Do you plan to spend fewer days in Hoi An? If you’re not sure how to fit the best activities into your time there, I’ll help you plan your visit so you can make the most of it. In this 3 days in Hoi An itinerary, I’ll take you through some of the most beautiful places in and around Hoi An, from the narrow streets of the Ancient Town and walks along the Thu Bon River to exploring unique and rustic villages by bicycle.
If you’re visiting Vietnam for the first time and aren’t sure how to organize your route, check out my complete 2 Weeks Vietnam Itinerary. I share exactly how we spent 16 days traveling through Vietnam, including Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Hue, and Ho Chi Minh City.
➤ Read the complete 2 Weeks Vietnam Itinerary
For this 3-day Hoi An itinerary, I recommend arriving the day before, ideally late in the evening or at night. This way, you can wake up in Hoi An the next morning and make the most of your 3 full days in the city.
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Best Time to Visit Hoi An
The best time to visit Hoi An is usually between February and April. I visited at the end of March, and I found the weather perfect for exploring the Ancient Town, cycling around the area and spending time outdoors.
Where to Stay in Hoi An
There are many beautiful places to stay in Hoi An, but for first-time visitors, I recommend staying somewhere between the beach and Hoi An Ancient Town. While there are plenty of options right by the beach, I think staying also near to the Ancient Town is more convenient when you only have 3 days in Hoi An.
Personally, I really liked the accommodation I chose; its name is Golden Holiday Hotel & Spa. The staff were very friendly, the rooms were clean and comfortable, and I especially enjoyed the breakfast.
How to Get to Hoi An
The most convenient way to get to Hoi An is by plane. The closest airport is Da Nang International Airport. From there, I recommend asking your accommodation to arrange a private car transfer. The journey to Hoi An takes around 40–60 minutes, depending on traffic.
3 Days in Hoi An Itinerary
I've created this itinerary with the thought of making the most of a short stay in Hoi An. Of course, there’s much more to see and do if you have extra time, but this itinerary covers some of my favorite experiences and is a great starting point for your first visit to Hoi An.
Day 1: Explore Hoi An Ancient Town & Cruise the Thu Bon River
Start your day with a breakfast at your hotel and then head to Hoi An Ancient Town. Here you'll have the chance to get lost through the narrow streets full with shops of the village. I recommend also buy some souvenirs as Hoi An is the best place to do so.
Hoi An Ancient Town
Along the main streets you'll see many different assemblies with Chinese influences. These are historical sites that worth a visit. I suggest buying a ticket from a shop near Japanese Bridge that gives 5 from 25 sightseeing's.
My favorite assembly halls and attractions were the Japanese Covered Bridge, Museum of Traditional Medicine, and Phuc Kien Assembly Hall (Fujian Assembly Hall).
Midday Break
After you've spent more time walking around, make a stop at The Son Bistro – Vietnamese Restaurant, Craft Beer & Bar. It is situated in the center of Hoi An and has really delicious food. Try something traditional before continuing with the rest of your day.
Book A Workshop
After you take a break, you have the opportunity to participate in a workshop. In Vietnam, and especially in Hoi An, you can find a variety of workshops to take part in.
I only tried the coffee workshop, and it was perfect for me because I love coffee. But there are many other options to try if coffee isn't really your thing.
Coffee Workshop
Vietnam is known for its tasty and special coffee, so for me, a coffee workshop was an easy choice.
During the workshop, we learned how to make five traditional Vietnamese coffees. I really enjoyed the experience, especially because we could try different types of coffee and learn more about the Vietnamese coffee culture.
Just be careful not to drink too much! You can choose your favorite one, but after trying five different coffees, the caffeine can definitely be a bit too much.
Lantern Making Class
Another unique experience you can try in Hoi An is a lantern-making class. The whole Ancient Town is full of beautiful lanterns, and if you really want to take one home, why not make it yourself?
I think it can be a really nice experience, especially if you want to do something different from the usual sightseeing.
