Explore Hoi An: Essential 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary for Vietnam Travelers

Hoi An, a bustling international trade hub in Southeast Asia during the 16th and 17th centuries, rivaled the significance of Malacca. It was a melting pot where merchant ships from the East and West converged, drawing a diverse array of immigrants, particularly from Japan and China.
● The Ming Dynasty’s maritime ban to counter Japanese piracy led to an increased Japanese presence in Hoi An, as they sought Chinese goods.

This influx resulted in a vibrant community of Japanese merchants and settlers. The iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, shaped like a figure eight, once connected the Japanese and Chinese neighborhoods. Although it is currently under renovation, its historical significance remains. However, when the Japanese shogunate also imposed a maritime ban, the Japanese population gradually dwindled.

● Chinese traders had long been active in Hoi An, but their numbers surged after the fall of the Ming Dynasty, with many seeking refuge in the town. Today, Hoi An is dotted with Chinese temples, ancestral halls, and guildhalls, standing as a testament to this rich history.
● As Vietnamese regimes changed and the river silted up, Hoi An’s importance waned.

Yet, this decline turned out to be a silver lining, as it spared the town from the rapid urbanization that often erases historical landmarks. Consequently, a wealth of ancient buildings has been preserved, offering a glimpse into the past.

Hoi An is a place I have always yearned to revisit. The ancient town, bathed in the soft glow of colorful lanterns at night, left an indelible impression on me a decade ago. However, my previous visit was too brief, lasting only one night before I continued north to Hanoi. This time, despite my tight schedule, I dedicated three days and two nights to Hoi An, eager to fully immerse myself in its charm and make up for the regret of my earlier, fleeting visit ☺️
● During the day, the river in Hoi An exudes a serene calm, but it comes alive at night.

Lantern-lit boats glide back and forth, carrying tourists but evoking visions of the town’s bustling heyday a century ago.

❤️ Travel Tips:
To truly experience Hoi An, set aside at least one full day, though a stay of three days and two nights is highly recommended. For more details, refer to Figure 3. The Hoi An pass, priced at 120,000 VND, grants access to five attractions listed on the ticket. Notable sites include the Quang Trieu Assembly Hall (Figure 10), Le Family Temple, Chinese Assembly Hall (Figure 9), Fujian Assembly Hall (top of Figure 10), and the Traditional Art Performance House (Figure 12).

● We stayed at a hotel located in the upper left corner of Figure 2, just behind the night market, which offered a tranquil setting. The staff were exceptionally friendly, and the included breakfast 🍳 was a delightful bonus. The hotel was also very affordable, making it a top recommendation. Dining within the ancient town can be pricey; for more budget-friendly options, head to the magenta road in Figure 2, where you’ll find a wide variety of food at about half the price.

● For the coconut boat ride 🥥, we took a taxi directly to the dock and negotiated the fare, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.

The staff initially presented a high price, but we managed to negotiate it down to 300,000 VND per boat—though with a bit more haggling, it could have been even lower.
● Hoi An is just an hour’s drive from Da Nang, making a taxi ride a convenient and feasible option. For those heading to Hue, the journey from Hoi An takes about 3 hours by car, passing through Da Nang.

Alternatively, you can opt for a minibus, which costs 350,000 VND per person.
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