Have you heard of Vietnam’s famous ancient town, with its iconic yellow buildings and lantern lit streets? UNESCO listed Hoi An, a place where centuries old shops now house trendy cafes, and the smell of fresh bánh mi competes with sizzling cao lau from hidden alleyways. Alleyways that tell a story from its 15th Century heyday as one of Southeast Asia’s busiest trading ports. If you’re wondering how to experience the magic with just 1 day in Hoi An you’re in the right place.
I know what you’re thinking, one day seems rushed for a town as charming as Hoi An. This itinerary has been carefully designed so you don’t miss out on any of the best things to do in Hoi An. It includes a scenic cycle, coconut forest, exploring the old town, haggling at the night market and delicious restaurants.
Hoi An Essentials
- 12goAsia is the easiest way to book trains and buses to Hoi An. For airport transfers Klook is great
- Lion King Hotel was the best hotel we stayed in across all of Vietnam. The owners are so sweet and the rooms are gorgeous as well as a large pool in the garden.
- Getting around: Hoi An is walkable but it is also cyclist friendly. I really enjoyed cycling around the town and down little quaint little, it is truly the best way to experience the city
- Insurance: TrueTraveller (EU/UK only) or for anyone else World Nomads.
- Pack some bug spray, pesky mosquitos also love Hoi An!
What To Expect From Hoi An
Hoi An is a world away from the typically hectic atmosphere of most cities in Vietnam. Instead of the loud motorbikes and perilous paths is a charming pedestrianised slice of serenity. Motorbikes are replaced with cyclists, the paths are cobblestoned, cute bridges go over a lantern lit river, I guess you could say everything is picture perfect. For all its charm, it feels a bit like a town built for tourists, I struggled to find authenticity. Sure, it’s beautiful to explore but it lacks a real Vietnamese experience. That’s why I feel 1 day in Hoi An is enough.
Where To Stay In Hoi An
Hoi An is surprisingly very affordable when it comes to accommodation options. Usually, tourist hotspots have hotels that overcharge, but not here! We stayed in the Lion King Hotel, and it was one of the best hotels I have ever stayed in.
When we arrived, the owners, Flower & Robert, gave us excellent advice on where to eat, drink, and the must see places. They informed us of the local dishes and what to be cautious of. The hotel room was clean and spacious, with high powered air con. From the moment we checked in, we felt as if we were visiting relatives due to the warmth and hospitality from Flower and Robert. When we were leaving, they handed us a bag of food they had purchased that morning from the local market, including 2 banh mis and a selection of cakes. It was such an unexpected but incredibly kind gesture. Additionally, the hotel also has a pool in the back
Is 1 Day In Hoi An Enough Time?
I found 1 day in Hoi An to be the perfect amount of time. With good planning, you can see, taste, and experience a lot. I personally spent one day and one night here, and I left feeling like I saw the best parts. I don’t feel the need to go back or that I missed out on major experiences.
1 Day In Hoi An Itinerary
Morning Itinerary
9 AM: Explore The Rice Fields By Bike + Breakfast (1.5 hour)
Starting this itinerary on a high, this is one of the most fun things to do in Hoi An, exploring the narrow paths of the lush paddy fields on a bike, including Lilou’s Lane. Along the scenic and less touristy route you will spot farmers digging, water buffalos taking a dip, storks standing watch, and experience regular country life. The ride should last approximately 40 – 90 minutes, depending on how many stops you make. It is 3 KM to the next place on this itinerary.
This was my favourite thing to do throughout the day, Hoi An is very touristy but on this cycle we mostly met locals just going about their day. The road felt super safe it was flat and quiet, with just a few cyclists and motorbikes passing.
We went with a local tour guide who had great knowledge of the area and took us on shortcuts through the local villages instead of a busy road. He took loads of photos and even included a short stop to meet a farmer and his water buffalos. If you would prefer to do it self guided there are many bike rentals in Hoi An.
Along the way is Tin restaurant which is the perfect spot for a breakfast, their egg coffee is delicious.
