Hoi An is a Vietnamese city with everything that a culture and history lover is looking for in a destination. It’s got delicious food, mesmerizing theatrical performances, two-hundred-year-old architectural gems, thousand-year-old ancient ruins, the best cooking classes in Vietnam, bike rides through rice fields, and lazy boat rides down mangrove-lined rivers. I could go on and on.

With so many things to do in Hoi An, how do you squeeze everything into five days?

In this Hoi An itinerary, I’ll share exactly how I toured the city in five days! Plus! You’ll find some tips and advice on where to eat and stay and how to get around from my travels to Hoi An.

Can’t travel just yet? Check out my list of 25 of the best books on Vietnam—a great way to travel without leaving the safety of your living room couch.

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The History of Hoi An

Why has Hoi An preserved so much of its traditional architecture while the rest of Vietnam has not? Why is there so much foreign influence, Hoi An? Why is the beautiful mauve-colored Bridge in historic Hoi An called the Japanese Bridge?

To understand why Hoi An is the way it is, you must know something about its fascinating and rich history as a port along the maritime Silk Road. Merchants and missionaries from both East and West flocked here, either to trade their goods or spread their beliefs. Picture Hoi An as the seventeenth or eighteenth-century version of colonial Singapore, a bustling hub where locals interacted with Japanese, Chinese, Arabs, Indians, and Europeans.

The Champa Kingdom

Hoi An had been an important trading port for centuries, all the way back to when it was ruled by the Chams. This sea-faring ethnic group originated on the island of Borneo. The Chams first took control of the area from the Chinese in 192 AD. They eventually established a united kingdom that ruled over central Vietnam until 1471. 

The Chams controlled the spice and silk trade between China, India, Indonesia, and Arabia. While they were interacting with foreigners along the Silk Road, they became influenced by other cultures, especially India. The Chams became Hindus and adopted Sanskrit along with their own writing system.

You can visit the ancient ruins of the Cham’s religious capital on Day 4 of this itinerary.

Here Comes the Vietnamese

In 1471, the Dai Viet (the Vietnamese-controlled north) conquered Central Vietnam, annexed it, and drove out the Chams. The Vietnamese began migrating to the area in the 1500s when the emperor sent Lord Hoang Nguyen to govern it.

Unlike the northerners, the Nguyen family was commerce-driven. They implemented policies that encouraged trade and commerce, leading to the economic flourishing of the area in the 1600s and 1700s.

Hoi An, strategically positioned at the confluence of one of Vietnam’s most important river basins, reaped the benefits of its superb location and the Nguyen family’s rule. This prime spot facilitated the city’s role as a crucial link between local and regional trade and the global market.

Farmers from Central Vietnam would bring their cinnamon and ginseng down the Thu Bon River, a crucial trade route, to the port of Hoi An to be sold and bought by merchants from China, Japan, Arabia, and Europe.

In turn, these foreign merchants would set up temporary homes, businesses, and temples in Hoi An to wait for the monsoon winds to change direction, which was when they could return home. They also brought their culture with them—their architectural styles, food, language, and beliefs. Then, in the 1600s, China’s Ming Dynasty collapsed, bringing chaos and war to that country. As a result, many southern Chinese decided to settle permanently in Hoi An.

You can see many of these foreign influences in Hoi An’s Old Town, where you’ll find 200 to 300-year-old homes, businesses, and temples of these foreigners.

The End of Hoi An as an International Trading Center

The decline of Hoi An in the mid-1800s was largely due to the siltation of the Thu Bon River. This natural process made it increasingly challenging to transport goods from the interior to the port, ultimately impacting the city’s trade.

Then, the French invaded Vietnam and forced concessions on the Vietnamese Emperor. One of these was to give France control of Da Nang, which eventually replaced Hoi An as the center of trade in Central Vietnam. This was the end of Hoi An as a cosmopolitan trading center.

As a result, time sort of stopped in Hoi An. The unique cultural heritage, built by the Chinese and Japanese—the temples, clan associations, bridges, and homes—was preserved, not replaced by more “modern” or colonial buildings.

Remarkably, Hoi An’s traditional architecture was spared even during the tumultuous Vietnam War, as both the Americans and the North agreed to leave the city untouched.

