hoi an self guided walking tour

Hoi An itinerary: 3 days plus self guided walking tour map

If you’re wondering what to do in Hoi An, Vietnam, read on for the perfect itinerary for 2 or 3 days in Hoi An.

You’ll also find our Hoi An walking tour map below.

To get full details on the restaurants, sights, and things we recommend to do around town, along with our self-guided bicycle route map, be sure to check out our curated, interactive map and Hoi An Travel Guide.

To be honest, if you have only one week in Vietnam, I would advise you to spend most – if not all – of it in Hoi An.

That’s just my own preference. Vietnam is full of beautiful places and wonderful people, so it really depends on how much you want to move around. In my opinion, staying in one place is (ironically) the best part of “travel.”

We’ve found Hoi An to be a worthy home base and keep coming back for months at a time. But I digress…

Updated 2024, originally published 2019.

Disclosure: Our article contains affiliate links, which means if you use our links and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. (We only recommend things we love and believe in.)

How many days in Hoi An are ideal? We started out with 10, then returned for 6 weeks, then returned again for 2 months. But we also work online while we’re abroad. 

If you’re solely focused on sightseeing, I’d recommend at least three days in Hoi An – or a minimum of two nights.

I can’t tell you how many people we met at our homestay who wished they could extend their stay in Hoi An!

What to do in Hoi An for 3 Days

Hoi An, Vietnam has so much to offer visitors. Depending on your interests, you’ll want to adjust the Hoi An 3 Day Itinerary with your choice of activities.

Here are some of the options of things to do in and around Hoi An.

Active adventures:

• Biking around rice paddies and villages
• Swimming at the beach
• Kayak tour at My Son
• Rock climbing at Marble Mountain
• Hiking day trips
• Walk around town
• Motorbike tours

Cultural experiences:

• Homestay with a local family (see Where to Stay in Hoi An )
• Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Ancient Town
• Try regional dishes and see how they’re made with this Hidden Gems Hoi An Food Tour
• Monthly lantern festival
• Cooking classes
• Visit local markets
• Lantern making class
• Bamboo and other craft workshops
• Temples, museums
• Basket boat tour
• Tea and coffee tasting
• Vegetable village gardening tour

Other activities to do in Hoi An:

• Shopping: clothing, silk, leather, woodcrafts, stone sculptures, housewares, gifts, etc.
• Have custom clothing made at a tailor shop
• Motorbike tours to villages, waterfalls, and more (see our Hue to Hoi An trip )
• Hang out at the beach or pool
• Day trip to Marble Mountain
• Day trip to My Son temple ruins
• Day trip to Da Nang, Monkey Mountain, and Hai Van Pass
• River boat rides
• Bird watching
• Eat! See our guide to Best Food and Restaurants in Hoi An
• Hang out at open-air coffee shops

For more details, see our post about the best things to do in Hoi An .

Three Day Hoi An Itinerary

Let’s dive into my suggested Hoi An 3 day itinerary day by day.

Assuming you can arrive in the morning, likely from Da Nang airport or train station, let’s begin with a walking tour of Ancient Town and lunch.

Tip: Mid-day sun can be hot most of the year, so be sure to bring bottled water, light-weight clothing , and wear sun protection.

For an interactive, curated map with all of our recommended places in Hoi An, plus our complete Hoi An Travel Guide, you can purchase here:

We’ll begin in the local markets , which are always some of the most fascinating areas of any foreign country. What’s interesting about Hoi An is that despite the influx of tourism into Ancient Town, daily life of the locals still goes on alongside it all.

First, make a quick pass through the fabric market . Here is where they sell fabrics for tailoring, shoes (custom made and wholesale), and now also souvenirs.

There are two buildings each with two stories. Bike parking is available for a small fee outside.

I recommend going through quickly the first time, just to get the lay of the land, because the vendors can be persistent. If you’re wandering aimlessly and looking like a shopper, you may get swarmed by hopeful salespeople.

When exiting the fabric market, you’ll be facing the river. Following the street to the right, you’ll pass through the outskirts of the food market alongside various souvenir shops.

Tip: Stay alert for bicycles and motorbikes all the way through the market area!

After a couple blocks, you’ll see a covered area to your left with many of the produce and fish vendors . To your right will be another building which houses the meat market, wholesale goods (spices, housewares, etc.), and then has a food hall for cooked meals at the other end.

Take a walk through the two long buildings, front to back.

Upon exiting the food market, you’ll come out on Trần Phú Street (a busy intersection despite no cars or trucks allowed). Turn left, heading into the heart of Ancient Town’s shopping district .

Within the first block, you can enter the Chinese Assembly Hall on your right. This is a local gathering place for worship with temples and gardens.

Entrance fee is included in the Hoi An Ancient Town ticket , but if they’re not checking for tickets, you can go right in.

Be sure to remove hats, cover shoulders, and refrain from photos in certain areas according to the posted signs. Also, keep walking back – it’s larger than you might think!

If you’d like to get some custom clothing – suits, dresses, shirts, pants – then make a stop by Mr. Xe tailor shop (71 Nguyễn Thái Học) for a first fitting while you’re in the area. Mr. Xe has a great reputation in Hoi An for quality clothing, fair prices, and efficiency.

The team moves quickly to serve many clients each day, so it helps to know what you want. Prices are on the lower end of mid-range. We had a previously-bought jacket adjusted for $5. Full suits start around $125. Shirts are around $30 (these are 2019 prices so it may be a little more now).

Bring in an item you love to have it copied or design something new from Pinterest or magazines photos. Basic things can be completed in a day. For suits, you’ll likely need to return the next day for a second fitting and then take it home on the third day.

Continue West to find Reaching Out Arts & Crafts . This is a social enterprise workshop and craft store that provides meaningful employment to people with disabilities.

Walk quietly through the tea house, or stop for a tea tasting, entering from Trần Phú street.

Visit the workshop and admire the exquisite handicrafts, tea sets, clothing, and more. On week days it’s fun to see the artisans at work in the shop (before 4:30pm).

If you’re ready for lunch, how about noodles at Verdant Space (687 Hai Bà Trưng)? Delicious, cheap bun thit nuong (pork with thin rice noodles fresh greens, and sweet gravy) and cao lau (thick wheat noodles with pork and sweet soy sauce) are 40,000 each.

This little place is in the courtyard of a local family house. They often prepare some of the noodles in advance so they can serve you quickly. The place is nothing fancy and you might be sharing a big table with other guests.

We go back regularly because the sweet, savory bun thit nuong sauce with peanuts for crunch is so incredible.

Return to Trần Phu Street, heading West toward the Japanese Bridge .

The Japanese bridge is a landmark in Hoi An. It bridges the tributary that divided Japan Town from China Town, back when Hoi An was a bustling trading port.

Usually you can walk across the bridge no problem, but occasionally employees require an Ancient Town ticket, which gives you access to view the rooms off the back of the bridge. (The bridge is currently under construction as of 2024.)

For a refreshing coffee drink or smoothie, find your way back to the river on Công Nữ Ngọc Hoa Street and stop in at Cong Caphe . This Vietnamese coffee “chain” can be found in most major cities in Vietnam but there’s no big box feel here.

The hip photo-worthy decor always seems popular with the Vietnamese youth as well as visitors. The coconut ice cream with coffee poured over is pretty darn amazing (49,000d small, 59,000d large) as is the sweet and tangy passion fruit freeze (55,000d).

Only down side is smoking is allowed since it’s somewhat open air, but there are plenty of different places to sit both inside, outside, and on the second floor.

For more shopping , find Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai Street, which tends to be a bit quieter than the other shopping streets.

Still hungry? Walk North along hidden alleys (see our map) to Banh Mi Queen (115 Trần Cao Vân).

After trying several of the highly rated banh mi spots, Banh Mi Queen became our favorite. Get the “mixed,” which is the specialty of the house, and can be ordered with or without spicy chili.

Crispy bread, egg, pate, pork, and pickled veg for 30,000d = delicious! Eat in or take away.

With all that walking, now may be good time to head back to your hotel or homestay to rest.

You’ll want to visit Ancient Town at least one time after dark , too, to see the lanterns illuminated and the boats on the river. Be prepared: it can get pretty crowded with large tour groups in the evenings.

One of our favorite dinner spots is in a hidden courtyard off the busy “restaurant row” across the bridge from Ancient Town. Look carefully for the sign and menu of NostaLife restaurant on Nguyễn Phúc Chu Street where you’ll enter a short alley to the courtyard.

This family-run restaurant has a nice, quiet ambiance, good local food (as well as some Western), and good prices. Try the bbq pork skewers, which comes with greens, rice paper to wrap it up, and peanut sauce to dip it in (50,000d for small). The fried wontons are another favorite.

We like to bring friends here so we can order family style and share different dishes. NostaLife has some of the best prices on local DaLat wine, too.

After dinner, you’ll be right near the Night Market on Nguyễn Hoàng. They don’t really sell anything you can’t find elsewhere, or during the day. But you can always stop by to look for souvenirs or order a banana crepe.

Most accommodations in Hoi An provide breakfast, so we’ll assume that’s taken care of.

If you’re an early riser and your place also provides bicycles, we recommend doing a bike ride through the rice paddies and Tra Que vegetable village (see our interactive route map, included with our Hoi An Travel Guide) .

This morning’s adventure is Marble Mountain . It’s just a 20 minute drive from Hoi An on the way North to Da Nang. You can book a driver through your hotel, call a Grab, drive yourself by motorbike, or ride the local bus.

Explore the various temples, pagodas, gardens, and caves built into this carst – one of five mountains in an otherwise flat landscape. There’s a 40,000d entrance fee to walk up. Taking the elevator costs more but you still need to do plenty of stairs to get around the mountain.

Tip: I don’t recommend paying for the “map and souvenir cards” – they’re not worth the money.

Marble Mountain is best first thing in the morning when it’s cooler and less crowded, as long as it’s also clear skies so you can see the views from the top.

Definitely don’t miss heading all the way into Tang Chon Cave and Huyen Khong Cave! “Heaven’s Gate” has a panoramic view but the way up is very steep, uneven and can get a bit slick. Other viewpoints with more manageable stairs are just as good.

If you booked a driver, consider having them drop you off at Hoi An’s beach on the way back into Hoi An. (There are two beach options, but due to storms and erosion, their levels of reconstruction vary depending on the year.)

At An Bang beach, you can get drinks and relax on lounge chairs and/or order lunch at a restaurant. Most of the beach-side restaurants have changing rooms and showers for guests, beach towels may be available for a fee.

We always go to La Plage beach bar and restaurant or The Fisherman vegan restaurant , which happen to be right next to each other.

La Plage has a very extensive menu of local dishes, seafood, and some Western items. The Fisherman is more fusion style and vegan. Food at the beach is pricier than most local food, but these two places offer some of the better values on the beach and are both owned by local families.

From here, you can continue to hang out at the beach, if that’s your thing. Or head back to your accommodations to shower and try another activity.

Perhaps you’re up for a massage or spa treatment. Be La Spa lets you book online and they’ll even send a driver to pick you up and drop you off. Most massages are less than $20 per hour, and they tend to be more relaxing than some of the other places we’ve tried.

If you like deep tissue or Thai style, you might prefer Five Senses Spa .

Alternatively, you could spend your afternoon learning a new skill. Cooking classes, lantern making, bamboo or other craft workshops are all available with local guides.

"}” data-sheets-userformat=”{"2":513,"3":{"1":0},"12":0}” data-sheets-hyperlink=”https://www.getyourguide.com/hoi-an-l831?activity_type=workshopOrClass&sort=rating&order=desc&partner_id=GSZXA38&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=hoianitinerary”> Check out workshops and classes on GetYourGuide >

For dinner, try Com Linh restaurant (42 Phan Chu Trinh) for more great local specialties in a central location at affordable prices (65,000d on average).

Or head back into Ancient Town to Morning Glory (106 Nguyễn Thái Học) where a female Vietnamese chef has started a mini food empire. Her extensive menu represents an elevated cuisine inspired by traditional Vietnamese dishes. Western prices and may require reservations.

Looking for dessert? At Com Linh, you’re right next to Hoa Champa Cafe , which also sells single original Vietnamese chocolate bars. Across from Morning Glory is another of the chef’s restaurants, Cargo , which has a huge cake and tarte menu – we recommend anything with chocolate mousse.

If you love archeological sites, Hoi An to My Son temple ruins is just over an hour drive. It does get crowded and very hot by mid-morning, so it’s best to arrive by 8am.

If you’ve been to Angkor Wat, My Son will pale in comparison since a large portion of it was unfortunately destroyed in the Vietnam-American War. It’s still a fascinating place, and there are English-speaking local guides on site for a fee.

Alternatively, a truly memorable experience is a motorbike day tour . Our friend, Phu, runs Hoi An Motorbike Tour Adventures and loves to show visitors the back roads and non-touristy destinations around Hoi An.

Phu provides an all-inclusive day trip (or multi-day adventures), and all you have to do is sit back, take pictures, and enjoy the ride. There are different options, including visits to nearby villages and craft workshops, waterfalls and hikes, the scenic and historic Hai Van Pass, and more.

If your next stop is Hue, Vietnam, you can also arrange a one-way motorbike day tour as a scenic way to get you and your luggage from one place to the other. We did the reverse Hue to Hoi An trip, and it was a blast.

For your last night in Hoi An, we recommend Nu Eatery for dinner. They use local ingredients in creative flavor and texture combinations. We like to order small plates or tapas-style and try different dishes (40,000-100,000d per dish).

The menu rotates occasionally, but look for the pork bao and catfish wraps. Everyone we’ve taken has loved the food, and the atmosphere is cute, too. It feels special, very unique, and still not too expensive.

Hoi An Travel Resources

• Save this itinerary offline! It’s included with our curated Hoi An Map and Travel Guide .
• Compare and book Vietnam transit tickets on BookAway here >

Find unique local-led experience listings on LikeLocal here >

• Browse tours and experiences in Vietnam here >
• Mr. Phu’s Motorbike Tours
• Hidden Gems Hoi An Food Tour
• ✈️ Protect your Hoi An trip with Travel Insurance – We’ve started using Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing for affordable evacuation, international medical, and trip coverage.

Hopefully, this itinerary plan and Hoi An walking tour is a useful starting place for your two or three day Hoi An itinerary. It will take you through Ancient Town, surrounding rural areas and villages, nearby day trip attractions, and much of the wonderful food and other specialties the region has to offer.

What travel restrictions and rules are in place in Vietnam? Find post-pandemic travel updates for Vietnam here: What you need to know about Vietnam travel right now

For further reading about Hoi An:

– Our Ultimate Hoi An Travel Guide + Curated Map – Best food in Hoi An: Our favorite restaurants – Where to stay in Hoi An – 5 Best day trips from Hoi An – What to do in Hoi An on a Budget – Motorbike Tour from Hue to Hoi An, Central Vietnam

For other Vietnam destinations:

– Unique Things To Do in Da Nang – A budget guide to Ninh Binh – A budget guide to Hue – A budget guide to Hanoi – DaLat Vietnam itinerary and guide – A budget guide to Mai Chau Vietnam

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Ostrich Trails

Because it is a walking bird and walking is what we do.

Hoi An Self-Guided Walking Tour

Home » Asia » Vietnam » Hoi An Self-Guided Walking Tour

By Vicky · Published Dec. 17th, 2023

When you buy through links highlighted with an asterisk (*) on this site, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no cost to you.

Explore charming Hoi An on this free self-guided walking tour, which leads you through the narrow streets to ancient temples and more. Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved architecture and its significance as a trading port from the 15th to the 19th centuries walking around today feels like you’ve gone back in time.

Page Contents:

How to get to Hoi An

Hoi An is a town in central Vietnam, which unfortunately doesn’t have its own train station. The nearest train station is in Da Nang.

Hoi An from Da Nang

Hoi is a 45-minute drive south of Da Nang. To get from Da Nang to Hoi An, you can either take a taxi or a bus. To book taxis, buses or trains to Da Nang, it’s easiest to use 12GoAsia *. You can see several options with prices and for trains, you can see which still have space and get ticket confirmation immediately after booking.

Hoi An from Hue

Hoi An is about 3 hours drive (120 km) south of Hue. The most popular way to travel between these two historic towns is on a tour over the scenic Hai Van Pass *.

