Visit Hoi An in 1, 2, or 3 Days: How to Appreciate Its Charm

It only takes a moment to fall for Hoi An's allure. But to truly understand it, you need time.

This small city in Central Vietnam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, captivates with its gentle streets and rich history. Yet, beyond the colorful lanterns and colonial houses lies a deep, peaceful soul that only patient travelers manage to touch. How many days does it take to grasp its essence? Here are our suggestions for discovering Hoi An in one, two, or three days – depending on your pace, desires, and, most importantly, your thirst for authenticity.

Visit Hoi An in 1 day: A Gentle Introduction to the Essentials

If you only have one day, you can still enjoy a wonderful experience of Hoi An's unique atmosphere, as long as you slow down and let yourself be carried by its rhythm.

Start this day of discovery early enough to experience the unique atmosphere of the Hoi An fish market, where every morning at dawn, the fishermen return from their night of fishing and unload their cargo, which is then sold directly at the market. Early morning is also the best time to discover Hoi An Ancient Town, as the sun caresses the yellow facades of ancient houses, which are witnesses to a prosperous past where Chinese, Japanese, and European traders once converged. 

Spend the calm morning exploring the renowned Japanese covered bridge, the oldest in Hoi An. Built in the 1590s by Hoi An's Japanese community to connect with Chinese neighborhoods across the river, it also features a pagoda. Each end of the bridge is decorated with statues—dogs on one side and monkeys on the other—symbolizing the three lunar years of construction, from the year of the monkey to the year of the dog. Continue your exploration of charming Hoi An by visiting one or more historic homes belonging to trader families. Notably, the Tan Ky ancient house, an architectural treasure over two centuries old and designated a Historic Monument in 1985, has been home to seven generations. The Phung Hung ancient house is also worth visiting; it is a typical 18th-century Vietnamese urban commercial house that showcases a unique mix of Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese architectural styles. 

The old city also houses temples belonging to the various communities that populated the city, including the Chinese. Do not miss a visit to the Phuc Kien Temple, built in 1697 by families from Fujian, China. Dedicated to the goddess of the sea, Thien Hau, the Phuc Kien Temple is characterized by its majestic pink entrance and its countless incense spirals hanging from the ceiling. Chaozhou Hall is also worth a visit for its porcelain of great finesse and beautiful frieze carved gilded wood symbolizing two junk boats represented by two deities riding two dragons, all on a rough sea. A representation that reminds us that this hall is dedicated mainly to Phuc Ba, a Chinese general and great slayer of rough waters. 

Around midday, settle into a small family restaurant to savor a bowl of Cao Lau. This Hoi An specialty, a blend of thick noodles, braised pork, and aromatic herbs, is famously cooked with water drawn from an ancient well. 

In the afternoon, participate in an artisan workshop: learn lantern making, explore calligraphy, or experience tailoring in a quiet shop where time seems to stand still. And as evening falls, embark on a short boat trip on the Thu Bon River, where the reflections of floating lanterns offer a spectacle that is both simple and deeply moving.

Visit Hoi An in 2 days: Beyond the Facades

On this second day, unlock the vibrant, warm, and authentic rural side of Hoi An.

Early in the morning, hop on a bicycle and head towards Tra Que Vegetable Village, just a few kilometers from the center. Here, local farmers cultivate aromatic herbs using ancestral organic methods. During the visit, you can participate in harvesting, watering with bamboo cans, or simply observe the symphony of calm gestures, moving with the rhythm of the wind.

Back in town, indulge in a wellness break at a local spa using essential oils extracted from the village's plants. Then, enjoy lunch in a riverside house, serenaded by birdsong.

Hoi An is home to various craft villages, including pottery, carpentry, wood carving, lacquering, weaving, embroidery, and, of course, the making of lanterns. Spend your afternoon visiting one or some of these villages. Kim Bong Carpentry Village, a renowned hub for traditional woodworking, is worth a stop. Here, fishing boats, religious sculptures, and colonial-style furniture are still crafted amidst a silence punctuated only by the sounds of chisels. A trip to this village allows you to chat with passionate artisans proud to perpetuate a vanishing savoir-faire.

Either spend your time at a craft village or one of the stunning beaches of Hoi An. 

As evening arrives, don't miss the "Hoi An Memories" show, a monumental outdoor artistic spectacle tracing the city's history with hundreds of performers, light displays, and immersive scenes. It's truly one of Vietnam's most beautiful shows.

Visit Hoi An in 3 days: Total Immersion

With a third day, your experience becomes complete. You no longer just visit Hoi An; you live it from within.

At dawn, embark on an excursion into the Cam Thanh Water Coconut Forest. In a traditional round basket boat, you'll glide between the palm fronds, guided by a local fisherman. Far from engines, only birdsong, the lapping of water, and the laughter of the rowers accompany your journey. It’s a genuine immersion into the daily life of Central Vietnam's fishing families.

Later in the morning, if you seek solitude, head to An Bang Beach. Despite its growing popularity, it remains relatively untouched, offering fine sand, clear water, a few sun loungers, and bamboo huts – a simple luxury, far from overcrowded resorts.

The afternoon can be dedicated to visiting theMy Son sanctuary, an archaeological site that was the religious and political capital of the kingdom of Champa from the 4th to the 13th century. This UNESCO heritage site brings together the remains of a series of impressive sanctuary towers in the heart of a beautifully lush natural setting.

Or, why not go on a day trip by boat to discover the Cham Islands? Discover the beautiful seabed, heavenly beaches, and have lunch on one of the tropical islands!

Read more:

>> Phuc Kien temple or the Fujian Assembly Hall in Hoi An

>> Phung Hung ancient house: a must visit destination in Hoi An 

>> 5 Assembly Halls of Chinese Communities in Hoi An

>> Travel guide in Hoi An, the ancient town and its surroundings 2019

>> Hoi An night markets: a must-see in the old city