It wasn’t until after Vietnam opened up to international tourism in the 1990s and Hoi An, with its unique charm and history, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 that people from all over the world returned to this captivating city.

Nowadays, Old Town is teeming with tourists to the point that it sometimes feels like you’re at Disneyland. However, there are peaceful ways to enjoy the destination. If you start exploring early in the morning, the streets are serene and almost empty, offering a tranquil start to your day. Visit the more touristy temples in the morning and the less touristy in the afternoon and take bike trips to the countryside or kayak trips down its many rivers.

PRO TIP: You’ll find most tailor shops (around 200) in Old Town. You can get pretty much anything made here: suits, shirts, dresses, etc. The shops vary in size, quality, and service, so check reviews online first. Not everyone comes out satisfied with their experience. Visit a tailor shop on your first day in Hoi An with a photo of what you want. Take your time choosing the style and fabric. Although they can create something for you within 24 hours, you’ll have to return two or three times for fittings.

Hoi-An Itinerary

I recommend spending 5 days in Hoi-An, using the city as a base for exploring other important historical and cultural sights around the area.

This 5-day Hoi An itinerary can be done in any order. But watch the weather! It rains a lot here, and since most things to do in Hoi An take place outdoors, you’ve got to plan the city’s few indoor activities for when it’s the rainiest. A cooking class is a perfect way to spend time indoors on a rainy day.

• Day 1 – Exploring Old Town
• Day 2 – Bike ride on the many islands
• Day 3 – Day trip to the Cham Ruins
• Day 4 – Day Trip to Ba Na Hills
• Day 5 – Cooking Class

Hoi An Itinerary: Day 1 – Exploring Old Town

The most pleasurable thing to do in Hoi An is to wander around Old Town’s narrow lanes, admiring and visiting the traditional shops and temples and imagining you’re back in the 1700s when the city was a vibrant trading mecca. If you put on some rose-colored glasses, you can further pretend that those people from China, Japan, Europe, and the Middle East aren’t tourists buying souvenirs like you but traders coming to sell their tea and opium and buy cinnamon and ginseng to take back home.  

Old Town, as shown on the map, is a compact area, just a few blocks wide and several blocks long.

A half-day tour of Old Town is a great option for those with limited time. However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace, a full day allows for shopping, visiting tailor shops, dining, and unwinding in cafés, giving you the freedom to tailor your experience to your preferences.

The best time to visit to avoid the tourists is to get out and about at around 7:00 am or, at the latest, 8:00 (tourists start coming in at 9:00 am).

You’ll also want to return to Old Town at night when the city is lit with colorful lanterns. At night, the throngs of tourists flocking to the restaurants and bars give the town a lively and fun atmosphere, but thankfully, without it feeling cheap and sleazy.

Make sure you get a photo of the town from the bridge. A tripod will help you immensely here.

Entrance Fee for Old Town: You need to buy an Old Town Entrance Ticket and keep it with you as you wander the area. The ticket costs 120,000 VND (US$4.71). The money goes toward the maintenance and preservation of the heritage buildings in Old Town. It allows you to wander the streets of Old Town and visit up to five sightseeing places out of the 22 museums and heritage buildings. If you use up your five Old Town tickets, you can still enter more attractions. You’ll need to pay, which is generally not too much. The ticket is good for as long as you stay in Hoi An.

You can buy the ticket at one of the eleven kiosks around Old Town.

The most thrilling way to experience Old Town is to wander freely along its charming streets, allowing your curiosity to guide you into any intriguing spot. However, considering your five Old Town tickets, here are the places I would certainly include in my exploration:

1. Japanese Covered Bridge – A charming architectural marvel that doesn’t require a ticket. It’s a must-see for its unique design and historical significance.
2. Heritage Homes – I’ve handpicked four that I found particularly captivating; I suggest visiting at least two. The Tan Ky House is a standout. Remember that some homes are more like souvenir shops, so they might not be the best use of your five tickets.
3. Chinese Assembly Halls and Temples – There are five in Hoi An; the best are the Cantonese and Fujian Assembly Halls.
4. Pagodas – Several pagodas don’t require a ticket.
5. Museums – There are two museums covering the history of Hoi An.

