One of the common questions people have when visiting Central Vietnam is “How Many Days in Hoi An?”, and I understand, as there are countless things to do in town.
I came to Hoi An several times over the years, and I visited all the popular tourist spots in town and beyond, and I recommend spending 2 to 3 days in town.
Want to know more? Here’s the guide you need before coming!
How Many Days in Hoi An – Overview
First things first, let’s go through some essentials you should know when visiting Hoi An, such as what to see in town in 2 or 3 days, getting there, and more.
Are 2 Days in Hoi An Enough?
Two days in Hoi An let you hit the highlights, but it’s a bit tight. You can wander through the Old Town, see the iconic Japanese Bridge, visit a few museums, and enjoy the night market’s lively atmosphere.
However, adding popular activities like a My Son Sanctuary tour, a Vietnamese cooking class, or a street food tour (which are great things to do in Hoi An) means you’ll be on a tight schedule.
If you have limited time in Hoi An, make sure to follow the itinerary below, which I carefully crafted to make the most of your time.
Want to know more?
Here’s a full guide about
spending 2 days in Hoi An.
Are 3 Days in Hoi An Enough?
Three days in Hoi An strike the perfect balance for a visit. This timeframe allows you to explore the town’s famous landmarks at a leisurely pace, from the historic architecture of the Old Town to the peaceful beauty of the Thu Bon River.
You’ll have enough time to join a cooking class, where you can learn the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine, or take a sunrise tour to My Son Sanctuary.
Also, while the old town is gorgeous, there are many attractions outside, like An Bang Beach and the Thanh Ha Pottery Village, and you’ll have to visit those only when staying 3 days.
Plus, an extra day means you can venture out to the surrounding countryside on a bicycle or spend a night at the Hoi An Memories Show, which is great!
Related Guide!
Here’s a full guide about
spending 3 days in Hoi An.
Traveling to Hoi An for 1 Day
If you have just one day in Hoi An, focus on the Old Town. It’s a packed day, but you can walk through the narrow lanes, admiring the blend of historical influences in the architecture.
Make sure to visit the Assembly Halls to catch a glimpse of intricate craftsmanship and the Museum for a dose of local history. The Japanese Bridge, an iconic symbol of the town, is a must-see—even if it’s just from the outside.
As evening falls, the Night Market comes alive. It’s the perfect place to sample local dishes and shop for souvenirs under the glow of lanterns. It’s a whirlwind visit, but you’ll capture the essence of Hoi An’s charm.
Visiting Hoi An for 2 Days
With two days in Hoi An, you can learn a lot more about the city and you’ll have a chance to try more food, visit more museums, and even take a half-day tour.
Spend your first day exploring the Old Town’s cobblestone streets, visiting the Assembly Halls and Museum, and marveling at the Japanese Bridge. The Night Market should be your evening stop for food and fun.
On your second day, mix things up with a food tour to taste local specialties or join a cooking class to bring some recipes home. A basket boat cruise offers a unique look at the countryside.
Cap off your visit with the Hoi An Memories Show, an unforgettable night-time spectacle that brings the town’s history to life through music and dance. It’s a perfect blend of culture, history, and entertainment.
Staying in Hoi An for 3 Days
Three days in Hoi An lets you thoroughly enjoy what the town has to offer, and this is the ideal length I recommend staying in town.
Start with the essentials: the Old Town’s historical sites, the Japanese Bridge by day, and the Night Market with a cruise in the evening.
On your second day, get to know the food scene with a food tour or cooking class, and consider a relaxing basketboat cruise. The Hoi An Memories Show in the evening is the perfect way to end the day, and I couldn’t recommend it enough.
With an extra day, you can join a trip out to My Son Sanctuary, an ancient temple complex that’s a testament to the region’s rich cultural past. It’s a bit of a journey from Hoi An but well worth the trip for its serene beauty and archaeological significance.
This three-day itinerary balances leisure and exploration, giving you a full experience of Hoi An’s magic.
How to Plan a Trip to Hoi An
Now that you know how many days in Hoi An, let’s go through some other details that you may find helpful when planning your trip.
Things to Do in Hoi An
I wrote a complete guide with all the tourist spots in town, but if you don’t have time to read it, these are the best activities you can’t miss while visiting Hoi An:
- Take a Lantern-Making Class
- Go shopping at Hoi An Central Market
- Explore the different Museums
- Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House
- Hoi An Memories Night Show
- Cross the Japanese Bridge
- Discover Hoi An Night Market
Trust me, there are many more, and the complete guide here below goes through all the best activities and attractions that I recommend visiting.
Related Guide!
Here’s a complete guide with
30 best things to do in Hoi An.
Da Nang VS Hoi An
Da Nang and Hoi An are two popular destinations in Vietnam, each offering a unique experience for visitors. Here are the key differences between the two for a short trip of a few days.
- Location: Da Nang is a vibrant coastal city located in central Vietnam, while Hoi An is a charming ancient town situated about 30 kilometers southeast of Da Nang.
- Atmosphere: Da Nang has a more modern and cosmopolitan atmosphere with skyscrapers, bustling streets, and lively nightlife. Hoi An, on the other hand, retains its old-world charm with well-preserved historic buildings, lantern-lit streets, and a relaxed ambiance.
- Beaches: Da Nang boasts beautiful sandy beaches, including My Khe Beach, which is one of Asia’s best beaches. Hoi An, although not directly on the coast, is just a short distance away from An Bang Beach and Cua Dai Beach.
- Cultural Heritage: Hoi An is renowned for its well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ancient Town. It is a pedestrian-friendly area with narrow streets lined with historic buildings, Chinese temples, Japanese merchant houses, and charming cafes and shops. Da Nang, while it lacks the same level of historical heritage, has its own attractions, such as the iconic Dragon Bridge, and Marble Mountains.
Overall, Da Nang City offers a modern city experience with stunning beaches, while Hoi An is a charming ancient town with a rich cultural heritage.
Choosing between the two depends on your preferences, but it’s worth noting that Da Nang and Hoi An are located close to each other, making it possible to visit both within a short trip.
Related Guide
Still unsure? Here’s a full comparison
between Da Nang and Hoi An.
When to Visit Hoi An?
February through April is the perfect time to experience Hoi An. During this period, the weather is generally dry and sunny, making it the ideal season for exploring Hoi An’s ancient town, beaches, and cultural attractions.
Even if you can’t make it during the peak season, May through July is also a great window to explore Vietnam.
How to Get Around Hoi An?
The best way to get around Hoi An is by foot, as the old town is very walkable. Alternatively, you can rent a bicycle (many hotels do rent or offer one for free) which is a nice way to explore around.
That said, if you decide to pedal around, I recommend doing so in the early morning, as the town gets very busy in the afternoon.
Lastly, for a more unique ride, you can get a rickshaw, as shown in the photo below, which is an effortless and convenient way to roam around Hoi An!
Where to Stay in Hoi An?
Hoi An has dozens of accommodation options to choose from, and these are the best you should consider when staying in town:
Luxury: Bay Resort Hoi An
Mid-Range: Hoi An Historic Hotel
Budget: Thanh Van 1 Hotel
Final Thoughts
Thanks for reading until the end and I hope you have a better idea of what to expect and what to do when spending 2 or 3 days in Hoi An.
Of course, you can spend more time in town, and my complete guide with all the tourist spots is sure to help you in that case. But if you have limited time in Central Vietnam, do yourself a favor and spend some time in this unique Ancient Town.
