Hoi An Itinerary Guide

Hoi An Itinerary Guide

Find the perfect trip plan for Vietnam's enchanting ancient town, from quick getaways to a complete three-day exploration

Planning a trip to Hoi An? You've come to the right place. Whether you have just one day or a long weekend, our detailed itineraries will help you experience the best of Vietnam's most enchanting ancient town.

Hoi An is a remarkably preserved Southeast Asian trading port and UNESCO World Heritage Site that enchants every visitor. Lantern-draped streets wind past centuries-old merchant houses, ornate Chinese assembly halls, and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. The town is famous for its world-class tailoring, where custom suits and dresses can be made in 24 hours, and its unique cuisine — Cao Lau noodles, White Rose dumplings, and the legendary Madam Khanh banh mi are found nowhere else in Vietnam.

Our itineraries are crafted from firsthand experience. Each plan includes must-visit attractions, the best food stops, budget breakdowns in VND, transport tips, and insider recommendations to make your Hoi An trip unforgettable.

Choose Your Itinerary

1 Day

1-Day Hoi An Itinerary

Cover the essential highlights in a single enchanting day. Japanese Covered Bridge and Ancient Town in the morning, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall and Tan Ky Old House before lunch, Central Market for Cao Lau, and An Bang Beach for a sunset swim.

Best for: Day-trippers from Da Nang, quick visits
Japanese Covered BridgeAncient TownCentral MarketAn Bang Beach
Budget: 400,000-1,200,000₫Read More
2 DaysPopular

2-Day Hoi An Itinerary

A perfect weekend covering the Ancient Town landmarks on day one, then An Bang Beach, Cam Thanh coconut village, a cooking class, and custom tailoring on day two. Time for both UNESCO heritage and incredible food trails.

Best for: Weekend trips
Ancient Town UNESCOTailoringCooking ClassAn Bang Beach
Budget: 1,200,000-3,000,000₫Read More
3 Days

3-Day Hoi An Itinerary

The full Hoi An experience. Ancient Town exploration, custom tailoring with fittings, a day trip to My Son Sanctuary or the Cham Islands, cooking classes, beach time, and all the hidden food gems the town has to offer.

Best for: Complete experience
My Son SanctuaryCham IslandsTailoring FittingsCooking Class
Budget: 2,500,000-5,500,000₫Read More

Compare Itineraries

Feature1 Day2 DaysPopular3 Days
Best ForDay-trippers, quick visitsWeekend getawaysComplete experience
Key HighlightsAncient Town, Bridge, MarketAncient Town + Beach + TailoringEverything + My Son/Cham Islands
Day TripsNoNoMy Son Sanctuary or Cham Islands
Budget per person (VND)400,000-1,200,000₫1,200,000-3,000,000₫2,500,000-5,500,000₫

Explore Our Hoi An Guides

🌉

Japanese Covered Bridge Guide

1590s bridge, architecture, night lantern views, and visiting tips.

Read Guide
🏛️

Ancient Town Guide

UNESCO heritage, old houses, assembly halls, and walking routes.

Read Guide
🛒

Central Market Guide

Cao Lau, banh mi, White Rose dumplings, and fresh produce.

Read Guide
🏖️

An Bang Beach Guide

Beach bars, sunrise, water sports, and getting there by bicycle.

Read Guide
🍜

Food Guide

Cao Lau, White Rose, banh mi, com ga, and 30+ must-try spots.

Read Guide
💰

Budget Guide

Detailed cost breakdowns and money-saving tips in VND.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to visit Hoi An is February to May during the dry season, with temperatures averaging 25-33°C, low humidity, and plenty of sunshine. March and April are particularly pleasant for beach days and Ancient Town walks. The wet season (September-January) brings heavy rainfall, with October and November seeing the most flooding — the Thu Bon River can overflow and flood the Ancient Town streets. June to August is hot (35°C+) but dry, making it ideal for beach lovers willing to brave the heat. The monthly Full Moon Lantern Festival is magical year-round.
We recommend 2-3 days as the ideal duration for Hoi An. Two days lets you explore the Ancient Town thoroughly, visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, get clothes tailored, enjoy the food scene, and relax at An Bang Beach. Three days adds time for day trips to My Son Sanctuary or the Cham Islands, a cooking class, cycling through Tra Que Vegetable Village, and basket boat rides in Cam Thanh. Even one packed day can cover the Ancient Town highlights and give you a genuine taste of this charming riverside town.
Yes, Hoi An is one of the safest destinations in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Violent crime against visitors is extremely rare. The main concerns are petty theft (keep valuables secure while cycling) and overcharging at some tailor shops and market stalls — always agree on prices beforehand. Be cautious cycling at night as some roads lack streetlights. Flooding during the wet season (October-November) can make some streets impassable. The local community is exceptionally welcoming and tourism-friendly.
Budget travelers can spend 400,000-700,000₫/day ($16-28 USD) with homestays, street food like Cao Lau and Banh Mi (15,000-40,000₫ each), and cycling. Mid-range is 1,200,000-2,500,000₫/day ($48-100 USD) with boutique hotels, restaurant meals, tailoring, and tours. Luxury travelers should budget 4,000,000+₫/day ($160+ USD) for riverside resorts, fine dining, and private tours. The Ancient Town ticket costs 120,000₫ and covers entry to five heritage sites. Hoi An is slightly more expensive than other Vietnamese towns due to its popularity but still excellent value.
Many nationalities can visit Vietnam visa-free for 15-45 days depending on their passport (UK, Japan, South Korea, and several ASEAN countries get 15-45 days). US, Canadian, Australian, and most European citizens need an e-visa, which costs $25 USD and can be applied for online at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn — processing takes 3 working days. You need a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry date. E-visas allow a single entry for up to 90 days.

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