Hoi An is an absolute must for anyone visiting Vietnam thanks to its stunning architecture, eclectic cultural history, and wonderful shops and restaurants, not to mention a pristine beach that is the perfect place to kick back and relax. Hanami‘s article “Hoi An Itinerary: What to Do with 2 Days 1 Night in Hoi An” will help you make the most out of your stay in Hoi An.
The Best Time To Visit Hoi An
Dry season: from January to July
February – April: Early months in the dry season (February and March) are arguably the best time to visit Hoi An, as temperatures will be mild and comfortable, yet there will be plenty of sunny days to enjoy the beach and the plethora of cultural sights that Hoi An has to offer!
May – July: This is the end of the dry season in Hoi An. Travelers can visit Cu Lao Cham island during this time to enjoy exciting beach activities, coral viewing, and scuba diving.
Rainy season: from August to January next year
The rainfall seems continual throughout this period, flooding can occur. From October to December, Hoi An will be submerged in water, people mainly travel by boat, you can experience a new feeling here!
How To Get To Hoi An and Get Around There?
How to get to Hoi An
- Airplane: Hoi An is located in Quang Nam province and has no airport. Da Nang International Airport is the nearest airport (DAD). Da Nang City is approximately 30 kilometers away, with a one-way plane ticket price of approximately 380,000 VND – 1,500,000 VND/person and the flight takes more than one hour.
- Train: There are train routes from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang (North – South route), with fares ranging from VND 230,000 to VND 1,200,000. (depending on train type and seat class).
- Coach: Like the train, the coach ride from Hanoi / Saigon to Da Nang takes approximately 18 – 20 hours. Here are a few coach companies for your consideration, including Hoang Long, Hlink, Mai Linh, and Thuan Thao, Hoang Long, Hlink, Mai Linh, and Thuan Thao, with one-way fares ranging from 400,000 VND to 500,000 VND
- Taxi/ bus: Because the transit point to Hoi An is mainly the pier and bus station in Da Nang, you can easily catch a bus/taxi to Hoi An. Every 20 minutes, a bus from Da Nang to Hoi An departs from the Da Nang bus station. The latest bus is at 17:50, with a fare of 20k per person.
How to get around Hoi An?
- Motorbike: For those of you who have numerous travel plans and destinations that are far apart from one another, a motorbike is the best option. However, in order to avoid paying fines, you should be aware that in Hoi An’s ancient town, some streets have a period where motorbikes are prohibited at certain times of the day.
- Bicycle: The best way to take fresh air and feel the peaceful rhythm of life throughout the city is to ride a bicycle around the old town. Some hotels in Hoi An provide free bicycle rentals, while others charge around 40,000 VND per day.
- Cyclo: This vehicle is a featured image when you come to the old town. You can hire a cyclo in Hoi An on the streets of Phan Chau Trinh and Tan Phu for 150,000 VND per hour.
- Walking: You can walk along the banks of the Hoai River in the evening to see the sparkle and poetic beauty of Hoi An at night.
- Boats, ships: To fully experience the trip, you should not miss the opportunity to take a boat on Hoai river or Thu Bon river. You can catch the boat right at the river terminal in the heart of the old town.
Hoi An Itinerary: What to Do with 2 Days 1 Night in Hoi An
Day 1: Hoi An Ancient Town
Schedule for the day:
- Morning: Sightseeing, walking around Hoi An ancient town
- Afternoon: Swimming in Cua Dai beach
- Evening: Back to the old town: walking along Hoai River, lantern street,…
Hoi An Central Market
This is Hoi An’s largest market, specializing in the selling a wide range of goods, from consumer goods and food to specialty items such as souvenirs, lanterns, conical hats, and so on. Visit the Hoi An Central market in the early morning, you can not only know more delicious Quang specialties here , but you can also learn about the culture and lifestyle of the people of Hoi An.
Japanese Bridge Pagoda
The Japanese Bridge Pagoda is well-known and is regarded as a must-see when visiting Hoi An. The Japanese Bridge Pagoda, located across a small creek, is designed with a unique and impressive architecture that reflects the culture crossing of Vietnam and Japan.
Swimming in Cua Dai Beach
When visiting Cua Dai beach, you will be immediately attracted by the smooth white sand shores, enjoy feeling the incredibly soothing, smooth, and soft sand. There is nothing better than spending a hot summer day immersed in cool, clear blue water or resting on the sand and enjoying the breezes from the sea and the sweet sound of the waves crashing onto the shore.
Enjoy Hoi An Nightlife
Hoi An is beautiful no matter the time of the day, but it’s exceptionally spectacular at night. There are many favorite things to do here at night.
