Usually, traveling to Hoi An is often combined with tours to Da Nang. Many people say that besides the ancient town, Hoi An has nothing else to offer! If that’s the case, it’s a bit of a mistake! If you have time to travel to Hoi An, you could spend a whole month there and still not see everything. However, everything in moderation is enjoyable. Based on the travel experience of a fanatic, just 3 days and 2 nights in Hoi An is perfect.
So, if you want to know about a budget-friendly 3-day, 2-night trip to Hoi An, make sure to watch the entire video! In this video, the fanatic will share all the insights and experiences of traveling to Hoi An for everyone to refer to. But if you have any other tips or experiences about traveling to Hoi An, feel free to share them with everyone.
In reality, the travel experience in Hoi An or any other place revolves around walking, sightseeing, eating, and resting. But each specific place will have its own things to consider. So, don’t rush through the video, watch it all if you want to have an affordable 3-day, 2-night trip to Hoi An. Now, let’s start sharing the travel experience in Hoi An.
When is the best time to travel to Hoi An?
To have the best trip to Hoi An, you need to plan your trip in advance. You may ask how many days are enough for a trip to Hoi An? The answer is, you should choose a 3-day, 2-night tour to Hoi An. Because 3 days and 2 nights is the ideal time for you. It allows you to make the most of the weekend and experience famous landmarks, enjoy delicious food, and discover many interesting things. Go for a few days so you can come back to visit Hoi An again!
If you ask when is the best time to travel to Hoi An, the answer is whenever you have time and money. Each season in Hoi An has its own unique characteristics. One thing is for sure, after visiting Hoi An once, you will want to come back again. So, just go whenever you feel like it. However, you should also be aware of the tourism situation in Hoi An during each period to prepare accordingly!
Traveling to Hoi An from January to March
The first three months of the year are very suitable for travelers to visit Hoi An. The weather during these days is dry, cool, and very pleasant for traveling.
Especially if you travel to Hoi An in January – when the people of Hoi An are busy preparing for the Lunar New Year. If you are lucky to be here during this time, you will immerse yourself in a lively and vibrant atmosphere and enjoy the lantern festival – a traditional cultural symbol of this ancient and serene land. This is also a part of the charm that contributes to the attraction of Hoi An tours during the Lunar New Year.
If you travel to Hoi An during the full moon of the first lunar month, don’t miss the lantern festival to wish for a peaceful year on the dreamy Hoai River, this is one of the spiritual activities with great significance in the ancient town of Hoi.
Traveling to Hoi An from April to June
From April to June is the peak of the dry season, but thanks to its location in the southern part of the Truong Son range, Hoi An has relatively pleasant weather, not as harsh as in the North, with temperatures ranging from 26°C to 31°C. Based on my travel experience in Hoi An, these are some of the peak travel months. As kids are on summer break, many companies also organize trips for their employees during this time. So, if you are planning a trip to Hoi An during this season, besides paying attention to the weather, it’s also advisable to book your accommodation in advance to ensure a smooth journey.
Traveling to Hoi An from July to September
In July, Hoi An is still attractive for tourists as it is still in the dry season. The number of visitors starts to decrease as we enter August and September due to the rainy weather and cooler nights. Therefore, if you choose to travel to Hoi An during this season, make sure to bring warm clothes to avoid getting cold.
As the weather changes, beach tourism in Hoi An is no longer as appealing, instead, cultural and historical tourist spots become the top choice. You may consider adding cultural and historical sites to your 3-day 2-night tour in Hoi An such as the Hoi An Ceramic Museum, the Japanese Covered Bridge, My Son Sanctuary, assembly halls, ancient streets, and tranquil spots in Hoi An for your reference.
