One Day In Hoi An: All You Should Do & Suggested Day Trips

Is 1 day in Hoi An Enough?

Yes, indeed. Hoi An has so much to offer to visitors. Feel free to spend anywhere from a single day to three days or even more. One day might feel limited, but it is definitely enough to have a great time and create beautiful memories about the UNESCO heritage site.

You can refer to the suggestions in the following section for your one day in Hoi An plan, or use them to explore everything Hoi An has to offer, or even for your free day on a tour to Hoi An. Let’s check it out now.

Things to do in Hoi An for 1-day

Hoi An is best known for its Old Town. Typically when traveling, tourists will visit this must-see attraction. Additionally, other notable and equally worthy sights in Hoi An are the coconut forests, the rural areas, and the pristine beaches.

What to do in Hoi An for 1 day

At Ancient Town

Hoi An Old Town only spans a modest 2 square kilometers along the Thu Bon River. However, it offers an abundance of experiences for visitors to explore the whole day long. To enter this historical area, you will need to purchase a ticket for 120,000 VND (about 4.7 USD).

• Visit the Ancient Japanese Bridge: The famous 16th-century Japanese Bridge is an iconic symbol of Hoi An. The image of this pagoda can be found on Vietnam's 20,000 VND currency note.

• Explore Historic Houses: Step into history with a visit to the ancient shophouses of Phung Hung, Tan Ky, and Duc An. These well-preserved homes showcased the architecture and materials of a bygone era when Hoi An was a bustling trading port. Entry to these historical homes costs 35,000 VND per person (1.4 USD).

• Discover the Assembly Halls: Famous assembly halls such as Quang Dong, Trieu Chau, and Phuc Kien offer a glimpse into the social hubs where merchants once gathered. 

• Visit the Tran Family Chapel: The Tran Family Chapel is a quintessential example of a clan house in Vietnam for worshiping. Built 200 years ago, it resides in a sprawling estate, offering a window into the architectural heritage and family traditions of the region.

Wandering on the streets of Hoi An 

• Stroll or Cycle Around the Old Town: Hoi An is a delightful place to wander on foot or by bicycle, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in its picturesque and leisurely atmosphere. Bicycle rentals are available for 30,000 VND per day (1.2 USD), or you can opt for a cyclo ride at 150,000 VND per hour (6 USD).

• Capture the Beauty of Lantern Street: The streets adorned with lanterns are one of Hoi An's most poetic and signature sights. Whether by day or night, the colorful and vibrant lanterns make for stunning photographs that capture the town's enchanting essence.

• Walk Along the Hoai River Promenade: This scenic promenade, flanked by ancient houses on one side and the serene river on the other, offers a peaceful stroll with views of small boats gently gliding by. 

• Boat Ride on the Hoai River: Choose a serene boat ride on the Hoai River to enjoy the sunset or release water lanterns in the evening. Marvel at the shimmering lights from hanging lanterns on both sides of the river. The cost is around 30,000 - 50,000 VND per person (1.2 - 2 USD).

• Tailoring at Quick-Turnaround Shops: Hoi An's skilled tailors have made the town famous for quick, high-quality clothing-making service. Visitors are often delighted to receive perfectly fitting, stylish outfits just a few hours after measurements are taken. Prices for tailored clothes range from 500,000 to 2,500,000 VND (19.7 - 99 USD).

One day in Hoi An do not miss the tailor-made clothing shops

• Visiting Souvenir Shops: Hoi An boasts numerous shops selling vintage souvenirs, including handcrafted items, magnets, jewelry, ceramics, etc. Prices typically range from 1 to 8 USD per item.

• Exploring the Hoi An Night Market: The night market is a bustling hub selling a variety of local products and offering a wide array of street food. It is also a lively place where engaging activities and games attract both locals and tourists, creating a vibrant atmosphere of camaraderie.

• Enjoying Traditional Art Performances: At 66 Bach Dang, you can attend 30-minute traditional art performances showcasing Central Vietnamese culture through song and dance. Multiple shows run daily throughout the week in this intimate theater. Tickets are 60,000 VND (2.4 USD) for an hour-long performance.

• Watching the Hoi An Memories Show: This large-scale outdoor performance recreates the bustling Hoi An trading port of 400 years ago. Recognized by the Vietnam record organization as the largest outdoor stage in the country, it features the most daily performers of any show. Ticket prices range from 600,000 to 1,200,000 VND (23,7 - 47,4 USD).

Hoi An Memories Outdoor Show

• Savor the Flavors of Hoi An: Hoi An’s cuisine is famous for its incredible flavors and worth sampling. The streets are lined with eateries where you can sample the signature specialties:

  • Ba Buoi Chicken Rice: 22 Phan Chu Trinh

  • Cao Lau Noodle Ba Le: 49/3 Tran Hung Dao

  • White Rose Dumpling Restaurant: 533 Hai Ba Trung

  • Banh Mi Madame Khanh: 115 Tran Cao Van

  • Ba Gia Grilled Rice Paper with Mussel: 34 Nguyen Tri Phuong

  • Quang Noodle Mr. Hai: 6A Truong Minh Luong

  • Window Homemade Ice Cream: 188/7 Tran Phu

  • Bun Cha Ta Hoi An: 197 Nguyen Duy Hieu

  • Sweet Dessert Vendor: 65 Le Loi

The average price for these dishes is about 60,000 VND (2.4 USD) per serving. Besides these, Hoi An also offers a plethora of other eateries serving pizza, hamburgers, steak, seafood, vegetarian dishes, Italian, American, Greek, Japanese, Thai, and halal food.