Related: 16 Fun Things To Do In Ho Chi Minh
10:30 AM Bay Mau Coconut Forest (1.5 hour)
The next stop is the famous Coconut Forest. I am sure most people reading this have seen the Instagrams & TikToks of the coconut boat guys going into dizzying spins on their boats while somehow maintaining balance. It’s one of the best things to do in Hoi An, it’s very popular.
You sit in a bamboo boat that is manoeuvred by a guide, the journey is stunning, weaving through palm groves. Although the location is serene that is a party vibe here, with karaoke and music ant different points. It makes the experience very entertaining. For an extra cost you can also jump on a boat that furiously spins while you sit in it.
The journey on the water typically lasts 30 minutes, and you can expect to pay 100,000 VND per person, if you feel you are being overcharged you can always haggle it down a bit.
It is not the most authentic experience you’ll have in Hoi An, it certainly felt gimmicky in some points, and felt the guide was constantly trying to get us to take photos, although we appreciated this, it was difficult to relax. It is still worth a visit, but it’s good to set your expectations.
We are then going to cycle back into Hoi An town for lunch, although there are a few food places here, I preferred the food in Hoi An. The cycle back should take 30 – 40 minutes.
Afternoon
12 PM: Lunch
Back in Hoi An, it’s now time for lunch. Hoi An has lots of great options for food with dishes that are specific to Hoi An, and difficult to find in other parts of Vietnam. Therefore, I highly recommend trying as much new food as possible while you’re here.
In terms of where to go, you are spoiled for choice. Morning Glory is incredibly popular, albeit touristy, restaurant to try many regional meals, along with classic Vietnamese dishes. It’s comfortable, has AC and the food is delicious, their cau lau and banh xeo were very tasty.
Regional Dishes To Try In Hoi An
- Cau Lau: local to Hoi An, it consists of pork slices, vegetables, rice noodles, and pork crackling. The rice noodles have been soaked in calcium water from the local well (supposedly Ba Le well) and mixed with ashes from trees on Cham Island. This unique process gives the rice noodles a firmer texture and a yellow hue.
- Bánh Bao Bánh Vac (white rose dumplings): little bites filled with minced pork and shrimp sprinkled with crispy onions. Unique to Hoi An, similar to cau lau the dumpling is thought to be made from the water at Ba Le well.
- Mì Quang: central Vietnamese dish made of thick rice noodles, meat (chicken, fish, pork or a combination), vegetables, peanuts, flavourful chicken broth and rice crackers. You may also find some are served with a quail egg.
- Cơm gà Hoi An: This might not be the most exciting food you come across in Hoi An but it is everywhere. The meal comes with vegetables, chilli and lime, basic but tasty and filling.
You can also learn how to make some of these dishes yourself by taking a cooking class from the locals.
Of course, I can’t forget about the iconic banh mi, quick, cheap and ridiculously delicious, these are some of my recommendations.
Best Banh Mi’s In Hoi An
- Madam Khanh (Banh Mi Queen) – very popular but very very good! The chilli sauce and BBQ pork is so good. Room to sit inside.
- Banh Mi Sum – mixed meat with chilli sauce is delicious!
1 PM: Stroll Around The Old Town (4 hours)
The compact size of the UNESCO old town makes it perfect to explore in just a few hours during your 1 day in Hoi An. You’ll find beauty on every corner of the enchanting streets which are lined with colourful temples, colonial era architecture, cute cafes, hanging lanterns and craft shops. Many of the buildings are yellow, which although adds to Hoi An’s beauty it was not done for aesthetics but rather it acts as a block to absorb the high temperatures and it is a symbol of luck and royalty.
A ticket required to enter some buildings in old town, this is to handle the number of visitors that enter, it costs 120,000 VND, you do not need it to just walk around. You can purchase these tickets at the entrance or from tour guide offices.
Aside from a few bicycles, the old town is mostly pedestrianised, making it even more peaceful to wander. If you are arriving from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh it is a welcome change.
What To Visit In Hoi An Old Town
Japanese Bridge
Built in the late 16th Century, connected the Japanese and Chinese quarters of the ancient town this bridge is an iconic symbol of Hoi An. It features unique Japanese architecture and a small temple that have been well preserved over the years. It is one of the most iconic sites in Hoi An.
