Depart from Da Nang and stay one night in Hoi An

I specifically set aside one enchanting evening for Hoi An, a charming and ancient town that captivates the heart.

☕️ Each shop in Hoi An is a work of art, and you can explore several delightful coffee shops like Moments Uncle, all within a short walking distance. The ambiance truly comes alive at night; find a riverside restaurant, savor a delicious dinner, and then take a leisurely stroll. You’ll be mesmerized by the shimmering Thu Bon River and the gentle flow of lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere.

🚴 For a more adventurous experience, rent a bicycle from a homestay or within the ancient town. Pedal along the river to the coconut boat area, which is just 5-6 kilometers from the town center. The ride is smooth and unobstructed, making it perfect for watching the sunset. I found it even more enchanting than the Suzhou River [laugh-cry].

On p17, you’ll see many Basket Boat Ride shops on Google Maps. Just navigate there and choose one to negotiate the price. During my visit over the Spring Festival, I didn’t make a reservation and found a spot at the entrance for 90k per person, and I added an extra 10k as a tip.

Immerse yourself in the local culture by renting an Ao Dai, the traditional Vietnamese dress. I rented mine from Shop Bean Bean for 150k, with the option to return it the next day. For two days, I felt like a true Vietnamese girl, blending seamlessly into the vibrant streets of Hoi An.

[Check-in] Da Nang – Hoi An Transportation
The FUTA red bus route 02-LK02 can be quite time-consuming. Instead, consider the Barri An Shuttle Bus, highly recommended by other travelers for its speed and cost-effectiveness. If your group is small, the shuttle is a great choice (you can negotiate the price), and after picking up a few groups, it heads straight to Hoi An Ancient Town, taking about 40 minutes.

For larger groups, a 4-seat car costs 310k, which is cheaper than using Grab. You need to call to make a reservation; the number is on the left of p18. If communication is a challenge, the hotel front desk can assist with the time and location, and they will arrange for the shuttle to pick you up directly from the hotel.