Hoi An, located in central Vietnam on the northern bank of the Thu Bon River, has become one of the most famous towns in the country. The entire Old Town is an open-air museum, as it has been carefully preserved and remains much the same as it was in the past. The historic city played an important role as a trading port from the 16th to the 18th century. Nowadays, Hoi An is an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it continues to attract more and more tourists. That’s why I’ve created an ultimate guide for first-time visitors: a 6-day Hoi An Itinerary. The article fits also for a 5-day Hoi An itinerary.
If your next destinations are Ninh Binh and Hanoi, be sure to check:
• 3-Day Hanoi Itinerary: Ultimate Guide for First-Time Visitors;
• Best Things To Do in Hanoi: Complete Travel Guide;
• 3-Day Ninh Binh Itinerary: Ultimate Guide for First-Time Visitors;
• Best Things to do in Ninh Binh: Complete First-Timer’s Guide.
6-Day Hoi An Itinerary (Also Perfect for 5 Days)
We wanted to slow down and truly relax, which is why we decided to spend more days in Hoi An. It quickly became my favorite destination of the entire trip, and I honestly felt sad when it was time to leave. There are so many things to do here that even 6 days don’t feel enough.
It’s worth mentioning that we arrived late at night, so we had the entire next day free to explore.
Day 1: Explore Hoi An Ancient Town, Tailor Shops & Lantern-Lit Streets
Start the 6-day Hoi An Itinerary with a breakfast at your accommodation, so you don’t need to head into the town in the morning. You can wake up whenever you like, but keep in mind that it gets very hot during the day.
Explore Hoi An Ancient Town by Day
The Old Town in Hoi An is a relatively compact, making it easy to explore on foot. However, there are plenty of things to see and do throughout the area. One of the best things to do in Hoi An is to take your time wandering through the narrow streets. We visited at the end of March, and the streets were full of colorful flowers. It made the whole visit much more special.
↑ Back to Table of ContentsUseful Tip: Shop for Souvenirs in Hoi An
Hoi An is the best place to shop for souvenirs, so browse the many local shops to get an idea of what is available. Don’t forget to bargain; you can negotiate a price down to half, or even less.
Besides the free open-air museum, there are also several historical attractions that are worth visiting. Near the Japanese Covered Bridge, you can purchase an entrance ticket that grants access to a selection of heritage sites within the Old Town. The ticket costs approximately 120000VND and allows entry to one attraction from each category. Below are some of my recommendations.
Japanese Covered Bridge
One of Hoi An’s most iconic landmarks, the Japanese Covered Bridge dates back to the 16th century. It was originally built by the Japanese community to connect their quarter with the Chinese district. Today, it stands as a symbol of Hoi An’s multicultural history and rich trading heritage.
Museum of Traditional Medicine
The Museum of Traditional Medicine gives you the opportunity to learn more about the traditional medicine of Vietnamese and Chinese people in Hoi An.
Quang Trieu Assembly Hall – Cantonese Assembly Hall
Situated near the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Cantonese Assembly Hall, built by the Chinese, has a rich history, as it was originally used to worship the Mazu Goddess. It later became a gathering place for the community to support one another.
Stop for a Good Coffee Between Visits
I know that you want to see everything, and just thinking about it can make you feel rushed. But sometimes it’s better to slow down and enjoy the moments. So, I really recommend taking a break at a coffee shop that I really loved: Hoi An Coffee Hub. It’s the perfect place to relax on hot days.
Old House of Tan Ky
Dating back to 1742, the Old House of Tan Ky is one of the best-preserved merchant houses in Hoi An. Its architecture combines Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese influences, reflecting the town’s diverse cultural heritage. The house was used both as a family residence and a trading center.
Phuc Kien Assembly Hall – Fujian Assembly Hall
Built in 1697, the Fujian Assembly Hall served as a meeting place for the Fujian Chinese community. Today, it is one of the most beautiful and visited heritage sites in Hoi An, featuring elaborate gates, colorful courtyards, and intricate decorations dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu.
Hainan Assembly Hall
Built in 1851, the Hainan Assembly Hall was established by Chinese merchants from Hainan Province. The hall commemorates members of the Hainan community and showcases traditional Chinese architecture, making it a worthwhile stop while exploring the Ancient Town.
