3 Days in Hoi An: Your Ultimate Itinerary to Magical Hoi An

You can't change my mind that Hoi An is Vietnam's most beautiful and magical city, and I'm likely not alone in that opinion. It is adored and popular among all kinds of travelers exploring central Vietnam.

The charming Old Town of Hoi An, with its lantern-lit streets and architecture influenced by Japan and France, is a delightful blend. It's filled with Japanese-style wooden bridges and buildings right next to colonial-style houses, which gives it a unique charm.

Hoi An is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and absolutely deserves a spot on your bucket list and your next Vietnam itinerary.

To make it easier for you to plan the few days you'll have to spend in this gem of a town, I've put together a highlight-packed itinerary for 3 days in Hoi An.

Hoi An itinerary

On day one of your Hoi An itinerary, you'll explore the Old Town of Hanoi and end the day by joining a fun cooking class where you'll learn how to make delicious traditional Vietnamese meals yourself.

Start your second day by trying all the amazing food Hoi An has to offer, followed by a visit to Hoi An's stunning night market.

And on the last day, it's all about relaxation. In the morning, you can just chill and be a beach bum at An Bang Beach, and in the afternoon, hop on one of the iconic basket boats for a ride in the Water Coconut Forest.

Day 1: Old Town & Cooking Class

Start your first day in Hoi An by exploring the charming Old Town (ancient town). You can wander the streets for hours, taking in the breathtaking architecture of colorful colonial buildings and Japanese influences, transporting you into a totally different world.

The narrow cobblestone streets are filled with delightful little craft shops, boutiques, restaurants, and coffee shops. And thanks to the well-preserved facades of the buildings, it truly feels like stepping back in time.

You'll find most of Hoi An's landmarks right here in Hoi An's ancient town, starting with the famous Japanese Covered Bridge, Chua Cau. This iconic bridge, built in the 16th century, is a must-see and a great Insta photo spot!

Make a stop a Hoi Quan Phuoc Kien, a historic assembly hall that stands as a testament to the Chinese Fujian community's enduring heritage. Also referred to as Fukien Assembly Hall, it's renowned for its stunning architectural details and rich cultural significance and most certainly very pretty to look at!

Another popular sight in the Old Town is the renowned Guan Di Temple. Standing for over 400 years, it's dedicated to the Chinese deity of war.

While you're exploring the Old Town, don't miss the chance to visit some of the coolest tea houses in Vietnam. One of my favorites is the Reaching Out Tea House, run by men and women with hearing and speech impairments. It's not only a perfect spot to take a break from sightseeing but also a wonderful way to support the local community while enjoying a cup of amazing tea.

On the first day in the afternoon, join one of the many cooking classes where you'll learn to cook four delicious Vietnamese courses. While many tours in Hoi An combine multiple activities, like a market trip, a cooking class, and a basket boat tour, I personally prefer an actual cooking class with a skilled chef.

That's why I chose this Hoi An Cooking Class with Hoi An Food Tour, where I had an amazing cooking class experience. The menu included mouth-watering dishes like Beef Noodle Soup, Deep-fried spring rolls, Hoi An Pancake (Banh Xeo) with pork and prawns, and fresh spring rolls. Our chef was incredible and super helpful throughout the class. Fat and full at the end of it is an understatement!

Day 2: Food Tour & Night Market

Hoi An might be a small town, but when it comes to the culinary experience, it packs a punch! Day 2 of your Hanoi itinerary starts off with an exciting food tour and wraps up at the famous night market by the Thu Bon River.

Now, when I say food tour, I don't mean joining an actual one. No, no! You'll get to explore all the amazing dishes and restaurants Hoi An has to offer on your own. But hey, if you prefer a guided tour, there are some incredible food tour options available too.

There are plenty of must-try delights in Hoi An, and I'll give you an overview of my favorites. You can pick and choose which ones you'd like to try, or maybe even try them all!

Bahn Mi (Sandwich)

The Banh Mi is the ultimate evidence of French influence in Vietnam. This delightful French baguette is filled with a variety of meats and veggies, like minced meat, liver pate, crunchy lettuce, cucumbers, and pickled carrots. It's a must-try!

In Hoi An, you'll find plenty of great Banh Mi shops. Madam Khanh’s Banh Mi is definitely my go-to spot!

