How Many Days to Stay in Hoi An | 1 or 2 Days?
How Many Days in Hoi An
You know, many tourists just make a quick stop in Hoi An for a day or even just half a day, often because they believe that there’s nothing more to see than the old town and its famous Japanese Bridge – at least, that’s what their travel agency in Hanoi told them… or maybe because they read somewhere that it’s very touristy and somewhat of a tourist trap.
When I meet them and tell them about everything there is to see in Hoi An, they are often disappointed that they are only staying for one day.
Hoi An is a popular destination, and rightfully so. The city is absolutely beautiful and well worth a visit.
Moreover, Hoi An is proud to have two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Old Town itself and the My Son Cham sanctuary, located about an hour’s drive away.
What to do in one day?
Only have 24 hours? To make the most of your brief visit to Hoi An, it’s essential to focus on the highlights. Here’s a compact yet enriching itinerary:
- The Old Town: Start early to explore the charming alleys and historic buildings of the old town. The calmer morning atmosphere will allow you to enjoy the beauty of the place without the crowd. I recommend going at 6 AM if you are an early riser, and no later than 8 AM – 9 AM before the tourists arrive.
- The Japanese Bridge: Don’t miss this famous bridge, an iconic symbol of Hoi An. It’s the perfect spot for capturing some memorable photos. A visit takes only about 15 minutes.
- Tan Ky House: This house is the oldest in Hoi An and one of the most well-known. It’s a must-visit.
- Phuc Kien Assembly Hall (Fujian): One of the must-see monuments in the old town. Just its beautifully colored door is worth a visit, or at least a stop.
- Precious Heritage Museum: This museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the diverse ethnic cultures of Vietnam through photographs by Réhahn, the photographer, and everyday objects. It’s the best museum in Hoi An. And it’s in English and in French and free.
- Banh Mi Phuong: One of the best Banh Mi in Hoi An. How could you miss it?
- My Son Sanctuary: End your day with a trip to the My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located an hour’s drive away, this sacred site offers a spectacular glimpse into the ancient history of the Cham people.
- Hoi An Beach: If you’re more into relaxing, a beach break is also recommended at An Bang Beach. Lounging with a cocktail, toes in the sand—nothing better.
Beyond the Old Town for a 2-Day Stay
Hoi An is not just about the old town! The surrounding countryside is also full of places to discover. Take, for example, Tra Que, the largest ecological village in Vietnam. The best time to visit is early in the morning, around 5 AM, or after 4 PM, as the gardeners take a break during the heat of the day.
I also recommend a visit to the Water Coconut Village or Cam Thanh Village. There, you can paddle in a basket boat (a round boat typical of the region) among the water-soaked coconut trees. And why not try a little Vietnamese-style fishing? To fully enjoy these experiences, plan a whole day.
If the tourist bustle of Hoi An feels too intense, why not explore Cam Kim Island? Accessible by a bridge, the island offers an authentic glimpse of local life with its floating bridge and rice paddies.
Beyond these visits, Hoi An offers a multitude of other activities. Shopping remains very popular, but you could also learn to cook with a cooking class in Hoi An or take a bike ride to change up the pace.
The villages of Tra Que and Cam Thanh can be done in one day. Cam Kim Island can take half a day.
Stay of 3 to 4 days
After 3 days, if you’re up for an adventure, the Cham Islands (Cu Lao Cham in Vietnamese) are ideal for diving and trekking.
About thirty kilometers from Hoi An, you’ll find Da Nang, the third largest city in the country. Ideal for a morning getaway, you can explore the Marble Mountains, the statue of the Lady Buddha — the largest statue in Vietnam — and the Cham Museum.
That’s not all; I’ve written an article on what to do in Hoi An, where I’ve listed 25 must-do things in the city.
A Minimum of 2 Days in Hoi An
As you can see, just one day in Hoi An is really too short to discover everything. That’s why I recommend planning at least two days there, especially since Hoi An is often a central point in your itinerary. Moreover, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy the beach and relax a bit. You won’t regret it, as the city and its surroundings truly have a unique charm in Vietnam.