3 Days in Hoi An Itinerary: A Practical Guide
Planning to spend 3 days in Hoi An? This Hoi An itinerary covers everything you need to see, from ancient landmarks to local markets and beaches.
Hoi An is one of those magical towns that pulls you in from the moment you arrive. From its lantern-lit streets and ancient buildings to its vibrant markets and peaceful beaches, there’s so much to explore.
In this 3-day itinerary, I’ll guide you through the highlights of Hoi An and tips to make the most of your trip.
What to Know Before Visiting Hoi An
- How many days should I spend in Hoi An? 3 days is perfect to explore the Old Town and relax at the beach. If you have more time, 4-5 days will let you enjoy the town at a slower pace or take a day trip.
- When is the best time to visit Hoi An? February to April is the sweet spot—nice weather, not too hot. Just avoid October and November since heavy rain and flooding are common.
- How much to budget for 3 days in Hoi An? You’ll need about $200-$300 depending on your style.
- Where to stay in Hoi An? For luxury, check out Anantara Hoi An Resort; for mid-range, Little Riverside Hoi An is a great pick, and if you’re on a budget, Mad Monkey Hoi An offers good value.
How to Spend 3 Days in Hoi An, Vietnam
3-Day Hoi An Itinerary Overview
- Day 1: Arrive in Hoi An, explore the Old Town, visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, Fujian Assembly Hall, and Old House of Tan Ky. In the evening, enjoy dinner and visit the Night Market.
- Day 2: Take a morning tour of My Son Sanctuary, return to Hoi An for lunch, and explore the local markets. End the day with the Hoi An Memories Show.
- Day 3: Spend the morning at An Bang Beach, relax by the sea, then take a cooking class in the afternoon. Finish with a sunset stroll through the lantern-lit streets.
Getting there
For this itinerary, you’ll want to fly into Da Nang International Airport (DAD), which is about a 45-minute drive from Hoi An. From there, get a private car charter to get to Hoi An.
Day 1: Explore Hoi An’s Ancient Town and Night Market
Morning:
After you arrive and get settled, head straight to Hoi An Ancient Town. I won’t sugarcoat it—it’s touristy, but for a good reason. The streets are stunning, and there’s so much history to take in.
Start at the Japanese Covered Bridge—it’s a small but beautiful piece of architecture that’s become an iconic symbol of the city.
From there, check out the Fujian Assembly Hall. The bright colors and intricate details are gorgeous. It’s quick to walk through, but definitely worth a stop.
Lastly, visit the Old House of Tan Ky, a well-preserved merchant house. It’s not huge, but you’ll get a sense of Hoi An’s history and how people lived centuries ago.
Afternoon:
By now, you’re probably hungry. Hoi An is famous for its cuisine.
You have plenty of choices: Chicken rice, Cao Lau, Banh Mi, etc.
Personally, I’d go for the Chicken Rice (Com Ga) if you want something filling and flavorful, or Cao Lau for something uniquely local.
Or grab a Banh Mi from a roadside stall, loaded with fresh herbs, pickled veggies, and crispy pork. It’s cheap and absolutely delicious.
After lunch, take your time wandering the town, popping into some of the many tailor shops.
If you’re thinking about getting something custom-made, this is the time to start.
Evening:
When the sun sets, Hoi An really comes to life. The lanterns light up, and the whole town feels like something out of a storybook.
Head to the Hoi An Night Market on An Hội island. It’s not a huge market, but it’s colorful and fun. You can find some great souvenirs here—lanterns, silk, and local crafts.
For dinner, grab some street food (the skewers and grilled seafood are great), and enjoy a slow stroll along the river.
Day 2: My Son Sanctuary and Hoi An Memories Show
Morning:
Get up early and head to My Son Sanctuary. I’ll be honest, the ruins here aren’t as impressive as some others in Southeast Asia, but the history and the jungle setting make it a great morning trip.
Go for a morning tour of My Son Sanctuary to beat both the heat and the crowds. The early hours are much quieter, allowing you to fully absorb the history of the place while enjoying the serene jungle surroundings.
Afternoon:
Back in Hoi An, it’s time for lunch. I’d suggest Bale Well or Mango Mango—both solid options for local dishes like Cao Lầu.
Afterward, take a walk through the Hoi An Market. It’s busy and chaotic, but in a good way.
You’ll find everything from fresh produce to spices and handmade goods. Don’t be afraid to haggle—it’s expected, and you might end up with a great deal on a souvenir or two.
Oh, and don’t forget to try coconut coffee!
Evening:
For the evening, check out the Hoi An Memories Show. I wasn’t sure about this at first, but it turned out to be one of the highlights of my trip.
The show tells the story of Hoi An’s history through music, dance, and stunning visuals.
It’s outdoors, and the production value is surprisingly high. Even if you’re not usually into shows, this one is worth your time.
Day 3: Cooking Class and An Bang Beach
Morning:
Start your final day with a Vietnamese cooking class. It’s a hands-on way to learn how to make some of the dishes you’ve been enjoying during your stay.
You’ll start with a visit to the market to pick up fresh ingredients before heading to the kitchen to cook dishes like Pho and Banh Xeo.
The class usually wraps up around 1 pm, giving you the rest of the day to relax. Plus, you get to eat what you cook!
Afternoon:
After your cooking class, head over to An Bang Beach. It’s about a 15-minute ride from town, and it’s a perfect spot to relax after a morning in the kitchen.
Rent a beach chair, grab a fresh coconut from one of the nearby cafés, and unwind.
Soul Kitchen is a great spot for lunch or a drink if you’re feeling hungry.
An Bang is quieter in the afternoon, so it’s easy to find a peaceful spot to enjoy the rest of your day.
Evening:
For your last evening, take one final stroll through Hoi An’s Ancient Town. The lanterns light up the streets every night and the atmosphere is peaceful.
Where to Stay in Hoi An
Luxury:
If you’re looking to splurge, Anantara Hoi An Resort is a great choice. It’s right by the river, and the rooms have a beautiful blend of French colonial and Vietnamese design.
Another fantastic option is Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, which is a bit outside the town but offers a stunning beachfront location with top-notch service and private villas.
Mid-range:
For a comfortable stay that won’t break the bank, check out Almanity Hoi An Wellness Resort. It’s perfect if you want a mix of relaxation and wellness, with daily spa treatments included.
Little Riverside Hoi An is another great pick—it’s right along the Thu Bon River, and the rooftop pool offers fantastic views.
Budget:
If you’re traveling on a budget, Hoi An Lazy Bear Hostel offers clean, comfortable rooms and a great location near the Old Town.
Mad Monkey Hoi An is also a solid option if you’re looking for a fun, social atmosphere with free daily activities.
Before You Go
Before you head to Hoi An, there are a few things you’ll want to know to make the most of your trip.
From weather tips to packing advice, getting a little background info can make your time there even better. Wondering when the best time to visit is? Curious about how to explore the town in three days? I’ve got all the details for you.
Take a look at the sections below to find everything you need to know:
