🗺️ Before You Go: Essentials for a Smooth Hoi An Itinerary

• 🧳 Pack light, breathable clothing for the warm Central Vietnam climate. Don’t forget a hat and sunscreen.
• 💵 Cash is king for markets and street food. ATMs are common but bring small bills.
• 📱 Stay connected with a local eSIM for data and Grab rides (Viettel eSIM info).
• 🛵 Bicycle or scooter rental is the best way to explore beaches and countryside at your own pace.
• 🎟️ Get a Hoi An Old Town ticket for entry to heritage houses, museums, and the Japanese Covered Bridge (UNESCO reference).
• 🏨 Book accommodation in advance—Old Town is charming, but An Bang Beach and riverside stays are great for longer visits.

Tip: For more pre-trip advice, read our Hoi An Travel Guide.

📅 Hoi An Itinerary: 2 Days for First-Timers

Day 1 – Ancient Town Highlights & Street Food

• 🏯 Morning: Walk or cycle the lantern-filled streets of Hoi An Ancient Town. Snap photos at the Japanese Covered Bridge, visit Tan Ky Old House, and explore the colorful assembly halls.
• 🍜 Lunch: Taste local dishes at a market or casual spot—don’t miss Cao Lau or Banh Mi Phuong
• 🏮 Afternoon: Visit tailor shops for a custom outfit (ready in 24h). Explore riverside cafés and local art galleries.
• 🌅 Evening: Enjoy a lantern-lit stroll by the Thu Bon River. Float a paper lantern, and sample snacks at the Night Market on Nguyen Hoang St.

Day 2 – Countryside, Cooking, and the Beach

• 🚲 Morning: Join a bicycle tour to Tra Que Vegetable Village or the rice paddies outside town. Meet local farmers and taste organic herbs.
• 🍳 Lunch: Take a Vietnamese cooking class (many options in town or at the farm). Enjoy what you cook!
• 🏖️ Afternoon: Head to An Bang Beach or Cua Dai Beach for sun, swimming, and fresh seafood.
• 🌆 Evening: Relax at a riverside bar, catch a local music performance, or walk the lantern-lit streets one last time.

📅 Hoi An Itinerary: 3 Days (Ideal for Most Travelers)

Day 1 – Ancient Town Wonders

• 🏯 Explore the must-see highlights: Japanese Covered Bridge, Old Houses, Assembly Halls
• ☕ Coffee break at Reaching Out Tea House or The Espresso Station
• 🛍️ Shop for souvenirs or get measured at a tailor
• 🥢 Lunch at Ba Buoi Chicken Rice or Morning Glory Original
• 🖼️ Visit local art galleries and the Hoi An Museum
• 🌉 Lantern-lit stroll and dinner at the riverside

Day 2 – Market Life & Food Adventure

• 🛒 Morning at Hoi An Central Market—try street food like banh xeo, grilled skewers, and sweet corn pudding
• 🧑‍🍳 Cooking class or food tour with a local guide (Hoi An Food Guide)
• 🚲 Afternoon: Bicycle to Cam Kim Island or Thanh Ha Pottery Village
• 🍧 Snack on fruit or che at the Night Market
• 🍹 Drinks at a rooftop bar or riverside lounge

Day 3 – Beach Escape & Villages

• 🏖️ Morning at An Bang Beach (swim, relax, join a yoga class, or take a surfing lesson)
• 🍽️ Lunch at a beachfront seafood shack
• 🌾 Afternoon: Visit Tra Que Village or try a basket boat ride in the Water Coconut Forest
• 🎁 Pick up last-minute souvenirs—silk lanterns, custom shoes, or ceramics
• 🎉 Final dinner in Ancient Town: choose your favorite spot

📅 Hoi An Itinerary: 4 Days (For Slow Travelers & Families)

Day 1 – Ancient Town & Culture

• 🏯 Explore Ancient Town (see highlights in Day 1 above)
• 🎨 Join a lantern-making or pottery workshop
• 🥢 Sample street food and relax at a riverside café