Traveling to Hoi An from October to December
The last three months of the year are the worst in terms of weather in Hoi An, with heavy rain and cold, sometimes with storms causing flooding everywhere, but not very frequent. Although the weather is not favorable, traveling to Hoi An during this time you will experience many interesting things such as: floating on a boat to explore every corner of the streets, or experiencing a completely simple, intimate Hoi An, not crowded, chaotic…
Furthermore, on sunny days, you can take advantage of renting a bicycle to explore Hoi An and its famous tourist spots. Most of these destinations are located near the old town center, making it very convenient for tourists.
What transportation to choose when traveling to Hoi An
To get to Hoi An, you can travel in many ways such as by plane, train, bus, or by car on a packaged tour. Each type of transportation has its own advantages, but to have the most economical 3-day-2-night tour in Hoi An, the best way is to take a bus. However, if you are willing to hunt for plane tickets or travel during the low season, a cheap 3-day-2-night tour to Hoi An by plane is entirely possible.
By plane:
Hoi An does not have an airport, so if you want to take a 3-day-2-night tour to Hoi An by plane, you have to choose Da Nang as your destination. It’s about 30km from Da Nang airport to Hoi An. All domestic airlines such as Vietjet Air, Jetstar Pacific, VN airline, and Bamboo Airways operate flights to Da Nang from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, as well as other provinces and cities. A cheap travel experience to Hoi An from Cuong is if you want to get a cheap flight ticket to Da Nang, it’s best to book your ticket 3 to 6 months in advance or from September to December. Ticket prices range around 1,400k round trip from Saigon and around 1,800k from Hanoi. After arriving in Da Nang, you can easily take a taxi or bus to Hoi An.
By train:
Traveling to Hoi An by train will offer many interesting experiences but will surely take more time and effort. If you want to go to Hoi An by train from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, you have to go to Tam Ky (Quang Nam) on the North-South route. Ticket prices range from 500,000 to 1,500,000 VND depending on hard seats, soft seats, or different quality passenger cars. After arriving in Tam Ky, you can take a taxi to Hoi An. It sounds too complicated and time-consuming, right? Going on a 3-day-2-night tour to Hoi An and spending 2 days on the train leaves only 1 day, so it’s better to stay home and rest. Therefore, Cuong does not recommend traveling to Hoi An for 3 days and 2 nights by train!
By bus
Traveling to Hoi An by bus seems more feasible. Normal ticket prices from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to Hoi An range around 320,000 VND per ticket. If you take a night bus, you can just sleep on the bus and arrive the next morning. Another advantage is that with these bus companies, you can go directly to Hoi An without having to transfer in Da Nang like other regular bus companies or by plane.
Once in Hoi An, how to explore?
For those on a 3-day-2-night all-inclusive tour to Hoi An, there’s no need to worry about transportation as the travel company provides it. This part is dedicated to those who are on a self-guided 3-day-2-night tour to Hoi An. Or for those who accidentally chose an all-inclusive tour to Hoi An but want to explore the town on their own, you can also take a look here. There are many transportation options in Hoi An for you to choose from such as motorbikes, bicycles, cyclos, or taxis.
By motorbike:
This is the most optimal means of transportation for those on a self-guided 3-day-2-night tour to Hoi An. In fact, the old town of Hoi An is small, you can walk around in just one morning. Other attractions are also concentrated within a few kilometers. The farthest is Vinpearl Land Nam Hoi An, which is 17km away, but there are free buses available. The rental price for a motorbike in Hoi An is around 120,000 – 150,000 VND per day and you can easily find one anywhere. Or you can ask the hotel reception for guidance, but remember to ask about the price beforehand because Hoi An is quite sharp. If you don’t negotiate the price, you might end up paying more than expected!
By bicycle:
The best way to explore the ancient town is by cycling to enjoy the cool breeze and feel the peaceful pace of the city. This is also an unforgettable experience not to be missed in your 3-day-2-night Hoi An tour. In the morning in Hoi An, make an effort to wake up a bit early, around 6 a.m. when the sun is just rising, cycling around the old town will make you feel the indescribable tranquility. Some hotels in Hoi An offer free bicycles for guests, or you can rent one for around 40,000 VND/day.
