Planning a Hoi An 4 days 3 nights trip but feeling overwhelmed by too many choices, hidden costs, messy schedules, or hotels far from the center? Don’t worry! This guide by Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery will help you plan smart, save money, and enjoy the ancient town with ease.
Why Plan a Hoi An 4 Days 3 Nights Trip?
Here are the reasons why you should plan a specific itinerary for your 4-day 3-night trip to Hoi An:
- Maximize your time: A well-planned itinerary helps you visit interesting spots without rushing, allowing you to fully enjoy each unique landscape of Hoi An.
- Explore all the attractive locations: Hoi An has many beautiful tourist spots, such as the ancient town, beaches, and traditional craft villages. A detailed itinerary ensures you won’t miss any experience.
- Control costs effectively: With a clear plan, you can calculate the expenses for each activity and avoid unexpected costs during the trip.
- Ensure comfort and relaxation: Proper time allocation between sightseeing and resting helps you avoid stress while still having time to relax on the beach or at resorts.
Suggested 4 Days 3 Nights Itinerary for Hoi An
Day 1: Getting to Know Hoi An
Afternoon – Evening:
- Arrive in Hoi An, check in at your hotel or resort.
- If you’re flying from Da Nang to Hoi An, consider taking a shuttle or taxi, which takes about 45 minutes.
- Choose a hotel near the ancient town for easy walking access in the evening.
- Take a short rest to recover your energy after your journey.
Late Afternoon – Evening:
- Take a stroll through the Ancient Town of Hoi An – a UNESCO World Heritage cultural site, visiting landmarks such as:
- Japanese Covered Bridge – a symbol of ancient architecture.
- Tan Ky Old House: one of the oldest houses combining Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese styles.
- Phuc Kien Assembly Hall – a place to worship the Holy Mother, with distinctive Chinese architecture.
- Enjoy dinner with local specialties: Cao Lau, Mi Quang, Hoi An chicken rice.
- Visit the Nguyen Hoang Night Market, release lanterns on the Hoai River, and enjoy street music.
- Read more: 30+ Hoi An tourist destinations that you should not miss
Day 2: Experience Local Culture
Morning:
- Depart early from your hotel to An Bang Beach or Cua Dai Beach, two famous beaches in Hoi An, located about 5–7 km from the center.
- Swim, take sunrise photos, and enjoy fresh coconut water at beachside cafes or lounges.
- You can rent beach chairs and towels from the beach services.
Lunch:
- Have lunch at a local seafood restaurant along the coastline or choose a restaurant within your hotel if it offers a sea view.
Afternoon:
- Option 1: Visit Tra Que Vegetable Village, about 3 km from the ancient town.
- You can rent a bike at your hotel for transportation.
- Experience organic vegetable farming, herbal foot massage, and cooking with local people.
- Option 2: Visit Thanh Ha Pottery Village, about 3 km from the ancient town, and try making pottery items like cups, plates, or figurines – great souvenirs to bring home.
Evening:
- Return to the ancient town, enjoy a light dinner with white rose dumplings, fried wontons, and drink coffee by the river.
Read more: Tra Que Vegetable Village: Discover the Rustic Beauty in The Heart of Hoi An
Day 3: Light Adventure to Cu Lao Cham or VinWonders South Hoi An
Option 1: Cu Lao Cham (for nature and island lovers)
- Early Morning: Head to Cua Dai Port, take a high-speed boat to the island (about 20 minutes) and experience:
- Visit Hai Tang Pagoda, the ancient Champa well, and the local seafood market.
- Go snorkeling to explore coral reefs (join a group tour or rent a private guide).
- Have a seafood lunch on the island.
- Afternoon: Return to the mainland – rest at the hotel or enjoy a relaxing massage.
Option 2: VinWonders South Hoi An (ideal for families with children or couples)
- An integrated park: semi-wild zoo, ancient Vietnamese village, thrill rides, water park, etc.
- It’s recommended to spend the whole day to fully enjoy the experience. There is a shuttle bus service from the ancient town.
Day 4: A Relaxing Conclusion
Morning:
- Wake up at your hotel and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Hoi An in the early morning.