1. Japanese Covered Bridge

• OPEN: 24/7
• COST: Free
• BUILT: 1590s

The Japanese Bridge is the most photogenic attraction in Hoi An. I couldn’t stop taking photos of it and I couldn’t stop returning to it over my five days in Hoi An. Luckily, you can cross the bridge as many times as you like without it costing you one of the Old Town Tickets.

Japanese traders flocked to Hoi An during the 1500s. Then they stopped coming when the Tokugawa Shogun closed Japan in 1630, forbidding any Japanese from leaving the country and any foreigners from entering.

Before the closure, the Japanese community in Hoi An had established their own enclave. They constructed the magnificent Japanese Covered Bridge, a testament to their cultural heritage and a link between their section and the Chinese quarter.

Tragically, the Japanese quarter, along with many of its historical buildings, fell victim to the destructive forces of the Tay Son Rebellion, a civil war that ravaged Vietnam in the 1700s.

2. Heritage Homes

When you visit Old Town, be sure to explore at least one of the historic homes. It’s a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience how people lived 200 or 300 years ago. Many of these homes were built by merchants in the 1700s. Some are still occupied by the families who built them, while others have been repurposed into souvenir shops, tailor shops, or cafes.

My two favorite homes are the Tan Ky and the Quan Thang Home.

2.1. Old House of Tan Ky

• OPEN: 8:30 am – 5:45 pm
• COST: Old Town Ticket
• BUILT: 1741

The Tan Ky House, a stunning testament to the wealth and grandeur of the 1700s, is the most beautiful house in Hoi An. Built by a Vietnamese family deeply involved in the agricultural trading business, this house has been the home of seven generations of the Le family, who still reside upstairs. It’s a living, breathing piece of history.

The back of the house faces the Thu Bon River, a perfect location for merchants to load and unload their products to and from trading ships and store them in the family’s warehouse.

As you explore the Tan Ky House, you’ll notice elements that reflect the diverse cultural influences that once thrived in Hoi An during its trading days. From the Japanese ceiling to the Chinese script, each detail tells a story of the city’s rich history.

Despite the annual flooding during the monsoon season, the Tan Ky House still stands. Keep an eye out for marks on the wall. They indicate how high the water would rise during each flood.

2.2. The Old House of Phung Hung

• OPEN: 8:30 am – 6:00 pm
• COST: Old Town Ticket
• BUILT: 1780

I loved the Phung House’s sophisticated exterior. The interior isn’t as interesting as other homes, though, so if you’re looking to save your Old Town Tickets, this home is a good one to skip. For me, I saw all of them because I’ve been fascinated by Vietnamese history for as long as I can remember.

Constructed in 1780 by a Vietnamese merchant, Phung Hung Old House is a typical Hoi An traditional style home. The name of the home, “Phung” means prosperity.

The family that lived in the Phung House was not just a typical household. They were merchants selling a variety of products that were highly sought after in the bustling marketplace of Hoi An. Their trade in cinnamon, silk, and pepper added to the vibrancy of the historical marketplace.

One of the unique features of the house is the second-floor balcony, which offers a view of the street below. It’s a perfect spot to take in the charm of Hoi An’s Old Town.

2.3 Quan Thang House

• OPEN: unknown
• COST: Old Town Ticket
• BUILT: 1600s

The Quan Thang house is definitely worth a visit if you’re interested in history and architecture. Constructed in the 1600s by a Chinese merchant, the old house of Quan Thang is one of the oldest buildings in Hoi An.

When you stand outside the house, it’s easy to be unimpressed by the building’s small façade. But once you step inside, the house reveals its unique architectural design. It’s long and narrow, stretching far back through room after courtyard after room. Originally, it extended all the way to the next street over, Nguyen Thai Hoc Street. The back end was used as a warehouse. The family could conveniently haul goods in and out of the warehouse entrance to and from the wharf nearby.

2.4 Diep Don Nguyen House

• OPEN: unknown
• COST: Old Town Ticket
• BUILT: late 1800s

Diep Don Nguyen House was built by a wealthy Chinese merchant. It was once a pharmacy selling Chinese medicine and other sundries like books and clothing.

It was less impressive than the Quan Than House and the Tan Ky House, so if you’re saving your Old Town Tickets, you can skip this home/shop.

