Discover Hoi An: A Perfect Weekend Itinerary

It’s hard to think of a more visitor-friendly town than Hoi An. With its ridiculously photogenic Ancient Town, hundreds of tailor and leather shops offering custom-made items at reasonable prices, and palm-lined beaches nearby, Hoi An is a vibrant destination that attracts many travelers.

However, being blessed with culture, history, shopping, and beaches within a compact area means Hoi An is often bustling with tourists. This sometimes leads to over- and underwhelmed visitors who have mixed feelings about their experiences. Here are some suggestions for how to enjoy a perfect weekend in Hoi An, catering to both first-timers and returning travelers seeking unique experiences.

Day One

Morning

Start your adventure by picking up a ticket to Hoi An’s Old Town. Decide which five attractions you’ll visit. Experience the charm of old wood frame houses, colorful Chinese assembly halls, and the iconic covered Japanese Bridge. While exploring, place your order for tailored garments, a specialty of Hoi An. To expedite the process, bring images or samples for the tailors. Most can complete orders in just 24 hours, but an extra day allows time for alterations. As lunchtime approaches, treat yourself to Banh Mi Phuong, famously described by celebrity-chef Anthony Bourdain as ‘a symphony in a sandwich’. If you’ve already visited, consider a 10-minute walk across town to the popular Madam Khanh, also known as The Banh Mi Queen.

Afternoon

To enjoy Hoi An fully, it’s wise to limit your exposure to crowds. This afternoon, rent a bicycle and ride towards the beach. Within a few minutes, you’ll encounter rice fields, shrimp ponds, and curious buffalo. Feel free to explore the dirt paths; a stop at the renowned Tra Que gardens allows you to take a cooking class using flavorful organic herbs. Alternatively, if you prefer not to cycle, consider taking a vintage sidecar to cruise the countryside. If time permits, visit the nearby beaches of Cua Dai or An Bang for some late afternoon sun and relaxation. For returning visitors, a half-day trip to the Cham Islands offers quiet beaches and excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities.

Evening

Dedicate some time to browsing Hoi An’s eclectic Night Market, where souvenir stalls line the Thu Bon River. Enjoy a Vietnamese fusion dinner at Mango Mango, watching the brightly lit boats sway on the water and people releasing floating candles for good luck. If you are fond of Mango Mango, cap off your night at ThirtySeven Woodfired Grill + Bar. This trendy steakhouse, operated by the same owner, specializes in locally-sourced ingredients grilled over coffee and cashew woods. Treat yourself to a cocktail, such as the ‘Tropical Darkness’ with Flor de Caña, cardamom, pineapple, and charcoal, which frequently receives high praise at the copper bar. Alternatively, you can unwind at the upstairs cigar club.

Day Two

Morning

Awake early when most tourists are still gathered around breakfast buffets. Experience the Ancient Town with its ochre-colored walls illuminated by morning light. Don’t forget your camera; this time frame offers the best opportunity for stunning photos without crowds. The Hoi An Market buzzes with locals, and the small boats ferrying shoppers across the river create picturesque scenes. After savoring a bowl of mi quang noodle soup, venture to one of the nearby single-craft villages known for woodworking or pottery. While these villages are reachable by a short drive, experiencing them via a boat cruise offers memorable views, including fishers skillfully casting their traditional circular nets.

Afternoon

Now is the time to pick up the tailored clothing you ordered and perhaps some gifts for friends back home. It’s worth noting that many kitsch souvenirs are produced in China, so you’ll find better value in handmade products from Hoi An. Consider visiting Reaching Out, which features beautiful homewares crafted by individuals with disabilities. Alternatively, you can witness a silversmith fashioning a personal keepsake for you at Silver Lanterns (120 Nguyen Thai Hoc). Ties also make for a great buy, as tailors often create them from leftover fabric for under US$5. While shopping, take the opportunity to use the remainder of your entrance ticket. The well-preserved Quan Thang House, with its original wooden beams and stunning furniture inlaid with mother-of-pearl, is well worth a visit. Be sure to check out the tiny eatery at the back, where you can watch staff craft handmade shrimp dumplings known as ‘White Rose’.

Evening

You cannot leave Hoi An without sampling its incredible dishes: chicken and rice or cao lau, available at elegant restaurants and local street stalls. The chicken and rice dish derives its robust flavor from utilizing every part of the chicken, from the broth used to cook the rice to the innards in the gravy. Cao lau noodles achieve their unique texture from soaking in lye water that’s only available in Hoi An, making this dish rare in Vietnam. Find a cozy seat at one of Hoi An Roastery’s multiple locations, enjoy an after-dinner coffee while people-watching, or join fellow expats at the charming veranda of Mia Coffee. This establishment is renowned for its exquisite desserts, nestled on a tranquil side street filled with galleries and boutiques just beyond the chaotic Hoi An Market.