- Visit Café Faifo – one of the famous coffee spots in the ancient town, known for its panoramic view of the ancient tiled rooftops.
- Buy local specialties: Hoi An green bean cake, mini lanterns, herbal tea, fabric bags, essential oil…
- If your hotel offers a service, book a relaxing massage or herbal steam session in advance.
Noon – Afternoon: Check out, head to Da Nang Airport or your next destination.
Should you travel independently or choose an available tour?
If you love experiences, want to explore every street and restaurant on your own, and aren’t afraid of planning, then independent travel is perfect for you. However, if you want to fully enjoy your trip without much worry, an all-inclusive tour is a safe and convenient option.
To help you compare and make the right decision, here’s a table summarizing the pros and cons of both options:
Criteria | Independent Travel | Available Tour (All-Inclusive) |
Advantages | – Freedom to choose itinerary, food, and rest as desired. – Flexible adjustments if the weather changes or if you want to stay longer. – Can save money if you know how to find deals and book in advance. | – Everything is pre-arranged: hotel, food, transport, entrance tickets. – A tour guide provides information on culture and history. – No time spent on preparation. |
Disadvantages | – Time-consuming to research accommodation, itinerary, and transport. – Can get tired if the itinerary is too packed or miscalculated. – Unexpected costs may arise. | – Fixed itinerary, not flexible to personal preferences. – You may be taken to unwanted shopping spots or rushed through sightseeing. – Not suitable for those who want to explore in-depth or relax. |
Who It’s Suitable For | Couples, young groups, or experienced independent travelers. | Families with young children, elderly, large groups, or busy people with little time for planning. |
In fact, many people now choose to combine independent travel with a one-day group tour – offering flexibility and control over time, while saving effort for experiences that require professional organization. The common approach is as follows:
- Step 1: Independent Travel
- Book flights and hotels based on personal needs and budget.
- Create a basic itinerary: time for exploring the ancient town, dining, resting, and visiting nearby attractions.
- Step 2: Book a one-day group tour for specific experiences
| Experience that Should Be Booked as a Tour | Why Choose a Tour | What Will You Get? |
| Cu Lao Cham (1 Day) | Need guidance and safety assurance for island trips. | Hotel pickup, high-speed boat, seafood lunch, diving equipment, entrance tickets. |
| My Son (Half Day) | Far from the center (about 1-hour travel), requires knowledge of Cham culture. | Pickup and drop-off, tour guide, drinking water, entrance tickets. |
| Thanh Ha Pottery Village – Tra Que | Folk and craft experiences, suitable for small groups. | Guide, electric bike or motorbike, pottery materials, gardening experience. |
| VinWonders South Hoi An | Large amusement park, located far from Hoi An (about 15-20 km). | All-inclusive tour: shuttle bus, entrance tickets, guide map, food combo (depending on the package). |
Where is the ideal place to stay for 4 days and 3 nights?
When planning your 4-day 3-night trip to Hoi An, an important factor to consider is choosing a convenient place to stay that allows you to easily visit the top tourist spots without worrying about transportation.
Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery is the ideal choice for you. With its prime location at the intersection of the Thu Bon and Hoai Rivers, just a few minutes’ walk from the Ancient Town of Hoi An, you won’t have to worry about getting around and can comfortably explore the beauty of the city.
Additionally, the hotel’s design is inspired by the love story between Princess Ngoc Hoa and Japanese merchant Sotaro Araki in the 17th century, offering a romantic retreat and allowing you to enjoy peaceful moments after a long day of exploring the city.
The highest room level outside suite categories, Royal Deluxe offers a luxury experience rivaled by none in Hoi An. Opulence is carried over to every detail of Royal Deluxe rooms that contain a spacious 40 sqm area featuring a private balcony to enjoy a corner view of the Thu Bon River and Executive Lounge benefits.
- 40 sqm (430sq ft)
- 3 Adults
I hope that the Hoi An 4 Days 3 Nights Trip itinerary suggested by Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery will provide you with wonderful experiences. Wishing you a complete, relaxing trip and many beautiful memories with the ancient town.
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