HOI AN ITINERARY (1- 5 DAYS, MAP TIPS & TOURS)

Hoi An was is one of the most picturesque towns in South East Asia, and it should be a must visit stop when traveling Vietnam.

During my one month traveling Vietnam I spent 6 days in Hoi And and felt in love with its beauty and the kindness of its people.

In this Hoi And itinerary guide I am writing all the information you need to know to help you prepare your visit the so called “City of Lights”

ABOUT HOI AN

Hoi An is an old town in Vietnam, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999. The town was founded in 1527 and since then it has gone from being a small fishing village to a busy trading port, where the culture of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and Indian cultures converged.

The bustling port became not suitable for large ships any more when the Thu Bon River dried up and Hoi An become forgotten for many centuries, allowing for the preservation of its quaint old town center, adorned with lanterns and historical buildings we can visit nowadays.

WHERE IS HOI AN LOCATED?

Hoi An is located in the central coast of Vietnam in the heart of Quang Nam Province, about 30 kilometers to the south of Da Nang City.

Find here a pin with Hoi An location:

HOW TO GET TO HOI AN

In order to get to Hoi An you need to get to its neighboring town Da Nang, that is the third largest city in Vietnam. And from Da Nang there are several ways to get Hoi An.

Check this detailed guide on the best way to get from Da Nang to Hoi An

You can get to Da Nan by:

Plane

Da Nang has an international airport with direct connections to 23 airports around the world and with many domestic connections.

If you Vietnam trip itinerary is focused on this area you can fly directly into Da Nang, or either take a flight from Ho Chi Minh city or Hanoi.

Plane tickets are usually not very expensive in Vietnam and will save you some time.

Train

You can travel to Da Nang from Vietnam main cities, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city, although I only recommend you doing this if you have plenty of time or your are planing to visit some places along the way, the trip from Ho Chi Minh city takes 19 hours and the trip from Hanoi takes 18 hours.

You can also take a train from Nha Trang or Hue but you need to make sure to book your train ticket at least 3 days in advance as the trains can get pretty crowded.

Bus

There are buses getting to Da Nang from from many places in Vietnam.

This is my recommended option if you are traveling on a budget and have enough time to visit Vietnam.

THINGS TO DO IN HOI AN

VISIT PHUC KIEN ASSEMBLY HALL

The Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, alos known as the Fujian Assembly Hall is a temple recognized as a national historical and cultural treasure on February 17, 1990. The temple holds significant religious and spiritual importance in Hoi An.

It was originally built in 1692 by Hoi An residents. The structure was originally a modest Buddhist pagoda known as Kim Son, boasting a simple thatched roof. Over the years, lack of maintenance took its toll, leading to the temple’s deterioration. Recognizing its strategic position for trade and communal gatherings, Fujian merchants acquired the temple. Following an extensive restoration effort, the temple was reborn as the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, officially reopening its doors in 1759.

Not only does the temple concentrate on the worshipping of Goddess Thien Hau, “The Empress of Heaven” but also on the majestic beauty and the power of other influential gods and goddesses in the Fujian people’s belief, reflected in several areas of the compound.

JAPANESE COVERED BRIDGE

This stunning bridge was built in the 7^th century with the help of Japanese merchants and it is also known as the Cau Pagoda (Chùa Cầu). The bridge carries with it a fascinating legen related to a mythical creature known as Namazu. According to Japanese folklore, Namaz is monstrous being believed to trigger earthquakes and floods with its movements, thus lending a mystical aura to this historic landmark.

The bridge was built with the belief of a magical sword to pin down Namazu’s back. Therefore, the monster could not wriggle, preventing natural disasters in Vietnam, Japan, and India. Hence, the lives of people in these three countries would happen in peace and prosperity.

The bridge is a spectacle for the eyes during the day and night and I recommend to visit it at both times of the day.

OLD HOUSE OF PHUNG HUNG

Just a minute away walking from the Japanese Covered Bridge, you can find the Phung Hung Ancient House with yet another architectural gem in Hoi An.

