1. How long in Hoi An? - A breakdown by experience
1.1. Hoi An Ancient Town - A full day
Wondering how many days in Hoi An is enough? A full day is considered the minimum to appreciate the beauty of Hoi An.
Located along the Hoai River, Hoi An Ancient Town presents a charming blend of historic architecture, centuries-old houses, and vibrant culture. Highlights include the Japanese Bridge, Tan Ky Old House, Phung Hung Old House, Duc An Old House, and Quan Cong Temple, all of which reflect a harmonious blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences. Cantonese Assembly Hall and Trieu Chau Assembly Hall add depth to the visit with their cultural significance.
Midday is perfect for visiting the bustling Hoi An Market and browsing local shops or getting a tailor-made outfit at one of many renowned shops for tailoring in Hoi An. In the afternoon, Hoi An cafes offer a scenic break with Vietnamese coffee or herbal tea.
As night falls, the town transforms under the glow of colorful lanterns. A visit to the lively Hoi An night markets and a romantic Hoi An boat ride on the Hoai River create an enchanting evening that defines the essence of Hoi An nightlife.
1.2. Hoi An countryside - A half or full day
“How long to spend in Hoi An?” is a frequently asked question. The charm of Hoi An’s outskirts can be explored in half a day, although a full day should allow for deeper immersion.
Just outside the city center lie tranquil villages rich in traditions. Tra Que Vegetable Village invites tourists to experience organic farming firsthand and discover the uses of native herbs. In Thanh Ha Pottery Village, tourists can join hands-on pottery workshops in a community with a long-standing artisanal legacy, while Hoi An Silk Village showcases the age-old process of silk weaving.
A highlight of the countryside experience is Hoi An Coconut Village, where tourists can glide through a nipa palm forest on a coconut boat ride in Hoi An.
Exploring these villages via Hoi An bike rental is also recommended. Biking through scenic rice paddies and quiet backroads brings an authentic slice of Vietnamese rural life, which offers a peaceful contrast to the bustling ancient town.
1.3. Hoi An beaches - A half or full day
A refreshing break from heritage sites awaits along the coastline. Located just a short distance from town, An Bang Beach and Cua Dai Beach are ideal Hoi An beaches for relaxation. Fine sand, calm waves, and cool breezes make them perfect for swimming, sunbathing, diving in Hoi An, or simply unwinding with a fresh coconut in hand.
For those seeking adventure, diving and snorkeling excursions at the nearby Cham Islands offer a chance to explore coral reefs and marine life in a protected biosphere reserve.
Evenings on the beach often include live music, bonfires, or seafood feasts at local restaurants, making Hoi An’s coastal charm just as inviting after sunset.
1.4. Culinary & cultural activities - A half or full day
The heart of Hoi An lies in its rich cuisine and skilled craftsmanship. How many days to spend in Hoi An to immerse in the local culture and food? A full day dedicated to culinary and cultural exploration offers some of the most memorable moments in town. With a Hoi An cooking class, tourists can shop for ingredients at a traditional market before learning to prepare signature dishes like mi Quang, Cao Lau, banh mi Hoi An, white rose dumplings, Hoi An pancake and Hoi An chicken rice.
Lunchtime can be spent at one of many acclaimed Hoi An restaurants, where regional specialties are served with a modern twist.
As the day unfolds, immersive craft workshops offer a slower, more mindful rhythm. Joining a class to create the iconic Hoi An lantern, trying wood carving, or watching artisans at work in craft villages like Thanh Ha or Kim Bong adds cultural depth and the joy of creating a personal souvenir.
1.5. Day trips from Hoi An - A half or full day
For those with extra time, Hoi An serves as an excellent base for a half-day or full-day excursions to nearby attractions in Quang Nam and Da Nang.
A full day at VinWonders Nam Hoi An is highly recommended for families, couples, and friends seeking a vibrant mix of culture and entertainment. This modern amusement park offers interactive spaces that recreate traditional Vietnamese architecture, along with roller coasters, water slides, and a unique River Safari featuring rare wildlife.
Book tickets of VinWonders Nam Hoi An
Located about 40 kilometers away from Hoi An, My Son Sanctuary invites history buffs on a half-day journey through the remnants of a once-thriving Champa kingdom. This ancient complex of Cham temples nestled in a lush valley showcases stunning brickwork and sacred ruins dating back over a thousand years. A morning trip allows tourists to explore the site before the midday heat sets in.
Another popular option includes a half or full day tour to Da Nang, a coastal city known for its modern infrastructure and natural beauty. The short trip from Hoi An to Da Nang takes just about 45 minutes by car. A highlight in Da Nang is the Marble Mountains, a cluster of limestone hills with hidden caves, pagodas, and panoramic views of the city. Son Tra Peninsula boasts winding forest trails that culminate at Linh Ung Pagoda, home to the tallest statue of Lady Buddha in Vietnam.