• Enjoy a Traditional Vietnamese Meal: While Vietnam's street food is famous for its unique dishes, the real everyday meals are family-style Vietnamese dinners. When visiting Hoi An, don’t miss the chance to experience these abundant and tasty meals at local restaurants. The cost is around 300,000 VND (11.9 USD) per meal. Here are some recommended spots to dine in:

  • Dao Tien Restaurant: 19/4 Phan Boi Chau

  • Tasty House: 27 Thoai Ngoc Hau

  • HOME Hoi An: 14 La Hoi

  • Gia Thien: 56 Nguyen Phuc Tan

What to eat in Hoi An for 1 day

• Drink Mót Water: This herbal tea is made from various herbs and provides a refreshing, natural taste. If you are strolling through the Old Town and need a drink to carry with you, you can buy Mót water at 150 Tran Phu Street for 18,000 VND (0.7 USD) per cup.

• Enjoy a Coffee Break: Sipping coffee in the relaxed atmosphere of Hoi An is a wonderful experience. Besides coffee, there are other options like smoothies, teas, fruit juices, cocktails, and beer. A drink in Hoi An Old Town costs about 50,000 VND (2 USD) per item. Here are some suggested spots for beverages:

  • Dudu Cafe Hoi An: 11 Tran Phu

  • Moments Hoi An: 47 Le Loi

  • Hoi An Roastery Espresso & Coffee House: 135 Tran Phu

  • Faifo Coffee: 130 Tran Phu

  • Unicorn bowl & coffee: 694 Hai Ba Trung

At Countryside

While one day in Hoi An ancient town is a delight, venturing a bit further reveals even more beautiful perspectives of this charming region.

• Visit Water Coconut Forest: Glide gently in a traditional round basket boat, surrounded by lush palms of coconut forest. For a bit of adventure sense, you can even challenge yourself with the basketboat dance. The entry ticket and boat riding fee cost about 300,000 VND per person (11.9 USD).

One day in Hoi An venture to the countryside

• Experience Farming Life: Immerse yourself in the pastoral charm of Hoi An’s countryside, where farming life unfolds in vibrant shades of green. Join local farmers in their daily routines, from tending rice paddies to harvesting organic vegetables. This authentic experience offers a glimpse into the rhythms of rural life, fostering a deeper connection to the land and its people.

• Fishing Life: Cast nets with seasoned fishermen, learn time-honored techniques, and savor the bounty of the ocean. This hands-on adventure not only brings you closer to the maritime culture but also enriches your understanding of the community’s enduring relationship with the water.

• Vespa Tour Hoi An: Discover Hoi An’s hidden treasures on a Vespa tour, zipping through scenic routes and charming alleyways. Feel the wind in your hair as you explore ancient temples, vibrant markets, and picturesque countryside landscapes. 

• Cooking Class: Dive into the culinary heart of Hoi An with a cooking class that tantalizes the senses. Under the guidance of skilled local chefs, you will somehow gain the art of preparing traditional Vietnamese dishes.

• Lantern-Making Workshop: Illuminate your creativity and skillfulness with a lantern-making workshop in Hoi An, where the town’s iconic lanterns come to life. Guided by local artisans, you will craft your own colorful lantern, a symbol of good luck and prosperity. 

Lantern-making class

• Discover Traditional Villages: Hoi An’s traditional villages, such as the Silk Village, Fishing Village, Kim Bong Carpentry Village, and Thanh Ha Pottery Village, offer a fascinating glimpse into the town’s artisanal heritage. Wander through these craft enclaves, where centuries-old skills are preserved and passed down. Each village tells a story of creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural pride.

• Time at the Beaches: Spend your days basking in the sun and sea breeze on Hoi An’s pristine beaches. From the golden sands of An Bang to the tranquil shores of Cua Dai, these coastal retreats invite relaxation and rejuvenation. Enjoy leisurely swims, beachside strolls, and the simple pleasure of unwinding in nature’s embrace.

To join activities for one day in Hoi An such as farming life, fishing life, Vespa tours, cooking classes, and lantern-making workshops, you generally need to book a day or half-day tour. Prices are around 500,000 to 1,000,000 VND per person (19.7 - 39.5 USD).

Suggested Itineraries

Now that you are familiar with what you can explore for one day in Hoi An, here are some specific itinerary options to consider:

Visit Assembly Hall for one day in Hoi An

Option 1: Immerse in the Ancient Town

• Historical sightseeing: Bridge Pagoda, Tan Ky Ancient House

• Watch a traditional art performance at 66 Bach Dang

• Visit gift shop or take custom clothes made

• Enjoy street food tour for lunch

• Visit Phuc Kien Assembly Hall

• Cycling around the town and stop for some coffee on street side

• Sunset lantern boat ride

• Visit night market

• Dinner time and relax at a riverside local bar

Option 2: Coconut Village & Countryside by Vespa

• Start with a visit to the Coconut Village, where you can enjoy a basket boat ride

• Try your hand at fishing with local nets

• Learn about traditional fishing culture and practice Ba Trao singing with local villagers

• Enjoy a relaxing lunch with local delicacies

• Join a Vespa tour to explore rice fields, local market, visit local resident houses and listen to their daily life

Hoi An farming life and cooking class in one day

Option 3: Farming Life Full Day

Book a full-day farming tour to immerse yourself in rural life and join activities that include working in gardens, rice paddies, and cooking traditional dishes. You will also get hands-on experience with lantern-making and herbal foot baths.

For a broader perspective, consult our post on things to do in Hoi An!

To make the most of your one day in Hoi An, you should visit the town during the dry season which is typically from January to July. If you find Hoi An to be a fully packed destination for your holiday and want to know further, feel free to contact us for advice and assistance. We can help you select the perfect tour at a great price, ensuring a memorable and authentic experience.