Day 1: The Ancient Town and Riverside Magic
Start your morning early before the streets get crowded. Grab a cup of Vietnamese coffee at Faifo Coffee, a local favorite where you can sip on the rooftop and look out over the tiled roofs and yellow walls below.
Faifo Coffee
After breakfast, begin your exploration of Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s perfectly walkable. Don’t rush! Part of the joy here is wandering without direction. Step into Tan Ky Old House, Fujian Assembly Hall, or Japanese Bridge, each carrying layers of history from the 17th and 18th centuries when Hoi An was a bustling trading port.
Tan Ky Old House
When the sun gets stronger, stroll through Hoi An Central Market. The smell of herbs, spices, and incense fills the air. Vendors sell everything from silk lanterns to tropical fruit. This is the perfect time to stop for lunch - order a bowl of Cao Lau, Hoi An’s signature noodle dish.
Cao Lau dish
In the afternoon, take a short bicycle ride to Tra Que Vegetable Village, about 15 minutes from the center. The route itself is beautiful, passing by rice fields and small canals. At Tra Que, you can join a short gardening or cooking session, learning how locals grow fresh herbs used in central Vietnamese cuisine.
Tra Que Vegetable Village
Head back to town before sunset and walk along the Thu Bon River. As twilight falls, the whole town begins to glow under hundreds of colorful lanterns. Take a boat ride and release a paper lantern on the water - a simple yet memorable experience.
Thu Bon River at night
Day 2: Countryside, Beach, and a Bit of Adventure
Your second day in Hoi An is perfect for exploring beyond the Old Town. Start your morning with a bicycle or motorbike ride to Cam Thanh Coconut Village. This lush palm forest, just 5 km away, offers a unique eco-experience. You’ll hop on a round basket boat, spin through the canals, and watch locals perform playful rowing tricks that always make travelers laugh.
Cam Thanh Coconut Village
Next, head to An Bang Beach, one of the most relaxed beaches in Vietnam. The sand is soft, the water calm, and the mood is always easygoing. Rent a sunbed, swim, or enjoy brunch.
An Bang Beach
If you’re visiting during the afternoon, drive or cycle further north to Tra Nhieu Fishing Village. It’s a quiet spot where you can watch fishermen mending their nets or take part in a short river tour.
Tra Nhieu Fishing Village
By late afternoon, head back to Hoi An and stop by Reaching Out Tea House. The café is run by hearing-impaired staff and offers a peaceful, silent tea experience where you write your order instead of speaking. It’s one of the most calming and meaningful moments you can have on this Hoi An itinerary for 2 days.
Reaching Out Tea House
If you still have energy, join a lantern-making workshop or a sunset photography tour. Both activities capture what Hoi An is best known for artistry and light.
When to Visit Hoi An
The best time to follow this Hoi An itinerary for 2 days is from February to August when the weather is dry and sunny. Between September and January, occasional rain adds a romantic, moody touch to the old town but may affect beach activities.
Getting Around
Hoi An is small enough to explore on foot or by bicycle. For longer rides to the beach or villages, rent a motorbike for about 150,000 VND per day. Cars are restricted in the Ancient Town, which helps preserve its calm atmosphere.
Explore Hoi An with New Asia Tours
Where to Stay
For a central experience, stay near Hoi An Ancient Town at La Siesta Resort or Little Riverside Hoi An. If you prefer the coast, Sol An Bang Beach Resort offers seaside serenity just 10 minutes away.
Two days in Hoi An might sound short, but if you plan wisely, it’s enough to catch the town’s rhythm. Ready to discover more of Vietnam? Book your trip with New Asia Tours and explore not just Hoi An, but the country’s most captivating destinations - from the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay to the mountain air of Sapa. Let your next Vietnam adventure begin today!
