3-Day Itinerary in Hoi An | My Experience

3 days is an ideal duration to stay in Hoi An and explore the attractions of the old town and its surroundings.

This time frame is particularly suited for those transiting between different cities or regions. In this article, I offer you an itinerary specially designed for first-time visitors discovering the wonders of this area.

My advice: In Vietnam, you get up early! To really make the most of your trip, I recommend getting up at 5 or 6 a.m. at the latest. It is during these early morning hours that you will discover the authentic Vietnam.

Day 1

Morning

If, like me, you can’t start your day without a good coffee, I recommend Mia Coffee, which opens its doors at 6 a.m. It’s one of my favorite cafes and among the best in Hoi An, run by a true coffee enthusiast. The prices are very reasonable (Americano: 35,000 VND and Cappuccino: 40,000 VND).

Address: 20 Phan Boi Chau – Hoi An – Hours: 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Breakfast at Hoi An Central Market

Hoi An Central Market is a true hub of daily life, where locals take advantage of the cooler morning temperatures to do their shopping. This is when the market is at its peak.

The market also offers a wide variety of food stalls where you can enjoy local dishes at very affordable prices, such as Cao Lau, Hoi An’s signature dish. Having breakfast at the market allows you to fully immerse yourself in local life. Although the market has adapted to tourists, it remains a favorite spot for locals.

Address: Tran Phu – Hoi An – Hours: 5 a.m. – 4 p.m. from Monday to Sunday

Visit Hoi An Old Town

Hoi An Old Town is a must-visit. You can reverse the order with breakfast depending on your preferences. I recommend getting there by 6:30 a.m. or earlier if you’re a photographer, to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before the tourists arrive. With shops still closed, it’s the perfect time to admire the architecture. And what architecture it is!

The old town is home to iconic landmarks like the Japanese Covered Bridge, Chinese temples, ancient houses, family chapels, museums, and art galleries. Even though the old town is relatively small, you can spend several hours exploring it, just by admiring the architecture of the old houses.

I also recommend venturing into the small alleys that separate each street. You’ll stumble upon some hidden gems, including a few cozy cafes. In fact, I’m preparing an article on this.

My advice: To deepen your visit, I suggest hiring a English-speaking guide. This will allow you to discover anecdotes and details that only locals know. It’s much better than having your nose stuck in a guidebook, and while you can always ask your travel book questions, it may not answer.

I recommend Hoi An Découverte agency, run by Thanh Le, which offers tours in English.

Custom Shopping: Tailored suits and shoes

Hoi An is renowned for its custom tailors. Why not take advantage of this to have a suit, dress, or shoes made? As this can take time, I suggest starting on the first day, so you have time for necessary fittings.

Among the recommended tailors, Mr. Xe Tailor (71, Nguyen Thai Hoc, Hoi An) is one of my favorites, but for a more high-end option, turn to Be Be Tailor. For shoes, I suggest Friendly Shoe Shop (18 Tran Phu – Hoi An), where you can even order models inspired by famous brands like the one with the red soles… Just saying.

Lunch in an old Hoi An house

For lunch, I recommend dining at one of the restaurants housed in the old town’s historic buildings. One of my favorites is Madame Hien, run by renowned French chef Corlou, near the central market, where you can enjoy a true feast in an ancient house. Simply the best.

Address: 02 Nguyen Thai Hoc – Hoi An – Hours: 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Afternoon

Visit the Precious Heritage Museum

After shopping, I suggest visiting the Precious Heritage Museum, one of the best museums in Hoi An, if not the best. Created by French photographer Réhahn, this museum is dedicated to the ethnic groups of Vietnam. It showcases traditional costumes, objects, and fascinating photos of each ethnic group taken by Réhahn. Entry is free, and explanations are available in English and in French.

Address: 26 Phan Boi Chau – Hoi An – Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Lantern Making Workshop

If you stroll through the streets of Hoi An, you’ll notice that lanterns are as much a symbol of the city as the Japanese Bridge.

Taking part in a lantern-making workshop is a fantastic way to discover local craftsmanship. These workshops last between 1.5 and 3 hours, depending on your pace. The lanterns you make are foldable, making them easy to transport.

Hoi An Découverte is known for its quality workshops, where you create your lantern from scratch, unlike most that only let you add the silk.

Evening

Before dinner, you can take a boat ride on the Hoi An river. It offers a different perspective of the town.

For dinner, I recommend Mango Mango or Madame Kieu, two restaurants with stunning views of the river and the Japanese Bridge on one side, and the night market on the other.

Finally, end the evening with a visit to the night market, which stretches along Nguyen Phuc Chu and Nguyen Hoang streets.

Day 2

Morning & afternoon

After a first day of discovery, the second day will be dedicated to the iconic sites around Hoi An. One of the must-do itineraries includes a visit to the My Son Sanctuary, the Marble Mountains in Da Nang, and crossing the Hai Van Pass. The total travel time, including visits, is around 9h30, meaning it’s a full and busy day ahead.

A scooter is my preferred choice for this itinerary, but if you’re not comfortable on two wheels, I recommend renting a private car with a driver. Hoi An Transport Service is one of the best transport companies in Hoi An, and best of all, they respond English and in French.