>>> Check out: Is Hoi An worth visiting?
2. How many days in Hoi An in total are recommended?
How many days to stay in Hoi An? The ideal duration for a stay in Hoi An depends largely on your priorities.
- 2 days: Suitable for tourists with a tight schedule. Allows exploration of the Ancient Town, a nearby beach, and a taste of the local cuisine.
- 3 to 4 days: Perfect for most tourists. Provides a well-rounded experience including town sightseeing, beach relaxation, workshop participation, and even a day trip to nearby attractions.
- 5 days or more: Designed for those who wish to escape their busy routines and experience Hoi An deeply. Opportunities include connecting with the locals, revisiting favorite cafes, or discovering off-the-beaten-path areas.
Most tourists find 3 days to be the ideal amount of time to enjoy Hoi An at a comfortable pace without feeling rushed.
Where to stay in Hoi An? Accommodation options range from cozy hotels to luxury resorts. For an indulgent experience, Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An offers exceptional amenities, direct beach access, and easy connectivity to all surrounding attractions.
Book rooms in Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An
3. Suggested itineraries for your trip in Hoi An
Planning your trip starts with figuring out how many days in Hoi An to allocate. Depending on the amount of time available and your preferences, there are different things to do in Hoi An. Here are some sample itineraries:
For 2 days 1 night
- Day 1:
- Morning: Stroll through Hoi An Ancient Town and visit the Japanese Bridge, Tan Ky Old House, and Hoi An Market
- Midday: Have lunch with cao lau or mi Quang at a riverside restaurant and relax at a cafe
- Afternoon: Explore Cantonese Assembly Hall and Quan Cong Temple, enjoy tailoring services, and shop for souvenirs
- Evening: Have dinner at a local restaurant, go on a lantern-lit boat ride on the Hoai River, and walk through Hoi An Night Market
- Day 2:
- Morning: Tour around Tra Que Vegetable Village with farming activities or a Hoi An cooking class
- Midday: Return to town for lunch and have an optional bike ride to An Bang Beach before departure
For 3 days 2 nights
- Day 1:
- Morning: Explore Hoi An Ancient Town and visit Phung Hung Old House or Trieu Chau Assembly Hall
- Afternoon: Have lunch, visit Hoi An Market and Hoi An Silk Village, and enjoy custom tailoring
- Evening: Have dinner at a riverside restaurant, enjoy nightlife with lanterns, visit the night market, and go on a boat ride
- Day 2:
- Morning: Go to Cam Thanh Coconut Village, enjoy a basket boat ride, and participate in cultural activities
- Afternoon: Visit Thanh Ha Pottery Village or take part in a lantern-making workshop
- Evening: Try banh mi Hoi An, enjoy live music, and drink at a riverside bar
- Day 3:
- Morning: Relax at An Bang Beach and have breakfast by the sea
- Midday: Have a last-minute shopping or cafe visit before departure
For 4 days 3 nights
- Day 1:
- Morning: Explore the highlights of Hoi An Ancient Town
- Afternoon: Experience tailoring, have a cafe break, and visit Duc An Old House or Quan Cong Temple
- Evening: Explore nightlife in Hoi An, including the night market and boat ride
- Day 2:
- Morning: Go to My Son Sanctuary and return around noon
- Afternoon: Relax and enjoy seafood at Cua Dai Beach
- Evening: Attend a cooking class or dine at a restaurant
- Day 3:
- Morning & afternoon: Have fun at VinWonders Nam Hoi An
- Evening: Return to Hoi An, enjoy dinner, and take photos at night
- Day 4:
- Morning: Visit Hoi An Coconut Village or enjoy a cycling tour around the town
- Midday: Return to the hotel for check-out and have an optional cafe visit before departure
>>> Check out the more detailed Hoi An itinerary!
4. Tips to make the most of your time in Hoi An
No matter how long you stay in Hoi An, Vietnam, here are some tips to make your trip enjoyable:
- Early exploration helps avoid both the midday heat and large crowds in popular sites.
- Staying within walking or biking distance of the Ancient Town ensures easy access to attractions.
- Joining a guided tour adds depth to your understanding of local life.
- Dine at street stalls often provides a more authentic experience than high-end restaurants.
- Carrying cash in small denominations makes it easier to shop in markets.
- Wearing lightweight, breathable clothing ensures comfort throughout the day.
- Leaving time for spontaneous activities allows for flexibility and discovery beyond your itinerary.
>>> Discover the Hoi An Vietnam map to best plan your trip!
Hoi An is a destination that thrives on detail, from handcrafted lanterns to century-old alleyways and tranquil beaches. “How many days in Hoi An?” is a common concern for tourists. The number of days spent here should reflect the kind of experiences you seek, whether it’s a quick glimpse or an immersive retreat. With thoughtful planning and a flexible spirit, every day in Hoi An reveals a new layer of charm!33