The best thing in Hoi An is that you can freely walk around the old town at night. When the sun goes down, Hoi An Ancient Town starts to light up with colorful lanterns stretching all the way and spreading to the sky. It creates an extremely romantic atmosphere. At this time of the day the ancient town of Hoi An is sparkling. The lovely ancient town with its historical houses can make your soul more settled and peaceful. Oh, and there are no vehicles to bother you either – just other curious souls.
Take a boat and float the lantern on the Hoai River
A lantern boat ride is a thing to do that visitors must do today in Hoi An. For many centuries, locals have taken it on the Hoai river by the Hoi An ancient town in the full moon. In the full moon night, the best experience is provided, thanks to soft tremulous lights from hanging lanterns in streets and floating lanterns. Not just to view amazing scenes of lanterns, they want to release lotus-shaped paper lanterns to make wishes for beloved persons.
Day 2: VinWonders Nam Hoi An – Vinpearl River Safari
Vinpearl Nam Hoi An is up to 50ha wide with 5 subdivisions, so you can check out the map of Vinpearl Nam Hoi An in advance to save time traveling and have fun here!
Harbour Corner
Situated on the Riversides of Thu Bon, The Habour Corner vividly revives the ambiance of hectic trading ports of the 17th-century Hoi An. Designed with the concept of cross-cultural intersection, this destination features a unique blend of Eastern and Western architecture.
Riverside Old Town: This street recreates the signature architecture of Hoi An Old Town with historic ancient houses. No matter where you go, the alluring memories of Hoi An will linger in your heart.
Place of Dreams: A center of modern European architecture with the dancing canal houses of Amsterdam, the square-roof houses of Spain, and the pitched-roof houses reminiscent of castles in Russian fairy tales.
Adventure Land
Adventure Land has over 20 thrilling outdoor games and nearly 100 indoor games, including: Swiss Tower – the highest drop tower in Viet Nam, lost valley, desert twister, playoke,…You will have the greatest experience when coming there.
Island of Folk Culture
The Island of Folk Culture is the soul of VinWonders Nam Hoi An, which displays realistic architectural representations of the cultural regions from the North to the South of Vietnam and features of the country’s traditional craft villages. Don’t miss out the opportunity to experience quintessential Vietnamese art performances, such as Chau Van. Hat Quan Ho, and Hat Then, which are internationally recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Water World
Vinpearl Nam Hoi An Water Park has 11 thrilling and entertaining games, swimming pools, and slides that will help you beat the summer heat.
Vinpearl River Safari
This is Vietnam’s first and only riverside wildlife conservation park. When you visit Vinpearl River Safari, you will have the opportunity to see a variety of rare and endangered animals that are extinct in the wild listed in the world’s conservation, such as the Bengal tiger, wildebeest, saber-horned antelope,…
2 days 1 night budget guide to Hoi An
| Expenses | Cost per person | Note |
| Round trip flight ticket from Hanoi <-> Da Nang | 1.100.000 VNĐ/person | |
| Taxi | 250.000 VNĐ/person | From home <-> Noi Bai airport
Da Nang Airport <-> Hoi An |
| Book Vinpearl Resort & Spa Hoi An
(reference price) |
1.050.000 VNĐ/person/night | The price of this room is just a reference price because the price will differ depending on the booking time, room type, and so on. |
| Motorbike + bicycle rental | 180.000 VNĐ/person | |
| VinWonders Nam Hoi An Ticket (reference price) | 550.000 VNĐ/person | This is a reference price because ticket price may change from time to time |
| Ticket to visit Hoi An Ancient Town | 80.000 VNĐ/person | This is a ticket to visit 4/22 famous spots in Hoi An ancient town, and other spots you can come comfortably and without spending money.
Note: If you go during the day, buy a ticket, and if you go in the afternoon or evening, many spots will be closed. |
| Food | 700.000 VNĐ/person | |
| Other: shopping, entertainment… | 590.000 VNĐ/person | |
| TOTAL | 4.500.000 VNĐ/person | |
Some advice for 2 days 1 night tour in Hoi An
The people of Hoi An in particular and the Central region are mostly very friendly and hospitable, so you don’t need to worry too much. To fully experience 2 days 1 night trip in Hoi An, don’t ignore the following useful notes:
- Visiting Hoi An ancient town: If you want to visit the old town, you need to buy tickets at the ticket counter. In the ticket, there are 12 boxes for you to choose to visit 5 places at will. If you have any questions, you can ask the staff at the tour guide room.
- Shopping: Anywhere in Hoi An you should also ask the price in advance to avoid being sold at a higher price than usual
- Dress: Because Hoi An ancient town has many relics, museums, and temples, you should wear modest clothes, in accordance with Vietnamese fine customs and traditions.
Above are the details of Hoi An 2 days 1 night tour that you can refer to to schedule your trip. Don’t wait any longer to experience it right away.