3. Chinese Assembly Halls

Visit at least one of the Chinese Assembly Halls during your five days. I have two favorites: the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation and the Cantonese Assembly Hall. But don’t miss out on the All Chinese Community Assembly Hall, which is easily accessible without an Old Town Ticket. The others do require a ticket, though.
But what are these Chinese Assembly Halls and why should you visit them?
One of the largest immigrant groups in Hoi An was from southeastern China (the Han and Hakka people from Fujian, Chaozhou, Canton, and Hainan). Most of them first came to Hoi An to trade. Then, when China became unstable in the 1600s, many of them settled permanently in the city, leaving behind a rich and fascinating history that you can explore in the Chinese Assembly Halls.

As in many Chinese overseas communities (Penang and Singapore), the Chinese immigrants in Hoi An built assembly halls. These halls were places where people from the same province could meet, get help settling down in a new city, and pray to their local deities. Each of the major regional immigrant groups (Fujian, Hainan, etc.) has its own assembly halls in Hoi An.

3.1 Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation

• OPEN: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
• COST: Old Town Ticket
• BUILT: 1692

One of my two favorite assembly halls is the Fujian Assembly Hall. The pink-colored gate is especially eye-catching. It will cost you one Old Town Ticket.

The temple, originally built by Vietnamese locals in 1692, holds a significant place in history. It was later sold to immigrants who had fled Fujian province in China after the fall of the Ming Dynasty in the 1600s, adding another layer to its historical importance. Fujian has a special place in my heart since I lived there for five years.

The temple is dedicated to Thien Hua (Mazu in Chinese), the goddess of the sea and protector of sailors and traders. You’ll often see Fujianese temples across Southeast Asia dedicated to this goddess.

3.2 Cantonese Assembly Hall (Quang Trieu)

• OPEN: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
• COST: Old Town ticket
• BUILT: 1851

The very popular Cantonese Assembly Hall can get crowded. To fully appreciate the temple’s stunning beauty, it’s best to visit early in the morning when it’s quieter and less crowded.
The hall, a significant historical landmark, was built in 1851 by the people from Guangdong (Canton) province. Originally dedicated to the Goddess Thien Hau (protects sailors), it was later changed to honor God Quan Cong (protects people from harm and misfortune).

3.3. Assembly Hall of the Hainan Chinese Congregation

• OPEN: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
• COST: Old Town ticket
• BUILT: 1851

The Hanian Assembly Hall has a sad history. Constructed for the immigrants from the island of Hainan, this hall is dedicated to the memory of the 108 Hainanese merchants who were killed because they were mistaken for being pirates.

3.4 Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation

• OPEN: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
• COST: Old Town ticket
• BUILT: 1751

Another assembly hall that you should visit is the one built for the people from the city of Chaozhou, in eastern Guangdong province.

This hall is worth visiting for its beautifully detailed carvings on the temple’s walls, ceiling, and doors.

3.5 Chinese All Community Assembly Hall

• OPEN: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
• COST: Free
• BUILT: 1773

I loved the colorful All Chinese Community Assembly Hall. It’s small but worth visiting after seeing the Fujian and Cantonese Assembly Halls. Dedicated to the goddess Thien Hau, the hall is for all Chinese from Fujian, Chaozhou, Canton, Hainan, and the Hakka people.

4. Pagodas and Temples

The pagodas aren’t as interesting to visit as the assembly halls, but if you have time, stop in at least one of them. They generally don’t require an Old Town ticket.

4.1 Phuoc Lam Pagoda

• OPEN: 7:30 am – 9:30 pm
• COST: Free
• BUILT: unknown

I like the Phuoc Lam Pagoda mainly for its interesting history. According to Lonely Planet, this Buddhist temple is often associated with a famous monk named An Thiem, who was once a great general before becoming a Buddhist. His transformation from a warrior to a man of peace is truly admirable. To pay for what he did on the battlefield, he “cleaned the Hoi An market for 20 years.” Later, he became the head monk at the Phuoc Lam temple.

4.2 Chuc Thanh Pagoda

• OPEN: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
• COST: Free
• BUILT: 1454

I did not visit the Chuc Thanh Pagoda as it’s 1.5 kilometers outside Old Town. The important thing about this temple is that it’s the oldest one in Hoi An (constructed in 1454). Although it’s gone through several renovations, the original structure still exists.