Hoi An Walking Route Map

Tips for visiting hoi an.

• 22 sights in Hoi An require a ticket – you can buy strips of 5 for 120,000VND (about $5) from the tourist information just next to the bridge. The top five sights are mentioned below .
• Early mornings or late afternoons are a good time to enjoy this walk to avoid both the heat of the day and the crowds.
• If you visit any of the temples, you should cover your shoulders and knees.
• Discover the top tours in Hoi An *
• Exploring Hoi An by bicycle is the best way to explore – try and stay at a hotel that offers free bicycle rental.
• Cycling to the beach or around the countryside is a great way to explore further.
• Opt for an evening lantern-making workshop * to experience Hoi An’s famous lantern tradition firsthand.
• After visiting Hoi An, why not head to the Imperial City of Hue ! Or check out our Vietnam Page to explore further.

Top Sights within Hoi An

On this walking tour you’ll see the main sites and attractions of Hoi An. Those with an asterisk are part of the 22 ticketed sights, the others are free. This is a free, self-guided walking tour of Hoi An. If instead you’re interested in a guided tour, check out the Hidden Gems of Old Hoi An Tour *, or if you’re into food, check out a walking tour to sample the local specialties! *

• Japanese Covered Bridge*
• Thu Bon River
• Phung Hung Ancient House*
• Cam Pho Temple*
• Confucius Temple
• Pháp Bảo Temple
• Ba Mu Temple
• Tran Family Chapel*
• Đình Ông Voi Village Hall
• Trung Hoa Assembly Hall*
• Fukian Assembly Hall*
• Central Market
• Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House*
• Ancient House of Tan Ky*
• Cantonese Assembly Hall*

Hoi An Walking Tour Route

This self-guided walking tour of Hoi An starts at the Japanese Covered Bridge in the centre of town. Several of the attractions on the route require tickets. You can purchase sets of 5 tickets for roughly 120,000VND (about $5) from the tourist information just next to the bridge.

There are more than 5 attractions, but the top five are the Japanese Covered Bridge itself, the Fukian Assembly Hall, the Cantonese Assembly Hall, the Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House and one of the Ancient Houses (Phung Hung or Tan Ky).

Directions: After buying tickets, head onto the bridge.

1. Japanese Covered Bridge*

The Japanese Covered Bridge * is an iconic 16th-century bridge that connects the Japanese and Chinese quarters. The bridge is now one of the symbols of Hoi An and the centre of the Ancient Town. It’s a unique architectural construction, combining Japanese and Vietnamese design elements. Its most distinctive feature is the roofed structure that spans across a small body of water, connecting two sides of the town.

Don’t miss the sculptures of a monkey and dog at opposite ends of the bridge, signifying the years the bridge was started and finished (1593 and 1595). Inside the bridge, there’s a small temple dedicated to Taoist deities, where locals and visitors often offer prayers for luck and prosperity.

Directions: From the Japanese Bridge, head to the waterfront and across the main bridge to An Hoi island. Turn left on the other side to walk along the riverbank.

2. Thu Bon River

Stroll along the banks of the Thu Bon River to enjoy the views, and potentially get a little breeze from the water. You’ll see palm trees, fishmermen, and many colourful painted boats. You can also see the cute buildings and roofs of the houses on the other side.

Directions: Head right across the next bridge, then right on the other side still by the river. Turn right at the road then take the first left along a small street. At the next road, turn right along the pleasant road back towards the bridge.

3. Phung Hung Ancient House*

Phung Hung Ancient House is a traditional Vietnamese merchant’s house that has been preserved to showcase the architectural and cultural heritage of the region. The house is a typical example of a 19th-century Hoi An merchant’s residence, reflecting the blend of different architectural styles, including Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese influences.

On a visit, you can explore the various rooms within the house, gaining insights into the daily life and activities of the merchant families who once lived there. Additionally, today the house serves as a venue for cultural events and activities.

Directions: Return the way you came, and continue along the street. You’ll see the temple gates on your right.

4. Cam Pho Temple*

Cam Pho Temple is dedicated to Thien Hau, the goddess of the sea and protector of sailors and fishermen. Thien Hau, also known as Mazu in Chinese culture, is revered in many coastal regions of East Asia. Hoi An has been home to fishermen and ocean-going traders for a long time. Still today people gather at Cam Pho Temple to pay homage to Thien Hau and seek blessings for safe voyages, prosperity, and good fortune.

Directions: Head along the street to reach the main road, with cars and motorbikes. Turn right and soon you’ll see the Confucius Temple on your left, opposite the memorial column.

5. Confucius Temple

The Confucius Temple, also known as Miếu Thờ Khổng Tử, is right on the edge of Hoi An Ancient Town. This means not many people visit, but I thought it was one of the most impressive sights in Hoi An. If the main gate is closed, there’s a smaller gate nearby. There’s a fun bridge across a moat, after which you reach a spirit wall with a mythical creature guarding the temple behind. Here and all around the temple there are sculptures covered in colourful ceramic tiles. It’s definitely worth an exploration.

Just opposite the Confucius Temple is Quang Nam Memorial , a tall pink column by a pond full of lotus flowers.

Directions: Return back towards the previous temple, but now take a left before reaching it. Continue along this straight street until the next intersection. Pháp Bảo Temple is on your left.

6. Pháp Bảo Temple

Pháp Bảo Temple, also known as Phac Hat Pagoda, is a Buddhist temple with lovely gardens often full of blooming flowers. It’s free to enter, and you have to take your shoes off to enter the temple. You’re also requested to dress appropriately, i.e. covered shoulders.

Directions: Head down the street on the opposite side of the intersection for a short distance, and the next temple is on your left.

7. Ba Mu Temple

Ba Mu Temple is not a temple in the traditional sense, but rather just a very ornate and highly decorated temple gate. There’s a lovely lily pond in front of it, which makes it very photogenic both during the day and at night.

Directions: Head back to the intersection and continue along the straight street to the next main junction. The Tran Family Chapel is on your left.

8. Tran Family Chapel*

The Tran Family Chapel is a historic house and museum offering insights into the lifestyle of the prosperous Tran Family. There’s beautiful woodwork, intricate carvings, and decorative elements that reflect the cultural tastes of the time.

Directions: Walk down the street opposite the chapel, and you’ll see the next stop on your left.

9. Đình Ông Voi Village Hall

Đình Ông Voi is a historic village hall and temple, notable for the two large stone elephants outside and the intricate spirit screen. It’s dedicated to Quan Cong, the Elephant God, who is regarded as a symbol of loyalty, justice, and integrity.

Directions: Continue down the street and left at the second crossroads along the pedestrianised street. You’ll soon see the blue gates of the Trung Hoa Assembly Hall on your left.

10. Trung Hoa Assembly Hall*

The Trung Hoa Assembly Hall has a fusion of Chinese and Vietnamese styles, featuring elaborate decorations, intricate woodwork, sculptures, and vibrant colors.

Directions: The next assembly hall is just a short distance further down the street.

11. Fukian Assembly Hall*

The Fukian Assembly Hall is one of the most impressive Assembly Halls in Hoi An, dating from 1697. Inside you’ll see several animal statues, each representing some quality of life such as wisdom, long life, or noble status. There are several detailed mosaics, but perhaps most impressive is the ceremonial gate. It takes about 5-10 minutes to walk around and is definitely worth stopping by.

Directions: Turn right along the next street by the market, then right again when you reach the river.

From here you can take a detour to Bánh Mì Phượng , a famous restaurant where you can grab a banh mi sandwich, a local specialty. It’s often busy and there can be long lines, but they move quickly. If you want to learn more about cooking Vietnamese dishes, try a cooking class! *

12. Central Market

In the Central Market you can savour the local flavors at the market’s food stalls offering delicious Vietnamese cuisine. A bustling market selling almost everything, from fresh produce to souvenirs and tailored silk outfits. It’s a great spot to interact with the local vendors, practice bargaining for goods, and experience the vibrant energy of the market.

Directions: Continue along the street by the river and the next stop is on your right.

13. Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House*

Visit the Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House to see traditional Vietnamese art shows, including music and dance. There’s free seating so arrive early if you want a good seat. Performances occur at 10:15 and 3:15 and last roughly 30 minutes.

Directions: Take the third street on your right, then turn left and the ancient house is on your left.

14. Ancient House of Tan Ky*

The Ancient House of Tan Ky is an old merchant’s house full of antiques, set around a lovely courtyard. It dates from 1741 and was specifically designed to withstand flooding which was common at the time. The levels of previous floods have been recorded, and sometimes the water reached very high! You can buy some of the antiques and souvenirs on display inside.

Directions: At the next junction turn right and you’ll see the impressive gates of the Cantonese Assembly Hall.

15. Cantonese Assembly Hall*

The Cantonese Assembly Hall was built in the late 18th century. The assembly hall served as a communal gathering place for social, cultural, and religious activities within the Cantonese community. Behind the elaborate gate there’s a courtyard and the main hall. Inside are alters dedicated to various gods such as Thien Hau, the goddess of the sea. There’s a large garden at the back with a fountain and dragon statue where you relax, it’s definitely worth a visit.

Directions: You’re now back by the Japanese Covered Bridge and the end of the Hoi An Self-Guided Walking Tour. Continue reading to discover the best evening activities and day trips from Hoi An.

Top Evening Activities in Hoi An

The evening is a great time in Hoi An, when temperatures drop and the Ancient Town comes alive with people and lanterns. The top five evening activities to enjoy in Hoi An are below:

1. Attend a Lantern Making Class

Learning how to make the lovely lanterns that Hoi An is famous for is a great way to spend an evening. In this lantern-making class *, you learn how to make your very own silk lantern and can then take it away with you.

2. Watch the Bamboo Circus

The Teh Dar Vietnamese Bamboo Circus at Hoi An Lune Center * is the main evening show in Hoi An, where traditional performances showcase Vietnamese music and dance. There’s also acrobatics and it makes for a really great evening. The show lasts one hour so there’s still time afterward to visit the night market.

3. Visit Hoi An Night Market

At Hoi An’s Night Market, explore stalls selling handmade crafts, souvenirs, and local street food. It’s right next to the river on An Hoi Island, opposite the Japanese Bridge. Everywhere is full of lanterns and it’s very atmospheric. To have the most immersive experience, you can go on a tour of the night market *, which includes a fun boat ride.

4. Take a Lantern-Lit Evening Boat Ride

Take a boat ride along the river * or join a lantern-lit evening cruise to cool down and relax after a day wandering around Hoi An. It’s a fun activity and the boats start just next to the night market, near the Japanese Bridge.

5. Go on an Evening Walking Food Tour

Check out the best street food and restaurant spots o n a food walking tour *. You’ll also discover the top hidden gems of Hoi An at night!

Best Day Trips from Hoi An

1. my son sanctuary.

• Distance from Hoi An: 40 km west.
• Why Visit: UNESCO World Heritage Site with impressive ancient Hindu temples and ruins dating back to the Champa Kingdom. Definitely one of the top trips to make from Hoi An, and not to be missed when touring Vietnam.
• Top Tour: Small group early morning My Son Sanctuary tour *

2. Ba Na Hills & Golden Hand Bridge

• Distance from Hoi An: 50 km northwest.
• Why Visit: Walk over the famous Golden Bridge on the Huge Hand of Budda and experience great views from the hills.
• Top Tour: Hoi An/ Da Nang – Ba Na Hills – Golden Bridge Deluxe Small group *

3. Hue City

• Distance from Hoi An: 120 km north.
• Why Visit: Former imperial capital with the Imperial City, royal tombs, Perfume River, and historical sites showcasing Vietnam’s rich history.
• Top Tour: Small Group Hue City Tour From Hoi An and Da Nang *

4. Tra Que Vegetable Village & An Bang Beach

• Distance from Hoi An: Close to Hoi An, within biking distance.
• Why Visit: Experience local farming life, enjoy cooking classes using fresh produce * and relax on the nearby beach.
• Top Tour: Hoi An to An Bang Beach Cycle

5. Cycle through Cam Kim Island

• Why Visit: See rice fields, coconut groves and much more on an idyllic island just next to Hoi An.
• Top Tour: Hoi An Cam Kim Cycling (self-guided) or Afternoon Countryside Bike Tour from Hoi An * (guided).

Moving on from Hoi An

If you’re heading north , why not visit the Imperial City of Hue or the spectacular countryside of Ninh Binh . You can reach Hue or Ninh Binh on the train from Da Nang. The overnight trains are relatively comfortable, save time and also save one night’s accommodation. It’s easiest to book on 12GoAsia * since you have to have a Vietnamese credit card to book on the official website .

Alternatively, it’s popular to travel to Hue via a tour over the scenic Hai Van Pass *, which takes at least 3 hours.

From Hoi An, if you’re heading south then taking a bus to Da Nang and then a train is a popular option.

For more ideas of where to go next, check out our Vietnam Guide .

Guidebooks to explore more of Vietnam

Useful things for a holiday in Vietnam

• Travel Insurance: we use SafetyWing *, it’s simple to buy online and they have a downloadable letter proving you have travel insurance which includes Covid-related issues
• Travel Debit Card: we have Wise Cards * which allow you to cheaply convert most currencies into Vietnamese Dong. You can then pay by card within the country for no extra fees, or withdraw cash from an ATM.
• We booked train travel in Vietnam through 12GoAsia *. They charge a few extra dollars in commission, but to book directly on the official website you must have a Vietnamese credit card.

FAQS: Hoi An Self-Guided Walking Tour

Hoi An is one of the best-preserved towns in the whole of Vietnam. It can be a little touristy, but the cute streets and highly decorated temples make it definitely worth a visit.

I’d recommend staying in Hoi An since it becomes very atmospheric in the evening with the night market and lanterns decorating every street. It’s a great time to walk around Hoi An, and it would be a shame to leave earlier in the day, so staying in Hoi An is the best option.

There’s a lot to see in Hoi An, and it makes a great base for several day trips, so spending at least 2-3 days minimum in Hoi An is recommended. If you want to relax more, attend several classes such as cooking or lantern making, or if you want to base yourself in Hoi An for day trips, you could easily spend a week here.

Related Posts

Hanoi Walking Tour

Hoi An to An Bang Beach Cycle

Hoi An Cam Kim Cycling

Ho Chi Minh City Walking Tour

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Teacher Trekker

Where exploration intersects with education.

Hoi An, Vietnam – Self Guided Walking (or Bicycle) Tour in Ancient Town

The best way to take in the rich history and culture of Hoi An Ancient Town is to explore the neighborhood by foot. I have been to Hoi An two times and found there no need to book a guided tour. Instead, go on a self-guided walking tour with my help. If you have read My Hoi An Story then you already know that I have a local contact in town. With his help I managed to cover all 22 of the sites in the UNESCO zone in a single day during the summer of 2014, but I’m not suggesting that. At the end of the day, the ticket agent told my friend that he didn’t know of anyone who covered all the sites in one day. He also told me I was crazy, which is true. I’m just completely obsessive when I travel and found it important to leave no stone unturned. I didn’t want to let a guide book or website determine the best sites and make me miss something I may have found personally significant. After visiting all of them it was clear that many of them could have been skipped for reasons I will explain below.

Beautiful shot of the sun bursting through the clouds while exploring the Hoi An harbor area.

This guide actually didn’t come into fruition until I returned to Hoi An the following year. I returned to Southeast Asia in the summer of 2015 when a change of plans led me to alter my original itinerary and met with friends in Vietnam. When it was time to explore Hoi An Ancient Town my friends turned to me to play tour guide, which I gladly accepted. I trimmed down the list of 22 to the most relevant places to visit, grabbed some background information and designed the best route. That afternoon became the seed to this article. Included in the guide below you will find: a detailed history of Hoi An, its reason for becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site , a suggested list of destinations to visit, basic background information about each of them, links for more history, a pinned street map and best route for your Hoi An Ancient Town Self-Guided Walking Tour.

Japanese Covered Bridge as seen from the nearby rickety makeshift bamboo bridge that you shouldn’t stand on!