The house is 200 years old and it represent the essence of a traditional residence, characterized by its towering beams and corridors, which serve as a testament to the fusion of various Asian architectural styles.

The Phung Hung Ancient House was built in 1780, during the thriving urban period of Hoi An. The house was originally owned by a Vietnamese merchant “Phung Hung,” symbolizing prosperity and a perpetual quest for success. Throughout its history, the house operated as a bustling emporium, trading in a plethora of commodities.

TAKE A NIGHT BOAT TOUR

Hoi An is a bridges town and it owns its strategic location to the convergence of 3 rivers:m the Thu Bon River, the De Vong River, and the Truong Giang, also known as the “Long River.” These waterways, along with their distributaries, flow through the cityscape, forming a labyrinth of interconnected channels that contribute to Hoi An’s distinctive charm and scenic beauty.

At night when the “City of Lights” reveals its more magical site taking a boat ride on its main canal will be the perfect end of your day.

MUSEUM OF SA HUYNH CULTURE

The Sa Huynh Culture Museum (known as Bảo tàng Văn hóa Sa Huỳnh in Vietnamese). The museum was opened in 1994 and it offers an exhibit into the fascinating prehistoric Sa Huỳnh culture to visitors from around the globe.

The museum proudly contains an array of artifacts originating from the Sa Huynh civilization, believed to be the earliest inhabitants of this coastal town.

The museum will transport you back in time and will offer you insights into the Sa Huỳnh burial customs, philosophical beliefs surrounding life and death, and the intricate historical narrative of the region’s evolution.

The Bai Ong collection originary from the Cham island dating back 3000 years is really worth to see.

CYCLE THE COUNTRYSIDE

The countryside around Hoi An is stunning and will give you a rest from the traffic and motorbikes of the town center.

You can cycle through the local villages, rice paddies and fishing villages and have some insights into Vietnam rural life and the day-by-day of the local farmers.

WANDER THE WATERFRONT DURING THE DAY

Just walk around the town center and the waterfront during the day, specially early morning so you can get some glimpses of the local life.

Do not forget to bring your camera with you as there are some amazing photo opportunities.

VISIT SEVEN MAU COCONUT FOREST

The Bay Mau coconut forest is as eco-tourism enclave in the vicinity of Hoi An, near Da Nang.

The visitors to this place can rest in the serene environment as they embark on a circular boat rides through the coconut groves.

This is a great rest and a wonderful and relaxed experience to rest from visiting the town center.

TAKE A SWIM AT CUA DAY BEACH

Cua Dai Beach, located in Cam An Ward, is approximately 4km from the heart of Hoi An Town Vietnam. It is well known as one of Vietnam’s premier beaches and it boasts pristine white sand and blue azure crystalline waters. The beach remains still unspoiled despite the thousands of tourists flocking to Hoi An each year.

It is the perfect getaway to take a swim while taking a break to your visit to Hoi An historical center.

SCUBA DIVE OR SNORKEL IN THE CHAM ISLANDS

The Cham Islands, also known as Cù Lao Chàm in Vietnamese, comprise a cluster of eight small islands within Quảng Nam province. They are an integral component of the Cu Lao Cham Marine Park, a UNESCO-recognized World Biosphere Reserve situated in the South China Sea, referred to as the East Sea in Vietnam.

THANH HA POTTERY VILLAGE

The Thanh Ha Pottery Village is located in the outskirts of Hoi An and holds significant historical importance in Vietnam, having contributed extensively to the construction of important buildings throughout the country’s history.

The village is quite popular among tourists but is still offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the Vietnam pottery art. You will have the opportunity to learn some of the Vietnamese pottery techniques.

GET SOME TAILOR MADE CLOTHES

There are amazing tailors in Hoi An. If you need some new clothes, do not miss the chance when you are there. You can either bring them a design from a magazine or as I did as them to remake some pieces you might really like, as I did.

GO FOR A DAY TRIP TO BA NA HILLS

If you are just visiting Hoi An and will not spend any time in Da Nang head for a day trip to Ba Na hills.

Ba Na Hills is located in the Truong Son Mountains near Danang and what it used to be a popular vacation spot for the French people has become nowadays a theme park. Families visiting Hoi An with kids should certainly visit, as its many activities and amusements will keep children happy.

But the park is great for adults as well and you will have the chance to visit the famous golden bridge with the colossal famous stone hands. There is a French village replica that evokes European architecture and a Fantasy Park that offers thrilling rides and entertainment.

I spent a whole day in Ba Na hills and it was really worth the trip.

VISIT THE MY SON SANCTUARY

The My Son sanctuary is a World UNESCO Heritage Site near Hoi An, testament to the ancient Cham civilization. The site is a collection of Hindu temple ruins dating back to the 4^th and 14^th centuries.

The temples still reveal a mystique and religious aura despite the passing of time and a visit to them will for sure not disappoint you.

DRINK TEA AT THE REACHING OUT TEA HOUSE

The Reaching Out Tea House is a hidden gem and one of the best ways you can give back to the community when visiting Hoi An. The place is own by a local fair trade enterprise that was established to provide employment for deaf and physically impaired people.

Each table is equipped with a notebook and a pencil so that you can communicate with the people working there through written word and smiles. Adding this remarkable establishment to your Hoi An itinerary is not just about enjoying a cup of coffee; it’s about contributing to a positive impact in the community.

HOI ITINERARY FOR A MAXIMUM OF 5 DAYS

HOI AN ITINERARY DAY 1

Walk around the water front and get to know the Hoi An vibe the Old Town center. You can cover the Japanese bridge, the old house of Phung Hung and the Phuc Kien assembly hall.

If you are planning to get some clothes done head to the tailor on your first day so that you can enough time for adjustments.

You can have a tea in the Reaching Out Tea house as a break during your visit and end your day doing the night boat tour.

HOI AN ITINERARY DAY 2

Take a day trip to Ba Na hills and enjoy the stunning views from the mountains. In the evening get a massage to recover after the busy day and take some dinner at one of the its many delicious restaurants while you enjoy the lanterns view.

HOI AN ITINERARY DAY 3

In the morning head to the beach and enjoy half day at the beach. I cycled there and I think it is the best way to reach the beach.

In the afternoon head to the My Son ruins to watch the sunset from there.

HOI AN ITINERARY DAY 4

Take a snorkeling tour to the Cham islands or if you are a certified scuba diving instructor go scuba diving.

In the evening relax walking the old town eating some Vietnamese delicacy and take a massage.

HOI AN ITINERARY DAY 5

Visit the coconut forest on your last day and combine it with a market tour and cooking class.

HOI AN TOURIST MAP

HOI AN FAQs

IS HOI AN SAFE?

Yes Hoi An is very popular tourist destination in Vietnam and it is very safe. My own experience was super safe. Not telling you to do the same but I forgot my expensive travel camera on a place where I went to check some clothes and I got some local people running after me to return my camera. But Please take always precautions with your belongings wherever you go in the world and check for the latest updates with the local authorities.

IS HOI AN WORTH A VISIT?

Yes, Hoi An is really worth a visit. I really love the amazing old town vibe and the local people and travelers there and the stunning lights spectacle in the night is a not to be missed activity when visiting Vietnam.

IS HOI AN EXPENSIVE?

There are plenty of budget-friendly options for dining, including street food stalls and local eateries, where you can enjoy delicious Vietnamese cuisine at reasonable prices. Likewise, there are various choices for accommodations, ranging from budget hostels to boutique hotels and resorts, catering to different budgets.

WHAT IS HOI AN FAMOUS FOR?

Hoi An is remarkable relic of the thriving South-East Asian trading hubs of the 15^th to 19^th centuries. It is quaint immaculate architecture is a perfect blend of local and international influences.