Hoi An is a captivating blend of historic beauty and cultural charm, nestled along the tranquil Hoai River. But how many days should you spend in Hoi An to experience it fully? This article will provide the answer! Let Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery guide you through the ultimate travel plan.
1. How many days are enough to explore Hoi An?
At least two to three days are the ideal amount of time to fully experience Hoi An. With this plan, you can leisurely stroll through the Ancient Town, indulge in the finest local cuisine, visit traditional craft villages, and unwind on the scenic beaches. However, depending on your interests and preferences, you can adjust your itinerary for the most fulfilling experience. If you wish to explore more historical sites or spend additional time savoring Hoi An’s renowned cuisine, consider extending your stay for a few extra days to make your trip truly unforgettable.
2. Suggested itineraries based on your length of stay
2.1 Hoi An in 2 days & 1 night – Ideal for short-term travelers
If you have only 2 days and 1 night in Hoi An, you can still soak in its ancient charm, distinctive cuisine, and river experiences. Below is a suggested itinerary to help you make the most of your trip.
Day 1: Explore the ancient town & cultural experiences
- Morning: Arrive in Hoi An, check in at your hotel, then rent a bicycle or explore on foot. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Ancient House, and the Cantonese Assembly Hall.
- Lunch: Enjoy a meal at Morning Glory Restaurant, famous for its Cao Lau noodles and crispy wontons.
- Afternoon: Visit the Museum of Trade Ceramics to learn about Hoi An’s historic commerce. Alternatively, experience tailor-made traditional clothing, with your outfit ready within 24 hours.
- Evening: Stroll through Nguyen Hoang Night Market, shop for lanterns and souvenirs, and release floating lanterns on the Hoai River for a magical experience.
Day 2: River adventures & farewell to Hoi An
- Morning: Visit Kim Bong Carpentry Village and watch artisans craft traditional wooden sculptures. If you prefer nature, try paddleboarding (SUP) or kayaking on the Thu Bon River.
- Lunch: Savor Hoi An chicken rice at Bep Tre Restaurant or dine at a riverside restaurant with a refreshing atmosphere.
- Afternoon: Take a leisurely walk around the Ancient Town, shop for silk, Thanh Ha pottery, and herbal teas, before concluding your journey and heading to your next destination.
2.2 Hoi An in 3 Days & 2 Nights – A Complete Heritage and Beach Experience
Days 1-2: Exploring the ancient town & traditional craft villages
Similar to the 2-day itinerary, you’ll immerse yourself in Hoi An’s Ancient Town, visiting historical landmarks such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Ancient House, and Fujian Assembly Hall. In the evening, enjoy the night market, release floating lanterns on the Hoai River, and savor local specialties. However, with a 3-day, 2-night itinerary, you’ll have an extra day to experience Hoi An in a deeper and more enriching way.
Day 3: Beachside relaxation & nature experiences
Morning: Unwind at An Bang Beach or Cham Islands
- Wake up early to catch the sunrise at An Bang Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Central Vietnam, known for its powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters.
- Enjoy a beachfront breakfast at cafés like The Deck House, Shore Club, or opt for a simple yet delicious banh mi with fresh juice.
- For adventure seekers, take a Cham Islands tour to explore its diverse marine ecosystem with activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, or speedboat excursions around the islands.
Midday: Boat ride & coconut forest exploration
- Experience a round-basket boat ride through the lush Bay Mau Water Coconut Forest, a fun and cultural activity that gives insight into the traditional fishing lifestyle of local villagers.
- Enjoy a seafood lunch featuring grilled shrimp, sour fish soup, and steamed squid with ginger at a scenic riverside restaurant.
Afternoon: Leisure & souvenir shopping
- Return to Hoi An’s Ancient Town for a relaxed shopping experience, picking up souvenirs like lanterns, ceramics, silk, and handcrafted goods.
- Unwind at a cozy café such as Reaching Out Tea House, known for its peaceful ambiance and traditional tea experience.
- For an interactive experience, join a herbal tea-making or mung bean cake workshop at a local handicraft center.
Evening: Farewell to Hoi An
- Before leaving, take a final evening stroll through the ancient town, soaking in its nighttime charm.