The History of Hoi An

Before outlining the walking tour it is important to understand the significance Hoi An plays in Vietnamese history. Since the first century the town of Hoi An has served as a central port for many historically important trade routes. Running through the town is estuary of the Thu Bon River. For centuries it has brought goods from the interior of the country to the mouth of the river and the South China Sea. Between the 7th and 10th century the port city grew in scale and significance as the spice trade expanded under the Cham people. By the 16th and 17th century merchants from Chinese, Dutch, Japanese, Indian and Portuguese fleets came here to trade with the Vietnamese. French missionaries were followed by their merchant vessels and eventually Vietnam became the crown jewel of the burgeoning French Indochine Empire.

Hoi An continues to remain an active fishing village.

Towards the end of the 18th century, the port’s importance declined with the fall of the Nguyen dynasty. This was followed by Emperor Gia Long giving the French exclusive trading privileges with Da Nang. French colonialism expanded over time and was at its peak in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, eventually ending in 1954 with their defeat to local forces in the First Indochina War. This was followed by the Second Indochina War with the Americans, commonly referred to as the Vietnam War. During all of the conflict, Hoi An remained out of the war zones preserving the majority of the historic buildings. The result, now almost two hundred years, many parts of Hoi An, specifically its Ancient Town still remain virtually unchanged preserving it as a time capsule of Vietnamese history.

Hoi An lanterns decorating the streets by day!

Hoi An’s multicultural history and unique character has earned it recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They decree that, “Hoi An Ancient Town is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. Its buildings and its street plan reflect the influences, both indigenous and foreign, that have combined to produce this unique heritage site.” There are a plethora of historically significant cultural and sites to visit. It’s people are welcoming and industrious, most easily seen in the garment industry. The traditional architecture and narrow streets create a feeling of intimacy unlike many other travel experiences ( UNESCO World Heritage Site – Hoi An Ancient Town ).

Hoi An Ancient Town as seen from the balcony of one of the many Ancient Houses (or was it the Tea House?)

Hoi An Ancient Town is actually a protected historical zone that together totals some, “1,107 timber frame buildings, with brick or wooden walls, which include architectural monuments, commercial and domestic vernacular structures, notably an open market and a ferry quay, and religious buildings such as pagodas and family cult houses. The houses are tiled and the wooden components are carved with traditional motifs. They are arranged side-by-side in tight, unbroken rows along narrow pedestrian streets.” The majority of structures were built in the 17th and 18th century and their existence makes the a rare example of the remaining historical sites in the region.

Ornately Decorated Traditional Dragon Roof

“The original street plan, which developed as the town became a port, remains. It comprises a grid of streets with one axis parallel to the river and the other axis of streets and alleys set at right angles to it. Typically, the buildings front the streets for convenient customer access while the backs of the buildings open to the river allowing easy loading and off-loading of goods from boats.” Much of the original canal network and drainage systems are still in use. As a result of this, “the town continues to this day to be occupied and function as a trading port and center of commerce. The living heritage reflecting the diverse communities of the indigenous inhabitants of the town, as well as foreigners, has also been preserved and continues to be passed on. Hoi An Ancient Town remains an exceptionally well-preserved example of a Far Eastern port.”

Wandering through narrow alleyways!

Things You Need to Know Before Hitting the Ancient Town

Within the Hoi An Ancient Town UNESCO zone there are a total of 22 sites that you can visit: 21 sightseeing destinations and 1 traditional art show/performance. They include, “living houses, ancestral worshipping houses, temples, communal houses, assembly halls, bridges, pagodas, water wells” and a few small museums. In the pamphlet provided by the Hoi An Office of Tourist Services these sites are organized into color coded categories that reflect similarities in architectural forms and purpose. They are also numbered to reflect their street address. Actually, there are more even more locations to visit, but they are unlisted in the tourist guide.

It is necessary to purchase an entrance ticket in order to access any of the points of interest in Hoi An Ancient Town. Otherwise, you can walk around outside and not gain entry to any of the buildings. They can be purchased at one of the Tourist Information Centers or Ticket Booths around town. Each set of tickets costs 120,000 VND ($5 USD) and allows you entry to 5 sites. At each location there will be an attendant to cut 1 of the 5 tickets off the stub. They are valid for 10 days if you don’t plan on using them all at the same time. For more information check out the Hoi An Tourism Website .

Since, many of the buildings share commonalities it would be the wisest to begin with the most historically significant and beautiful site from each category of building. Along the way you will pass many restaurants, cafes, tailor shops and specialty stores in traditional Shop Houses. Including a 30 minute lunch and a few shopping stops this tour should take you around 3 – 4 hours. My complete recommended walking tour will make 9 stops: 1 is free, but the other 8 require entry tickets. Also included is my single ticket abridged walking tour, which will save you some money by skipping 3 sites. Plan on finishing by around 4:30 p.m. in case you want to see even more locations, because starting around 5:00 p.m. the buildings begin to shut down for the day.

Money Saving Travel Tip

Now some things they may not tell you. If you plan on seeing more than 5 sites it will be necessary to purchase additional sets of ticket, but remember they are only sold in sets of 5. In this case less is more. There is no need to buy more than necessary. You can always go back to one of the ticket vendors and purchase more. Do the math correctly amongst your group, because you can use the same stub for multiple people. Each individual does not require their own stub. For example, if a group of 5 had no tickets and only wanted to visit 1 site they only need 1 ticket to cover the 5 entries. Many people usually visit somewhere between 5 and 10 sites and often have extra entries on their stub. Someone heading out of town may just give you their stub if you ask politely over drinks and you can pay to forward by giving any extras to someone before you depart Hoi An. Just don’t give them any expired stubs!

Purchase your tickets here!

TeacherTrekker’s Recommended Hoi An Ancient Town Walking Tour

Make your way to Bach Dang Street just before the docks to locate the Hoi An Information Center (#23 – XQ Hoi An on the map) so that you can purchase your tickets. From there walk down Hoang Van Thu Street. Walk two blocks and make a right on Tran Phu Street until you reach the intersection with Nguyen Hue Street. You will find your first couple stops there.

None of the museums blew me away, but this is the best of the bunch!

First Stop – Museum of Hoi An History & Culture (#7) – Skip if only doing the single ticket tour!

“The Museum of History and Culture in Hoi An is the first museum to visit on your trip to Hoi An. This museum is almost like a show-and-tell summary of the entire heritage of Hoi An.” There are artifacts of all kinds with exhibits dating back to 3000 BC during the era of the Dong Son civilization working its way to contemporary times. The museum is very small and should only take a little while unless you plan on reading everything. It is a great starting point before you peel back the historical onion that makes the town so unique. If you’re uninterested begin with the suggestion below.

Exterior of the Quan Cong Temple, a.k.a. Ong Padoga

Second Stop – Quan Cong Temple (#24)

On the same block is the Quan Cong Temple, also referred to as Ong Pagoda or Chua Ong Pagoda the Ong. It is located at 168 “Tran Phu Street [which] is a typically old and traditional Chinese district; and so the presence of this 17th century pagoda in such a location indicated towards its heritage. The Ong Pagoda in Hoi An which is dedicated to ‘Quan Thanh De Quan’ – also known as ‘Quan Van Truong’ – was erected in 1653 in honor of its namesake, who was an ancient Chinese general. Quan Thanh De Quan was a prominent figure of the ‘three kingdom’ era of China,” which is reflected in the artwork that fills the temple ( Asia T&L ).

Front Doors of the Ong Pagoda

Third Stop – Minh Huong Communal House (#14)

The “Minh Huong people were permitted to found their Minh Huong village in Hoi An in the mid 17th century.” Interestingly, the skillful hands of the craftsmen in Kim Bong carpentry village had created this architectural work and the talented carpenters in Kim Bong are now performing its restoration.” It has been restored in 1820, 1849, 1905, 1953, 1970. If you visit the carpentry village prior you will appreciate this location even more.

Fourth Stop – Hai Nam Hoi Quan (Hainan Chinese Temple) or Tu Do Tham Quan Pagode (#N/A)

You will be able to visit a free temple at 10 Tran Phu Street. “It was built in 1851 by the overseas Chinese of Hainan County, who resided in Hoi An to serve the community and religious activities of Hainan and Jialing people. This assembly hall is used to worship 108 Chinese merchants who were unjustly killed because they were mistaken for pirates. Later, they were vindicated and named deities by King Tu Duc, who granted the money to build this assembly hall in order to worship them forever” ( Hoi An Tourism Website ).

Quiet afternoon at the Hainan Chinese Temple

Fifth Stop – Trieu Chau Assembly Hall (#157) – Skip if only doing the single ticket tour!

The next stop is to the Trieu Chau Assembly Hall and it has as many names as Snoop Dogg. It is also referred to as Zhao Zhao or Ghaozhou Assembly Hall and even Bon or Am Ban Pagoda all depending on the language of the person you are asking. It “was built by Chinese overseas coming from Trieu Chau (China) in 1845. It is dedicated to the God of Wind and Big Waves” ( Zhao Zhao ). The assembly hall is full of beautiful artwork, but located at the far edge of the historic zone. If you are uninterested in taking the 10 minute round trip detour then skip this assembly hall. However, I found all 3 of the assembly halls to be the most interesting set of buildings and urge you to see them all. If you are interested just keep walking down Tran Phu Street until it turns into Nguyen Duy Hieu Street and you will easily located the assembly hall.

My buddy Minh outside the Trieu Chau Assembly Hall

Sixth Stop – Phuc Kien Assembly Hall (#46) – Skip if only doing the single ticket tour!

If you enjoyed the last stop then you are sure to also be impressed with the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall. It was constructed in the 1690’s by Chinese merchants from the Fukian Province and because of that is also known as the Fukian (or Fujian) Assembly. The structure is actually a temple dedicated to the “sea goddess Thien Hau. Then there is goddess Thuan Phong Nhi, who is able to listen to the sound of a ship even at a distance of thousand miles. At last the goddess Thien Ly Nhan is also in the altar and she is able to see those distant ships” ( Hoi An Tourism Website ). The architecture is adorned with symbolism pertaining to mythical creatures. Some of the statues are quite impressive. The entrance gate and garden was actually built in 1975. If you don’t want to go inside you can still walk around the entrance. The ticket agent may be inside allowing you to peek in further than you might think.

The architecture is adorned with symbolism pertaining to mythical creatures. Some of the statues are quite impressive. The entrance gate and garden was actually built in 1975. If you don’t want to go inside you can still walk around the entrance. The ticket agent may be inside allowing you to peek in further than you might think.

Seventh Stop – Old House of Tan Ky (#101)

There are a number of ancient houses and family chapels that through its architecture demonstrate a long history of cultural diffusion of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and French styles. There are actually 5 different building styles, but more on that in the links above. There is no reason to visit all 6 of these locations. Instead, head over to the Old House of Tan Ky as it best represents the architecture and history seen in these structures. To get there double back down Tran Phu Street towards Japanese Covered Bridge, but don’t go there just yet! Instead, when you reach Le Loi Street make a left. Then make a right on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street and along the middle of the block you’ll see a black sign demarking this destination.

Seven generations have made this residence their home since its original construction. “The Old House of Tan Ky, Hoi An has a unique combination of three types of architecture. There are examples of Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese construction techniques. There is a great deal of symbolism. For example, the 5 columns represent the 5 elements. Iron pulleys are used to lift everything off of the first floor in the even of flooding. Ask to see the water damage.

“There are four rooms in the Old House of Tan Ky, Hoi An. All these rooms are small in size, but packed with various beautiful antiques. These antiques are mainly made of wood. These four rooms are for four different purposes. One is for welcoming the Chinese merchants and the other are living room, courtyard and the bedroom. You can enter the other three rooms except the bedroom.” Honestly, this is my favorite of the ancient houses in Hoi An. I feel it is well maintained and staffed. Ask for a guide who will teach you about the dwelling and the family who has maintained it for centuries.

Eighth Stop – Quang Trieu Assembly Hall (#176)

This is one of my favorite assembly halls in Hoi An. Congregation To get there make a left on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street when you exit the Old House of Tan Ky. Continue walking until you reach Chau Thuong Van Street and make a right. When you reach the intersection at Tran Phu Street you will see the assembly hall to your left.

It was “built in 1885 by Chinese overseas who came from Guangdong/ Cantonese (China)” ( Hoi An Tourism Website ). Because of this it is often referred to as the Cantonese Assembly Hall or the Assembly Hall of the Fujian (or Fukian) Chinese. Call it whatever you’d like, because the sculptures and paintings throughout the complex are some of the best in town. My favorite part of the complex was the dragon fountain made out of ceramic pottery in a sort of mosaic style. It’s a must visit and considered by many to be the top stop in Hoi An Ancient Town!

Ninth & Final Stop – Japanese Covered Bridge: The Symbol of Hoi An (#N/A)

“The Japanese Covered Bridge or Cau Chua Pagoda (in Vietnamese “Cau Nhat Ban”) is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Hoi An, Vietnam. The original Vietnamese name of this bridge is ‘Lai Vien Kieu’.” The bridge was “built by the Japanese community in Hoi An… in the early seventeenth century. No trip to Hoi An would be completely without visiting Japanese Covered bridge” ( Hoi An Tourism Website ).

There is a small pagoda inside where you can make offerings. The carpentry and interior artwork is a true relic of the past and the structure stands as an enduring symbol of the history of Hoi An. It is a site not to be missed. When you’re done walk towards the canal where you’ll find a rickety bamboo bridge (don’t cross it unless you dare) and the square fishing nets in the water. This spot will give you the best vantage point for photographs of the Japanese Covered Bridge.

Still Wanting More?

If you are interested in seeing even more sites you have three options. You could start with the recommended Hoi An Ancient Town Self-Guided Walking Tour that I have provided and once you get a feel for each building types you may want to visit other locations similar to them. You could do that at the completion of the recommended tour or another day. Second, you may choose to visit some of the other sites that you will pass on my route. Your third option is to design your own route with even more stops using my upcoming 5 Simple Steps to Design a Walking Tour. Don’t worry everything is in a close proximity and you really need to try if you want to get lost.

Complete List of Destinations in the Hoi An Ancient Town UNESCO Zone

In the pamphlet provided by the Hoi An Office of Tourist Services the 22 sites are organized into color coded categories that reflect similarities in architectural forms and purpose. They are also numbered to reflect their street address. There are also a number of sites that are unlisted on the map, but included on the local tourism website. I have not visited all of the unlisted sites. Some of them do and others do not require tickets. Also included will be a brief personal note and various links to background information about each site. Here is a full list of all of the possible destinations:

Assembly Halls – Of all the building types these are my favorite!

• Hai Nam Hoi (Hainan Assembly Hall or Chinese Temple)  or Tu Do Tham Quan Pagoda (#N/A) – This site is free and does not require a ticket. It is also unlisted on the tourist map.
• Quang Trieu (#176) – Dragon sculptures everywhere! One of my must see sites!
• Phuc Kien , Fujian or Fukian Assembly Hall (# 46) – Interesting paintings on the interior doors & a nice garden entrance make this the most famous of the assembly halls!
• Trieu Chau (# 157) – Zhao Zhao or Ghaozhou Assembly Hall , Bon or Am Ban Pagoda – Full of beautiful artwork, but at the far edge of the historic zone.
• Trung Hoa or Ngu Bang Assembly Hall (#N/A) – It is the oldest in this group and dedicated to the Goddess Thien Hau.

Communal Houses – As a group these buildings were my second favorite.

• Cam Pho Communal House (# 52) – Out of the way and nothing out of the ordinary.
• Minh Huong Communal House (#14) – Beautiful woodwork done by artisans on Kim Bong village.
• Quan Cong Temple  or Chua Ong Pagoda  or simply the Ong Pagoda (#24) – The exterior paintings will draw you inside seeking more, but it has many similarities with other buildings.

Large Incense Coils Honoring Loved Ones

Museums – Only 1 makes my must see list!

• Museum of Folk Culture (#33) – If you see a performance on the first floor consider hoping inside to watch, but otherwise skip it unless you have an interest in the topic.
• Museum of Hoi An History & Culture (#7) – If you’re going to visit one of them this is the one! In many ways this museum includes subjects seen in the other three.
• Museum of Sa Huynh Culture (#149) – Learn about the pre historic Bronze Age civilization of the Sa Huynh people.
• Museum of Trade Ceramics (#80) – Unless you love pottery you can skip this location.