Cyclo:
If cyclos are rare in the city, they are still a distinctive image in Hoi An. You can catch a cyclo in Hoi An on Phan Chau Trinh Street, Tan Phu for 150,000 VND/hour/vehicle. It may sound a bit expensive, but with some bargaining skills, you can get a good deal.
Taxi:
Hội An has familiar taxi companies such as Mai Linh (Phone number: 0235.3.92.92.92), Taxi Hội An (Phone number: 0235.3.91.99.19), Faifo (Phone number: 0235.3.91.91.91). The taxi fare in Hội An is similar to other places. The attractions in Hội An are not far apart, so if you are traveling to Hội An with a family of 4 – 7 people, taking a taxi is convenient.
Boats:
For an authentic visit to the ancient town, don’t miss the opportunity to take a boat ride on the Hoai River or Thu Bon River. You can easily catch a boat at the riverbank in the center of the ancient town.
One-day group tours:
This will be the top choice for independent travelers visiting Hội An. In Hội An, there are one-day tours such as the Cù Lao Chàm tour for snorkeling and fishing, the Seven Coconut Forest tour for a day,… The tour prices are only a few hundred thousand VND with transportation and a guide included. However, these one-day tours vary in quality and incidents, so Cuong advises you to research thoroughly before choosing one!
Tips for choosing a hotel room in Hội An
As Hội An is close to Đà Nẵng, many tourists prefer to stay in Đà Nẵng for its liveliness. However, for those who do not like to travel much and want to fully experience the ancient town life, it is recommended to book a hotel in Hội An. Hotels in Hội An are divided into two areas: the ancient town area and the surrounding area. Therefore, depending on your Hội An tour itinerary, choose a hotel that suits your needs.
Hotels in the Hoi An Ancient Town Area
Advantages: close to the ancient town, convenient for visiting the ancient town – the most important and prominent attraction in Hoi An. When booking a hotel in the Hoi An ancient town area, you can walk to the ancient town whenever you want. Usually, for a 3-day-2-night Hoi An tour, it is highly recommended to choose a hotel in this area because during the day you can visit distant places and easily walk to the night market.
Disadvantages: hotels in the Hoi An ancient town area are usually small, not new, and expensive. The hotels here provide bicycles for guests to get around, but usually, you have to rent them. Large vehicles are not allowed in the ancient town, so you have to walk a short distance if you go by car or taxi. But consider it as an opportunity to exercise your legs, so it’s not a big deal.
Hotels in the Hoi An ancient town area cost around 900,000 VND to 2,000,000 VND for 2 to 3-star hotels, quite expensive, right? However, if you go during the low season, the price is only around 600,000 – 900,000 VND.
The central area of Hoi An has the highest concentration of hotels in Hoi An, with many good restaurants and beautiful cafes. Staying here is very convenient for sightseeing and exploring the ancient town, as you can walk there in minutes. It is highly recommended to stay in this area for your 3-day-2-night Hoi An tour.
Hotels in the vicinity of Hoi An Ancient Town
Hotels in the vicinity of Hoi An Ancient Town can be roughly divided into 3 small areas: the riverside area, Cua Dai beach area, and the area along the road from the ancient town to the beach.
- Hotels near the riverside area in Hoi An
The hotels here are usually new, with beautiful river views. It takes about 10-15 minutes to cycle to the ancient town. The hotels provide bicycles for guests to borrow for free.
The only downside of hotels in this area is the distance between the hotels and Hoi An Ancient Town and Cua Dai beach, which is a bit far. You can’t walk, you have to take a bike.
