The 7 Best Day Trips from Hoi An

One-Day Road Trip from Hoi An

Exploring the neighboring regions of Hoi An on a day trip is the perfect opportunity to come face-to-face with authentic Vietnam. Hoi An is surrounded by beautiful countryside, historical monuments, breathtaking mountain passes, stunning views, exotic islands, and fantastic parks.

Given the popularity and development of Hoi An as a tourist destination, it’s relatively easy to get around, whether on an organized tour or a self-guided adventure. However, with all the options available, choosing the right destination can be somewhat challenging!

For these excursions in Hoi An, you can rent a scooter or take these road trips in a private car.

To help you choose the best trip and make the most of your vacation, I have compiled a list of the best day trips around Hoi An. They are based on your interests, fitness level, specific requirements, cost, transit time, and duration. So, what to do around Hoi An? Read my article and follow the guide.

Best Day Trips from Hoi An

1. Hai Van Pass (Cloud Pass)

• Road Length: 21 kilometers (30 minutes)
• Distance from Hoi An: 60 kilometers (1 hour and 30 minutes)
• Duration: Plan for a full day as travel time varies depending on your mode of transport

The Hai Van Pass, or Cloud Pass, is unanimously recognized as the most spectacular segment of Vietnam’s scenic roads. In 2008, the British show Top Gear dubbed it “one of the best coastal roads in the world,” which has since amplified its fame. Today, travelers from all walks of life visit this stretch to experience it for themselves. Just an hour and fifteen minutes from Hoi An, traversing the 21 kilometers of the Cloud Pass is an essential day trip.

Perched at 500 meters above sea level, the pass offers stunning panoramas ranging from mist-wrapped mountains to secluded sandy beaches, along with picturesque fishing villages and lush forests. For seasoned bikers, the best way to discover this gem is to rent a motorcycle and ride the pass yourself. If you prefer not to drive, opt for a guided motorcycle tour. You’ll fully enjoy the landscape without the stress of navigation, guided by a local driver who knows the road well. 

Families, groups, or those with mobility issues can consider a private car excursion. This allows you to experience this exceptional adventure with your loved ones while sharing the costs. For a group of three or more, it’s a particularly economical option.

To learn more about the Hai Van Pass and the available excursions, check out my dedicated article on the Hai Van Pass.

2. Ba Na Hills

• Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 9:30 PM
• Average Time on Site: 6 hours – plan for a full day
• Distance from Hoi An: 55 kilometers (1 hour and 30 minutes)
• Tickets: Adults: 900,000 VND per person | Children (1 to 1.3 meters tall): 750,000 VND

Often dubbed the Vietnamese Disneyland, the Ba Na Hills theme park is the perfect getaway for a day trip from Hoi An. Located at 1,500 meters altitude in the Truong Son mountains, this tourist complex continues to attract more and more visitors thanks to its exceptional setting. It cleverly combines enigmatic castles, varied attractions, and pagodas in a setting among the most enchanting in Vietnam. 

There, you’ll have the opportunity to walk above the clouds on the famous Golden Bridge, enjoy one of the longest cable car rides in the world, contemplate an imposing 27-meter high Buddha statue, stroll through the cobbled streets of a vast replica of a medieval French town, and entertain yourself in a huge indoor amusement park of 21,000 square meters. Ba Na Hills offers activities for all tastes.

It’s the dream place for an extraordinary escape from everyday life. Before you go, make sure you are well-prepared for this intense adventure and do not hesitate to consult my complete guide on Ba Na Hills for all the necessary details.

3. My Son Cham Sanctuary

Tickets: 150,000 VND
Opening Hours: 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Average Time on Site: 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours
Distance from Hoi An: 40 kilometers (1 hour)
Duration: Can be done in half a day or a full day trip

The My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a remarkable testament to the ancient Cham Empire. Often compared to the famous Angkor Wat, My Son is a complex of Hindu temples dedicated to the deity Shiva, making this excursion from Hoi An a must-visit. This site is considered the oldest inhabited archaeological site in Indochina.

For nearly 900 years, the Champa dynasty dominated central Vietnam, erecting up to 70 structures between the 4th and 14th centuries. However, due to American bombings in 1969, only 18 of these structures remain today. Currently, My Son presents itself as a mystical set of brick ruins, comprising temples, towers, and altars, where nature has partially reclaimed its rights.

It is recognized as one of the most significant heritage sites in Southeast Asia, and one of the few of its type in Vietnam. Located just 40 kilometers southwest of Hoi An, it’s the perfect day trip for lovers of architecture, history, and ancient civilizations. 

