H I an Vietnam 6 Day Itinerary

Hội An, Vietnam: 6-Day Itinerary

This itinerary balances relaxation with exploration, allowing you to experience the best of Hoi An’s charm while immersing yourself in the local culture.

Day 1: Arrival & Ancient Town Immersion

  • Morning: Arrive at Da Nang International Airport (DAD). Take a taxi or pre-arranged car/bus transfer from Da Nang to your accommodation in Hoi An (approximately 45 minutes - 1 hour by car/taxi).

  • Afternoon: Settle into your hotel. Explore the charming Ancient Town with its colorful lanterns, ancient temples and merchant houses.

    • Places to stay:
      • Budget: Hoi An Backpackers Hostel, Reaching Out Tea House
      • Mid-range: Anantara Hoi An Resort, Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa
      • Luxury: Fusion Maia Resort, Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai.

  • Where to eat:

    • Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese meal at Morning Glory for their delicious and authentic dishes.
    • Try a cooking class: Learn the art of Vietnamese cuisine with a hands-on experience.
      • Recommended Cooking Classes: Hoi An Cooking Class, My Taste of Hoi An

  • Things to know:

    • Currency: The Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the local currency. You’ll need cash for many transactions, especially at smaller shops and markets.
    • Visa: Check visa requirements beforehand. Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival or through an e-visa system, but it’s crucial to have the necessary documentation in order before your trip.

Day 2: Tailor-Made Experiences

  • Immerse yourself in the local culture:
    • Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, a beautifully preserved bridge from the 18th century.
    • Explore Phuoc Kieu Pagoda, a stunning example of Chinese and Vietnamese architecture.
    • Wander through the Ancient Town:
      • Enjoy the bustling atmosphere of the Market with its vibrant stalls and local vendors.

Day 3: Hoi An Beach Day & Culinary Delights

  • Relax on the beach: Spend the morning soaking up the sun at An Bang Beach or Cua Dai Beach.
  • Dine at a beachfront restaurant: Savor fresh seafood and Vietnamese specialties while enjoying the ocean breeze.

Day 4: Exploring the Rice Paddies & Beyond

  • Take a bike tour: Hoi An is famous for its picturesque rice paddies. Rent a bicycle and explore the rural landscapes, experiencing the local way of life.
  • Visit a nearby village: Learn about traditional farming methods and interact with friendly locals.
  • Enjoy a delicious lunch: Sample local delicacies like Cao Lau (a unique dish with thick noodles and pork) or Banh Xeo (crispy savory pancakes) at a charming eatery in the countryside.

Day 5: Cultural Immersion & Culinary Adventure:

  • Take a cooking class focusing on specific dishes, such as Banh Mi or Pho.
  • Visit a local market: Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and aromas of fresh ingredients while exploring the traditional culture.
  • Relax at a cafe: Enjoy the serene atmosphere of the rice paddies and soak in the beauty of the countryside.

Day 6: Farewell & Shopping:

  • Shop for souvenirs: Browse the charming shops and stalls in the Ancient Town, a popular area for buying unique handicrafts, silks, and other Vietnamese souvenirs.
  • Enjoy a final relaxing evening: Stroll through the town at night, admire the vibrant lanterns illuminating the streets and river, and experience the magical ambiance.

Things to consider:

  • Weather: The best time to visit Hoi An is during the dry season (March - September) for pleasant weather.
  • Travel Insurance: Ensure you have travel insurance that covers medical expenses and trip cancellations.
  • Packing: Pack light, loose clothing suitable for Vietnam’s tropical climate. Remember essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat for when you are exploring the streets of Hoi An.

Things to do:

  • Visit the Tailor Shops: Experience the thrill of having clothes made to your exact specifications.

  • Explore the Ancient Town: Wander through the narrow streets lined with ancient houses, shops selling traditional lanterns and silk goods, and bustling markets offering local crafts and souvenirs.

  • Enjoy a delicious meal at one of Hoi An’s many restaurants:

    • Try the “Banh Mi” (Vietnamese sandwich) at Banh Mi Phuong: This iconic shop is known for its fresh bread and fillings.

  • Get your clothes tailored: Enjoy the experience of having clothes made to your exact measurements by skilled tailors in Hoi An’s charming old town.

  • Explore the countryside: Take a bike tour or simply rent a bicycle and explore the beautiful rice paddies and rural landscapes surrounding Hoi An.

  • Visit the local markets: Experience the hustle and bustle of local life and sample delicious Vietnamese street food while exploring the vibrant markets in the Ancient Town, where you’ll find everything from silk lanterns to fresh spices.