Cao Lau (Noodle dish)

Cao Lau is a traditional noodle dish from Hoi An that you won't find anywhere else in Vietnam! It's made with thick rice noodles, slices of pork, and delicious herbs. The secret that makes this dish truly special is the water used to cook the noodles, sourced exclusively from a specific well in Hoi An.

If you're looking for the ultimate Vietnamese culinary experience, make sure to visit Morning Glory Restaurant. It's not only the best traditional restaurant in town but also my personal favorite.

Banh Xeo (Pancake)

Another must-try dish in Hoi An is Banh Xeo, a savory Vietnamese pancake stuffed with pork, prawns, and bean sprouts. The pancakes are super crunchy and make a great breakfast, but they can be enjoyed throughout the whole day. 

Again, you should head to Morning Glory Restaurant to try them. They have a massive Banh Xeo station, so you can see live how it's made.

Banh Bao Banh (Dumplings)

Banh Bao Banh Vac, also known as the White Rose Dumpling, is truly a special dish that you can find in Hoi An. It's a delightful steamed dumpling with a translucent white skin made from rice flour. Inside, you'll discover a tasty filling of minced shrimp and pork, topped with crispy deep-fried shallots.

If you're looking to try these delicacies, I recommend visiting The White Rose Restaurant.

Vietnamese Spring Rolls

You can't leave Hoi An without trying the classic Vietnamese spring rolls. You can get them fresh wrapped in rice paper or fried. These tasty and crispy appetizers are served with a variety of fillings like pork, shrimp, chicken, or vegetarian options. They are perfect for sharing and go great with any meal.

Vietnamese Iced Coffee

And finally, make sure you don't miss out on trying the absolutely amazing Vietnamese iced coffee! You'll come across it everywhere in Hoi An, and it's definitely something you don't want to pass up.

It's made with a rich dark roast coffee blended with sweetened condensed milk and served over ice. Maybe not the most healthy coffee but oh-my it's good!

Phin Coffee & Restaurant is my go-to for one of the best iced coffees in town, but you can find high-quality versions almost everywhere.

Once you've tried all these amazing goodies throughout your day, it's time to grab yourself some souvenirs, and the Hoi An night market is the best place to do so. This market is the most famous in all of Vietnam, and for good reason.

Traditional lanterns light up the whole market, creating a wonderful evening spectacle. The market is filled with all kinds of vendors, offering everything from street food to exquisite craftsmanship and unique souvenirs. It's open from 5 pm to 10 pm, but be prepared for the hustle and bustle because it can get pretty busy.

Day 3: An Bang Beach & Basket Boat Ride

Day 3 of your Hanoi itinerary is all about relaxation. Picture this: hanging out on An Bang Beach in Hoi An, enjoying the calm and beautiful beach.

It's the perfect opportunity to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can relax on the golden sand, go for a swim in the clear blue water, or have a blast with water sports like jet skiing or stand-up paddleboarding.

Believe it or not, An Bang Beach is like a little paradise with plenty of resorts and beach bars that will make you want to spend the entire day right here.

After soaking up the morning sun and having lunch at the beach, it's time for something truly unique, a basket boat ride! These round bamboo boats are traditionally used by fishermen in Hoi An but have also become quite popular among tourists.

This boat tour starts from Ba Tran neighborhood which is just 10 minutes from An Bang Beach. While you're on the water, you have a chance to experience this traditional mode of transportation while learning about the fishermen's daily lives and even trying your hand at catching some fish.

After a whole day in, on and around the water, it's time to head back to town for dinner! You have two options: you can either try one of the restaurants I mentioned earlier or check out another one of my favorite spots in Hoi An called Mango Mango.

It's a great modern Vietnamese restaurant that has a super laid-back vibe and serves Vietnamese dishes with a very modern twist. Their white tuna steak is absolutely to die for, so you definitely don't want to miss out on that one!

The place also has two sister restaurants, Mai Fish and Mango Rooms, and let me tell you, they're all worth checking out! Not only are they great spots for some cocktails after dinner, but they also serve delicious food.

Alternative: Take a day trip from Hoi An

If hanging out at the beach isn't really your thing, there are actually some awesome day trips from Hoi An that you should totally consider if you're not in the mood to be a beach bum for the day.

Day Trip to Hue Imperial City & Hai Van Pass

Located in Hue, this amazing UNESCO World Heritage site is the former imperial capital of Vietnam. It's just a 2-hour drive from Hoi An and absolutely worth a visit if you're into history and culture.