My Son Sanctuary

Start the second day with a visit to the My Son Sanctuary, about an hour’s drive from Hoi An. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a complex of Hindu temples built by the Champa people, offering a fascinating insight into Vietnam’s ancient history. Arrive early (around 6 a.m.) to avoid the crowds and enjoy a peaceful moment amidst the ruins.

Price: 150,000 VND per person – Hours: 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Marble Mountains

After My Son, head to the Marble Mountains, located about an hour away in Da Nang. These five hills are famous for their pagodas and mysterious caves, but they were also used as a hospital during the war. Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the coast, or explore the caves that house hidden sanctuaries.

Price: 40,000 VND per person – Hours: 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Hai Van Pass

The Hai Van Pass (26 km) is one of the main routes connecting the north and south. It became famous after being featured in the UK show Top Gear. Riding through it on a scooter is one of the best experiences in Vietnam.

At the top, you’ll find cafes with magnificent views of the pass, along with fortifications that were used during the war and have been restored in 2024.

Massage & spa

After a day full of beautiful visits, there’s nothing better than getting a massage at one of Hoi An’s many spas. Citrus Spa is by far my favorite because it doesn’t have the typical flaws of Hoi An spas. It uses high-quality products, while most Hoi An spas use Chinese products of variable quality. Plus, the staff is permanent, meaning they don’t call in random relatives like the grandmother or cousin to give you a massage.

Address: 180 Ly Thai To, Hoi An – Hours: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Evening

Dinner at Restaurant Hi or Banh Mi Phuong

My favorite eatery in Hoi An is Hi Restaurant (Nguyen Phuc Chu, Hoi An). It’s a small, very local restaurant run by a lovely Vietnamese couple, Hi and Thao, located near the Lune production show, which I’ll talk about just below.

The quality of the dishes is excellent, including the Fried Cao Lau (Hoi An’s signature dish in its fried version). The prices are very affordable, between 40,000 VND and 70,000 VND, making it great value for money.

Another option is to stop at Banh Mi Phuong (2b D. Phan Chu Trinh, Hoi An), recommended by the late American chef Anthony Bourdain. Prices range from 20,000 to 50,000 VND depending on the Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich). It can get very, very crowded, as it’s the most famous Banh Mi in Vietnam. Enough said…

Cultural Show by Lune Production: Teh Dar

To end your second day in style, attend the Teh Dar show, a must-see cultural performance inspired by the tribal traditions of Vietnam’s Central Highlands.

The show takes place at the Hoi An Lune Center for the Performing Arts, an enormous dome decorated with bamboo that you can’t miss.

This fascinating show combines circus, acrobatics, juggling, and contemporary dance, accompanied by live music played on traditional instruments such as gongs and drums. With its captivating scenes, Teh Dar celebrates Vietnam’s cultural heritage in a vibrant way, offering an immersive and unforgettable experience to conclude your day. A must-see.

Day 3

To wrap up your third day in Hoi An, nothing beats a peaceful bike ride through the traditional villages of Tra Que and Cam Thanh.

Morning

Discover the village of Cam Thanh

Start your journey to the village of Cam Thanh, known for its nipa palm forest and traditional bamboo basket boats. This village, located 5 km from Hoi An, is a true haven of peace, once a refuge during the Vietnam War, and today a must-see destination to discover local culture.

Sailing in bamboo basket boats through the coconut-lined canals will give you a glimpse of rural life and allow you to admire the surrounding natural beauty. This escape will provide you with an authentic experience, far from the city’s hustle and bustle, and will be a great way to conclude your stay in Hoi An.

For a basket boat ride, the price is 150,000 VND per boat (max. 2 people per boat).

Afternoon

Bike ride in the village of Tra Que

Continue with a visit to Tra Que village, located just 3 km north of the old town. This agricultural village is renowned for its herbs and vegetables, which give a unique flavor to the local cuisine. Here, the inhabitants use only seaweed to fertilize their crops, preserving the quality and purity of their products.

During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in some agricultural activities such as soil raking, seeding, or watering while soaking up the peaceful atmosphere of the place.

Cooking class

Make the most of your visit to Tra Que village by taking a cooking class and learning more about Vietnam’s signature dishes, such as Cao Lau, which I mentioned earlier in this article, as well as Nems and Banh Xeo. You’ll be spoiled for choice.

One of the advantages of these classes is access to fresh products, directly sourced from the gardens.

Two cooking classes stand out in Tra Que: Baby Mustard and Tra Que Water Wheel Restaurant & Cooking Classes. I have a preference for Baby Mustard, but both are excellent.

Evening

An Bang Beach

To end your three days in Hoi An on a high note, head to An Bang Beach, the most beautiful beach in Hoi An, for a seaside dinner at Soul Kitchen, a restaurant-bar where live music creates an unforgettable atmosphere.

This laid-back spot offers a friendly and relaxed vibe, perfect for enjoying a meal by the ocean. The menu features dishes from various cuisines to satisfy all your cravings, accompanied by cold beers and delicious cocktails.

Starting at 7 p.m., the magic happens when the music begins. Every evening, you can enjoy different musical styles ranging from soul, R&B, jazz, and rock to acoustic sessions, reggae, or Latin music! Settle comfortably in one of the cozy spaces, whether under a cabana, on a deckchair, or in a plush sofa, and let yourself be carried away by this unique atmosphere to end your stay in total serenity.