Today I want to share my travel itinerary for 3 days in Hoi An with you. This famous city in Vietnam is known for everything from floating lanterns to vibrant night markets and expert tailoring. It’s an exciting place to visit in Southeast Asia, not to mention a colorful one. If you want to experience the best of the city, read on for my guide. I’ve included a map and everything.
3 Days in Hoi An
Visiting Hoi An is something most travelers do on a larger trip to Vietnam. The city’s location in the middle of the country makes it an easy stop between cultural heavyweights like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
I’ve been to Vietnam a number of times, but Hoi An has eluded me on all my itineraries. Now I finally have the chance to go, and I’m excited to return to the country to take a special trip to Hoi An.
My plan is to spend 3 days exploring the city, soaking up the scene, and relaxing. I hope my itinerary inspires you to visit this part of Southeast Asia, whether on a tour of Vietnam or a one-off trip.
Day 1
After my flight lands at Da Nang airport, I breeze through passport control, hop in a Grab taxi, and enjoy the hour-long drive to Hoi An. Before I know it, I’m arriving at my hotel, the Banana Garden Hoi An.
I’ve booked this place because of its proximity to the historic heart of the city, its inviting swimming pools, its good value, and its great reviews.
As soon as I arrive, I know I’ve made the right choice. The boutique hotel is nestled in greenery, and my top-floor room is spacious, comfortable, and has a balcony with a view. If you want to follow in my footsteps, you can book a room here.
Hoi An Ancient Town
After getting settled in at the hotel, I set off to explore the Ancient Town. This well-preserved UNESCO-listed trading port lies at the center of Hoi An.
Dating from the 15th to 19th centuries, it’s known for its colorful lantern-lit streets, heritage buildings, vibrant markets, and location on the Thu Bon River.
With over 1,300 historic monuments, there’s a picturesque landmark everywhere I look.
Lunch
I arrive at lunch o’clock, and I head straight to Morning Glory Original. This famous restaurant in the heart of the old town is run by Trinh Diem Vy.
A renowned chef, restaurateur, and pioneer of culinary tourism in Hoi An, she’s made it her life’s work to bring authentic local recipes to people dining in her restaurants.
Seated at a table by an open window, I tuck into a plate of Morning Glory Original’s delicious white rose dumplings as I watch the open kitchen buzz with activity.
Sightseeing
After lunch I spend the afternoon exploring the old town. From covered markets to temples, shops, museums, and the riverfront, there’s a lot to see here.
Highlights include the ornate Fujian Assembly Hall, the 18th-centry Japanese Bridge, the Hainan Assembly Hall, the cavernous Hoi An Market, and the covered Hoi An Cloth Market.
When the sun starts to sink, I head to a rooftop bar called Market Bar. With a terrace overlooking the river, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a happy hour cocktail with a view.
Dinner
After happy hour, I walk across the river for a quick dinner at a restaurant called Pause and Enjoy. With an intimate dining room and a pretty terrace, this place serves classic Vietnamese dishes. I opt for fish in a clay pot, which burns my mouth but tastes delicious.
From dinner I walk through one of the city’s buzzing night markets to get to the statue of Kazimierz Kwiatkowski. This work of art celebrates the Polish architect and conservationist who worked to preserve historical and archaeological sites in Vietnam.
Boat Trip
I’m not here just to see the statue, though. The small square where it’s located is the meeting point for the next item on my Hoi An itinerary: an evening boat trip with floating lanterns.
I meet the organizer at the appointed time, show him my pre-booked ticket, and follow him down the street to the riverfront. He gives me a paper lantern, hands me into a boat, and waves farewell as I embark on a waterborne journey along the Thu Bon.
Alongside many other vessels, I float down the river, releasing my candlelit lantern into the water as an oarsman skillfully rows my boat.
It’s busy on the river and the local bars are blasting “Sweet Caroline” and other classic rock songs into the night, but it’s still magical to see all the lanterns bobbing in the water.
After the boat ride, I spend the evening walking around the Ancient Town. The streets and shops are bright with the colors of a million hanging lanterns, and it feels like I’m walking through a Vietnamese fairy tale.
Day 2
The next morning I enjoy the complimentary buffet breakfast at my hotel before setting off to see more of the old town. My first stop is at a coffee shop I spotted the day before.
Dudu Cafe features an indoor-outdoor space with comfy armchairs and a chill vibe. I order an iced Vietnamese coffee, then settle in at an outdoor table to watch the world go by.
Shopping
Coffee consumed, I continue my day with some shopping. I pop into boutiques selling everything from clothing to rugs, food, lanterns, and souvenirs. There’s a lot to browse and buy here.
When the heat saps my energy, I find some steps by the river and sit for a while to watch the boats go by. It’s peaceful and scenic, and I could stay all day.
Lunch
But lunch calls, and I head to The Spice Route by Ms Vy. Right across the street from Morning Glory Original, this shop and restaurant is another of Trinh Diem Vy’s properties in Hoi An.