Ancient (or Old) Houses & Family Chapels – Only 1 makes my must see list!

• Old House of Duc An (#129) – Less touristy than some of the others in this category.
• Old House of Quan Thang (#77) – Well maintained building, but nothing special.
• Old House of Phung Hung (#4) – More of the same.
• Old House of Tan Ky (#101) – Best all around example with a unique architectural design.
• Nguyen Tuong Family’s Chapel  or  Diep Dong Nguyen Old House (#8/2) – Nothing special.
• Tran Family’s Chapel (#21) – Nothing special.

Enjoy a Show at the Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House

Viewing Local Craftsmanship & Talent – Good example of culture, but nothing spectacular.

• Hoi An Arts & Crafts Manufacturing Workshop (#9) – Traditional music shows everyday between 10:15 – 10:45 a.m. or 3:15 – 3:45 p.m.
• Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House (#39/66) – Traditional folk music and dance show everyday at 5:30 p.m. This performance is not included with the standard ticket. Fees apply.

For the Foodies – Interestingly, it’s not food!

• Ba Le Well – The source of the Cham well water used to make the famous Cao Lau dish.

Consider a half day excursion to My Son Sanctuary!

Hardcore History Single Day Double UNESCO Site Itinerary

Consider planning ahead for a single day double UNESCO Site itinerary. You will be able to see the history of the region from its ancient roots well into the 19th century. This is the best option if you have a limited amount of time in town (1.5 – 2 days) and are interested in seeing as much history as possible. Here’s what to do:

You can begin your morning at the My Son Sanctuary and explore thousand year old ruins. Follow this up with a boat ride to the Kim Bong Carpentry Village before returning back to Hoi An. (I have booked as late as 10:00 p.m. Once back in town grab some lunch with help from my Top 10 Foods to Eat in Hoi An. I’d recommend trying the White Rose Dumplings.

When you’re done head over to the Tourist Information Center and begin your Hoi An Ancient Town Self-Guided Walking Tour. By the time you’re done it should be some time in the afternoon. Once it’s 6:00 p.m. head over to An Hoi Island and sit outside people watching, while having the best pork rolls on earth. This will allow you to try my 2 favorite dishes in town, while covering #1, 12, & 21 on my Top 25 Things to Do in Hoi An . It will be a long day, but allow you to experience the best of Hoi An in a single serving.

Conclusions

At this point it should be clear that there are a plethora of locations to visit in Hoi An to immerse yourself in its rich history and culture. You may wander around town bumping into many of these locations, but to get the best understanding of the area it is best to go on a more structured Hoi An Ancient Town Self-Guided Walking Tour. The route that I designed will allow you to sample the best attractions throughout town and afford you the luxury to add extra sites along the way.

I hope that you have found this guide useful. If you have any questions feel free to Contact Me . When you’re done with your Hoi An Ancient Town Self-Guided Walking Tour consider grabbing a bite to eat or getting involved in some other activities around town. For more information check out my upcoming Top 10 Foods to Eat in Hoi An and my Top 25 Things to Do in Hoi An . Happy Trekking!

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THE 10 BEST Hoi An Self-Guided Tours

Self-guided tours & rentals in hoi an.

• Walking Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Self-Guided Tours & Rentals
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Hoi An Countryside Motorbike Tour

2. Top Gear: Hoian - Hai van pass loop

3. 1 way rental Hoi An to Phong Nha

4. Sightseeing My Son and around Hoi An by car with private driver.

5. My Son Adventures Loop (1 ngày -150km)

6. Hoi An Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour

7. 1 Day QIQ Bike Sharing - QIQ Bike Rental

8. 7-Day E-Bike Rental in Hoi An

9. Bike Rental in Hoi An

10. Private Transfer Between Da Nang Airport and Hoi An

11. Private car to Ba Na hill from Hoi An

12. Hoi An – Hue Bus Tour Explore the Hai Van Pass

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Morning Small group to Marble Mountains - Am Phu Cave - Monkey Mountain

Endangered Monkeys Watching - Red Shanked Douc Langurs

Da Nang Evening Food Tour

Scooter Adventure on Monkey Mountain

Happy Cooking Class in Danang

Da Nang Backstreets Food Tour

Da Nang By Night & Han River Cruise By Friendly Females Biker

Combo: Tradictional Bamboo Dragon Cruise & Vietnamese Tasty Beer

Da Nang Food Tour By Motorbike With Aodai Lady Rider

Danang Food City Tour by Motorbike in Vietnam

Cham Island Day Tour with snorkeling

Da Nang: Han River Cruise by Night with Dance Performance

Your Incredible Scooter Adventure On Hai Van Pass

Hue Imperial City Full Day Small Group Tour from Da Nang

Day Trip Motorbike Tour in Hai Van Pass.

Da Nang Rickshaw Riding with Local Food & Han Cruise by Private

Ba na hills & golden bridge day tour from da nang.

Private Hue city tour from Danang or Hoian day trip

What travelers are saying.

• Hoi An Countryside Motorbike Tour
• Private car to Ba Na hill from Hoi An
• 1 Day QIQ Bike Sharing - QIQ Bike Rental
• 1 way rental Hoi An to Phong Nha
• 7-Day E-Bike Rental in Hoi An
• KONG Tours & Transportation
• Hoi An Shuttle Bus
• Golden Rooster Travel Hoi An
• My Son Sanctuary Tours
• Wyndham Garden Hoi An Cua Dai Beach
• Little Travel
• Easy Rider private tour via Hai Van pass from Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An
• Habana Spa & Nail
• King Nguyen Travel
• Booking Office Hoi An - Phuc Hung Travel
• Lantern Making Class- Painting Class- Hằng Dũng Lantern Hội An
• Ginger Flower Spa Hoi An

The Perfect 3 days Hoi An Itinerary

Last Updated on December 28, 2023 by admin

Wondering what to do during 3 days in Hoi An and want to make the most out of it? This Hoi An itinerary will guide you through what to do in Hoi An for 3 days.

Yellow houses draped in pink bougainvillea creepers, colourful silk lanterns on streets, wooden shops selling the best of clothes, traditional Vietnamese dishes being served, innumerable heritage halls and pagodas, beaches for a swim, and so many other things. This is Hoi An, painting a gorgeous picture.

This UNESCO World Heritage Town is at the top of many visitors’ to-do lists when they travel to Vietnam. Follow this 3 days Hoi An itinerary on your first time in Vietnam.

Table of Contents

ALL ABOUT HOI AN ANCIENT TOWN

Visiting Hoi An ancient town is one of the best things to do in Hoi An. So whether you are visiting for one day or 3 day in Hoi An, you are bound to visit the old quarter. Before heading to the Hoi An Itinerary, here is everything you need to know about Old Quarter.

Entry Fee to Hoi An Ancient Town (Old Quarter)

All visitors are have to pay entry fees to enter the old quarter. The one-time entrance fee is 80,000 VND ($3) for domestic visitors and 120,000 VND ($5) for international visitors.

The revenue generated from ticket sales is used for preservation and management of relics and heritage houses in the old quarter.

Hoi An Old Quarter Map

Hoi An Entry Fee Validity

The entry fee is valid for 24 hours. The ticket has 5 pieces, and on entering each attraction, the ticket checker will cut one piece of your ticket. Visitors can choose any 5 places among the 21 attractions. In case you want to see more than 5, you need to buy another ticket.

Where to buy Hoi An entry tickets?

There is a total of 11 ticket stalls located around the Hoi An’s Old Quarter and it is very easy to spot them. Along with the entry tickets, you will be given a map which shows all the places of interest in Hoi An.

Attractions to visit with Hoi An entrance fee

21 attractions in Hoi An old quarter include Japanese Bridge; Hoi An Old Houses such as Tan Ky Old House; Phung Hung Old House, Quan Thang Old House; Chinese Assembly Halls such as Fujian (Phuc Kien) assembly hall, Trieu Chau assembly hall; Hoi An Museums such as the Museum of Trade Ceramics, Museum of Folklore, Museum of Sa Huỳnh Culture, etc.

3 DAYS IN HOI AN ITINERARY

While making my travel plan to visit Vietnam, Hoi An was really not my list till a friend shared her pictures and stories. I only had 9 days in Vietnam so I divided them 3 each for Ho Chi Minh City , Hoi An and Hanoi . I knew I would be going bonkers in HCM City and Hanoi trying to cover most places of interest and hence squeezed Hoi An between them. It geographically made sense as it was in the middle of the country! So, my reason for choosing Hoi An was a relaxing vibe.

I did not make use of any guided tours or apps. I chose the places which would interest me and walked/biked to them. I divided my Hoi An Itinerary based on cultural activities, adventure activities and relaxing activities. 

I got a free bike from my homestay which I took around with myself for 3 days! 

DAY 1: Ancient Town and Explore the cafes

Explore the unesco world heritage ancient town on a bike or walk.

My favorite thing to do in Hoi An was simply exploring the streets on foot and sometimes on a bike! Walking makes one discover beautiful and colourful alleys. I loved going through the many Heritage sites and historic buildings in town.

The Japanese bridge, Tan ky house, Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation, etc. are some of the must-visit heritage properties and pagodas in Hoi An. The extremely popular Japanese Bridge which is the iconic symbol of Hoi An is stunning with an ancient shrine located on the bridge. Built by the Japanese community in the early 1600s, it holds amazing architectural details that reflect perfectly in the river stream below.

Chill at the cafes

Vietnamese coffee is a big deal in Vietnam and you must explore this culture by simply relaxing in one of the many open cafes and drinking tons of coffee. Vietnamese coffee is generally served cold and has many variations like Vietnamese Egg Coffee, Vietnamese Coconut Coffee, etc. My favorite was the Vietnamese Iced Coffee with Condensed Milk – Cà Phê Sữa Đá. 

Souvenir shopping

There are ample things to buy in Hoi An – whether it is a custom made dress, coffee, Vietnamese snake whisky or lanterns – the options are unending.

DAY 2: Shopping, Classes, Boat ride

Get a custom-made dress in hoi an.

Vietnam is extremely popular for getting a custom made dress in the quickest time possible. Hoi An has become a tailoring destination in the world. There are over a hundred shops available wherein one can choose a fabric, choose a style and voila in 24 hours there is a custom made dress to go! It is the perfect souvenir from Vietnam to carry home.

All of this is at a reasonable price but be prepared to spend time as this entire process is quite overwhelming – it can get super confusing choosing the one design and the one fabric. Here is the perfect Hoi An Tailor made shopping Guide .

Lantern making class

Lantern making in Hoi An is one of the must-do activities. I personally did not attend a class but a lot of travellers prefer to attend one and take home a self-made souvenir from Vietnam. 

Hoi An is defined by the presence of lanterns. The locals believe that hanging lanterns in front of their houses will bring luck, happiness and wealth to the family living in the house and of course they look ethereal hanging in all the shapes and sizes so it’s a double whammy!

Coconut boat tour / Bamboo boat tour Hoi An

Bamboo boats are being used by locals for fishing and going about their everyday activities for years. These boats are woven with bamboo tree fibres and are extremely portable to use. These locals now run a boat tour for travellers to experience their everyday life.

Water puppet show

Water puppetry is a unique folk art form which is associated with the long history of the wet rice civilization of Vietnam. Water puppet show in Vietnam is one of the must do activities and is best in Hoi An. The water puppet show includes various pieces which are well arranged, performed by professional and experienced artists under a thorough preparation of content, water pavilion, puppets, light and audio system.

I thoroughly enjoyed this extremely stunning performance and will highly recommend this to all those visiting Hoi An or any other cities of Vietnam.

DAY 3: Biking, Beach, Night tour

Biking around the rice fields, villages and riverfront.

Soak in the lazy pace and relax around the riverfront or have lunch on one of the boats. The paddy field is all around Hoi An near the highway and it is therapeutic to stroll amongst the green pastures. 

Visit the beach

Cua Dại, Han My and An Bang are some of the many beach options near Hoi An. The town boasts of a beautiful stretch of tranquil beaches against a backdrop of mountains. The beaches are a favorite spot of the locals where it is enjoyed as a family picnic place.

Tour the Hoi An Ancient Town at night

Touring the old town is one of the best things to do in Hoi An, Vietnam at night as 3 days Hoi An itinerary is incomplete without that. Soak in the lazy pace and relax around the riverfront or have lunch on one of the boats. The old quarter turns magical at night! Hoi An comes to life in the evenings with each street lit up in colorful silk lanterns, night markets with souvenirs and food stalls. 

This is a wonderful opportunity to take up an evening cruise on the river to behold the beautiful sight. Paper lanterns with candles are sold here and visitors can buy them and leave them in the river. Though that sight is wonderful, I will discourage you from doing it. Check out sustainable tips at the end of the post for the reasons!

PLACES TO VISIT NEAR HOI AN

Then you can consider these one-day trips from Hoi An:

• Cham Islands: for snorkelling, diving, visiting a pagoda and the local fishing villages. 
• My Son Sanctuary: It is a UNESCO World Heritage site dating from the 4th to 13th centuries and is now believed to be the longest inhabited archaeological site in Indochina. Tours can be booked anywhere in the city centre or you can take yourself on a motorbike. You can bike the whole 43km from Hoi An to My Son.
• Thanh Ha Pottery Village: Experience the joy of seeing making plates, bowls, ornaments and clay whistles live. 

MUST TRY FOOD IN HOI AN, VIETNAM

Hoi An is a tourist town, all kinds of food is available – Italian, Indian, Moroccan, Malaysian, etc. Just check out the ratings on Tripadvisor and you are good to go. The main traditional dishes to try are Pho, Banh Xeo, a crispy savoury turmeric pancake, Banh Mi, a cold-cuts baguette sandwich with secret sauces, and Cao Lau, a signature dish of Hoi An, which is essentially all of the contents of Pho but without the broth.

If you are a vegetarian or vegan there are many options to choose from. In the Le Loi street in the old town, every alternate place is a café or restaurant and there is no dearth of good vegetarian eating options. I ate at the ‘Good Morning Vietnam’ restaurant which served amazing Pizza for lunch and had dinner at an Indian restaurant called Baba’s kitchen. Yum! Highly recommend both.

WHERE TO STAY IN HOI AN

There are all sorts of options for staying in Hoi An – luxurious 5-star resorts by the beach, charming hotels in old town and homestays near the town. The range in price and what it has to offer is never-ending. I stayed at the beautiful Volar Homestay for 3 nights which included breakfast and free bicycles. The homestay was extremely comfortable with all modern amenities, huge space and a balcony which opened to fields. Some of my suggestions are:

Hostels: Bed Station Hostel , Tribee Cotu Hostel

Homestays: Volar Homestay , Puravida Homestay

Hotels: A Tran Boutique Hotel , Basil Boutique Villa

Luxurious Resorts: Anantara Hoi An Resort , Sea’lavie Boutique Resort & Spa

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR HOI AN ITINERARY

What to wear during hoi an travel.

Since it is a hot and humid country, anything which is comfortable to you should be worn – preferably cotton t-shirts and shorts which will give ample protection to your skin. The country is liberal in terms of what you prefer to wear however you will be required to cover your shoulders (scarf is not allowed) and knees while visiting temples of Vietnam .

Budget for 3 Days Hoi An itinerary

Overall Vietnam is quite cheap for food and accommodation. On average, decent accommodation in a homestay, food and getting around the city will cost you around $50-70 per day. Check a guide for Hoi An on a budget . 

How long to spend in Hoi An?

I spent 3 days but could have easily spent another 2 or 3. There is a lot to do around Hoi An and there are many popular day trips from Hoi An. So visitors can easily spend a week in Hoi An without getting bored.

How to reach Hoi An?

Danang airport is the closest to Hoi An. Although it has very few international flights, the domestic flights are pretty good. I flew from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An and our flight got delayed by over 4 hours and I reached only at midnight!

From Da Nang airport there are 2 options to reach Hoi An – by bus or hire a private car. I chose later and requested our Homestay to do it for us at an extra $25 one way.

There is no railway station in Hoi An and one needs to get down at  Da Nang and then take a bus/ taxi to Hoi An. Da Nang Railway Station is connected with domestic trains from Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Nha Trang etc. Online train booking and payment is possible but does not give you a reserved seat number as in the case of India.

Hoi An is well connected from Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Nha Trang, Dalat, etc. through direct bus service. It is comfortable and cheap.