However, if you want to choose a hotel in this area to meet the criteria of a good and cheap 3-day-2-night Hoi An tour, you can consider choosing hotels located on Tran Hung Dao – Hai Ba Trung street. From these hotels, it takes 5 minutes by motorbike or 15 minutes on foot to reach the ancient town, which is very convenient. The prices of hotels in this area range from 600,000 VND to 1,000,000 VND for a room for two people with a quality of two to three stars. It’s much more economical than staying in the “golden” area.
- Cua Dai beach area, area along the road from the ancient town to the beach
The Cua Dai beach area mainly consists of resorts and high-end hotels with private beaches, convenient for beach relaxation. This area is quiet and cool, but if you want to visit and explore the ancient town, you will have to go to the central area, which is about a 10-minute drive from Hoi An center. If you want a resort vacation in Hoi An, then go ahead, but if you are looking for a cheap 3-day-2-night Hoi An tour, you might want to reconsider.
However, this area also has many guesthouses, homestay services, resorts, etc., which are convenient for beach activities and visiting Tra Que vegetable village, but it takes some time to get to the ancient town. Hotels and resorts usually provide free hourly shuttle buses and bicycles for rent.
So where should you book a hotel when traveling to Hoi An?
Each place has its own advantages. In the central area, you will have more fun and convenience, while in the suburbs, you can save costs and enjoy a quieter space. The choice entirely depends on the purpose of your trip and the budget you are willing to spend. I wish you all find a suitable place to rest during your upcoming 3-day-2-night trip to Hoi An.
Suggested itinerary for a 3-day-2-night Hoi An tour
There are many 3-day-2-night Hoi An tour itineraries, but here I will introduce a program that is reasonable and allows you to experience the most distinctive activities in Hoi An. In this section, I will only introduce a variety of experiences, sightseeing activities at different points without going into too much detail as there is limited time and space. However, at each tourist spot in Hoi An, I will have video reviews and specific experiences to share. If you need information about any specific location, feel free to check it out.
Day 1: Enjoy Vinpearl Land Nam Hoi An
Vinpearl Land Nam Hội An is the most exciting entertainment destination in Hoi An. It combines traditional cultural features with modern entertainment areas, especially blending into the impressive natural scenery. If you visit Vinpearl Land Nam Hội An, you will need a whole day until evening to fully experience all the fun here. Therefore, you should make the most of the first day of your 3-day-2-night Hoi An tour by arriving early, leaving your luggage at the hotel, and then heading to Vinpearl Land Nam Hội An to enjoy until the evening.
- At Vinpearl Land Nam Hội An, you will find the following entertainment areas:
Outdoor Play Area
Featuring 20 impressive games, some of which are limited edition worldwide, the outdoor play area at Vinpearl Land Nam Hội An is a must-visit for travelers who enjoy conquering, exploring, and asserting themselves.
Start your day with gentle games like: The Amazing Race, Aerial Dance, High-Speed Slide, Dragon Snake in the Clouds. Then, don’t miss out on the cool games: Bungee Jumping, Upside Down World, Super Speed Carousel, Windmill, Desert Storm, or the Thousand Flowers Slide… For young visitors or those who prefer gentle and romantic experiences, Vinpearl Land Nam Hội An also offers light and lovely games like: Spinning Bees, Childhood Carousel, Dancing Cup, Flying Elephant, Magical Carousel, or Speed Racing…
Additionally, the outdoor play area also features a water music stage with a capacity of 2500 spectators. Here, you can enjoy performances combining music with water effects, fire, sound, and dazzling laser lights.
Indoor Games:
With an area of 2000m2, the indoor play area is designed as a lively and diverse world of games. This area offers 95 electronic games and family games for all ages: basketball, cubic box, lucky draw, turtle stacking game… and many new games: Mario & Sonic at the Rio Olympic Games – The Best of the best, Plants vs. Zombies – Whack ‘Em, Transformers – Human Alliance, Daytona 3 USA Championship… Some popular areas that visitors enjoy include:
4D Film Castle and 5D Movie Theater showcasing a series of blockbuster 5D movies. Audiences not only watch the movies but also experience the speed, temperature, scents, and grand sound effects.