  • Shop for souvenirs:

    • Take a cooking class with a local chef.

  • Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese meal:

Day 1: Tailor Shop Visit & Hoi An Cuisine Exploration

  • Explore the Ancient Town:

  • Spend time at a local tailor shop. You’ll find them on every corner and they are happy to show you their craft.

  • Enjoy a delicious meal:

  • Sample the flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. Recommendations:

  • Dinner: Stay in a local restaurant for an authentic experience.

Day 2: Hoi An Food Tour:

  • Savor the local culinary scene: Enjoy fresh, flavorful dishes like Pho, Banh Xeo, and Banh Mi at one of Hoi An’s many street food stalls.

  • Visit a local market: Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of the market:

  • Enjoy the bustling atmosphere

  • Sample fresh seafood and other delicacies.

Things to consider:

  • Budget:

    • Tailor shop visits are often free, but remember to factor in the cost of any items you may purchase.

  • Respect for local culture: Remember to dress respectfully when visiting temples or religious sites (covering shoulders and knees) and be mindful of cultural customs.

  • Experience the charm of Hoi An’s Old Town:

  • Explore the ancient streets and alleys

  • Visit a traditional Vietnamese house

  • Enjoy the experience of a local market.

  • Get a taste of local delicacies:

  • Try some traditional dishes like Banh Mi, Bún Bò Huế, or White Rose dumplings

  • Shop:

  • Explore the many tailor shops in Hoi An and experience the unique culture.

  • Experience the vibrant flavors of Hoi Lau with a local guide who can share their knowledge of this delicious cuisine.

Day 3: Beach Day:

  • Enjoy a delicious lunch at a beachfront restaurant.

  • Explore nearby beaches:

  • Enjoy a day of relaxation and fun on the beach. Travel Tips for Hoi An:

  • Currency: The Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the local currency. Be sure to have some cash on hand for smaller shops, markets and street food vendors.

  • Transportation:

  • Motorbike rental: This is a great way to explore the countryside, but be careful! Traffic can be chaotic in Vietnam.

  • Learn about transportation options before you go, as they are a fantastic way to experience the local culture.

  • Travel insurance: It’s crucial to have travel insurance when traveling abroad, and it covers various aspects of your trip, including medical expenses and travel disruptions.

  • Safety: Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against theft.

Things to Do in Hoi An:

  • Explore the ancient streets: Wander through the charming Old Town and discover its hidden treasures.

  • Enjoy the beauty of the Ancient Town:

  • Visit a local tailor: Hoi An is famous for its custom tailors.

  • Get a massage: Relax and rejuvenate after a long day of sightseeing.

Enjoy the vibrant markets and experience the charming atmosphere.

  • Take a cooking class: Learn about the unique ingredients and techniques used in Vietnamese cuisine.

  • Experience the charm of Hoi An: Immerse yourself in the local culture.

  • Visit the Ancient Town: Explore the ancient architecture, temples, and historical sites.

Things to do in Hoi An’s Old Town:

  • Take a cooking class: Enjoy the deliciousness of Vietnamese cuisine with a local guide.
  • Learn about your favorite Vietnamese dishes: You can choose a specific dish or type of cuisine to learn about.
  • Experience the hustle and bustle of the market:

Things to do in Hoi An:

  • Savor the flavors of Hoi An’s cuisine, which is renowned for its unique blend of Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese influences.

  • Enjoy delicious Cao Lau (a local dish with noodles, pork, and herbs)

  • Visit a tailor: The experience of getting clothes made in Hoi An is a must-do!

  • Try the local cuisine:

  • Explore the culinary diversity of the town.

  • Enjoy the deliciousness of the flavors.

Enjoy the Charm:

  • Enjoy the unique charm of Hoi An with its charming streets and ancient architecture.

Things to Consider:

  • Weather: Hoi An has a tropical climate.

  • Transportation: The best way to experience the city is by walking or cycling through the town.

  • Biking around Hoi An:

    • Rent a bicycle and explore at your own pace.

Enjoy the Charm of Hoi An’s Old Town:

  • Enjoy the beautiful architecture, including the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Ancient Houses and the charming shops that line the streets.

  • Visit the local markets:

  • Hoi An is a city in Vietnam known for its tailoring.

    • Don’t be afraid to haggle a little on price.

  • Consider the time of year:

  • Prices are generally lower outside the Old Town.

  • Carry small denominations:

  • This makes it easier to pay for goods and services.

  • Small bills are preferred by vendors in local markets.

Enjoy the experience!

This is just a starting point, you can customize it further based on your interests and budget. Remember to be respectful of the local culture when enjoying any activities or cultural experiences.