Local transportation in Hoi An

The town is small enough to be explored on a bicycle/bike and most tourists do just that. It is an extremely bicycle-friendly town and at many places, motorbikes/cars are not allowed as it is a heritage town.

Bicycles are available at most homestays/hotels or can be rented from the old town. They are also available with restaurants. If you are feeling lazy, you can opt this chauffeur driver shaded bicycle!

FAQs FOR HOI AN IN 3 DAYS

Is hoi an safe for solo traveller/female traveller.

I read about highway robberies late at night between Da Nang and Hoi An and I was scared, more so when my flight HCM city got delayed. But once I reached, there was nothing to fear. The highway was not as deserted as claimed and very safe in the car.

The shops and restaurants close by 11pm so the town does look deserted but other than that I found it very safe. Even for a solo traveller.

Best time to travel to Hoi An?

Hoi An has a dry season from February to May. This is the best time to visit the town since its weather becomes pleasant with moderate temperature, low humidity and less rain. The months of May-June are also quite beautiful to plan a visit as well. I went in August and the humidity was sky high with high temperatures. It did get uncomfortable during the day but the nights were pleasant. However, the heat from lanterns made it humid again in the old town.

When is Hoi An Lantern Festival?

The Hoi An lantern festival takes place on a full moon night every month, where the town shuts off all the (electric) lights, and people light up paper lanterns to float in the river.

HOI AN TRAVEL TIPS

• Restaurants close around 9:00 pm so early dinner is recommended. So does the old town. Life starts early and ends early in Hoi An.
• Be careful with your money conversions. Don’t forget this is a tourist town and there are chances of getting duped
• Watch your belongings closely at the night markets.

SUSTAINBLE TIPS FOR HOI AN ITINERARY

• Go for that bicycle instead of a car/motorbike and burn the calories you’ll gain from that amazing Vietnamese food.
• Walk at night. The streets can be very busy and navigating them with a bike can be a pain
• If you are at leisure, choose travelling by train across Vietnam. It is pretty convenient and cheap and comfortable.
• Try not to participate in lighting the paper lanterns in the river at night. Those lanterns burn out soon and the paper remains there for days making the river look dirty aesthetically and smelly.
• Do not dispose of garbage on the streets and in the river and keep the sanctity of UNESCO intact.

I hope this guide on 3 Days Hoi An itinerary was helpful for you to plan a trip. Drop-in a comment if you have any questions!

Disclaimer: This article includes affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.

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Ketki Gadre

Ketki is an environmental consultant and a sustainable travel blogger, who loves nature, wildlife and heritage. She enjoys bringing places to life through her informative blogs to inspire readers to travel sustainably and become responsible travellers.

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I love the idea of getting a dress made. What a great way to remember your trip and purchase something that you can use! Looks like a wonderful place to visit 🙂

Really detailed guide! Thank you for sharing

I am glad you liked it Lucy 🙂

I am so looking forward to being able to visit Vietnam – sounds like riding a bike is the best way to get around, and keep you fit while enjoying all the great food!

I would love to experience the Lantern Festival. Magical. Thanks for great post.

I love exploring places by bike and Hoi An looks like the perfect place to do it over the course of a three-day itinerary. I didn’t realize part of the city was a UNESCO site, which makes me want to visit even more. I can’t wait until I can travel to SE Asia and see this wonderful place and drink all the coffee!

Oh wow everything looks so colourful and cheery here! I would really enjoy going on a boat tour in Hoi An and checking out the streets to take some photos in like you have. Thanks for the great guide!

Hoping to get to SE Asia as soon as it’s feasible. Thanks for the guidance. And THANKS for pointing out the environmental impact of the lanterns.

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• Central Vietnam
• What to do and see

Self-guided tour of Hoi An’s old town

• Introduction
• Accommodation
• Sights (all)

Show yourself a good time

Published/Last edited on 21st September, 2017.

An entrance ticket for the sights within the UNESCO World Heritage old town is required. Here's how we'd suggest approaching the various things to see.

Travelfish says:

Inscribed by UNESCO in 1999, Hoi An “is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century... The town reflects a fusion of indigenous and foreign cultures (principally Chinese and Japanese with later European influences) that combined to produce this unique survival.” What you see today is a townscape built during the 17th and 18th centuries, which still includes 1,107 timber-frame buildings and a street plan that once allowed customer access from the front of them, and convenient off-loading of goods from boats on the river.

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Reviewed by Cindy Fan

Cindy Fan is a Canadian writer/photographer and author of So Many Miles , a website that chronicles the love of adventure, food and culture. After falling in love with sticky rice and Mekong sunsets, in 2011 she uprooted her life in Toronto to live la vida Laos. She’s travelled to over 40 countries and harbours a deep affection for Africa and Southeast Asia. Between jaunts around the world, when in Southeast Asia, she calls Laos and Vietnam home where you’ll find her traipsing through rice paddies, standing beside broken-down buses and in villages laughing with the locals. Cindy is a widely published travel writer who has featured in leading international publications including TIME, The New York Times, and the Australian.

More to see in Hoi An

Hiking, walking tours and itineraries, historic attractions, general activities, festivals and events, cooking classes, cultural areas, giving back.

• Buy Tickets

Hoi An Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour

Description

about 1.5 - 2 hours, however, there is no time limit

German, English

Starting location

Go to "Dihn Cam Pho" and start the game immediately.

• Solve interesting puzzles, have fun and learn new things about Hoi An
• Discover the Japanese Covered Bridge, Thu Bon River, Sa Huynh Museum and many more exciting sights in the neighbourhood
• Explore the city and find hidden gems at your own pace
• Try a new type of experience with your smartphone, the perfect mix between a walking tour, sightseeing, and a scavenger hunt
• Suitable for families and groups of friends, school classes, as well as team and company outings
• One ticket is required per person.
• Each person needs a smartphone with an active internet connection.
• The minimum group size is 2 people.
• Recommended minimum age for children is about 10 years.
• More than 20 people? For example, if you are 23 people, please select the option “25 people (maximum)”.
• More than 50 people? Please request a quote here .

Please select number of people:

• Give this as a gift

What you can expect

You’ll explore the city on foot and get points for solving different types of tasks. Follow a scavenger hunt team on their tour through the city in our trailer and learn more.

Solve puzzles

Solve tasks and puzzles that can only be solved on site. Games, fun and tricky tasks await you!

Exciting photo tasks await you that demand a whole lot of creativity. Fun guaranteed!

Get to know the city

Discover the best sights of the city. Find hidden places, statues and much more.

Explorial - The perfect team experience

Whether with family, friends or with the company: our trails are a fun team experience for small and larger groups.

Any questions about this trail?

We have summarized the most frequently asked questions for you here. 

Yes, this is a self-guided walking tour with a mobile app. The game is started and played directly on the smartphone. There is no guide on site.

Explorial is a mixture of  sightseeing , a  scavenger hunt  and an  escape game .

The game is not limited in time. You can explore the city at your own pace and take breaks.

The whole game lasts on average about 1-2 hours.

More questions?

You can find more information  here .

Otherwise, you can  contact us .

Nearby trails

Explorial trails are available in many other cities! How about, for example…

Ho Chi Minh

Start playing now

Self-Guided Bicycle Tour of the Hoi An Countryside

One of the best ways to explore Hoi An is by bicycle! This guide shares a route, rental companies and tours you can join to explore the charming Hoi An countryside by bicycle.

Hoi An’s charming aesthetic and laid-back vibe attracts all who travel to Vietnam, and for good reason; it is one of the cutest towns in Vietnam! A cycle out of the old town and through the countryside is a great way to experience the charming countryside and get a taster of rural life in Vietnam.

➡️ Planning a trip to Hoi An ➡️ Where to rent bicycles in Hoi An ➡️ A route for cycling the Hoi An countryside ➡️ Guided bicycle tours in Hoi An

Disclaimer : This post contains affiliate links, all marked with * Booking through these links generates a small commission for me at no extra cost to you.

Planning a Trip to Hoi An

Hoi An is a fixture on most Vietnam itineraries and as such a popular destination,

After more than 5 trips to Hoi An, here are my suggestions for getting to Hoi An and where to stay.

How to get to Hoi An

Hoi An is a quick 45-minute drive from the city of Da Nang , where you’ll find the nearest airport. I always opt to get a GrabCar from the airport to Hoi An as the app gives a fixed price.

If you’re travelling to Hoi An from the nearby ancient capital of Hue, I highly recommend booking an Easy Rider tour of the infamous Hai Van Pass in lieu of the bus; a bucketlist experience riding behind an expert guide on one of Vietnam’s most beautiful roads.

💰 1mil ($45)

Where to stay in Hoi An

In my opinion, the best area to stay in Hoi An is just outside the pedestrianized old town (around Trang Hung Dao street and Hai Ba Trung Street). Many of the hotels in Hoi An * have free bicycles to borrow, though they are normally first come first serve so might not be available to use.

Of all the places I’ve stayed in Hoi An, Thanh Van Hotel * was the best value in terms of facilities and location. For backpackers, Backhome Hostel & Bar * has the best location, while Vietnam Backpacker Hostel * is one of the most social hostels though located outside the center of town.

For more information on planning a trip to Hoi An, including things to do and where to stay, check out my  Travel Guide to Hoi An.

Explore the Hoi An Countryside

Cycling around the Hoi An countryside is a really great way to see a taster of rural Vietnam. The route I suggest passes lots of rice paddies, with farmers and water buffalo working side-by-side. By the rivers are fishing farms, with fishermen reeling in catches and fixing nets. Depending on the time of year, you might also see mounds of rice drying out in the streets.

Where to rent bicycles in Hoi An

Finding a bicycle in Hoi An is no challenge, especially as most accommodation * offer either free bicycles or cheap rentals. If your accommodation doesn’t offer rentals then you can find one at one of the independent rental shops that are dotted all over town. The bikes might be of questionable quality, so check them out before you pay (specifically the breaks and tires).

💰 25k per day 📍 There are many rental spots on Hai Ba Trung, and around the Thu Bon Riverside in the ancient city

If you are struggling to find a rental shop (which I doubt as they are everywhere ) or you want to plan a rental in advance, try contacting these companies online for bicycle rentals in Hoi An:

Minh Chinh bike store 📍135 Ly Thuong Kiet Hoi An bike tours 📍30 Ba Trieu

A Bike Route for Exploring the Hoi An Countryside

The countryside around Hoi An is flat making for a low-intensity cycle. The route I suggest takes you in a loop through the Hoi An countryside and out to the beach, so bring your swimming stuff and take a dip. There are lots of cafes along the beachfront where you can get some food and hang out on their sun loungers (I like Fisherman’s Vegan Cafe for this).

You can save the map to your GoogleDrive by clicking the star next to the map title.

Guided Bicycle Tours in Hoi An

If you’re looking for a tour where you are guided and taken to specific points of interest then these are some companies you should check out:

➡️ Grasshopper Adventures have a food bicycle tour of Hoi An. ➡️ Pathbikers have cycling tours around Hoi An, alongside tours from Da Nang and Hue. ➡️ Heaven and Earth bike tours have some long-distance/adventure rides, perfect for those that love a challenge.

Now you know everything you need to plan a bicycle tour of the Hoi An countryside; whether you decide to DIY it, or join one of the tours, you’re sure to enjoy this addition to your Hoi An itinerary.

Found this post about Hoi An useful? Pin it for later!

Planning a Trip to Vietnam

For more information to help you plan an incredible trip to Vietnam, check out my Ultimate Vietnam Guide . For things to do and tips for visiting Hoi An, check out these posts:

➡️ Hoi An Wanderlist ➡️ Hoi An Travel Guide ➡️ 5 Things to Eat in Hoi An

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Meet Frances; Scottish lass turned Vietnam expat, and creator of this space. She can be found sippin’ ice tea’s and writing about her adventures from her sunny base of Saigon, Vietnam’s southern metropolis. All with a healthy side of researching her next road trip. With 5 years of living, travelling and scooting around Asia under her belt – let Frances be your guide to travelling the region.

Claudia Bartsch

I do like your blog. I moved to South Africa almost 2 years ago. Ever since I am exploring the city like a local. That´s also the way I love to travel, like a local. I am going to keep your blog in mind as you guys share your experience of living in Vietnam and sharing experience more from a local perspective. I want to go to Vietnam so badly. Hope it´s anytime soon.

Thanks! That’s super cool. Yes, its nice to get to know and see people living normal lives rather than just tourist hotspots when traveling.

ispyprettyplaces

Your pics are stunning. I wish I had done that now but I’m not very confident on a bike and couldn’t see myself getting out of the city without either falling over or being laughed at for walking my bike to a less crowded area lol. Great advice about the sun out there! I’ve never felt such an intense heat like in Hoi An!

The sun is really fierce in Vietnam, you have to be careful. I know, the roads do take some getting used to! We found it really worth it to experience more than just the old city of Hoi An!

Your photographs are absolutely incredible! I will be visting Hoi An for a second time in a few weeks and I will most definitely be renting a bike after reading this post! Thanks so much for sharing 🙂

Oh how exciting! Where else are you traveling to in Vietnam?

Amazing photos! and what an atmosphere! I’ve been doing some reading on Vietnam – your post among a couple others pushed this country to the top of my list:))

Thats so sweet of you to say. I hope you get to travel Vietnam, it is an amazing country!

Such a gorgeous and thorough guide, absolutely loved your photos from Hoi An! What a fun adventure to take bikes out and tour the countryside! I’m saving for a (hopefully soon!) Vietnam trip. Thanks for sharing all of this!

That’s awesome, hope you get to see Hoi An and experience central Vietnam! It’s one of our favourite regions! Thanks Sierra!

Tiina Van Hecke

Beautiful pictures! Is there any way you can share the route with me? Could I copy it in Google Maps? Thanks so much! Tiina

Hey Tiina, thanks. It’s easiest if you just click on the map which is embedded in this post…it should open in the app if you are on your phone! (not entirely sure, but it should open via the internet if you don’t have google maps downloaded). If you are planning on going in the immediate future, be careful – the whole region around Hoi An was hit by the typhoon last week and suffered some bad flooding. Heard the city is cleaned up now, but not sure what state the countryside will be in! Stay safe and enjoy!

Loved these photos! I am bookmarking your site as you guys share your experience with us. Much thanks for this guide.

Thanks for the cycle route!! Really helpful 🙂 it’s a beautiful trip!!

I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed it! It’s a great little cycle around the area 🙂

Simon Bronson

Thanks for your guide! Super handy!

I’ve been riding around Hoi An for a couple of days and love the small roads through the paddies best. A word of caution though, just got chased down one lane by a pretty angry looking dog who came out of his gate. Off putting to say the least, no one wants to do the rabies thing!

So I’ll choose my roads a little more carefully now. The main ones are nice on bikes I find also, there are bike lanes.

Is it just me or is the map for cycling no longer visible (link, picture, or map)? Hehe it’s been a few years so not sure if it’s still relevant but would be curious to do this cycle during my time in HoiAn. Best of luck. Erika

Hey Erika! Thanks for letting me know – I’ve updated the code for the map. Let me know if it’s still not working (I can see on my end). Hope you enjoy your time in Hoi An!

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4 Best Things To Do In Hoi An, Vietnam – Complete Guide

There are many things to do in Hoi An such as exploring the pristine beaches, taking a self-guided walking tour in the historic old town, and visiting the UNESCO site in the majestic mountain ranges.

I have put together this complete guide to Hoi An which includes everything you need to know before you go!

Table of Contents

WHERE IS HOI AN VIETNAM?

Hoi An is 900km north of Ho Chi Minh and 800km south of Hanoi, basically the halfway point on the east coast of Vietnam.

Click here to see the location on Google maps.

HOW TO GET HERE

Most people plan their trip throughout Vietnam by traveling from the north to the south or vice versa. There is no shortage of sleeper buses available from every main town or city costing you no more than $15.

Click here to check all routes, timetables, and ticket prices online and book ahead of time to secure your seat.

If you are planning to fly to Hoi An, the closest airport is in Da Nang City, 45 minutes north of Hoi An. Flights are approximately $50 one way from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh.

Search All → Flights to Da Nang

You can then take a taxi directly from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An which will cost you anywhere between $15 – $30.