Explore Hoi An Ancient Town By Night
Nights here are always beautiful, even though is it very crowded and sometimes can be tiring. Even so, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to explore the Ancient Town after sunset. The streets, restaurants and bars are lined with colorful lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere. The Thu Bon River is also filled with glowing boats, and many floating lanterns drift along the river. The combination of lights, reflections on the water, and historic architecture makes for a truly unique experience.
Take your time wandering through the lively streets, browsing the night markets, and discovering local handicrafts and souvenirs.
Useful Info
Night Markets are usually opened from 6PM-10PM.
Optional: Visit a Tailor Shop for Custom Clothing
One of the best souvenirs you can bring home from Hoi An is a piece of custom-made clothing. Since the tailoring process can take some time, it’s worth visiting a tailor shop early in your stay. If you want to avoid long waiting times, I recommend going either early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
Useful Note
Decide in advance what you’d like to have made. Browse Pinterest or save a few inspiration photos before your visit. Most tailors in Hoi An are incredibly skilled and can recreate almost any design you have in mind. We went to the Shine Tailor Shop.
Day 2: Basket Boats, Tra Que Village & Cultural Experiences
Start your day early by cycling through the peaceful countryside around Hoi An. If you think you’ll have time, bring your swimsuit if you want to swim. Either way, make sure to wear something comfortable for cycling.
Exploring the area by bicycle is one of the best ways to experience the local atmosphere and was one of the highlights of my 6-day Hoi An itinerary.
Useful Note
You can rent a bicycle or a scooter, so feel free to choose whichever option suits you best.
If you’re traveling longer in Vietnam, you might also enjoy my guide to Ninh Binh, one of the most beautiful countryside destinations in the country.
Cam Thanh Coconut Village & Basket Boats
Make your way to Cam Thanh Coconut Village. Here, you can take a ride in one of the famous basket boats and cruise through the coconut palm forests. Afterwards, cycle around the area and discover the surroundings as it’s a very beautiful way to see and explore the culture of the area.
Useful Tip: To avoid the crowds and midday heat, try to visit either early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
There are multiple locations offering coconut boat trips. We went to this one because it was closer to our hotel and quieter than the others: An Mỹ RestStop. The location recommended by our hotel was here.
Tra Que Village & Beach Side
Next, pass through Tra Que Vegetable Village, where local farmers continue to grow herbs and vegetables using traditional methods. It’s a great opportunity to experience a quieter side of Hoi An and observe everyday life beyond the Ancient Town. Take some time to explore this area, you can take a cooking class, or just stop at a restaurant to enjoy local food.
Some Restaurants That Look Great
I didn’t have the opportunity to try these restaurants due to a lack of time, but they were on my list. Since I didn’t visit them myself, I recommend reading the reviews before going. I added them to my list based on the reviews and photos I found online.
– Ky’s Family Restaurant;
– Tra Que Vegetable Village Restaurant.
If you have the time and energy, go for a ride along the main boulevard by the sea. If you want to escape the heat, I have another place in mind. I went there for a coffee and a juice, and I loved it: Sound Of Silence Coffee Shop.
Nearby, you’ll also find rice fields. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to see water buffalo and locals working in the fields.
Book A Local Workshop
One of the best things to do in Hoi An is to join a local workshop. The town is famous for its craftsmanship, coffee culture, and culinary traditions, making it the perfect place to learn a new skill while supporting local businesses.
Useful Note
I recommend booking your workshop in advance, especially during the high season. Most experiences can be found on GetYourGuide or directly through local providers.
Vietnamese Coffee Workshop
Coffee lovers shouldn’t miss this experience. I certainly didn’t, and I found the workshop very interesting. During the class, you’ll learn how to prepare several traditional Vietnamese coffee styles and discover why coffee plays such an important role in Vietnamese culture.
Lantern-Making Class
Hoi An is famous for its colorful lanterns, and this workshop gives you the chance to create your own. Not only will you learn about the history of lantern making, but you’ll also leave with a handmade souvenir to take home.
Vietnamese Cooking Class
If you’re passionate about food, a cooking class is a fantastic way to dive deeper into Vietnamese culture. You’ll learn how to prepare traditional dishes, discover local ingredients, and understand the techniques behind some of Vietnam’s most famous recipes.