A visit to My Son allows you to step away from urban hustle and immerse yourself in a serene and preserved time capsule. However, the nature of the site may make access difficult for people with mobility issues, and a reasonable level of fitness is necessary to fully explore the sanctuary.

4. Marble Mountains

• Entrance Fee: 40,000 VND
• Elevator Cost: 15,000 VND
• Opening Hours: 7 AM to 5:30 PM
• Average Time on Site: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours
• Distance from Hoi An: 20 kilometers (27 minutes)
• Duration: Can be done in a half-day or a full day

Located on the coastal road between Da Nang and Hoi An, the Marble Mountains represent the quickest day trip option from Hoi An. This group of hills, made up of marble and limestone and dotted with caves, has been a center of worship since the time of the ancient Champa Kingdom.

Several of the largest caves have been transformed into religious sanctuaries and pagodas, offering a unique mix of religious diversity and stunning landscapes rarely found elsewhere in Vietnam.

The five mountains are named after the five elements: water, wood, fire, metal, and earth. Among them, Thuy Son, the water mountain, is the only one accessible to tourists. Climbing this mountain provides spectacular views of Da Nang, Non Nuoc Beach, and the surrounding Marble Mountains.

For cultural history enthusiasts, a visit here immerses you in rich history and spiritual tranquility. The more adventurous can try climbing some of the caves. However, people with mobility issues and young children might find it difficult to access the majority of the caves. Nonetheless, thanks to a recently installed elevator, everyone can still enjoy the unique atmosphere, visit most of the temples, and enjoy superb panoramas.

Please refer to my article on the Marble Mountains for more information.

5. Son Tra Peninsula

• Distance from Hoi An: 50 kilometers (1 hour)
• Duration: Plan for a full day as travel time varies depending on your mode of transportation

The Son Tra Peninsula, often referred to as Monkey Mountain, is a natural wonder located in Da Nang, Vietnam. This picturesque promontory covers more than 60 square kilometers and offers spectacular views of the Da Nang Sea.

Monkey Mountain is renowned for its dense forests, rich biodiversity, and particularly for its population of red-shanked doucs, an endangered species of monkey.

You can explore numerous hiking trails that wind through the jungle, discover secluded beaches, and visit the old lighthouse built by the French in the 19th century, a beautiful ancient banyan tree, or the largest pagoda in Da Nang featuring the famous Lady Buddha statue.

The peninsula is not only a haven for nature lovers but also plays a crucial role in the protection of the region’s marine and terrestrial species, making it a must-visit destination for those who are visiting the area.

6. Tam Thanh Mural Village

• Distance from Hoi An: 45 kilometers (1 hour)
• Duration: Can be done in a half-day or a full day

Just an hour’s drive from Hoi An, discover an extraordinary street art gallery during this day trip. At first glance, Tam Thanh might seem like a simple small fishing village in central Vietnam. However, as you venture into its alleys, you will come across an exceptional street art project that has breathed new life into the village.

This project, inspired by mural villages in Korea, saw Vietnamese and South Korean artists collaborate to transform over 100 houses in June 2006. The facades of these houses are now adorned with vibrant murals depicting portraits of local residents and scenes from everyday Vietnamese life. The initiative aimed to promote “art for a better community” while boosting local tourism. The murals have revitalized this struggling village, turning it into a popular tourist destination.

This is the first project of its kind in Vietnam and makes for an ideal excursion from Hoi An for the whole family. Children will be delighted by the bright colors, while young adults can appreciate the artistic expression. Older couples, meanwhile, will enjoy a picturesque stroll through the village’s peaceful alleys.

Visiting Tam Thanh will not only offer you perfect photo opportunities but also allow you to support the local community.

7. Cham Islands

• Public Ferry Ticket: 150,000 VND
• Marine Protected Area Entrance Fee: 70,000 VND
• Distance from Hoi An: 16 km (1 hour and 30 minutes)
• Duration: Plan for a full day

Here is your chance to escape from the city of Hoi An and discover a true tropical paradise on a day trip. The Cham Islands, a magnificent archipelago of eight protected marine islands, are among the most preserved areas in Vietnam. A day spent on the Cham Islands not only gives you access to splendid beaches but also to lush nature and a diverse marine life. It’s the perfect place for activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, and fishing, which are among the most popular in the region.

This getaway is also ideal for families or those seeking peace and relaxation. You can easily access the island by ferry, a journey that takes about 90 minutes.