Old House Of Tan Ky
18th century merchant’s residence in Hoi An featuring Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese architectural elements. The house has been maintained by seven generations of the same family and features original furniture, decorative panels, and poems written in mother of pearl.
Fujian Assembly Hall
Once a meeting spot for Chinese merchants in 1690, before becoming a temple dedicated Thien Hau. Dragons and sea creatures decorate its walls and courtyards, depicting stories of sea trade through detailed carvings and mosaics.
Ba Mu Temple Gates
Also known as Tam Quan, this is an impressive three-gated entrance that serves as the ceremonial gateway to many Vietnamese temples and pagodas. These gates typically feature three openings, with the central portal reserved for religious dignitaries and the side entrances used by regular folk.
Strolling around old town is easy to do plan on your own, but there are also many walking tours. Either way, it is one of the best things to do in Hoi An,
Related: 18 Must Visit Cafes In Hanoi
5 PM: Visit A Cafe
The old town has a seemingly endless number of charming cafes to visit. I found Urban Bar to be lovely for a slow coffee to sit back and unwind by the open window to people watch. The coconut coffee was perfectly creamy and refreshing.
Another cafe to visit is Reaching Out Teahouse, this place is truly special. Ran by deaf staff, customers are encouraged to dine in complete silence, there are pre-made signs so you can communicate with the staff. This results in a peaceful and serene atmosphere, a world away from the busy streets outside.
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Evening
6 PM: Release A Lantern
At night, the river becomes aglow with hundreds of lanterns colourfully twinkling on the water. Lanterns symbolise love and good fortune, it is believed that lighting and releasing lanterns will bring about health and happiness. You’ll find many street vendors selling lanterns who will then light them for you, and then you can release them onto the Thu Bon River. It’s one of the most peaceful things to do in Hoi An.
Another way to experience the lanterns is by taking a nighttime boat trip on the Hoai River. The journey lasts about 15 minutes, and despite the river being busy, it offers a peaceful and spiritual ambiance.
7 PM: Night Market
Located on Nguyen Hoang Street across the Thu Bon River is a vibrant night market that comes alive after 5 PM. Covered in hundreds of colourful lanterns the atmosphere is magical.
The market stalls sell just about everything from handmade crafts, silk products, and leather goods to local artwork, and souvenirs, additionally, there is lots of food stalls to snack on as you go around. I recommend the coconut pancakes.
Hai Courtyard Restaurant is a lovely place for dinner with many Vietnamese and BBQ dishes
RELATED: 16 Fun Things To Do In Ho Chi Minh
Thanks for reading my 1 day in Hoi An itinerary, keep reading for more information and tips.
2 Days In Hoi An?
If you have a few hours to spare the next morning in Hoi An, I recommended visiting An Bang Beach or Van Duc Pagoda. These are both a few kilometres outside of the ancient town but you can easily cycle here.
There are also interesting local classes such as lantern making and cooking.
Getting To Hoi An
Hoi An does not have an airport or train station, but it’s easily accessible from Da Nang (the closest major city).
- Flying: From Da Nang airport it takes approximately 1 hour 10 minutes by bus to reach Hoi An. You can book these bus tickets here. Alternatively, you can book an airport transfer to arrive directly at your hotel, this will take 50 minutes
- Train: From Hanoi it takes 19 hours, whereas from Ho Chi Minh it takes 17 hours to reach Hoi An by train. 12goAsia is the best place to book trains in Asia.
- Overnight Bus: Overnight buses in Vietnam are so extra. You basically have your own VIP cabin, seats fully recline to a bed, there are TVs and cool lighting. You can flick through photos for each bus on 12goAsia. It takes 17 hours from Hanoi and 19 hours from Ho Chi Minh to reach Hoi An by bus.
- Taxi: It should cost between 300,000 and 400,000 VND. You can book via Grab or Klook.
FAQ 1 Day In Hoi An Itinerary
Without a doubt the answer is YES! It’s such a beautiful town with so much history. It’s incredibly easy for tourists to navigate thank to its compact size, it also
As mentioned above accommodation is affordable but food and drink are priced higher than other areas of Vietnam. If you stick to street food you will save some money but restaurants charge an average of 362,000 VND per meal.