Pottery Class
For a more creative experience, consider joining a pottery workshop. Guided by local artisans, you’ll learn basic ceramic techniques and create your own handmade piece to remember your time in Hoi An.
Whether you choose one workshop or several, these experiences offer a deeper connection to the local culture and are among the most memorable things to do in Hoi An.
Optional: Hoi An Memorial Show
In the evening, you can watch the Hoi An Memories Show. It is set in the 16th century and portrays important moments from the town’s history, as well as the daily lives of its people.
Day 3: Hue Day Trip Through Hai Van Pass
It’s a full day trip that takes you trough the history of the ancient capital Hue situated near the Perfume River. We booked a guided tour from our hotel, they were very punctual, professional and good english speaker guide. The itinerary contains all the important highlights:
- Hai Van Pass – a very scenic road, combined with a stop at Lang Co Lagoon;
- Imperial Citadel;
- Thien Mu Pagoda;
- Khai Dinh Tomb.
You can choose to go with a Small Group(1290000VND) or a Large Group(1150000VND). Its also included a lunch at a local restaurant and water. The prices can differ from hotel to hotel. This type of tour can be booked also on GetYourGuide.
Day 4: Explore Hoi An’s Villages, Rice Fields & Floating Lanterns
This region has a lot to offer, so one of the best ways to enjoy it is by renting a scooter or bicycle. By now, you already know already that there are several villages nearby Hoi An that are worth a stop, and you’ve already visited some of them, such as the Rice Fields, Vegetable Village, Coconut Village. Today, we’ll focus more on the Pottery Village and Carpentry Village.
Visit Kim Bong Carpentry Village
Your first stop can be Kim Bong Carpentry Village, where skilled woodworkers create everything from furniture and sculptures to traditional boats. There are also different activities in villages, for example you can join a workshop and try carving your own wooden souvenirs.
I didn’t visit this one, but I think it’s a great activity. We knew at that moment only about pottery village, vegetable village and coconut village.
Explore Thanh Ha Pottery Village
Continue to Thanh Ha Pottery Village, a small community known for its centuries-old ceramic tradition. Visit the pottery museum, admire the craftsmanship of local artisans, and learn more about the history of the village. Here, you can again to take a pottery class, or just walk around the local shops. One of the most surprising destinations of this 6-day Hoi An Itinerary.
Optional: Discover Local Life in the Countryside
The ride between villages is just as rewarding as the destinations themselves. You can head back to the area near the beach, or simply ride along the quiet country roads, passing rice fields and water buffalo, while observing the daily lives of local residents. This is one of the best ways to experience the authentic side of Hoi An. away from the crowds.
Optional: Take a Break from the Midday Heat
After your countryside journey, you have several options. Head to the beach and enjoy a refreshing swim, relax with fresh coconut by the sea, or return to your hotel and take a break during the hottest hours of the day.
Dinner & Watch the Sunset Over the Rice Fields
As the day comes to an end, head toward the rice fields surrounding Hoi An. Take some time before the sunset, make your way to a really beautiful restaurant, named Chillax Eatery&Hangout. It has a great traditional food and offers a truly unique view over the rice fields.
Then head to An Mỹ Rice Fields Hoi An to watch the sunset. I really consider both this activity and the restaurant I mentioned earlier to be hidden gems of the 6-day Hoi An itinerary. It’s a truly unique experience that I highly recommend.
Release a Floating Lantern on the Thu Bon River
End the day in Hoi An Ancient Town. If you’re visiting around the full moon, you can take a traditional boat ride and release a floating lantern on the river while making a wish. It’s one of the most known experiences in Hoi An, although it can get very crowded during the full moon celebrations. For a quieter atmosphere, consider visiting a day or two later.
Useful Note
Don’t buy floating lanterns from people who are selling only those on the streets. There are several places along the river that appear more official and trustworthy. If you book a boat tour, a floating lantern is usually included. Don’t forget to make a wish when you release it!
Day 5: Sunrise, Beach Time & One Last Evening in Hoi An
After several days of exploring, use your final full day to slow down and enjoy Hoi An at a more relaxed pace. Start your day early by renting a bicycle and heading to the beach for sunrise. One of the things that surprised me most was how active the locals are in the early morning. You’ll see people exercising, swimming, and enjoying the cooler hours before the heat of the day sets in. It really feels like a hidden gem of this 6-day Hoi An itinerary.