Alternatively, take a taxi to the central bus station in Da Nang and jump on a local bus to Hoi An that costs only $1.50. Buses run every 20 minutes between 6 am and 9 pm.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO 

The best time to visit Hoi An is in the dry season, February to September.

The best mode of transport around Hoi An is on a bicycle or by scooter. The majority of the accommodations will rent out bicycles for free when you book a stay with them.

Alternatively, you can rent a scooter for $5 a day from one of the many scooter rental shops dotted throughout the town of Hoi An.

There are plenty of ATMs around town, so if you need to take cash out the option is there.

TOP 4 THINGS TO DO IN HOI AN

Hoi an old town.

Exploring Old Town is one of the top things to do in Hoi An. The architecture in Old Town is influenced by the French, Chinese and Japanese cultures.

There are colorful buildings around every corner, the streets are decorated with stringing lanterns and beautiful canals cut through the center of the Old Town Hoi An .

There are many shrines, temples, and pagodas dotted throughout the streets of the Ancient Town Hoi An, and a Japanese-inspired wooden bridge that can be found on the northern end. Most of the Hoi An attractions are free of charge, and some others require a small fee of around $2 to enter.

For food and drinks, you will be spoilt for choice with countless restaurants and bars or you can head to the central market for cheap and easy local cuisine and a refreshing fruit juice. My favorite local food is Bahn Mi, (similar to a subway) or a bowl of Pho (pork noodle soup).

Another great thing to do in Old Town is to get some clothing tailor-made from one of the dozens of tailors throughout the town. I recommend choosing a tailor off the main street and down one of the smaller alleyways for a much better price on custom-made clothing.

Must Read → 4 Week Vietnam Itinerary

MY SON SANCTUARY

Next on this list of things to do in Hoi An is a visit to My Son Sanctuary, a cluster of ancient Hindu temples constructed in the emerald hills in the Duy Xuyen District between the 4th and the 14th century.

The abandoned temples of My Son Sanctuary are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is the most popular attraction in the region that draws in thousands of visitors every year.

The My Son Sanctuary is located 40km west of Hoi An, Vietnam. The journey time is approximately one hour from Hoi An to My Son Sanctuary.

The My Son Sanctuary is open Monday to Sunday from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm and the entrance fee is 150,000 VND.

As you enter the gates to My Son Sanctuary there is a courtesy buggy that will transport you from the main gate of the park to the start of the walking trail.

The trail at My Son Sanctuary is very easy to navigate and it will lead you through the abandoned complex of magnificent Hindu ruins. There are a total of 71 temple structures that are impressively older than the Angkor Wat Temple in Cambodia.

Full Blog Post → My Son Sanctuary

HOI AN BEACH 

The best cure after a long day exploring the Old Town and My Son Sanctuary is to head down to Hoi An beach to cool off and enjoy the shade underneath the cluster of coconut palms that line the beachfront.

As busy as Hoi An can get with locals and tourists combined, you will be sure to find your own little private beach spot along the pristine stretch of white sand coastline.

BAMBOO BASKET BOAT RIVER CRUISE

Last but not least on this list of top things to do in Hoi An is a Bamboo Basket River Cruise.

Never have I ever seen anything like these hand-crafted bamboo baskets that are used as fishing boats by the local fisherman in Hoi An.

Take an hour-long cruise down the river and canals in one of these uniquely constructed, bamboo basket boats.

Book Now → Bamboo Basket Cruise

BEST VIETNAM TOURS

Where to stay in hoi an .

Hoi An has hundreds of accommodations to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay in Hoi An to suit budget backpackers, luxury travelers, and everyone in between.

See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:

LUXURY: ANANTARA HOI AN RESORT

MID RANGE: NGHE PRANA VILLA & SPA

BUDGET: DECEMBER HOI AN VILLA

FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY IN HOI AN,  SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM

What to pack for hoi an.

When visiting Hoi An, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:

Must-Have Travel Essentials

Hidden money wallet.

Keep your cash and other valuables safe with this anti-theft hidden money wallet!

Reusable Water Bottle

The GRAYL GeoPress is the best reusable bottle that allows you to purify water from anywhere!

Travel Backpack

The Nomatic Travel Backpack has 20+ innovative features, perfect for everyday use!

Quick-Dry Travel Towel

The most compact, lightweight, and quick-dry towel for traveling!

Portable PowerBank

Keep your phone, laptop, and accessories charged while you’re on the go with the Anker PowerBank!

More Vietnam Travel Guides

Click the button below to view all articles related to Vietnam!

FINAL THOUGHTS – WHAT TO DO IN HOI AN

I hope you enjoyed reading this article and if you have any questions, please drop me a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can. For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.

TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!

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THANKS FOR READING

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Hoi An Countryside: Villages, Rice Fields & Tours

By the coast, Hoi An is at the confluence of 3 rivers: Thu Bon river, Truong Giang river and De Vong river. This economically strategic location has supported trading activities in the town from first years BC to the present. From the 1400s to 1800s, Hoi An played its important role in South-east Asia, as a regional port and a center of commerce.

In addition, the delta where it sits is also fertile, occupied by Cham and then Viet populations over time. That means, its location supports agriculture and raising animals. Throughout the year, locals can grow rice, nuts, corn, vegetables, flowers, and others. Sedges are grown by many households, for making traditional sleeping matches. Nipa palm forests provide the leaf to cover house roofs and to get around them, round basket boats are used. Making full use of dense waterways and canals, fishermans set their nets and traps. Altogether, all of these features form a mosaic of differences, colors and diversity. In villages, residents are still keeping their daily ways of life, againsts increasing tourists.

Thus, Hoi An’s countryside is a great interest and deserves to be known better by travelers. For those who live in cities or another country, they have the chance to see real slices of Vietnamese rural life.

Hoi An Lantern Boat Ride on Hoai River

• The Hoi An Memory Show
• Hoi An to the Golden Bridge
• Hoi An Walking Food Tour

Table of content

• 1 Tra Que Vegetable Village
• 2 Thanh Ha Pottery Village
• 3 Cam Thanh Water Coconut Village
• 4 Cam Kim Island
• 5 Kim Bong Carpentry Village
• 6 Triem Tay “Bamboo” Village
• 7 Tra Nhieu Fishing Village
• 8 Hoi An’s Rice Fields
• 9.1 By Bicycle
• 9.2 By Motorbike
• 9.3 Bicycle or Motorcycle?
• 10 Countryside Tours in Hoi An
• 11 Self-Guided Cycling Tours in Hoi An
• 12 Hoi An Countryside Map
• 13 Related Posts
• 14 Non Nuoc Beach: The Famous Beach of Da Nang
• 15 How to Get from Da Nang to My Son Sanctuary
• 16 Thieu Tri Tomb: The Peaceful Royal Tomb of Hue
• 17 Bach Ma National Park: Hiking, Trekking in Da Nang and Hoi An
• 18 Hoi An Wet Season: What to Do in Hoi An When It Rains?
• 19 Hue to Da Nang By Train: The Best Train Ride in Vietnam
• 20 Hue Royal Tombs: A Complete Guide and What is Best?
• 21 The Hue Abandoned Water Park (Thuy Tien Lake Waterpark)
• 22 Minh Mang Tomb Complete Visitor Guide
• 23 Tu Duc Tomb Complete Visitor Guide
• 24 Thanh Ha Terracotta Park
• 25 Vinwonders Nam Hoi An Theme Park (formerly Vinpearl Nam Hoi An)
• 26 Am Phu Cave Complete Travel Guide
• 27 Hoi An or Hue: Which is Better?
• 28 Asia Park and Sun Wheel in Da Nang (Sun World Da Nang Wonders)
• 29 The Official Hoi An Travel Guide (MUST READ)
• 30 The Hoi An Market (Hoi An Central Market) Complete Guide
• 31 Hoi An Memories Show: The Best of Hoi An Impression Theme Park
• 32 How to Get to Golden Bridge from Da Nang
• 33 Hoi An Bridge: Famous Bridges in Hoi An
• 34 Da Nang Food Specialties: What to Eat in Da Nang
• 35 How to Get From Hoi An to My Son Sanctuary
• 36 Hoi An’s Chinese Assembly Halls and Chinese Temples
• 37 Hoi An Walking Tours: Heritage, Foods, Photography & Locals
• 38 Hoi An Self Guided Walking Tour (Hoi An By Yourself)
• 39 How to Visit Golden Bridge Vietnam
• 40 Da Nang Shore Excursions: Guided Tours From Tien Sa Port
• 41 Unique Experiences in Hoi An and Why?
• 42 Han Market (Cho Han): Where to Shop in Da Nang?
• 43 An Bang Beach: A Guide to Hoi An’s Best Beach
• 44 Experiences in Hoi An: Get Insight Into Hoi An’s Local Culture
• 45 Da Nang Cathedral (Da Nang Pink Church)
• 46 Things to Do in Ba Na Hills Besides Golden Bridge
• 47 Hoi An Nightlife: What to Do in Hoi An At Night?
• 48 Hoi An Countryside: Villages, Rice Fields & Tours
• 49 How to Get to Golden Bridge From Hoi An
• 50 Hoi An Entrance Fee: Old Town, Golden Bridge, My Son, More
• 51 Hoi An Airport: Everything You Need to Know
• 52 Hoi An Lantern Boat Ride on Hoai River
• 53 Da Nang Half Day Tours
• 54 Hoi An Private Car and Driver
• 55 Da Nang Private Car and Driver
• 56 What to Do in Hoi An Ancient Town
• 57 Da Nang and Hoi An Itinerary for Visitors Staying Overnight in Hoi An
• 58 Hoi An 3 Day Itinerary: A Travel Plan for 3 Days in Hoi An
• 59 Hoi An Free Things to Do: Budget Travel in Hoi An Vietnam
• 60 Hoi An One Day Itinerary: A Travel Plan for One Day in Hoi An
• 61 Da Nang Things to Do: Guide to What to Do in Da Nang Vietnam
• 62 Da Nang Best Things to Do and Reasons
• 63 Hoi An Half-Day Tours: Guide to Half Day Trips From Hoi An
• 64 Hoi An Day Tours: A Guide to Best Day Trips From Hoi An
• 65 Hoi An Beach: A Guide to All Beaches in Hoi An Vietnam
• 66 Hoi An Food Specialties
• 67 How to Get From Hoi An to Da Nang
• 68 Hoi An Cheap Things to Do: All Solo Travelers Need to Know
• 69 Hoi An Best Things To Do: Recommendations from Local Experts
• 70 Hoi An Things to Do: All What Can You Do in Hoi An Vietnam
• 71 Hoi An Things Not to Miss: A Guide to Must Do in Hoi An
• 72 Hoi An or Da Nang: Which is Better?
• 73 Hoi An Pottery Village: A Guide to Thanh Ha Pottery Village
• 74 Hoi An Ancient Town Tour
• 75 Hoi An Old Town Ticket: Price, Sellers, Included Sites, More
• 76 My Son Sanctuary Tour
• 77 Hoi An Lanterns: Festival, Making Class, Where to Buy, More
• 78 Hoi An Best Area to Stay: Guide to Where to Stay in Hoi An
• 79 Hoi An Weather by Month: Guide to Hoi An Monthly Weather
• 80 Da Nang Best Area to Stay: Guide to Where to Stay in Da Nang
• 81 Da Nang Cave Tour: Best Underground Activities in Da Nang
• 82 Da Nang Best Time to Visit: Guide to Best Weather in Da Nang
• 83 Da Nang Weather by Month: Guide to Monthly Weather in Da Nang
• 84 What to Do in Da Nang At Night
• 85 Lang Co Vietnam Travel Guide
• 86 Hoi An River Cruise: Guide to The Best Boat Tour in Hoi An
• 87 What to Do in Da Nang for 3 Days
• 88 Hoi An Old Town Boats: Guide to Boat Rides in Hoi An Town
• 89 Hoi An 2 Day Itinerary: Traveler Guide to 2 Days in Hoi An
• 90 Cham Island Hoi An
• 91 Hoi An Basket Boat Ride
• 92 Hoi An Coconut Village: A Guide to Cam Thanh Coconut Village
• 93 My Khe Beach: A Complete Guide to Da Nang’s Best Beach
• 94 Thien Mu Pagoda: Guide to Hue’s Most Famous Buddhist Temple
• 95 Perfume River Cruise: Guide to Best Boat Tour in Hue Vietnam
• 96 Tomb of Khai Dinh: The Most Unique Royal Tomb of Hue
• 97 Da Nang Day Trips: Guide to Best Day Tours From Da Nang
• 98 Museums in Da Nang
• 99 Linh Ung Pagoda: Trio of Da Nang’s Holiest Mountain Temples
• 100 Da Nang Night Market: A Thing To Do in Da Nang at Night
• 101 Guide to Son Tra Mountain aka Monkey Mountain Vietnam
• 102 Ba Na Hills Tour
• 103 Hoi An Cham Temples: My Son Sanctuary & Quang Nam Temples
• 104 Da Nang Cable Car
• 105 How to Get from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An
• 106 Da Nang to Hoi An: Best Da Nang Airport Transfer and More
• 107 Hoi An Tour Guide: How to Find a Private Tour Guide in Hoi An
• 108 Hoi An Ancient Town Attractions
• 109 Hai Van Pass Da Nang: Map, Route, Weather, History, Tour
• 110 Hoi An Old Town Map
• 111 Tra Que Vegetable Village
• 112 Hoi An Lantern Festival
• 113 Hue Imperial City and Forbidden City
• 114.0.1 Golden Bridge and Ba Na Hills Night Tour
• 114.0.2 Golden Hands Bridge Tour In Sunrise or Sunset (1/2 Day)
• 114.0.3 Cam Kim Island Bicycle Tour From Hoi An
• 114.0.4 Cham Island Tour From Hoi An (Group Tour)
• 114.0.5 Cham Island Tour From Da Nang (Group Tour)
• 114.0.6 Hoi An Vegetarian Food Tour
• 114.0.7 Hoi An Evening Walking Food Tour Through Laneways
• 114.0.8 Private Hoi An Basket Boat Tour (Shuttle Bus, Bicycle, Bike)
• 114.0.9 Half-day Am Phu Cave Tour (Private)
• 114.0.10 Hoi An Countryside Tour (Bicycle, Car, Electric Shuttle)
• 114.0.11 Da Nang Tour Package From Singapore
• 114.0.12 Hoi An Evening Tour From Da Nang
• 114.0.13 Hoi An Walking Food Tour Through Laneways
• 114.0.14 My Son Sanctuary and Hoi An Old Town Tour with Thu Bon River Cruise
• 114.0.15 My Son Day Trip From Hoi An including Marble Mountains and Basket Boat
• 114.0.16 Half Day Hoi An City Tour With River Cruise
• 114.0.17 Son Tra Peninsula Tour with Marble Mountains (Private/Small Group)
• 114.0.18 Hue Day Trip From Hoi An with Hai Van Pass, River Cruise & Lunch
• 114.0.19 Hoi An Ancient Town and Countryside Tour (Bests of Hoi An Tour)
• 114.0.20 Hoi An Tour From Da Nang Airport (Private, Optional Lunch)
• 114.0.21 Hoi An Day Trip From Da Nang (Marble Mountains, Basket Boat, Old Town)
• 114.0.22 Da Nang City Tour From Airport (Private, Optional Lunch)
• 114.0.23 Hoi An City Tour with Lantern Class, Lantern Boat, Night Market & Local Food Sampling
• 114.0.24 Marble Mountains, Basket Boat Ride & Hoi An Old Town Walking Tour
• 114.0.25 Marble Mountains & Golden Bridge Day Tour with Buffet Lunch
• 114.0.26 Marble Mountains & Monkey Mountain Tour (Half-day, Private)
• 114.0.27 Private Golden Bridge Sunrise Tour (Half-day, Optional Lunch)
• 114.0.28 Hoi An Ancient Town & Golden Bridge Day Tour (Private/Small Group)
• 114.0.29 My Son Sanctuary & Golden Bridge Day Tour (Private/Small Group)
• 114.0.30 Private My Son Sanctuary Sunrise or Sunset Tour
• 114.0.31 Full Day Hoi An Ancient Town & Countryside Experience With Local
• 114.0.32 Full Day My Son Sanctuary & Hoi An Countryside Tour With Local
• 114.0.33 Full Day Hoi An Ancient Town & Coconut Village Experience
• 114.0.34 Son Tra Peninsula, Marble Mountains and Hoi An City Tour
• 114.0.35 Half-day Marble Mountains Tour from Da Nang or Hoi An
• 114.0.36 Da Nang Cave Tour (Half Day Underground Tour in Da Nang)
• 114.0.37 Hoi An Old Town & Lantern Making Class (Morning Tour, Half-day)
• 114.0.38 Full Day Bests of Da Nang & Hoi An Old Town Walking Tour
• 114.0.39 Full Day My Son Tour From Da Nang with Da Nang City Tour
• 114.0.40 My Son Sanctuary Tour From Hoi An or Da Nang With Local Guide

Tra Que Vegetable Village

2 kilometers north of Hoi An ancient town, on the way to An Bang beach, Tra Que vegetable village is a well-known rural village. Here, Vietnamese farmers have grown vegetables and herbs since 16 th  century. They still use traditional techniques in the gardens daily that are organic, friendly to the environment. One of them is the use of seaweed to fertilize. Thanks to the village’s location – an island on the river, the soil is rich in nutrients. Locals believe that veggies from Tra Que village are of the best qualities. The ones are also tiny. Many Hoi An’s food specialties require them, including Cao lau – the signature dish of the town, Mi quang noodle, banh mi sandwich, banh xeo pancakes, etc. Read further information in  Tra Que vegetable village visitor guide .

