How to Spend a Perfect 3 Days in Hoi An. Hoi An is a stunning city in central Vietnam, known for its charming streets, historical architecture, and delicious food. Whether you’re a culture lover, foodie, or history buff, Hoi An offers a perfect blend of attractions to make your trip unforgettable. With just three days to explore this UNESCO World Heritage town, you can experience its highlights and hidden gems. Here’s a perfect itinerary to make the most out of your time in Hoi An.
Day 1: Explore the Ancient Town and Local Culture
Morning: Wander Through Hoi An Ancient Town
Start your day by visiting Hoi An Ancient Town, the heart of the city. Stroll along the cobblestone streets lined with yellow-painted buildings and lanterns, offering a glimpse into its rich history.
Key Highlights
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Japanese Covered Bridge: This 18th-century bridge is one of Hoi An’s most iconic landmarks. It’s not only beautiful but also steeped in history.
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Tan Ky Ancient House: A well-preserved merchant house that shows the fusion of different architectural styles.
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Phuc Kien Assembly Hall: A stunning Chinese temple with beautiful decorative carvings.
Afternoon: Visit the Local Markets
In the afternoon, head to Hoi An Central Market. This bustling market is perfect for shopping and sampling some local snacks.
What to Do
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Explore local goods like silk, handicrafts, and fresh produce.
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Try the famous Cao Lau noodles or Bánh Bao from the food stalls.
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Buy souvenirs such as handmade lanterns, wooden carvings, or traditional textiles.
How to Spend a Perfect 3 Days in Hoi An
Evening: Lanterns and Riverside Dining
As the evening falls, Hoi An’s streets light up with hundreds of colorful lanterns. The town takes on a magical atmosphere, perfect for a romantic evening.
What to Do
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Take a boat ride on the Thu Bon River: Experience the serene beauty of the river with floating lanterns.
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Enjoy riverside dining at one of Hoi An’s many restaurants, offering both local and international cuisine.
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Visit the Hoi An Night Market for a vibrant shopping experience.
Day 2: Explore the Countryside and Beach Relaxation
Morning: Visit the Tra Que Vegetable Village
Start your second day by exploring the Tra Que Vegetable Village, located just a few kilometers from Hoi An. This charming village is famous for its organic farms, where you can experience rural life.
What to Do
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Cycle or walk through the village and see how locals cultivate herbs and vegetables.
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Take a cooking class: Learn to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes using fresh ingredients.
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Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch, featuring dishes made from the organic vegetables grown in the village.
Afternoon: Relax at An Bang Beach
After your visit to the village, head to An Bang Beach for some relaxation by the sea. This beach is known for its golden sands and clear waters, perfect for a peaceful afternoon.
How to Spend a Perfect 3 Days in Hoi An 2
What to Do
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Swim or sunbathe on the beach.
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Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the beachfront restaurants.
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Take a leisurely walk along the coast, soaking in the scenic views.
Evening: Sunset at An Bang Beach
Stay at the beach until sunset to catch one of the most beautiful views in Hoi An.
What to Do
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Watch the sunset over the ocean, a perfect way to wind down your day.
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Have a romantic dinner at a beachside café, enjoying the view as the sky turns golden.
Day 3: History, Art, and Shopping
Morning: Visit the My Son Sanctuary
For your final day in Hoi An, take a half-day trip to the My Son Sanctuary, located about 40 km from the town. This UNESCO World Heritage site was once the religious center of the Champa Kingdom.
What to Do
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Explore the ancient Hindu temples that date back to the 4th century.
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Learn about the Champa culture and how the temples were used for religious ceremonies.
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Take a guided tour to understand the significance of the site and its architecture.
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Afternoon: Return to Hoi An for Art and Craft Exploration
Once back in Hoi An, spend the afternoon exploring the town’s vibrant art scene. Hoi An is full of art galleries, craft shops, and artisan workshops.
What to Do
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Visit Reaching Out Arts & Crafts, a shop that supports people with disabilities, selling handmade local crafts.
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Explore local art galleries, such as Hoi An Art Gallery and Duc An Art Gallery, to view traditional and contemporary Vietnamese art.
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If you’re interested in traditional crafts, stop by Thanh Ha Pottery Village to see local pottery-making techniques.
Evening: Final Dinner and Night Market
For your last evening in Hoi An, enjoy a delicious dinner and soak in the lively atmosphere of the town’s night market.
What to Do
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Have a final dinner at a riverside restaurant, enjoying local dishes such as Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese pancakes) or Cao Lau noodles.
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Shop for souvenirs at the night market, picking up items like lanterns, silk scarves, and handicrafts.
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Enjoy the lantern-lit streets, making it the perfect romantic setting to end your trip.
Affordable Tailor in Hoi An – Good suits hoi an
Tips for Spending 3 Days in Hoi An
Travel Around by Bicycle
Hoi An is a bike-friendly town, and cycling is the best way to explore the town and its surroundings. You can rent bikes from your hotel or local shops.
Stay in a Central Location
To make the most of your time in Hoi An, stay in a hotel near the Ancient Town. This will allow you to easily walk to key attractions and avoid wasting time on transport.
Plan Your Time Carefully
With just three days, it’s important to balance sightseeing, relaxation, and cultural exploration. Stick to a flexible itinerary, but don’t over-schedule your days.
Final Thoughts
Hoi An is a charming town that offers a perfect mix of history, culture, nature, and relaxation. Whether you’re exploring the Ancient Town, lounging on An Bang Beach, or visiting the My Son Sanctuary, Hoi An provides a truly memorable experience. By following this 3-day itinerary, you’ll experience the best of Hoi An and create lasting memories in this magical destination.