Cooking Class
If you are passionate about cooking, you can also book a cooking class. You'll learn from locals how to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes, including spring rolls.
It is a good way to learn more about Vietnamese food while also having some fun.
Pottery Class
Another well-known activity in Hoi An is pottery. You can find different classes where you can make your own ceramic piece.
If you like creative activities, this can be a nice experience to add to your Hoi An itinerary.
Take a Boat on the Thu Bon River
After sunset, take a boat trip on the river. You'll be amazed by how the whole town comes alive and becomes colorful because of all the illuminated lanterns.
With all the boats on the river and the buildings decorated with lanterns and flowers, the whole experience feels really magical.
If you happen to visit during the full moon, be prepared for a lot of people. If you want to see Hoi An at its fullest and experience the town when it is most lively, then visiting during the full moon is a great choice. Otherwise, I would try to avoid it if you prefer a quieter experience.
And don't forget to light a lotus flower and make a wish. For me, this was a small but really nice part of the experience and something I would definitely recommend doing.
Dinner
There are plenty of good restaurants in the center of Hoi An, but one that I really recommend is Vy's Market Restaurant. It has really good service and serves good-quality traditional Vietnamese food.
I really enjoyed the food here, and it is a great option if you want to try some traditional dishes in the center.
Day 2: Rice Fields, Villages & Coconut Boat Ride
Wake up early and, after breakfast, take a bicycle or scooter and head to the Pottery Village. Take some time to visit the museum, stop for a coffee, and explore the small shops around the village. It’s a great place to buy souvenirs, as this is the heart of the ceramics area around Hoi An.
After exploring the pottery village, head back towards the rice fields and Tra Que Vegetable Village. There are some beautiful places to explore along the way, and you’ll often see water buffalo walking through the rice fields. In the village, you’ll have the opportunity to see how locals work in the fields and get a glimpse of traditional farming life around Hoi An.
Midday Break
For lunch, I recommend stopping at a beautiful restaurant in the middle of the rice fields: Chillax Eatery & Hangout. Enjoy some good food while taking in the peaceful countryside views - it’s a lovely way to slow down and enjoy the atmosphere of Hoi An.
Coconut Village & Coconut Boat Ride
After lunch, head to the Coconut Village and enjoy the Coconut Boat Ride around sunset. Arriving later in the day helps you avoid the long queues while letting you experience the peaceful ride through the coconut forests in the warm glow of golden hour.
Day 3: Sunrise at the Beach & Departure
Wake up very early to catch the sunrise at the beach. This is one of Hoi An’s hidden gems-you’ll be amazed by how many locals are already there, even at such an early hour. Watching the sun rise over the water while the beach slowly comes to life is a beautiful way to end your stay in Hoi An.
FAQ of 3 Day in Hoi An
Yes, Hoi An is a safe place, but you should still be careful with your belongings. Also, be aware of scammers, as there can be situations where tourists may be targeted.
No, tap water is not safe to drink! You should only drink bottled water.
One of the best things about Hoi An is that there are several ways to get around. If you are staying close to the city center, you can easily walk around. You can also rent a bicycle or scooter, or simply take a ride with the Grab app.
One of the best ways to explore Hoi An is by bicycle. The good news is that many hotels include bicycle rental in the room price, so be sure to check with your hotel before paying for a rental elsewhere. Having a bicycle is very convenient, especially if you want to explore the Ancient Town, nearby villages, beaches, and the countryside.
Final Thoughts for 3-Day Hoi An Itinerary
I find this itinerary ideal for anyone who only has a short time to spend in Hoi An. Three days are enough to experience the town’s highlights, explore the surrounding countryside, enjoy the local food, and soak up its unique atmosphere.
That said, in my opinion, Hoi An deserves more than just three days. If you have the time, I’d recommend staying a few extra days to slow down, discover some of the lesser-known places, and enjoy the town without rushing from one attraction to the next.