4.3 Phap Bao Pagoda (Phac Hat Temple)

• OPEN: Temporarily closed
• COST: free
• BUILT: Unknown
• LOCATION: Google Maps

Phap Bao Pagoda (Phac Hat Temple) is a colorful Buddhist temple. There’s a lovely courtyard filled with plants, trees, and statues that you can visit to get away from the throngs of tourists. This is a functioning temple, so be respectful. Dress appropriately.

4.4 Quan Cong Temple

• OPEN: Unknown
• COST: Old Town Ticket
• BUILT: 1653

Quang Cong Temple was built in 1653 by Chinese and Vietnamese merchants. The temple is dedicated to Quan Cong, a famous general during the Three Kingdoms period in Chinese history. He symbolizes loyalty, sincerity, integrity, and justice. 

You’ll know a temple is dedicated to him when you see a statue of a serious red-faced man with a long beard and spear.

5. Museums

When I visited Hoi An, there were only two museums, neither of which were worth visiting unless you’re a history nerd like me. Now there are two newer museums dedicated to Hoi An’s heritage and folk culture that might be worth visiting.

5.1. Hoi An Museum of History and Culture

• OPEN: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm M-Sa; closed on Sundays
• COST: Old Town Ticket

The museum has a range of artifacts, including Cham pottery and ceramics and pottery, as well as photos and drawings from Hoi An’s trading period.

The problem for foreign tourists is that the museum lacks explanations in English.

5.2. Sa Huynh Culture Museum

• OPEN: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (M-F)
• COST: Old Town Ticket

If you’re interested in archaeology and the ancient history of Vietnam, visit the Sa Huynh Culture Museum. The museum has over 1,000 artifacts from the Sa Huynh culture, an ancient culture that lived in the area from 1,000 BC to 200 AD. Since similar artifacts were found in the Philippines, Thailand, and Borneo, it’s believed that trade existed between the peoples 2,000 years ago.

Hoi An Itinerary: Day 2 – Countryside

On day 2 of this Hoi An Itinerary, you’ll explore Hoi-An’s countryside on a relaxing bike tour. I went with Heaven and Earth Tours, and I highly recommend them.

I’ll describe the tour I took.

My tour began with a short and enjoyable boat ride across the Bon Thu Bon River to Cam Kim Island. We brought our bikes on the boat with us.

On the island, we visited various places that made local handicrafts and everyday goods: bed mats, lacquerware, rice wine, and boats.

We biked around the countryside, past rice fields and rivers, and through villages.

Next, we rode in the famous basket boats they made on the island.

As we approached the entrance to a village, an archway caught my eye. It was adorned with a photo of Ho Chi Minh and the words in Vietnamese, “There is nothing better than freedom.” This was a powerful testament to the Vietnamese people’s unwavering passion for their independence, a stark contrast to the American attempts to bomb them into submission.

We returned to Hoi An by a bustling public ferry, a unique experience that allowed us to immerse ourselves in the local culture and connect with the Vietnamese people.

Hoi-An Itinerary: Day 3 – Golden Bridge

• OPEN: 7:00 am – 10:00 pm
• COST: 750,000 VND (US$32)
• WEBSITE: https://banahills.sunworld.vn/en

Day 3 takes you to Ba Na Hills Amusement Park and its insta-famous Golden Bridge. The park is located in the mountains and accessed via a gondola ride.

The section of the park that the locals get a real kick out of is the replica of a medieval French village complete with cobblestoned streets, a Gothic cathedral, French gardens, and European style buildings.

There’s also some amusement park rides, loads of shops, a beer hall, and several restaurants serving European food.

The attraction that you see most often on Instagram is the bridge that is held up by two large stone hands called the Golden Bridge.

How to get from Hoi-An to Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills:

Shuttle Bus from Hoi An: I recommend taking a shuttle service from Hoi An. The price is good and it won’t take you too long. You can buy bus tickets to Ban Na Hills through Klook.

Public Bus from Hoi An: You can also take a public bus. Cheap, but it’ll take you several hours round trip. At Ben Xe Hoi An Bus Station, take Bus No 1 and get off at Da Nang Central Bus Station. You’ll need to then take additional transportation to Ba Na Hills.