- Enjoy a light street-food dinner with dishes like sweet corn pudding, sizzling pancakes (banh xeo), and grilled pork skewers (nem lui).
- Check out of your hotel and head to Da Nang International Airport or your next destination.
2.3 Hoi An in 4 Days & 3 Nights – A Cultural and Nature-Inspired Journey
With 4 days and 3 nights in Hoi An, you’ll have ample time to immerse yourself in cultural heritage, explore traditional craft villages, relax at An Bang Beach, and experience the peaceful countryside.
Days 1-3: Explore the ancient town, traditional villages & beach retreat
Similar to the 3-day, 2-night itinerary, you will explore Hoi An Ancient Town, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Ancient House, and Fujian Assembly Hall. You’ll also experience traditional craft villages and unwind at An Bang Beach or Cham Islands. Additionally, you can enjoy a basket boat ride at Bay Mau Water Coconut Forest, shop in the Ancient Town, and relax at cozy cafés.
Beyond these activities, many more exciting experiences await you on the next day! Here’s what you can look forward to:
Day 4: Explore the countryside & embrace slow living
Morning: Cycling Through Hoi An’s Countryside
- Ride through lush green rice fields, soaking in the fresh air and rural charm.
- Visit Kim Bong Carpentry Village to witness the artistry of traditional wood carving.
- Join a cooking class at Tra Que Vegetable Village, where you’ll prepare authentic Hoi An dishes using fresh, organic ingredients.
Midday: Relax on the Thu Bon River
- Try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) or kayaking on the Thu Bon River, enjoying a serene view of the countryside from the water.
- Enjoy lunch at a riverside restaurant, savoring grilled fish in banana leaves, banana blossom salad, and rice paper rolls with pork.
Afternoon: Unwind & make the most of your final moments
- Relax at a garden café such as The Espresso Station or Rosie’s Café, enjoying a peaceful retreat before departure.
- If time allows, visit VinWonders Nam Hoi An, a cultural and amusement park, perfect for families and groups of friends.
Evening: Farewell to Hoi An
- Take a final stroll through Hoi An’s Ancient Town and enjoy a light street-food dinner.
- Check out of your hotel and head to Da Nang International Airport or continue your journey to the next destination.
3. Where to stay when traveling to Hoi An?
If you’re looking for an exceptional place to stay in Hoi An, Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery is an unmissable choice. Inspired by the legendary love story of Sotaro Araki and Princess Ngoc Hoa, this hotel offers not only luxurious accommodations but also a unique cultural experience blending Vietnamese and Japanese influences.
With a total of 187 elegantly decorated rooms and suites, Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery provides a refined stay along with premium amenities and services. Here’s what you can expect during your visit:
- Wakaku (Japanese Restaurant) – High-quality 5-star Japanese cuisine at surprisingly affordable prices.
- Faifo Café – An all-day dining restaurant offering Vietnamese and international cuisine, featuring a buffet with an open-kitchen concept.
- The Deck – The highest rooftop bar in Hoi An, where you can sip on signature cocktails while enjoying a breathtaking panoramic city view.
- River Bar – A relaxing poolside bar serving unique cocktails and local beverages.
- The Attic Bar – The perfect spot to enjoy premium drinks with a stunning view of Hoi An’s Ancient Town and the Thu Bon River.
- Woosah Spa – A tranquil wellness haven offering rejuvenating therapies and treatments to restore energy and well-being.
- Executive Lounge – An exclusive space for guests staying in Royal Deluxe, Deluxe Suite, and 2-Bedroom Suites. Located on the 8th floor of the Wakaku Wing, it provides a breathtaking panoramic view of Hoi An and the Thu Bon River, making it an ideal spot for relaxation or work.
The hotel also offers cultural activities such as Vietnamese coffee-making classes, calligraphy workshops, fan painting, lantern-making, and traditional mask painting. These activities give you a deeper, hands-on experience of Hoi An’s rich culture.
We hope these recommendations help you plan the perfect itinerary to explore Hoi An in your own way. Whether you have just one day or an extended trip, Hoi An promises unforgettable experiences. Wishing you a wonderful journey filled with beautiful memories in this charming ancient town!