Things to do in Tra Que vegetable village:

– See lush, green gardens with a variety of vegetables and photograph farmers at work

– Be a farmer and learn how to grow vegetables

– Learn to make some classic Vietnamese dishes, including the specialty of the village – Tam huu (a roll of boiled pork, boiled shrimp and herbs)

– Have a foot massage

– Have lunch prepared by vegetables hand-picked from nearby gardens and enjoy a peacefulness at thatched restaurants

How to get there: By Hai Ba Trung road, from the town to the beach, Tra Que village is accessible by all road vehicles. Riding a bicycle allows visitors to tour rice fields and other rural areas, after a visit around the village.

History: Vietnamese people have settled down in the village since 17 th  century. Name of the village was made by the king who loved the taste of local herbs.

Special events: Cau Bong festival takes place on the 7 th  day of the first lunar month in which every family makes Tam huu rolls to compete.

Read also: My Son sanctuary travel guide

Thanh Ha Pottery Village

2 kilometers west of the Hoi An ancient town, Thanh Ha pottery village is famous for its 400-years traditional craft in making pottery. People of this village moved from another place to the present location due to a rich source of clay soil. Today, they have to buy the material from somewhere else. 30 families have preserved their ancestor handicraft, and many of them welcome visitors. This intangible cultural heritage was protected by the government at a national level, in 2019. In an artisan’s house, visitors are guided to make something by a potter’s wheel, spinned by hands or foot. Entrance fee to enter the village includes the class, costing 35,000 VND now. Read further information in  Thanh Ha pottery village visitor guide .

Things to do in Thanh Ha pottery village:

– Learn to make pottery at your hands (such as a pot, tea pot, vase, etc) with an instruction from artisans.

– Visit the Thanh Ha terracotta park (an entrance ticket required)

– Sightsee historical buildings, including Nam Dieu temple or Xuan My communal house, in honour to ancestors of the villagers

– Wander around and buy unique souvenirs

– Thanh Ha fish market in the early morning.

How to get there: Hung Vuong street and then Duy Tan street lead to the village from the town centre. All road vehicles are convenient. By the river, visitors can reach it by boat (cruise) from Bach Dang quay.

Special events: On 10 th  day of 7 th  lunar month, people celebrate a festival to honour those who first made pottery in the village

Read also: Thu Bon river cruise

Cam Thanh Water Coconut Village

5 kilometers east of Hoi An’s old quarters, Cam Thanh’s coconut village is home of a vast, dense water palm forest. It’s a part of the Unesco world biosphere reserve designated in 2009. Historically, in the Vietnam war, this area was the hiding place of Vietcong communists. In colonial times, locals created a round boat by bamboo (like a basket) to avoid taxes from the French. Today, they use it to carry visitors around peaceful canals inside the forest and make fun-filled entertainments. Increasing visitors encourage locals to build restaurants, shops, spas and open cooking schools. Besides that, they also row the boat to catch fish and other seafood for living. Palm leaves are chopped and then sun dried for roofing and fruits of the palm are used for food preparation. Read more information in  Cam Thanh coconut village traveler guide .

Things to do in Cam Thanh water coconut village:

– Discover the palm forest by a basket boat, propelled by local fishermans. See details in  Hoi An basket boat ride .

– Learn to make Vietnamese foods

– Join a class to make bamboo stuff by your hands in the Taboo Bamboo workshop. The founder and his passion are inherited from his father and grandfather.

How to get there: Visitors can choose to reach the village by one of these directions: Tran Nhan Tong road and Cua Dai – Vo Chi Cong road. All road vehicles are convenient, including bicycles and electric shuttle buses.

History: Traces of humans found in Cam Thanh’s village dated to 2,000 years ago. The first proof of Vietnamese presence in Hoi An is also seen here, a tomb built in 15 th  century. Many families and the palm forest accommodated Vietcong communists in the Vietnam war, more than anywhere in the area.

Read also: Hoi An cooking classes

Cam Kim Island

Surrounded by the Thu Bon river, the largest river of the province, Cam Kim island is a peaceful and green land. It’s accessible by bridges and ferry boat from the Hoi An ancient town world heritage. In addition to Kim Bong carpentry village, this fertile island houses farmer’s villages, rice, peanut and corn fields. Thanks to being nearly-isolated (by 2015), its rural scenery and ways of life of the locals are authentic, providing a real slice of Vietnam’s countryside. Many families here have been making sedge matches or rice noodles, besides fishing. Tra Nhieu is the furthest village from Hoi An, drawing visitors by friendly people, their daily life and a non-touristy water coconut forest. Read everything you need to know in  Cam Kim island traveler guide .

Read also: Cham Islands Travel Guide

Kim Bong Carpentry Village

Located by the northern edge of Cam Kim island, in the opposite to the Hoi An old town, Kim Bong carpentry village has its own carpenter community. Since a few centuries ago, Vietnamese people here have carved sculptures by wood and built fishing boats. Today, besides producing souvenirs and household stuff, local artisans also assist in renovating wooden heritages in the world heritage town. There are two ways to get there: ferry boat from Bach Dang quay and riding across one of two Cam Kim bridges. See more details in  Kim Bong carpentry village visitor guide .

– See real carvers and boat builders at work, and photograph

– Visit private galleries of wood works owned by famous artisans of the village

– Buy souvenirs made of wood

History: Four families from the north moved here in 15 th  century, including Nguyen, Huynh, Phan and Truong.

Special events: On the 6 th  day of the lunar new year, inhabitants of the Kim Bong carpentry village celebrate ceremonies to honour the first carpenters.

Read also: Hoi An Handicraft Workshop

Triem Tay “Bamboo” Village

3 kilometers from Hoi An center, Triem Tay village is also known as the Bamboo village. It’s home of 140 households who live in a piece of land that is by a confluence of the Thu Bon river, opposite to Thanh Ha pottery village. While cycling around, visitors will realize that many buildings are made of bamboo here. There are homestays, restaurants, coffee shops and cooking schools. The new Cam Kim bridge was completed, allowing easy access from any banks. Riding across this village is one of the shortest ways to get from Hoi An to My Son’s Hindu sanctuary. Hidden away in lush gardens, rice fields and bamboo groves, traditional temples are for worship of the family’s ancestors and the whale. Read more information in  Triem Tay village visitor guide .

Tra Nhieu Fishing Village

By the easternmost point of the Cam Kim island, Tra Nhieu fishing village (or Tra Dong village) is home of 440 families, around 2,000 people. It’s 10 kilometers away from Hoi An’s centre via the new Cam Kim bridge. Thanks to a nearly-isolated location, this village is still unknown by tourists until recent years. Most of the population here are fishermen and farmers who cultivate sweet corn, rice or peanuts. Fisherman’s culture lies on fishing nets and boats on Thu Bon river, and a temple built in the shape of a boat. In its heart, there is a water coconut forest that is better preserved than the famous one in Cam Thanh. Locals can carry visitors in a basket boat along a noise-free, palm-lined canal. Read more information in  Tra Nhieu fishing village traveler guide .

Visitors can get to Tra Nhieu village by road or direct by boat on the Thu Bon river from Bach Dang harbour (the Old town). Some guided bicycle tours are organized here daily.

Read also:   

Hoi An’s Rice Fields

Rice fields are around Hoi An’s residential areas. To see them, visitors only need a couple of minutes by bicycle or motorcycle. The easiest field to get is the one Hai Ba Trung St goes across, from the Old town to An Bang beach. Not only paddies, it’s also possible to see farmers, water buffalos, white forks, wild flowers and even childrens flying the kite. Depending on different times of the year, visitors will see different stages in the growth of rice, so what they see is also unsimilar. By the traffic light of the Tra Que vegetable village, there are fish traps made of bamboo. This north section of Hoi An’s countryside is perfect to watch the sunset during sunny months, February to August. Rice fields here stretch until Cam Thanh – the eastern countryside where the water coconut forests and shrimp ponds are visible.

Southern countryside of Hoi An is on Cam Kim island. Two bridges and a ferry boat provide access to it, from the city centre and Old town. Read about Cam Kim island in the above section for further information.  

Tong Van Suong street, from Ba Le market to Vo Chi Cong St, goes across green and lush rice fields of Cam Thanh. Its branch roads to the south lead to Vietnamese villages and gardens, studded with private villas and eco-friendly cottages. Some cooking schools are based here.

A small piece of rice fields is by Hung Vuong St, from the Old town to Thanh Ha pottery village.

Read also:  Guide to Hoi An’s Beaches

Getting Around Hoi An’s Countryside

The best way to tour around Hoi An’s countryside is by bicycle or motorcycle. Many hotels and homestays in town provide free-of-charge bicycles for the guests (come first serve first!). The bicycles there have a basket in the front, to carry bags and bottles of water, a hard seat in the back, and a bell to warn people. If not available in the hotel, visitors can walk in major streets, and it’s easy to see a place to rent a bicycle. The price ranges from 20,000 to 40,000 VND each. Helmets are not compulsory in Vietnam’s traffic law, so for safety, ask for them. In providers whose collection is of a higher quality, visitors will pay more. Contact to reliable cycling tour companies, the service is professional, with well-maintained, brand new bicycles and English speaking mechanics.

Read our article Hoi An bicycle routes to know our recommended directions to tour around the countryside of Hoi An.

By Motorbike

Like bicycles, riding a motorcycle is also flexible. However, travelers need to be a little bit more confident, carefully observe and sure, it’s harder than bicycles. All hotels don’t provide motorcycles for free but in the reception, the guests can ask for some contacts for rental. If hiring a motorbike for one day (24hrs up to different places), the pay ranges from 100,000 to 200,000 VND. It includes a helmet that is a must while driving in Vietnam and excludes gasoline. Automatic motorcycle rentals are more expensive than scooters. These kinds of motorcycles are similar to the ones in the streets. If require better quality or styles, should seek professional shops that the city has some.

Read our article Hoi An bike routes to know our recommended directions to tour around the country of Hoi An on wheels of a motorcycle.

Bicycle or Motorcycle?

Many travelers ride a bicycle to explore Hoi An’s country, but many others also enjoy touring by motorcycle. Both these wheeled vehicles allow people to access villages, laneways, roads across rice fields, and unpaved, dirty paths. Flexibility and freedom are other advantages. However, about the cost, bicycles are cheaper to hire. In many places in Hoi An, the guests can take them for free. If hire one, the price is not really a big deal (just 1-2 dollars!). Not only traveling, bicycle riders will do exercise too, and it’s good for physical and mental health. Adrenaline seekers may not miss a bicycle tour in their time at Hoi An. Keep in mind to check the weather forecast in advance and ensure that the day you go is sunny or at least dry.

The entire drive is shorter if travelers ride a motorcycle instead of a bicycle. For those who have physical problems, a motorbike balances “adventure” and “fitness”. By that, they can stop at more places and stay longer there. In guided motorbike tours, travelers have a pillion ride (sitting in the back!). So, they can take so many pictures, videos and expect a safer trip.

Countryside Tours in Hoi An

Visitors have many guided tour options to discover peaceful, charming countryside of Hoi An. Much of them are run on a half-day basis, morning or afternoon. One of the reasons is to avoid the heat of midday. Bicycles are the most selected vehicle because riding them allows to approach villages, see rural sceneries and the life of locals, at a slower pace. In a bicycle tour, local guides will recommend quiet backroads or scenic routes, instead of busy ones. The riders definitely have a great time while riding across villages, rice fields, gardens, forests and along rivers. It’s better for traffic safety too. In order to know better the daily life and work of locals, some families are visited, to interact and have hands-on experiences. Highly recommended to adrenaline seekers!

Traveling by motorcycle is another popular way. Motorcycles allow travelers to reach further, but still retain the flexibility and freedom of the bicycles. Mostly, a local licensed driver is organized, to carry a foreign traveler behind. For people who don’t have good fitness, this is a suitable option, for exploration and health.

Read also: – Typical Hoi An countryside tour (3 villages)

– Cam Kim island tour

Self-Guided Cycling Tours in Hoi An

With a bicycle and our Hoi An’s cycling routes map , travelers can discover the countryside of Hoi An by themselves. They customize the itinerary: time to start, length of the ride and the places they want to see. By that, the trip can be extended, longer or shorter than a half-day, and is fitted to personal requirements and likings. Many experiences (even in the countryside) that tourists need to pay or donate, so sometimes, it’s cheaper if traveling by yourself.

However, if traveling by yourself, it takes a longer time to design the best route that avoids the hustles and bustles. Following a local guide, you can experience a moderate drive through quaint villages, laneways, rice fields, gardens, and especially, see local families there. There, you can learn about their own life stories, and join their daily works that help them to earn for living. Thus, without a local, it’s really not easy to look for and interact with (rustics don’t know English!). The guide, he or she also assists in different situations, for example, the bicycle breaks down suddenly. Some of them are mechanics.

Read also: Hoi An Self Guided Walking Tour

Hoi An Countryside Map

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Featured Tours and Experiences

Golden Bridge and Ba Na Hills Night Tour

Golden Hands Bridge Tour In Sunrise or Sunset (1/2 Day)

Cam Kim Island Bicycle Tour From Hoi An

Cham Island Tour From Hoi An (Group Tour)

Cham Island Tour From Da Nang (Group Tour)

Hoi An Vegetarian Food Tour

Hoi An Evening Walking Food Tour Through Laneways

Private Hoi An Basket Boat Tour (Shuttle Bus, Bicycle, Bike)

Half-day Am Phu Cave Tour (Private)

Hoi An Countryside Tour (Bicycle, Car, Electric Shuttle)

Da Nang Tour Package From Singapore

Hoi An Evening Tour From Da Nang

Hoi An Walking Food Tour Through Laneways

My Son Sanctuary and Hoi An Old Town Tour with Thu Bon River Cruise

My Son Day Trip From Hoi An including Marble Mountains and Basket Boat

Half Day Hoi An City Tour With River Cruise

Son Tra Peninsula Tour with Marble Mountains (Private/Small Group)

Hue Day Trip From Hoi An with Hai Van Pass, River Cruise & Lunch

Hoi An Ancient Town and Countryside Tour (Bests of Hoi An Tour)

Hoi An Tour From Da Nang Airport (Private, Optional Lunch)

Hoi An Day Trip From Da Nang (Marble Mountains, Basket Boat, Old Town)

Da Nang City Tour From Airport (Private, Optional Lunch)

Hoi An City Tour with Lantern Class, Lantern Boat, Night Market & Local Food Sampling

Marble mountains, basket boat ride & hoi an old town walking tour.