Day 2 – Markets & Countryside

• 🛒 Early visit to Hoi An Central Market
• 🚲 Bike through rice paddies to Tra Que Village
• 🍽️ Lunch with a local family or farm-to-table restaurant
• 🌾 Try a hands-on farming or gardening class

Day 3 – Beach & Leisure

• 🏖️ Morning yoga or SUP lesson at An Bang Beach
• 🍹 Lunch and drinks at a beachfront bar
• 🎁 Explore Cam Thanh Coconut Village (basket boat ride)
• 🌅 Sunset walk along the Thu Bon River

Day 4 – Hidden Gems & Relaxation

• 🏞️ Morning visit to Thanh Ha Pottery Village or Cam Kim Island
• 🧑‍🍳 Cooking class (try making cao lau, banh xeo, or white rose dumplings)
• 🎨 Afternoon art class or spa session in Old Town
• 🍽️ Farewell dinner at a local favorite restaurant

🌏 Best Day Trips from Hoi An

• ⛩️ My Son Sanctuary: A UNESCO-listed complex of ancient Hindu temple ruins, about an hour from Hoi An. Explore lush landscapes and learn about Champa culture (UNESCO reference).
• 🏞️ Marble Mountains (Da Nang): Climb pagoda-topped hills, visit caves, and admire panoramic views.
• 🌉 Golden Bridge (Ba Na Hills, Da Nang): Instagram-famous hands bridge and French village, perfect for families or photographers.
• 🏰 Imperial City of Hue: Vietnam’s former royal capital, full of history and riverside scenery. Allow a full day (2.5-3 hours each way by car).
• 🏝️ Cham Islands: Pristine beaches, snorkeling, and village life. Day tours available (best March–September for weather).

Tip: Arrange private or group day trips through Heera Travel for comfort, custom timing, and local insight. For more details, visit our Hoi An Day Trips Guide.

💡 Pro Tips for Your Hoi An Itinerary

• 💡 Start early for sightseeing to avoid heat and crowds.
• 💡 Alternate walking and cycling days to keep your energy up.
• 💡 Book restaurants and tailors ahead in peak season (Feb–April, Sept–Nov).
• 💡 Carry cash for markets and small shops; big hotels and some restaurants accept cards.
• 💡 Check weather before booking day trips—rainy season is October–November.
• 💡 Use the Grab app for rides, or ask your hotel for taxi assistance.
• 💡 Respect local culture: Cover shoulders and knees in temples, ask before taking close-up photos of locals.

For even more insider advice, don’t miss our comprehensive Hoi An Travel Guide 2025: What to Do, Eat & Experience.

🤝 Why Plan Your Hoi An Itinerary with Heera Travel?

• 🤝 Custom itineraries to match your style and interests—solo, family, foodie, or adventure
• 🤝 English, Chinese, and Vietnamese support for stress-free communication
• 🤝 24/7 assistance via WhatsApp (+84 37 956 9490) or LINE (anyaxiaoying)
• 🤝 Up-to-date, honest advice and access to exclusive local experiences
• 🤝 No hidden fees, secure payment, and personal support on the ground
• 🤝 Contact us for your free Hoi An trip plan

❓ Hoi An Itinerary FAQs

❓ How many days should I stay in Hoi An?

Most travelers enjoy 3–4 days, but even a 2-day visit can be magical. More time allows for relaxed exploration and countryside/day trips.

❓ Can I visit Hoi An without booking tours?

Absolutely! Hoi An is easy for independent travelers—just follow our itinerary or get a custom plan from Heera Travel for extra insight.

❓ Is Hoi An safe for families and solo travelers?

Yes, Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s safest, friendliest destinations. Just use common sense as you would anywhere.

❓ When is the best time to visit?

February–April and September–November offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Avoid October–November if possible due to rain and flooding risk.

❓ How do I get from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An?

It’s a 45-minute drive. Arrange a private transfer with Heera Travel or use a reputable taxi/Grab.