Stay a little longer and enjoy a fresh coconut by the sea while watching the town slowly wake up. Relax on the beach before the heat becomes too intense, or spend some time at your hotel if it has a pool.
As the evening approaches, return to the Ancient Town for one more stroll through the night market. Pick up some souvenirs, enjoy a local meal, and take in the lantern-lit streets one last time.
Day 6: Departure Day
If possible, book your flight or onward transportation around midday so you can enjoy one last relaxed morning in Hoi An. In your final moments here, take time to relax and enjoy the beautiful views of the city one more time.
How to Do This 6-Day Hoi An Itinerary in 5 Days
I’ve created a 6-day Hoi An itinerary that can also easily be adapted into a 5-day version. The idea behind this guide is slow travel and taking time to enjoy each place without rushing.
Even if you only have 5 days in Hoi An, you can still experience all the main highlights. Simply remove or combine one of the more relaxed days, such as the sunrise beach morning or free exploration day(Day 5).
Getting to Hoi An: Best Ways to Travel
I highly recommend flying to Hoi An. It is easier than the other options. Try to book a flight from Hanoi or Saigon in the evening so you can arrive at a convenient time, not too late and not too early. I suggest using Vietnam Airlines for domestic flights, as they are more reliable than other carriers.
If you want to experience other options, you can choose the overnight train or the cheaper sleeper bus.
Best Places to Stay in Hoi An for First-Time Visitors
There are many places where you can stay, but I preferred to stay almost in the middle, about 1 km from Hoi An Ancient Town and 3 km from An Bang Beach. You can stay by the beach, where it is more peaceful, or closer to the town. I also saw many accommodations in the local villages. It depends a lot on what you want. But if you want to go to the Ancient Town every night, it is better to stay closer to the city.
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. However, there were a few minor drawbacks. The air conditioning unit was positioned close to the bed, which made it uncomfortable to leave on during the night. Another thing to keep in mind is that our room was located near the main road, so we could occasionally hear traffic noise, especially during busier hours.
Despite these minor inconveniences, I still consider it a good accommodation and would recommend it for its excellent service, cleanliness, and overall value.
My Travel Map
This map includes all the places I visited in Hoi An, including restaurants, cafés, attractions, and other points of interest. You can use the search bar to quickly find any of my saved locations. Please note that the search function only works for the pins I’ve added to the map.
6-Day Hoi An Itinerary: Frequently Asked Questions
The best time to visit Hoi An is usually between February and April. Personally, I visited at the end of March, and it was perfect.
There are a lot of things to do in Hoi An: workshop, cycling, doing different trips. I would recommend spending 5 to 6 days in Hoi An. This gives you enough time to explore the town at a relaxed pace, enjoy the surrounding villages and beaches, and take at least one day trip without feeling rushed. It is possible to see the main highlights in 4 days, but your itinerary will likely feel much more packed.
There are multiple places where you can rent a scooter. We found one near our hotel.
Most hotels offer bicycles for rent. Our hotel had them available, and I also saw many other guests using bicycles that seemed to be rented from their accommodation.
Hoi An Full Moon Dates are:
– 3 ianuarie 2026;
– 1 februarie 2026;
– 3 martie 2026;
– 1 aprilie 2026;
– 1 mai 2026;
– 31 mai 2026 (Blue Moon);
– 29 iunie 2026;
– 29 iulie 2026;
– 28 august 2026;
– 26 septembrie 2026;
– 26 octombrie 2026;
– 24 noiembrie 2026;
– 23 decembrie 2026.
The easiest option is to contact your hotel in advance and ask if they can arrange an airport transfer. Many hotels in Hoi An offer this service for an additional fee. Alternatively, you can use the Grab app to book a taxi directly from the airport to your hotel. Grab is widely used in Vietnam and is usually a convenient and reliable way to get around.
Final Thoughts on This 6-Day Hoi An Itinerary
One of my favorite destinations in Vietnam so far, as it has so much to offer. I really hope this article helped you. If you see anything that can be improved, let me know by sending me a message below. Thank you very much for being here! 🙂