Marble Mountains & Golden Bridge Day Tour with Buffet Lunch

Marble Mountains & Monkey Mountain Tour (Half-day, Private)

Private Golden Bridge Sunrise Tour (Half-day, Optional Lunch)

Hoi An Ancient Town & Golden Bridge Day Tour (Private/Small Group)

My Son Sanctuary & Golden Bridge Day Tour (Private/Small Group)

Private My Son Sanctuary Sunrise or Sunset Tour

Full Day Hoi An Ancient Town & Countryside Experience With Local

Full Day My Son Sanctuary & Hoi An Countryside Tour With Local

Full Day Hoi An Ancient Town & Coconut Village Experience

Son Tra Peninsula, Marble Mountains and Hoi An City Tour

Half-day Marble Mountains Tour from Da Nang or Hoi An

Da Nang Cave Tour (Half Day Underground Tour in Da Nang)

Hoi An Old Town & Lantern Making Class (Morning Tour, Half-day)

Full Day Bests of Da Nang & Hoi An Old Town Walking Tour

Full Day My Son Tour From Da Nang with Da Nang City Tour

My Son Sanctuary Tour From Hoi An or Da Nang With Local Guide

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Home » Hoi An Walking Tour

Hoi An Walking Tour

Tour Itinerary

What to expect

• Old Hoi An town is small and peaceful, the kind of place where you would want to spend much time as possible.
• Nice place for photograph lovers, capture the moment of local life and architecture.
• Watch the art of handicraft making at a local workshop,
• For shopping addict travelers with best tailor-made clothes shop

Meet our tour guide at your hotel and make the way to the old town of Hoi An (can be by taxi, bike, motorbike or walk)

Arrive in  Hoi An old town – an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century, its buildings and its street plan reflect the influences, both indigenous and foreign, that have combined to produce this unique heritage site. Some of the most remarkable views of the city are from the Ancient Houses. From here, visitors can catch a glimpse of a long-gone past and more subdued and simple time.

We start our walking tour to explore the ancient city of Hoi An highlights with Phuc Kien Communal House, Tan Ky ancient commercial house, Phung Hung Ancient Trading House, Hoi An Market and the must-see Japanese covered Bridge. These spots are considered as typical architecture styles in Hoi An and reflect clearly the cross culture among France, Japan, China and Vietnam… Visit one of the lantern making workshops.

Time for walking around for shopping and have your clothes tailored. Passing over hundreds of year and withstanding the severity of the weather, Hoi An still exists and keeps the ancient and quiet beauty. Then sitting down at a local delicacy food store to taste a feature food of Hoi An. Or you can opt for other activities below.

– Relaxing on a “Xich Lo” (Rickshaw) ride through the opposite site of Hoi An River bank where you can take a panorama view of Hoi An town, go through the tiny lanes of Hoi An countryside, passing the fields of corn, sweet potatoes, beautiful local fruit-garden…

– Take a boat trip on Thu bon river to visit one of  traditional craft villages of : Kim Bong wooden carving village, Thanh Ha pottery village, Cam Nam fishing village.

GROUP TOUR  Price quoted in USD/person joining the coach tour.

PRIVATE TOUR  Price quoted in USD per person in private group.

• Xich lo riding tour: $10/person
• Boat trip on Thu Bon River: up to the group size

Not fit your requirement? Feel free to contact us to plan this trip and get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.

Tour inclusive

• Transportation as specified in the itinerary
• English speaking tour guide
• Entrance & sightseeing fees
• Hoi An local food taste
• Mineral water

Tour exclusive

• Beverage & other meals not specified,
• Personal expenses & tips,
• Travel insurance.

Request a quote

Just fill in this below form to send your request for a quotation or customization, your booking is confirmed only when we make final deal via email.

Your contact information

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• Hoi An Free Tours
• Hoi An Walking Tour
• Walking Food Tour

Your local travel mate in Hoi An!

Welcome HoiAnfreeTours, where we strive to create a unique and beneficial experience for all involved. Formerly a student volunteer organization establish in 2011 , we initially focused on organizing free tours to the countryside, aiming to meet and interact with tourists while facilitating cultural exchanges and practicing foreign language skills.

Having successfully operated for 12 years , our organization has evolved significantly. Today, our team consists of dedicated Professional tour guide who have graduated and pursued careers in the tourism industry, accumulating a wealth of experience along the way

  Free Tours

Hoi an craft experience on a bike tour to kim bong carpentry village..

Experience traditional Vietnamese crafts and admire the peaceful countryside

• Available: Every morning

• Duration: 3 hours (08:30 am – 11:30 am)

• Transportation: Bike

   Paid Tours

Walking tour to hoi an ancient town.

Experience local life by wandering through the maze of Hoian Ancient Town and enjoying a bustling yet peaceful city.

• Duration: 3 hours (14:30 pm – 17:30 pm)

• Transportation: Walking.

Become a local food taster as an ideal way to explore the culinary world and get a feel of Hoians’ unique lifestyle.

• Duration: 3 hours (17:30 pm – 18:30 pm

• Transportation: Walking

Lantern making class – a pecial foldable lantern

Bring home a souvenir with a difference, a lantern that you made yourself, after this fascinating class

• Duration: 1.5 hours 

This section provides answers to common questions. If you cannot find the answer to your questions below or have urgent enquiries, please contact us .

“Free tour” means that there is no fee for the guiding services provided. The tour guide benefits from practicing their English skills, engaging in cultural exchange, and supporting local communities.

“Pro Tour” is a paid tour that is conducted by professional tour guides who were previously members of Hoi An Free Tours during their time as university students.

Use online booking function by click the button Book Tour . (Please read all the information related to the tour before sending it).

You will receive a response email from HAFTs within 2 hours after the time of your booking. In case of no email, or you have any urgent request, feel free to contact our Tour Operation Department via chat button at the bottom left.

You can rest assured that your personal data is used only for the purpose of the tour. Beside encrypting each booking via SSL protocol, we take all necessary measures required to keep all your personal data secured.

Just be open and enjoy yourself. HAFTs team members also look to have memorable experiences with you, so it would be great if we could talk and share like friends.

We will confirm it when you submit the booking. 

This section provides answers to common questions from our guests. If you are unable to find an answer to your question below or have an urgent inquiry, please contact us at [email protected]

There are two ways to book a tour with us :

• Use online booking function on the page  Book Tours

• Send an email to us at [email protected]

You will receive a response email from HAFTs within 2 hours after the time of your booking. In case of no email, or you have any urgent request, feel free to contact our Tour Operation Team. Please stay in touch until we reach a final agreement.

Just be open and enjoy yourself.  HAFTs members also look to have memorable experiences with you, so it would be great if we could talk and share like friends.

Tour will be start at 14:00 pm on this day!

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Booking self-guided travel with Macs Adventure offers you flexibility, ease, and adventure.

We might be biased, but self-guided travel is one of the best ways to experience the world. It’s active travel, led by you. It’s all the best bits of adventuring on your own plus support from a professional team that handles all of your logistics and knows all the local secrets. 

If you’ve never tried a self-guided hiking or self-guided biking trip, here’s what you need to know about how it works, and who it’s best for.

How Does Self-guided Travel Work?

On a guided trip, you’d join a group for a set itinerary, led by someone else who sets your departure times, detours, lunch breaks, and pace. On a self-guided walking or cycling tour, however, we’ll plan your adventure and then you’ll take the lead for a self-paced, individualized journey. 

We handle all the logistics, from booking unique, hand-picked accommodations with inns, bed & breakfasts, or hotels to transferring your luggage between them, so you only need a daypack for hiking or biking. Our app has maps with detailed information about points of interest between your start and end points each day, so you won’t miss any of the scenic or historic detours that elevate your experience. 

All you have to do is select which trip you’d like to go on, and we’ll handle the rest.

Why Choose Self-guided?

The biggest benefits of booking self-directed adventure are: 

A unique, tried-and-tested journey that’s completely your own

Choice and flexibility to travel at your own pace

Expert recommendations 

We’ve been planning self-guided hiking and biking tours for decades, and we’ve developed hand-crafted adventures in places we know well. Our app offers local insights and accurate, easy navigation for each route, and our network of partners is tried and true. We know many of the best places to stay along every trail we serve, and most of these places are small, family-owned businesses that don’t work with online booking platforms. That means we can save you hours—if not days—of research by booking all your accommodations for you, which gives you more time to train for your trip and enjoy when you get there. 

We’re also doing our best to help you travel more responsibly. We prioritize working with local businesses that operate with the environment in mind. You can check out our inaugural impact report  as we pursue B Corp certification. 

Many of our partners have been hosting Macs adventurers for years, which helps us ensure you have a quality stay with hosts who understand the small details of what an active traveler needs. You’ll generally find it easy to arrange a packed lunch, for example, and we make sure your stay comes with a hearty breakfast to fuel your day on the trail. 

If something doesn’t quite go to plan, you’ve got someone looking out for you on the ground. Our partners know to call us if you haven’t checked in by a certain time, so we’ll be proactively looking out for you — great peace of mind. And if you ever need us, we’re just a phone call away. 

Who Should Do Self-guided Travel?

Self-guided travel is great for almost everyone. At Macs, we serve walkers, hikers, and bikers who are active and independent travelers. Here are a few types of people especially well-suited to our trips:

• Couples who love hiking or biking: Traveling in a pair with a partner or friend is the most economical way to book. You can book a room with one bed, a room with two beds, or separate rooms entirely. Whether you’re looking to hike , bike , or take a self-led road trip, we’ll handle all the logistics for both of you so you can focus on prepping for the adventure.
• Small groups: If you’re traveling with a few friends or family members, having help with booking and planning can go a long way. With a self-guided tour booked by Macs, you can outsource all the decision-making to us, and each individual or couple can book and pay separately so that one person doesn’t have to carry all the deposits for hotels.  
• Solo travelers : Whether you’re a seasoned pro or traveling alone for the first time, booking through Macs gives you peace of mind that you’ll be staying in comfortable, safe places, and that someone is looking out for you. If you don’t arrive at your accommodation by the expected time, our partners will contact us so we can make sure you’re alright.

What Type of Self-Guided Trips Can I Do?

At Macs, we focus on walking, hiking, and biking from town to town, self-drive road trips to hike in gorgeous places, and rail and hike trips so you can cover more ground on public transportation. 

Our trip types include:

Classic Routes : From Ireland’s Dingle Way to the Mountains & Lakes of Slovenia’s Julian Alps , our classic routes highlight some of the world’s most beloved journeys.

Slower Adventures : Our Slower Adventures maximize your time to explore. You’ll enjoy shorter distances each day, so you have more free time to visit museums, vineyards, cafes, or even learn how to make cheese in a Swiss Alpine village.

Pilgrimages : Across the world, pilgrimages are often rooted in ancient tradition, and offer incredible opportunities for growth, relaxation, and meeting other travelers. These trips are some of our longest, ranging from a few days to nearly two months. Our routes include the ever-popular Camino de Santiago  in Spain and the lesser-known (and underrated) Via Francigena , which winds through Europe from France to the Swiss Alps to Rome. 

In-Style : If you’re looking for something truly special, In-Style trips are built to impress. We’ve scouted the most stylish boutique hotels , Italian agriturismos , French chateaux , grand English estates , eco beach retreats, and other unique accommodations across the world. These trips may include extras such as dinner at a Michelin-star restaurant. 

Discovery : Our Discovery trips give you freedom to cover more ground with easy to moderate walking, such as taking two weeks to drive the entire coast of Iceland . You can choose between Drive & Hike , Rail & Hike tours , or Self Drive road trips , all of which come with suggestions for gorgeous trails, scenic detours, and personal recommendations for how to spend your days. And of course, we’ll handle all your accommodations. 

Start Your Self-Guided Journey Today

Self-guided adventure combines all the best elements of solo exploration and DIY travel. Get started by exploring our destinations to find your perfect adventure—booked by us, led by you.

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• Du lịch Việt Nam

Tour Đi Bộ Tự Hướng Dẫn Hội An

Hoi An, a charming city located in central Vietnam, is known for its rich cultural heritage and picturesque streets. One of the best ways to truly experience the beauty and essence of this ancient town is through a walking tour. As you stroll through the narrow alleys and bustling markets, you’ll be transported back in time to a bygone era. In this blog post, we will take you on a journey through Hoi An’s enchanting streets and uncover the hidden gems that make this city so alluring.

Unveiling the Cultural Tapestry of Hoi An on Foot

Hoi An is a melting pot of cultures, with influences from Chinese, Japanese, and European traders who once called this city their home. The best way to understand the cultural tapestry of Hoi An is by taking a walking tour. You can choose to explore the city on your own or opt for a guided tour. Either way, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the local culture and learn about the history and traditions of this fascinating city.

A Walking Tour of Hoi An’s Ancient Quarters

The ancient quarters of Hoi An are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit for anyone exploring the city. These quarters are home to well-preserved old houses, temples, and assembly halls that offer a glimpse into the city’s past. As you walk through the streets, you’ll come across colorful lanterns, traditional architecture, and intricate carvings that add to the charm of the place.

One of the highlights of the ancient quarters is the Japanese Covered Bridge, a symbol of Hoi An and one of the most photographed spots in the city. Built in the 16th century, this bridge connects the Japanese and Chinese communities and is adorned with intricate carvings and statues. Another must-visit spot is the Tan Ky House, a beautifully preserved merchant house that showcases the fusion of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architectural styles.

Discovering the Heart of Hoi An: A Comprehensive Walking Tour

To truly experience the heart of Hoi An, you need to venture beyond the touristy spots and explore the hidden alleys and backstreets. A comprehensive walking tour will take you off the beaten path and show you a different side of the city. You’ll get to interact with locals, visit lesser-known temples and pagodas, and discover hidden gems that most tourists miss.

One such hidden gem is the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation, also known as the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall. This ornate temple is dedicated to the sea goddess Thien Hau and features intricate wood carvings and colorful murals. Another hidden gem is the Quan Cong Temple, a Taoist temple dedicated to the Chinese general Quan Cong. The temple’s architecture is a blend of Chinese and Vietnamese styles, and it houses a beautiful statue of Quan Cong made from precious stones.

Hoi An’s Hidden Gems: A Walking Tour Off the Beaten Path

Hoi An is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. These are the places that are not on the usual tourist trail but offer a unique and authentic experience. A walking tour off the beaten path will take you to these hidden gems and give you a glimpse into the local way of life.

Exploring the Architectural Heritage of Hoi An: A Walking Tour

Hoi An is home to some of the most well-preserved ancient buildings in Vietnam. A walking tour focused on the city’s architectural heritage will take you to these stunning structures and give you a deeper understanding of their significance. One such building is the Phung Hung Old House, a 200-year-old merchant house that has been passed down through generations. The house features a mix of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architectural styles and is a testament to the city’s multicultural past.

Another architectural gem is the Trieu Chau Assembly Hall, also known as the Cantonese Assembly Hall. This temple was built by the Chinese community in Hoi An and is dedicated to Thien Hau, the goddess of the sea. The hall’s main attraction is the ornate dragon statue that guards the entrance and the intricate wood carvings inside.

A Walking Tour of Hoi An’s Markets and Street Food

No visit to Hoi An is complete without trying the local street food and exploring the vibrant markets. A walking tour that focuses on these aspects will take you to the best spots for sampling traditional dishes and shopping for souvenirs.

A Walking Tour by Night

Hoi An is a different city at night, with its lantern-lit streets and bustling night markets. A walking tour by night will give you a chance to experience the city’s nightlife and see it in a whole new light. You can visit the night market, where you’ll find a variety of local handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs. You can also join a cooking class and learn how to make some of Hoi An’s famous dishes, such as cao lau and banh mi.

A Guided Walking Tour

If you want a more in-depth and informative experience, a guided walking tour is the way to go. You’ll have a knowledgeable guide who can answer all your questions and provide insights into the city’s history and culture. You can choose from group tours or private tours, depending on your preferences.

A Walking Tour Designed for You

If you have specific interests or places you want to visit, you can opt for a customized walking tour. This type of tour allows you to design your itinerary and focus on the areas that interest you the most. You can also choose the duration and pace of the tour, making it perfect for families or groups with different needs.

Hoi An Self Guided Walking Tour Map

Phần kết luận

A walking tour is the best way to discover the beauty and charm of Hoi An. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, food, or culture, there’s a walking tour designed for you. So put on your comfortable shoes, grab a map, and get ready to explore this enchanting city on foot. You’ll be rewarded with unforgettable experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.

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