Hoi An is a dream. This small, colorful town in Vietnam stole my heart with its vibrant lanterns, bikeable streets, stunning beaches, bustling markets, and artistic soul. I visited Hoi An in the last few days of my one month Vietnam adventure, and it was one of my fav places. This place is littered with artisans, great food, and nice locals. I think I met the nicest people in all of Vietnam in Hoi An! I felt that Hoi An’s sister city is Chiang Mai, Thailand. They are both artistic, beautiful, and chill.
My guide to Hoi An focuses on off the beaten path activities mixed with some of the best Hoi An has to offer. If you’re a mid-range traveler like me who loves a mix of culture, chill vibes, and adventure, here’s how to spend four magical days in (what I would call) the cultural capital of Vietnam.
4 Day Guide to Hoi An, Vietnam
Day 1: Settling in & exploring
Check-In: Volar Hoi An Homestay ($35/Night)
- Why I loved it: Affordable, cozy, and friendly vibes. The owners were super sweet, the pool was lush and private (and perfect to dive in after long cycling rides), and they provided free bicycles to roam around!
- Location Perks: Just a short bike ride or walk to the central Hoi An market, making it the perfect base to explore around.
Evening vibes: Lanterns and the night market
- What to do: Stroll through the streets of Old Town, lit with the glow of thousands of colorful lanterns. It’s like stepping into a fairytale. I loveddddd just wandering around, although it does get pretty busy and crowded, so I could only take it for so long as I don’t love crowds. You can find amazing trinkets and souvenirs here as well. Handcrafted, well-made items to bring home.
- Food stop: Head to the famous Madam Khanh – The Banh Mi Queen for a delicious banh mi to kick off your Hoi An food journey. It was busy but the line moved quickly and the banh mi was cheap and delicious.
Day 2: Markets, Custom Clothes, and Basket Boats
Morning: Shop & snack
- Why go: This market has everything – fresh produce, vibrant spices, and souvenirs galore. It’s chaotic in the best way, and a bit less busy in the mornings.
Midday: Get Clothes tailored by local artisans
- The experience: Hoi An is famous for its custom-tailored clothes. I got a linen dress and skirt made in under 48 hours – affordable, high-quality, and unique! I designed what I wanted with my tailor and she did a fantastic job. When else will you ever get homemade clothes tailored to you? A really cool experience.
- Where to go: Wander into the small tailoring shops around the Old Town like Bao Diep Tailor and chat with the tailors until you find a vision you like. There are sooo many options and it’s really crowded so I wouldn’t be super picky to be honest.
Afternoon: Tin basket boat tour
- What it is: A spin in the iconic round bamboo boats in the nearby coconut forests. We took a Grab there as it’s a bit outside the city. Yes, it’s super touristy, but also so much fun and a good way to spend an hour or two. Plus we got great pics.
- Highlights: Dancing boatmen, loud karaoke, and a wild ride with the funniest local guide.
Day 3: Cycling & beaches
Morning: Bike Through Rice Fields
- It’s so magical: Golden-green rice fields, serene pathways, and barely anyone else around. It’s super fun to cycle in this town.
- Pro tip: Use the free bikes from Volar Hoi An Homestay or rent a nicer one if you’re planning a longer ride.
Midday: Relax at An Bang Beach
- First impressions: I was surprised at how clean and beautiful the beaches here were! Soft sand, gentle waves, and plenty of chill spots to rest when not swimming. Bring a towel and drinks.
- Where to stay: Check out AIRA Boutique Hoi An Hotel & Villa for beachside luxury to either stay at or grab a drink from. It’s around $100 / night.
Evening: Vegetarian food crawl
Hoi An had some amazing vegetarian food. Check out any of these places, all highly rated by me!
- Stop 1: 9 GRAINS BAKERY & CAFÉ for coffee and pastries
- Stop 2: Minh Hiển 2 Vegetarian Restaurant for a feast of delic local food from nice owners, and a great outside sitting area
- Stop 3: ROM Vegetarian Bistro – Hoi An for creative, beautifully plated veggie meals. I came here three times!
- Stop 4: Rosie’s Cafe for brunch-style dishes that is super popular with westerners. Really fresh food!
- Tip: Get the coconut ice cream from a stall at the night market — it was AMAZING
Day 4: Temples and mountains
Morning: Marble Mountains adventure
- What to expect: A stunning complex of caves, pagodas, and panoramic views. The early morning light makes the temples glow. I got emotional here, it’s spiritual in a way that radiates off the land.
- How to get there: Take a Grab, it’s about 30 minutes away. Bring cash for the entrance fee and GO EARLY.
- Pro tip: Wear comfy shoes and bring water. The stairs are no joke, but the views are spectacular. There’s so much to explore and it’s absolutely worth a trip here.
Afternoon: Soak up the Hoi An vibes
- Last-minute shopping: Check out the leather and handcrafted goods shops for unique souvenirs. If you go a few days earlier you’ll be able to get personalized engravements!
- Lantern viewings: Take one last stroll through Old Town for dreamy golden-hour pics of the stunning lanterns.
Final thoughts
This little gem of a town is everything I love about traveling: colorful, soulful, and nice locals (I think the nicest people I met in Vietnam). My fav things to do were cycling through rice fields, trying delicious restaurants, & soaking up the lantern-lit magic. Book that $30 homestay, and have a blast in the cultural capital of Vietnam!
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