Fairy Tale Garden with an area of over 500m2 where children can immerse themselves in the dream world of fairy tales with pumpkin carriages, princesses, princes, candy houses…
Animal Park: River Safari
Vinpearl River Safari – the waterway animal park version, the first and only one in Vietnam. Instead of observing wild animals through tuk-tuk or specialized vehicles, visitors to Vinpearl River Safari will experience a new feeling by sitting on a boat, drifting through the legendary Amazon River scenery, and exploring the wild lives of rare animals on both riverbanks.
Folk Island
Exploring Folk Island, visitors will admire the complex of architecture, art, and entertainment deeply rooted in the culture and history of the Vietnamese people who have built and preserved the country for thousands of years.
The highlight of this Folk Island area is the Wishing Hill. Standing on the hilltop, visitors can overlook the entire beauty of the amusement park. This is also an ideal place to watch the beautiful sunset over the sea. Vinpearl Land Nam Hội An also showcases traditional craft villages to exhibit and sell handmade products such as: handmade paper, Dong Ho paintings, silk weaving, pottery making,…
Harbor of Convergence
Exploring Vinpearl Land Nam Hội An cannot be complete without visiting the Harbor of Convergence along the romantic river flowing from the entrance to the Wishing Hill. To the east of the river is a Vietnamese architectural complex simulating the ancient town of Hoi An with red-tiled mossy roofs, peaceful yellow walls, and quiet streets. Walking through this ancient town, visitors will immerse themselves in documentary films about Vietnamese rural villages from the time of the Hung Kings to the painted houses, and be fascinated by the architecture of the stacked conical hats along the riverbank. When the ancient town lights up, the colorful lanterns gently float in the wind on the small roofs or along the ancient streets, creating a poetic cityscape in the entertainment area.
What to Eat in Vinpearl Land Nam Hội An:
According to Vinpearl Land regulations, visitors are not allowed to bring food into the amusement park. However, there are plenty of shops and eateries inside to cater to all the needs of visitors. Elegant European-style restaurants include: Cocodo (French cuisine), D’Art Chocolate (fresh chocolate), Bread Talk (Singaporean pastries), 3S Foods & Drinks (fast food), Dancing Fruits (fresh fruits and fruit juices)… Besides, there are Asian culinary options: Viet Foods (Vietnamese cuisine), Little Tokyo (traditional Japanese food), and Chingu (Korean-style grilled dishes).
Day 2: Cham Island – snorkeling – An Bang Beach – ancient town night market
Snorkeling to see coral reefs at Cham Island is an exciting experience that you must try during your 3-day-2-night Hoi An tour. Therefore, Cuong has dedicated the second day of the Hoi An tour program for you to fully experience this activity. Cham Island is likened to a gem attracting tourists both domestically and internationally when visiting Hoi An. With pristine landscapes, blue sea, and white sand, Cham Island is always charming in the eyes of visitors. Moreover, when visiting Cham Island, tourists can also participate in extremely fun water activities. Boating around the island, swimming, camping, and especially snorkeling to see coral reefs always delight travelers.
Cù Lao Chàm Island is famous for its rich and diverse flora and fauna, recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve in 2009. Particularly, the marine area of Cù Lao Chàm boasts over 300 coral species, belonging to 40 genera and 17 families, making it a popular destination for tourists to experience coral reef diving services.
To admire the coral reefs here, visitors can choose from various types of services such as snorkeling, scuba diving with an air tank, or walking underwater with specialized clothing. However, in this article, Cù Lao Chàm Tour introduces two popular activities: Snorkeling and Diving.
When traveling to Hoi An and visiting Cù Lao Chàm, you can freely swim in the cool water and admire the sparkling coral reefs. It’s like a colorful painting with marine creatures hidden under the sun shining through the clear blue water. You will witness the enchanting beauty of the underwater world with rare and exotic coral species that are hard to find elsewhere.