Inside the city, you can explore majestic palaces and temples, and don't miss the chance to visit the Imperial Citadel, once the residence of emperors. On your way back, you will stop by the stunning Hai Van Pass for some breathtaking views and amazing photo opportunities.

Book your day trip here

Day Trip from Hoi An to Marble Mountains & My Son Sanctuary

Just a quick 20-minute ride from Hoi An, you'll find the stunning Marble Mountains! These five limestone mountains, named after the elements – fire, water, earth, metal, and wood—are a sight to behold.

Explore the caves and temples nestled in these ancient peaks while enjoying the breathtaking panoramic views of the beautiful countryside.

Book your day trip here

Hoi An Pre-Travel Facts – FAQ

📍How to get to Hoi An

If you're planning to visit Hoi An, you've got plenty of options to get there. Vietnam's public transport system is actually pretty good.

By Plane: While Hoi An doesn't have its own airport, you can fly to Da Nang International Airport, just a 45-minute drive away. From Da Nang, it's easy to catch a taxi or hop on one of the frequently running buses.

By Train: There are plenty of trains, including sleeper trains, that run from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An. It's a scenic and comfortable way to travel.

Buses: Another option is to take one of the many sleeper buses that run throughout Vietnam. It's probably the cheapest option and a great way to explore the country.

🏨 Where to stay in Hoi An

While Hoi An might not be the biggest city, there are still a few things to consider when booking your accommodation. From the beach to the bustling Old Town, there are different neighborhoods to choose from.

Plus, Hoi An offers a wide range of hotels, from budget hostels to luxurious 5-star resorts. To help you out, I've put together a comprehensive guide on where to stay in Hoi An.

Personally, I'd highly recommend staying in the Old Town. It's the place to be with its busy night market and a wide selection of delicious restaurants.

Here are my top two picks for your accommodation needs:

($$$) Almanity Hoi An Resort & Spa

For a luxurious stay with a touch of tranquility and relaxation, this is the perfect option. The resort offers elegant rooms, an infinity pool, spa services, and even daily yoga classes.

Check availability & best rates

($) Lion King Hotel

located in the heart of Hoi An's old town, this budget hotel offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities at an affordable price. Plus, its convenient location makes it easy to explore all that Hoi An has to offer. 

Check availability & best rates

🚗 How to get around in Hoi An

The best way to get around Hoi An is by foot or bicycle. The ancient town is pedestrian-only, making it easy to walk around and explore all the charming streets and alleyways.

Most hotels also offer complimentary bicycles for guests to use. You can rent a scooter if you really want to, but I never felt like I needed one as everything is super close to each other.

If you need to travel a bit further, taxis and motorbike taxis are readily available. Just be sure to negotiate the price before getting on, as they tend to overcharge tourists.

⭐ Purchasing a ticket to Hoi An Old Town

To explore Hoi An ancient town, you'll need to purchase an entrance ticket for 75,000 VND (approximately US$3.00) at any of the ticket booths located around the area. They can be found on the main streets leading into the quarter.

The ticket grants you access to five popular sites within the Old Town, including temples, assembly halls, and a museum. It's valid for 10 days and you need it to walk around Old Town.

❓Prices in Hoi An

Hoi An is a budget-friendly destination, perfect for backpackers and travelers on a shoestring budget.

Food and drinks are incredibly affordable, with street food options ranging from US$1-3, and meals at restaurants averaging around US$5-10.

Accommodation can range from US$5 for a dorm in a basic hostel to over US$100 for a luxurious resort.

So whether you're visiting Hoi An on a luxury vacation or backpacking through Vietnam, the ancient city of Hoi An has an option for you!

📅 Best time to visit Hoi An

Hoi An is a great destination year-round, but the best months to visit are from February to April and September to November when the weather is mild and dry. The peak season is from June to August, so expect larger crowds and higher prices during this time.

Personally, I'm a huge fan of visiting during the shoulder season. In my experience, the weather is usually not too bad, plus you'll score better deals on hotels and avoid the big crowds.

Hoi An itinerary – Final Words

Hoi An is undoubtedly one of the most charming cities in Vietnam. Its mix of ancient history, stunning architecture, and delicious food makes it a must-visit destination for any traveler.

Whether you're there for a few days or a few weeks, there's plenty to see and do in and around this beautiful city.

I hope that this guide has helped you plan your trip to Hoi An and that you'll fall in love with it just as I did. Enjoy the colorful lanterns, the delicious food, and the unique blend of cultures that make this city so special.