Private Transport from Hoi An: The most expensive way to get to Ba Na Hills is by private car. You can book your transport through Klook.

Hoi-An Itinerary: Day 4 – My Son Cham Ruins

Day 4 of this Hoi An itinerary is geared toward the history lover and anyone who’s fantasized about becoming the next Indiana Jones. It’s a visit to the Cham ruins at My Son, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Chams were an ethnic group originally from Borneo. They ruled over Central Vietnam from 192 AD to 1471. Heavily influenced by Indian culture, they were predominantly Hindus.

Their religious center was at My Son. This was where state religious ceremonies were held and the Cham rulers were buried.

There were originally 70 Hindu temples built between the fourth and fourteenth centuries. Most of the temples were dedicated to Shiva. Unfortunately, many of the religious structures were destroyed during the war between Vietnam and the United States.

The ruins are interesting but don’t expect anything grand like those found at Angkor in Cambodia or Bagan in Myanmar. There are 20 temples remaining from the original 70.

Shop around for a good tour. I chose a tour from a travel agency in Old Town that turned out to be horrible. It was hard to understand the guide and his knowledge seemed rather superficial. He spent too much energy and time making sex jokes about the Chams.

I recommend booking through your hotel or Klook.

Here are some companies that do My Son tours:

• This tour company has two types of tours: early morning and later morning tours.  
• You can do a tour of My Son that includes a boat ride back to Hoi An.
• You can also do a sunset tour of My Son. You leave in the early afternoon and return about 6:30 pm.

Another option that will give you more freedom to determine your itinerary is to hire a car and driver to take you to My Son. Ask at your hotel.

Hoi-An Itinerary: Day 5 – Cooking Class

On your final day in Hanoi, I recommend taking a cooking class. Hoi An seems to have more cooking classes than any other place in Vietnam. And they’re wildly popular, probably because it rains so much during the height of the tourist season in Vietnam and people need somewhere to go that is indoors.

It’s also a good idea to schedule the cooking class for the last day in Hoi An rather than one of the day trips mentioned in this itinerary. First, the cooking classes are usually only half-day, so you can spend the afternoon doing some souvenir shopping.

Also, my bus out of Hoi An was leaving that evening around 6:15 pm. I didn’t want to be stuck in a van or bus on my way back from the Cham Ruins or Ba Na Hills.

That being said, there is something said for booking the class the day before the class when there’s a strong likelihood that it’s going to rain the next day. There aren’t many indoor things to do in Hoi An. However, booking a class at the last minute can be tricky. Although there are loads of cooking classes, the popular ones book up way in advance. I booked mine at the last minute and got in on the third most popular one.

Vy’s Market and Cooking Class

I took my cooking class at Vy’s Market, Hoi An’s version of a Singapore Hawker Centre or tasteful shopping mall food court but with Vietnamese food. Surrounding a seating area in the middle of the court are food stalls offering different kinds of local foods.

The class started with a tour of a public market where we were introduced to vegetables, fruits, herbs, meat, fish, and seafood of Vietnam.

After the tour, we went back to Vy’s Market for a tour of the food stalls and a demonstration on how the different foods are made. We also got to sample the food.

Then we went upstairs for the cooking lesson. We made cabbage soup, barbecue, banh xeo, and mango salad.

The day ended around noon with a feast of the dishes we made.

I spent the rest of the afternoon doing some souvenir shopping before my night bus was leaving later that day.

More Things to Do in Hoi An

If you have more than five days to spend in Hoi An, add one or more of the following destinations to your itinerary:

An Bang Beach – The best beach is An Bang Beach, located 3 kilometers from Hoi An. You can bike there or take a taxi or Grab for around US$4.

Marble Mountains – (TIME: 7:00 am – 5:30 pm | COST: 40,000 VND) An easy day trip from Hoi An is a visit to Marble Mountains, a series of five mountains topped with pagodas. Situated about 30 kilometers from Hoi An, Marble Mountain is an important spiritual place for Buddhists. As you climb up the mountain, you can visit caves containing Buddhist temples.  A taxi will cost you around US$11. You can also take local bus #1 heading to Da Nang. The easiest thing to do is to join a tour group to the mountains through Klook.

Bamboo Basket Boat Ride Through Coconut Palm Mangroves – Take a basket boat trip through the coconut palms of Cam Thanh Island. The cheapest option (US$8-$10) is to bike out to Cam Thanh hamlet and pay the boat operator directly for a ride. The easiest way (US$30 – $40) is to book a boat tour from a travel agent in Hoi An.

Kayak or Paddleboard Tour – Another great way to get away from the tourists is to take a kayak out to the mangrove forest or the countryside. Hoi An Kayak Tours has sunrise and sunset tours where you get up really early, paddle out to an area where you can see a sunrise or sunset.

Cham Islands – (BOAT DEPARTURE: 7:00 or 7:30 am | ISLAND ENTRANCE FEE: 70,000 VND (US$3)) These eight beautiful islands off the coast of Hoi An are a UNESCO World Heritage Biosphere Reserve. They have only recently opened up to visitors. You can now visit them on day trips or overnight stays. You can snorkel and dive in reefs around the islands. Day trips often include a chance to go snorkeling (reviews are mixed). For a more relaxing experience, stay overnight. To get there on your own, catch a public boat from a pier on An Hoi Island in Hoi An (Google Maps) at 7:00 or 7:30 every morning. Cost is around 100,000 – 150,000 VND for foreigners. Bring your passport and visa. The boat arrives at Bai Lang village in the Cham Islands.

What to do in the Evening

There are two fun and tasteful things to do in Hoi An in the evening.

Hoi An Lune Show for the Performing Arts – (TIME:  6:00 pm COST: 700,000 VND) At the Bamboo Theater, Lune Productions puts on a spectacular Circe du Soliel-like performance full of dancers and acrobats depicting stories from Vietnamese culture and folklore. You can buy tickets at the box office at the Bamboo Theater between 9:30 am and 7:00 pm.

Hoi An Memories Show –(TIME: 8:00 – 9:00 pm | COST: 600,000 VND) Hoi An Impressions Water and Theme Park holds a fabulous outdoor song, dance, and lighting show every night that tells the 400-year-old history of Vietnam.

Where to stay in Hoi An

Stay near Old Town for its convenience, culture, and history or head out to the beaches for some sun and fun.

Budget(US$20/private room)

Square Villa Hoi An (Booking.com | Agoda) – terrific reviews; good price; 5-minute walk from Old Town; no pool

D Central Hoi An Homestay (Booking.com | Agoda) – terrific reviews; good price; on An Hoi island across from Old Town

Mid-range (US$40 +)

Pham Gia Boutique Villa (Booking.com | Agoda) – terrific reviews; very good price; 15-minute walk to Old Town; has pool; breakfast included

Hoi An Central Hotel (Booking.com | Agoda) – terrific reviews; very good price; on edge of Old Town; has pool

Serenity Villa Hotel (Booking.com | Agoda)  good reviews; terrific price; on An Hoi island across from Old Town

Where to eat in Hoi An

The best thing to do in Hoi An is to eat. Central Vietnamese cuisine is different from the South and North, and Hoi An is a great place to sample the region’s unique dishes.

Here is a list of the 4 dishes that you MUST NOT leave Hoi An without trying.

1. banh mi – The best banh mi are found in Hoi An.
2. cao lau – A rice noodle dish with barbecued pork; invented in Hoi An
3. mi quang – Thick yellow rice noodle dish with herbs, greens, and meat
4. banh bao vac (White Rose Dumplings) – pork and shrimp dumplings made of thin rice flour and topped with fried shallots.

I’m just going to list the places that I ate at during my five days in Hoi An. You can find a more comprehensive list of restaurants on the website, Hoi An Now.

Ba Le Well Restaurant – (Google Maps) Whatever you do, don’t leave Hoi An without eating some spring roll barbecue at this fabulous authentic outdoor restaurant. When I visited, it was just one long group of tables down an alley. Now they’ve moved to a nearby garden with a more pleasant setting.

You make your own spring rolls with grilled pork and/or shrimp and/or lots of veggies and herbs. Then grill the food over a barbecue yourself. I went with someone who doesn’t eat meat, and she was still able to enjoy it.

It was a lot of fun and the people who worked there were very helpful and patient.

Morning Glory Restaurant – (Google Maps) This is a famous restaurant that now mainly caters to tourists. It’s no hole-in-the-wall place. Come for lunch, but arrive early (11:00 or 11:30ish) to beat the rush of tourists and tour groups. It’s still worth it. I had White Rose and squid stuffed with pork.

