around.
Book the Hoi An Memories Show here and end your trip on a high note!
Related Read: Want more great ideas for your trip? Check out our guide to the best things to do in Hoi An here, with even more tours, hidden gems, and can’t-miss experiences to add to your itinerary.
Where to Stay in Hoi An, Vietnam
Now that you’ve got your Hoi An itinerary sorted out, it’s time to talk about where to stay! Picking the right accommodation is essential for making the most of your trip. So to make things easier, I’ve handpicked the best options for every traveler below. Whether you’re seeking a luxurious retreat or a budget-friendly gem, I’ve got you covered!
The Grand Sunrise Palace Hoi An – $$$
The Grand Sunrise Palace Hoi An is the ultimate luxury choice in Hoi An, combining modern elegance with Vietnamese charm. This 5-star hotel features spacious, beautifully designed rooms with private balconies, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring. Guests can enjoy a stunning outdoor pool, a fully equipped fitness center, on-site dining options, a kids club, and a spa. The resort is also conveniently located near Hoi An’s Old Town, making it an excellent base for sightseeing in style!
Prices range depending on the time of year and the room category you select, but usually range from around $100- $250 USD per night. Check all the options and book this hotel on Booking.com.
Cozy Savvy Hoi An – $$
For a balance of comfort and affordability, the Cozy Savvy Hotel Hoi An is a standout choice. This mid-range gem is just a short stroll from the Old Town, making it easy to explore Hoi An’s iconic lantern-lit streets. Highlights include spacious private rooms, a rooftop pool with panoramic views, a relaxing spa, and a restaurant serving a mix of Vietnamese and international flavors.
Prices start around $80 USD, and you can check availability for your travel dates on Booking.com.
Nostalgia Hotel and Spa – $
For budget-conscious travelers, the Nostalgia Hotel and Spa offers excellent value without compromising on comfort. Located within easy reach of Hoi An’s Old Town, this hotel features cozy, well-kept rooms equipped with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and private balconies overlooking the pool or garden. We also love that it has an outdoor pool and complimentary breakfast!
Private rooms start at around $40 USD per night, which is a spectacular value for such a nice hotel in a great location. Visit Booking.com to make your reservation.
For more options, see all of Hoi An’s hotels listed here!
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Hoi An is small, but wow, it packs a punch! Between the lanterns, the food (so much good food), and all the experiences packed into this town, we were never bored. This itinerary keeps things simple so you can enjoy every minute without overthinking it.
If you need help mapping out the rest of your trip, check out all of our Vietnam blogs here. We’ve packed them with our favorite spots and experiences. Or here are a few of our most popular guides to keep the adventure going!
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