Set in a restored heritage building on the riverfront, it has loads of atmosphere and lots of delicious food. I tuck into a sage cranberry soda and a dish of BBQ tofu skin with rice noodles.
The former is refreshing, and the latter is delicious and loaded with fresh herbs. It all goes down a treat in the historic surroundings.
Spa
After lunch I walk along the river and over to a massage place called Metta. I’ve booked myself in for an hour-long massage, and Phuoc, my therapist, is seriously good. As I leave, I sign myself up for another massage with her the next day.
Museum
As I walk back to my hotel, I stumble upon the Precious Heritage Museum in Hoi An. Part photography gallery and part ethnic showcase, this place displays photos and traditional costumes that educate visitors about Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups.
The museum offers free entry, so I pop in to see what it’s all about. I end up spending way more time here than I intended to, what with the stunning photography and absorbing exhibits luring me from room to room.
While here I learn that the Precious Heritage Museum is the work of Rehahn, a French photographer. He has dedicated years of his career to a long-term project for which he aims to photograph and document all 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam.
Rooftop Bar
Leaving the museum, I head back to the Banana Garden to freshen up for dinner. From there it’s a short walk to Vi Hoi An, a waterfront restaurant with a rooftop bar called Lymen.
I head up to the terrace and settle in at a table with a view of the river. Soon a refreshing cocktail and a plate of spring rolls materializes, and I sip and savor as I watch the boats float by.
Hoi An Memories Show
Lymen is in a convenient location for what comes next on my Hoi An itinerary: the famous Hoi An Memories Show. Part theme park and part cultural performance, this award-winning outdoor spectacular tells the 400-year story of Hoi An’s history and culture.
The show takes place on Cam Nam Island, which I access via a footbridge right near my hotel. Once here, I’m met with larger-than-life illuminated art installations, mini villages with shops and restaurants, and short performances that serve as teasers for the main show.
Shortly before said show begins, I sit down in a huge outdoor theater. For the next hour, my fellow patrons and I are enthralled by an impressive display of music, dancing, and theatrical performances that take us through the history of Hoi An.
Day 3
The next morning I enjoy the buffet breakfast at my hotel before heading off to have another iced coffee. This time I go to a place called Little Hanoi Egg Coffee.
Coffee
I’m here to try their famous egg coffee, and I can’t wait to see what it tastes like. Settling into a comfy armchair in the airy cafe, I take a moment to appreciate the books on the bookshelf and the range of complimentary snacks on offer.
Soon I’m sipping a rich, sweet, creamy iced coffee. It doesn’t take long to understand why this drink is so popular. I could enjoy these all day.
Massage
I tear myself away before giving in to the temptation to have a second coffee. That’s partly because I’m off to Metta for a massage. I’ve booked a 30-minute foot and leg massage this time, and Phuoc once again impresses me with her skills.
After the massage I do some more shopping in the Ancient Town. From trendy clothing shops to places that sell coffee and ceramics, I browse my way through a range of Hoi An’s boutiques.
Lunch
When it’s time for lunch, I settle in at V Vegan. Another of Trinh Diem Vy’s properties, it’s right by Morning Glory Original. As the name implies, it serves plant-based cuisine.
Sitting in the big yellow-and-green dining room, I tuck into a plate of vegetarian cao lau, a vegan version of Hoi An’s most iconic dish. It’s not quite as good as the meals I had at Trinh Diem Vy’s other two restaurants, but it’s not bad either.
Markets
After lunch I explore Hoi An’s covered markets. From the Hoi An Market to the Cloth Market, there’s everything from freshly prepared food to expert tailoring on offer here.
In the late afternoon I can’t help heading back to Metta for one last massage. This one is a 90-minute one, and Phuoc doesn’t disappoint. By the end I’m convinced I need to come back to Hoi An just to see her again.
Drinks & Dinner
When drinks o’clock rolls around, I walk to the water and settle in for happy hour at a hotel called Little Riverside. The restaurant here has a small terrace right on the riverbank. It’s the perfect place to sip a sundowner while watching the boats go by.
When darkness falls, I stroll over to a restaurant called Met. This huge riverfront spot is packed, and I manage to snag the last table. I order a dinner of morning glory with garlic followed by shrimp curry. Sitting at an outdoor table, I enjoy it as I watch the people go by on the street outside.
Night Market
After dinner I explore the big night market by the river near Met. It’s buzzing with food stalls and vendors selling all kinds of souvenirs. On the way back to my hotel, I can’t help stopping at a little shop called BH Tong Hop Hai Nam to pick up an ice cream bar to cool down.
3-Day Hoi An Itinerary
The next morning I enjoy breakfast at the hotel buffet and a quick coconut coffee at Little Hanoi Egg Coffee before heading to Da Nang airport.
As my taxi whisks me off, I can’t help feeling glad I made a special trip to Vietnam to see Hoi An. This colorful city and its historic old town have won me over. I hope I’ve inspired you to visit, too.
Hoi An Map
As promised, I’ve created an interactive map of all the places on my itinerary. You can see it here. I hope it helps you plan a beautiful trip of your own!
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