When it comes to traveling to Hoi An, many people typically think of a long trip to fully explore the beauty of the area. However, if you only have one day, is it possible to experience everything this charming town has to offer? The answer is yes! With a well-planned itinerary, you can still enjoy the most interesting things Hoi An has to offer. So, what should you do if you have just one day in Hoi An? Let Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery take you through the unique experiences of this beautiful destination and discover why Hoi An has become an ideal spot for travelers.
One-Day Hoi An Itinerary
If you only have one day to explore Hoi An, don’t worry! With the right Hoi An travel route, you can enjoy the full beauty of the ancient town from morning to night. Let’s start this memorable journey in Hoi An, where every moment brings unforgettable experiences.
Morning: Discover the Peaceful Ancient Town
Start your day in Hoi An by trying the famous Phuong Bread (located at 2B Phan Chau Trinh, Hoi An), a dish praised by CNN Travel as “one of the best sandwiches in the world,” known for its crispy crust, flavorful filling, and secret sauce.
Next, visit Cam Nam, an area famous for its fresh corn milk made from the unique variety of corn grown here. After that, enjoy a coffee by the Hoai River while watching the ancient town come alive in the early morning light.
If you’re looking for more interesting experiences at iconic attractions in the ancient town, consider visiting these places:
- Quang Dong Assembly Hall: Located in the heart of the ancient town, it was once an important religious and cultural center for the Chinese community in Hoi An.
- Phuc Kien Assembly Hall: Built to honor the Lady Thien Hau, the protector goddess of water, wealth, children, and ancestors. It also served as a community meeting place for the large Phuc Kien community.
- Chaozhou Assembly Hall (Ong Bon Pagoda): Built in 1845 by the Chaozhou Chinese community, this building serves as both a place of worship and a cultural hub for Chaozhou people in Hoi An.
- Tan Ky House and Phung Hung House: Preserving important historical, architectural, and cultural information about Hoi An’s ancient town over the centuries.
Midday: Savor Hoi An’s Culinary Delights
Lunch in Hoi An is the perfect opportunity to dive into traditional Vietnamese cuisine. One dish you should not miss is Ba Buoi’s Chicken Rice (at 22 Phan Chau Trinh, Hoi An), a famous local meal with shredded chicken and a flavorful garlic-chili fish sauce. Alternatively, try Quang Noodles by Aunt Hat, a regional specialty with a savory broth made from pork bones and shrimp.
Afternoon: Relax in Hoi An
After lunch, head to An Bang Beach or Cua Dai Beach, two famous beaches in Hoi An with soft sand, calm waves, and a peaceful atmosphere. These spots are perfect for relaxing, breathing in the fresh air, and enjoying a quiet afternoon by the sea.
For a light exercise, renting a bike to explore the ancient town is a fun option. The cobblestone streets and moss-covered houses create a picturesque, historic backdrop. Along the way, you can also try street food like Banh Beo, Banh Dap, or Tao Pho, traditional snacks closely linked to the childhood memories of Hoi An’s locals.
Evening: Experience the Magical Hoi An at Night
As night falls, the ancient town of Hoi An transforms into a magical scene with thousands of colorful lanterns lighting up the streets, creating a romantic and enchanting ambiance. Begin your evening by trying Cao Lau, a unique Hoi An specialty with chewy noodles, rich sauce, and savory roasted pork.
Next, participate in the floating lantern ceremony on the Hoai River, a spiritual ritual for good luck and peace. You can take a boat ride to admire the glowing lanterns and feel the tranquil, poetic atmosphere of this heritage site.
At the end of the evening, don’t miss the Bai Choi performance, a type of folk art recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Nearby, you’ll find the Hoi An Night Market, where you can shop for handcrafted goods and enjoy tasty treats like mango cake, peanut candy, and herbal drinks.
Read more:
- How Many Days in Hoi An? Suggested Itineraries for All Travelers
- Hoi An 2 days 1 night travel guide with the most detailed itinerary
Where to Stay in Hoi An?
One day in Hoi An might not be enough to fully explore and enjoy all the wonderful things this charming town has to offer. Therefore, choosing a comfortable and convenient place to stay is extremely important. If you’re looking for a hotel with a unique architectural style that blends traditional beauty with modern elegance, Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery is an excellent choice.
Not only is Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery located in a prime spot near the heart of the ancient town, but it is also famous for its design inspired by the romantic love story between Sotaro and Wakaku. With 187 elegantly designed rooms and suites, you’ll experience a luxurious and truly relaxing stay.
Additionally, be sure to visit The Deck Rooftop Bar, the highest rooftop bar in Hoi An, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the sparkling ancient town at night.
Featuring plush and comfortable bedding, Deluxe rooms overlook the local town precinct of Hoi An
alongside a variety of quality amenities. (Limited views available from Wakaku Deluxe Rooms)
- 30 - 34 sqm
- 3 Adults
Estimated Costs for a One-Day Trip to Hoi An
The estimated cost for a one-day trip to Hoi An is about 2,700,000 to 3,700,000 VND, including airfare and all expenses such as admission fees, local food, and activities during the trip.
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated costs:
| Activity | Estimated Price (VND) |
| Airfare | 2,000,000 – 3,000,000 |
| Phuong Bread | 25,000 – 35,000 |
| Corn Milk | 10,000 |
| Coffee by Hoai River | 25,000 – 55,000 |
| Admission to Assembly Halls | 150,000 |
| Admission to Tan Ky & Phung Hung House | 120,000 |
| Ba Buoi Chicken Rice or Di Hat Noodles | 35,000 – 45,000 |
| Bike Rental | 100,000 |
| Street Food (Banh Beo, Banh Dap) | 10,000 – 20,000 |
| Cao Lau | 50,000 |
| Floating Lantern Ceremony | 50,000 |
| Boat Ride to See Lanterns | 50,000 |
| Bai Choi Performance | 20,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Hoi An?
The best time to visit Hoi An is during the dry season, from February to August. This period offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities.
What should I bring when visiting Hoi An?
Make sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, comfortable shoes, and a camera to capture the beautiful moments of your trip.
What transportation options are available in Hoi An?
In Hoi An, you can walk, rent a bike, or hire a motorbike to explore the ancient town and nearby areas. These are great ways to discover the hidden gems of the city.
Hoi An is not just a typical tourist destination; it’s a journey into culture, cuisine, and unique ancient architecture. With this one-day itinerary curated by Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery, you can fully enjoy the best experiences the town has to offer. Start your journey today and create unforgettable memories in this beautiful ancient town!
