Ultimate Guide: How to Spend a Perfect Day Trip in Hoi An, Vietnam π»π³
Hoi An Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the 50 places to visit in a lifetime according to National Geographic. It was once an important port and a trading hub in the Indochinese Peninsula, leaving behind many significant historical buildings.
Here, you can find both the charm of a Nanyang-style ancient town and the tropical natural fun of coconut boats and water coconut forests.
Many tourists choose to stay in Da Nang and make a day trip here. Here’s a classic itinerary we’ve put together:
π Stop 1: Visit the historical buildings in the ancient town
Fujian Assembly Hall (Hoi Quan Phuoc Kien), Tan Ky Old House, Tran Family Chapel… These are some of the more famous historical buildings in Hoi An, and you can choose to visit based on your interests. Visiting these buildings, you can see the rise and fall of the southeastern coastal families who came south for business, as well as how Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese architectural styles influenced and blended with each other.
π Stop 2: Enjoy coffee in the ancient town
Vietnam has a developed coffee culture, and there are many high-quality cafes in Hoi An. Sitting in a cafe on a hot afternoon is very pleasant.
Recommended: Moments Hoi An, which is also the cafe on the cover. The environment is great, and it’s perfect for taking photos.
π Stop 3: Coconut boat and water coconut forest
Around 4 PM, when the weather is not so hot, you can go for a coconut boat ride.
During the 45-minute boat ride, the boatman will take you through narrow waterways, get up close to the lush water coconut forest, watch the coconut boat spinning performance, enter the wide river mouth, and finally return to the starting point.
This journey allows you to fully experience the climate and scenery of the Indochinese Peninsula.
This is also my favorite part of the trip in Hoi An.
Take a taxi to: Funtastic Basket Boat Tours & Cooking Class
π Stop 4: Return to the ancient town at night to see the lanterns
Hoi An’s lanterns are very famous. However, due to the large number of tourists in the evening, the experience might not be the best.
Regardless, taking a few photos in front of the lantern wall is still very worthwhile!
ποΈ Souvenirs: Custom-made clothing
Due to its history as a silk trading center, Hoi An’s garment industry is very developed, with countless skilled tailors.
Getting a suit or formal wear custom-made here is a cost-effective choice. However, remember that custom-made clothing usually takes at least two days. If you’re on a day trip, it’s better to buy ready-to-wear clothes.
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I’m Eureka, a travel enthusiast π»
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