9 Best Day Trips From Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An is famous for its ancient town, stunning beaches, and beautiful countryside. While there are plenty of things to do in Hoi An, one can’t ignore that it makes an excellent base to visit nearby places. If you’re planning your journey, check out my handy list of the best day trips from Hoi An.
Cham Islands
Located off the coast of Hoi An, a cluster of Cham islands is known for beautiful sandy beaches, tropical nature, and diverse marine life.
Cham island is perfect for camping, swimming, diving, and snorkeling with colorful coral reels.
The magnificent beaches on Hon Lao (main island) are charming, with natural caves and tranquil sites that are great for relaxation and bathing.
You can also take a boat ride from Hon Lao and explore the surrounding islands. Don’t forget to use sunscreen while going out to the beaches.
In addition to scenic beauty and diverse ecosystems, you can visit the local fishing villages to get an insight into local life and try fresh seafood at Tan Hiep Market near the dock area.
An organized tour at the Cham Museum also gives you an understanding of the island’s history and the local customs and traditions.
My Son Sanctuary
Considered a UNESCO world heritage site, My Son Sanctuary is one of the most popular day trips from Hoi An.
This place consists of over seventy abandoned Hindu temples and towers contributing to the My Son civilization.
Ba Na Hills & The Famous Golden Bridge
Ba Na Hills theme park is a popular tourist destination with your family and friends.
Setting atop Truong Son mountain, Ba Na Hills gives a glimpse of the lush jungle and the panoramic view of the distant coast.
Your visit starts with a cable car ride towards the famed Golden Bridge. Held by two giant concrete hands, this pedestrian bridge allows you to walk in the clouds and capture impressive views.
What’s more, get to Fantasy Park for amusement park rides, a dinosaur park, and arcade machines.
Elsewhere in the park await you to visit Linh Ung Pagoda, indulge in street performances, roam around the French-style village, and discover the landscaped gardens.
The temperature can be cool, so remember to wear warm clothes.
Nui Than Tai Hot Springs Park
Nui Than Tai Hot Springs Park is a one-of-its-kind experience for your day trips from Hoi An.
Its highlight is a stretching oasis in the middle of a juggle with dozens of natural hot mineral baths.
There’s still more than just hot springs here. Take a guide map and choose where you want to visit. Natural lakes with pedalos for hire, saunas, steam rooms, jacuzzis, and a spa are available for you.
Also, a water park, including outdoor swimming pools and exciting slides, gives you a fantastic experience.
There’s a bunch of onsite restaurants and bars, plus a small hotel for overnight visitors. You can try facials and mud baths at an additional fee.
If you seriously have any pent-up stress, I recommend you visit here at least once!
Marble Mountains
The Marble Mountains between Da Nang and Hoi An are popular day trips. This complex of five marble and limestone mountains looms out of an incredible stretch of countryside close to the coast.
Here, you’ll explore many caves, small shrines, tunnels, and Buddhist pagodas. As a sacred site, do dress appropriately!
The thick jungle surrounding the path will give you a view of the breathtaking Non Nuoc beach nearby.
If you are keen on adventure, head to the highest point on the mountain for a spectacular view of the sea and surrounding landscape.
Hai Van pass
Famous for dangerous roads with some curves hugging the mountainside, Hai Van is an enchanting pass for your day trips from Hoi An.
Standing on this pass and looking out into the horizon or riding over the pass by motor, you’ll see majestic mountains and an immense blue sea.
Keep in mind to check the weather before setting off, especially during the rainy season. Heavy rain could prove hazardous, but you’d also miss out on the views.
At Cu Rua rock, you can view the gorgeous panorama of Da Nang beach and snap tons of beautiful photos. Don’t forget to stop by Hai Van Quan, located in the heart of two major tourist destinations – Thua Thien Hue and Da Nang, to see exquisite landscapes.
Lang Co beach
Another excellent day trip from Hoi An is to Lang Co beach in Hue. This place seems to be the mingling of all the most perfect things, from majestic mountains and sandy white beaches to the immense blue sea and warm, shimmering golden sunshine.
Located right at the foot of Hai Van pass, you can see the panoramic view of Lang Co Bay, covered with white clouds, and a fishing village on the turquoise green beach.
If you like trekking and seeing the magnificent beauty of nature, book a tour to explore Bach Ma Mountain, which is home to about 500 species of plants and many animals. Lap An lagoon is also a great stop from Hoi An.
Hue Imperial City
Hue is also an excellent day trip from Hoi An. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hue Imperial City is a vast complex of temples, palaces, and monuments enclosed by walls and moats.
Taking a dragon boat on the Perfume River is a unique way to see flora and fauna along its banks.
Don’t forget to explore the nearby iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s most important Buddhist landmarks.
Beyond the city center, you’ll find many imperial tombs scattered throughout the countryside around Hue. The tombs of Minh Mang, Tu Duc, and Khai Dinh are standout ones to visit. Each showcases an impressive architectural style.
Son Tra Peninsula, Da Nang
Son Tra peninsula is a giant green forest famous for its beautiful scenery and animals. In addition to the grand Linh Ung pagoda, you can spot wild monkeys on your visit.
Hon Nghe point is also a favorite place for tree lovers. There is a 1,000-year-old giant banyan tree with dozens of big roots spanning down to the ground.
Besides, stop by Dong Dinh museum, which houses many artifacts dating back to 100-2500 years ago.
