Hoi An in 3 Days: Itinerary, What to Eat and What to Buy

This is a 3-day, 2-night itinerary for first-time visitors to Hoi An, and it works well whether you're traveling independently, with family or as an international visitor. The most pleasant time to go is usually around February to April, when there's little rain and it isn't too hot yet. Summer brings intense sun but is great for the beach. October–November is the rainy season, and the old town can flood, so keep an eye on the weather.

Trip Overview

The itinerary revolves around three main experiences: the countryside on the edge of town, An Bang Beach and the old town by night. Each day you'll sightsee in the cool morning, rest at midday, then head to the beach or stroll the streets in the late afternoon and evening.

• Getting around: a bicycle is the best option since the terrain is flat and the sights are close together. Many places to stay lend or rent out bikes.
• Going to the beach: An Bang is about 7 km from the old town. You can cycle there in roughly 25–30 minutes, or take a taxi or ride-hailing car in about 10–15 minutes.
• In the old town: walk. Some streets restrict motorbikes during certain hours.
• Where to stay: choose accommodation in or near the old town if you want to stroll among the lanterns in the evening. Choose the area near An Bang if you prefer peace and quiet close to the sea.

Day 1: Getting to Know the Old Town and Its Lanterns

Morning

If you're coming from Da Nang, it takes about 45 minutes to an hour to reach Hoi An. Check in or drop off your luggage, then take a walk around the old town to get your bearings while the streets are still quiet. This is the best time to photograph the yellow walls and bougainvillea trellises.

Midday

Straight away, try cao lau (thick noodles with pork), Hoi An's signature noodle dish with chewy noodles, char siu pork and fresh herbs. Also order banh bao banh vac (steamed shrimp dumplings), also known as "white rose" because of its flower-like shape. Then head back for a midday rest to escape the sun.

Afternoon

Buy an old town sightseeing ticket to enter heritage sites such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Old House and the Fujian Assembly Hall. Take it slow; about 15–30 minutes per site is plenty. Families with young children should pick 3–4 sites rather than trying to see them all.

Evening

This is when the old town is at its most beautiful: lanterns light up every street and are reflected in the Thu Bon River. Stroll along the riverbank, release a floating flower lantern if you like, then have dinner with hoanh thanh (Hoi An-style wontons) or street snacks.

Day 2: Cycling the Countryside, Afternoon at An Bang Beach

Morning

Rent a bike and set off early, around 6–7 a.m., to avoid the heat. You can pedal through the rice fields around Hoi An and stop at Tra Que Vegetable Village to watch farmers tending their herb beds. Or head toward Cam Thanh, home to water coconut forests and basket boats. The village roads are flat, suitable even for children who are used to riding a bike.

Midday

Take a break for mi Quang (wide noodles in a rich, thick broth), served with grilled rice crackers and fresh herbs. Then return to your accommodation to rest.

Afternoon

Cycle or ride out to An Bang Beach. Swim, relax under a beach umbrella, then have an early dinner of seafood at the beachfront eateries. Try the clam rice porridge. Ask for the price per kilo before choosing your dishes and confirm how they'll be prepared to avoid surprises when paying.

Evening

Head back to the old town. If you still have energy, catch a contemporary performing arts show in Hoi An; check the schedule and ticket prices in advance. Or simply sit by the river with a drink and watch the town light up.

Day 3: Cooking Class, Shopping and a Sunset Boat Ride

Morning

Sign up for a cooking class. Classes usually begin with a trip to the market to pick ingredients, followed by learning to cook and then enjoying the dishes you've made. It's a great activity for families and international visitors. If you'd rather not take a class, you can wander Hoi An Market in the morning to soak up local life.

Midday

Have a light lunch, then start shopping (see suggestions below). If you want a tailor-made ao dai, dress or leather bag, place your order on the first day so the tailor has time to sew and make adjustments.

Afternoon

For those with time to spare: take a boat across the river to Kim Bong Carpentry Village. This long-established woodcarving village is linked to the building and restoration of many of Hoi An's old houses. You can watch craftsmen carving and buy small wooden items as gifts. If you don't have time, many shops in the town center also sell woodcarvings.

Evening

End your trip with a sunset boat ride on the Thu Bon River, lasting about 30 minutes. Tip: set off just before the sun goes down so you can watch the sky change color and see the old town light up as the boat returns.

What to Buy in Hoi An

• Tailor-made and ready-made clothing: Hoi An is famous for tailoring, but there are also plenty of attractive ready-made designs, especially resort wear.
• Custom leather goods: before ordering, clearly confirm the type of leather, lining, zippers and thread color, and schedule a fitting.
• Swimwear made from recycled plastic: available in the beach area near Hoi An, handy to pick up before a swim.
• Handicrafts with a social mission: some shops sell products made by artisans with disabilities or disadvantaged women. They make gifts that are both beautiful and meaningful.
• Lanterns: collapsible ones fold flat and fit easily in a suitcase.
• Edible specialties: tea, ground coffee, candied fruit and chili sauce are easy to bring home.

Estimated Costs

The figures below are for reference only and may change depending on timing and the tourist season:

• Bike rental: about 30,000–50,000 VND/day; some accommodations lend bikes for free.
• Old town sightseeing ticket: one ticket covers entry to multiple heritage sites, with different prices for Vietnamese and international visitors.
• Sunset boat ride on the Thu Bon River: about 150,000–200,000 VND per trip of around 30 minutes, depending on negotiation.
• Local dishes: about 30,000–80,000 VND per dish, such as cao lau or mi Quang.
• Seafood at An Bang: about 200,000–500,000 VND per person, depending on what you order.
• Accommodation: budget homestays from a few hundred thousand VND per night; mid-range to upscale hotels and resorts from around 1 million VND and up.

Tips

• Order tailoring on day 1 so there's time for at least one fitting and adjustment before you leave.
• Carry your sightseeing ticket in the old town, as it may be checked at ticket points.
• Dress modestly when visiting pagodas, assembly halls and family chapels: cover your shoulders and avoid very short shorts.
• Ask the price first before taking a boat, ordering seafood or buying souvenirs. Gentle bargaining is normal at many stalls.
• Monitor the weather if traveling around October–November, as the old town can flood when the river rises.
• Avoid peak hours on weekend evenings if you're with young children, as the old town and riverbank get very crowded.