Vy’s Market Restaurant and Cooking School – (Google Maps) This is a Hoi An version of a Singapore Hawker Centre filled with loads of choices of street food. There’s a seating area in the middle surrounded by hawker-like food stalls in a westernized and sanitized setting. You order at your table with digital tablets. The food is brought to your table. You can walk around the stalls and see how the food is made. I had mushroom and chicken hotpot and delicious coconut pudding.

Miss Ly’s Café (Google Maps) – This is a popular restaurant serving famous Central Vietnamese dishes. I had white rose, wantons, cao lau, and spring rolls.

Public Market – (Google Maps) There are tons of fun and cheap food stalls in the market; I had mi quang here.

Banh Mi Phuong – (Google Maps) This inexpensive banh mi street vendor was made famous by the late great Anthony Bourdain. It’s popular with locals as well.

How to get to Hoi An

You can use the Baolau website to look up transportation schedules and buy tickets for Vietnam.

Hoi An does not have a train station or airport. The nearest airport is in Da Nang.

The cheapest way to get to Hoi An is by bus. Here are some average bus times from key destinations:

Hue – Hoi An: 4 hours (bus)

Da Nang – Hoi An: 1.5 hours (bus)

Nha Trang – Hoi An:

• Plane: 1 hour to Da Nang + 1.5 hours by bus to Hoi An
• Bus: 11 – 13 hours

Hanoi – Hoi An:

• Plane: 2.5-hours to Da Nang + 1.5 hours by bus to Hoi An
• Train: 16 – 18 hours to Da Nang + 1.5 hours by bus to Hoi An
• Bus: 17 – 19 hours

Ho Chi Minh City – Hoi An:

• Plane: 1.5-hours to Da Nang + 1.5 hours by bus to Hoi An
• Train: 17 – 19 hours to Da Nang + 1.5 hours by bus to Hoi An
• Bus: 24 hours to Da Nang + 1.5 hours by bus to Hoi An

How to get around Hoi An

The best way to get around Hoi An is by foot or bicycle.

For longer distances, use a local tuk-tuk or call a Grab (a ride-share service like Uber). Download the Grab app onto your phone when you get to Vietnam. Before you use the App, make sure to register ahead of time as it takes several minutes to set up your account. You can either charge the ride to a credit card stored in the App or pay in cash at the end of your ride. I always do the latter. Just beware that your driver might not have change.

When to Visit Hoi An

The best time to visit Hoi An is from March to August, when it’s dry and sunny although hot. The rainy season is from September to February.

However, many people visit Hoi An from December to February since it’s when the rest of Vietnam is dry.

Currency and ATM in Hoi An

You can find banks and ATM machines in and near Old Town.

Make sure to tell your bank where you’ll be traveling, so you don’t get your bank card canceled.

For Americans, I highly recommend getting a Charles Schwab card. I also recommend for everyone to carry more than one credit and debit card in case one doesn’t work or one is lost or stolen. So many times I’ve tried to use my card in Southeast Asia and my bank refuses to accept the transaction EVEN THOUGH I’ve put a travel alert on the card.

WiFi in Hoi AN

Vietnam has decent WiFi. Get a SIM card when you first arrive in Vietnam. Most popular SIM cards are Viettel, Mobifone, and Vinaphone. Viettel is the best.

Solo Travel in Hoi An

As a female solo traveler, I felt safe walking alone at night around Old Town and to my hotel on the outskirts of Old Town.

There are lots of tours and cooking classes that don’t charge a single supplement.

Another thing that makes Hoi An such a great stop for solo travelers is that it’s a popular spot on the backpack circuit of Southeast Asia, so you’re going to find loads of other solo travelers to meet.

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Hoi An is one of my favorite places to visit in Vietnam. It’s a place that should without a doubt be added to any Vietnam itinerary. It has pretty much everything I love in a destination: delicious food, charming architecture, lots of traditional culture, and rich history. Another thing I love about it is that it’s easy to get around. You don’t need to get a taxi or Grab. You can get to most places by foot or bike, making it a relaxing place to visit. If you’re a foodie or history lover, you’ll be in heaven in Hoi An.

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