During the coral diving experience at Cu Lao Cham, tourists need to pay attention to the following:
- Those with a history of diseases related to blood pressure, respiratory, or cardiovascular issues should not participate, or must consult their own doctor before joining
- Before entering the sea, check the life jacket carefully
- Warm up your arms and legs, heat up your body before entering the sea to avoid cramps
- Absolutely do not jump directly into the sea to avoid sudden changes in pressure and temperature
An Bang Beach
An Bang Beach in Hoi An is very attractive with its clear blue water and smooth sand stretching along the coast, swaying with the wind. You may wonder how a quiet deserted beach can be fun? But it is precisely this tranquility that creates a unique highlight for An Bang.
Previously, An Bang was just a place for relaxation for the people living around the area. An Bang is where children play and have fun in the wind. But since appearing on the list of the 100 most beautiful beaches in the world on CNN’s website in 2013, An Bang has received attention from tourists and local authorities. The government is supporting the local people in developing tourism in An Bang through activities such as upgrading infrastructure, planting more greenery, improving public beaches, preserving the environment, ensuring security and order, planning the area for businesses, and publicly posting prices…
When you visit An Bang, you will immerse yourself in cool water, sunbathe, and enjoy delicious seafood at very affordable prices. Additionally, in the evening at An Bang beach, you can also enjoy famous local specialties in Hoi An such as rice paper, sizzling pancakes, chicken rice, Phuong bread, smashed rice cakes…
Hoi An Ancient Town Night Market
Regardless of which Hoi An tour you choose, remember to allocate an evening to explore the Hoi An Night Market. The Hoi An Night Market is a familiar place for both domestic and international tourists to visit the ancient town. Besides shopping, strolling, or admiring the scenery, you can also learn about and explore the cultural lifestyle of the people in Hoi An.
Hoi An night market runs from 5 pm to 11 pm. Walking through the market area, you will see a variety of products, including some local specialties such as clay figurines, souvenir ceramics from Thanh Ha pottery village, fabrics, silk, colorful lanterns, and famous Hoi An dishes like Quang noodles, Cao Lau, lotus seed sweet soup, and clams with rice paper… Each product, each dish carries the essence of the ancient town.
The prices at Hoi An night market are quite friendly and suitable for various social classes. When shopping here, bargaining is necessary, but prices are not sky-high, and with a little bargaining, you can buy items at the right or close to the right value.
Traveling to the ancient town of Hoi An and visiting the night market area in Hoi An to discover more interesting things and buy local products is a wonderful experience that you shouldn’t miss. After exploring the night market area, you can visit the Japanese Covered Bridge and stroll through the ancient town to admire the scenery and take souvenir photos. If you want to find a quiet corner to admire the town at night, the cafes with high-rise views overlooking the streets and the Hoai River will be a perfect suggestion.
Day 3: 7 Mẫu Coconut Forest – Hoi An Market
On the last day of the 3-day 2-night Hoi An tour, you will be taken back to the countryside life of the rivers and water when visiting the 7 Mẫu Coconut Forest in Hoi An.
With spacious, large, and pristine surroundings, the Seven Beauties Water Coconut Forest in Cam Thanh commune, Hoi An City attracts many tourists to come and explore, have fun, and entertain.
From Hoi An Ancient Town, visitors can head southeast along the Hoai River for about 3km to reach the forest. Or go downstream towards the sea along Cua Dai Road, to the De Vong River, where there are units to welcome visitors for sightseeing. The Seven Beauties Water Coconut Forest covers tens of hectares adjacent to the De Vong, Thu Bon, and Hoai rivers in the Cua Dai area. Being a brackish water area, it is very suitable for water coconut cultivation.
From the large boat, a few dozen meters away from the coconut forest, tourists will be taken down to the coracle to sneak into the coconut forest. Each coracle carries 2-3 tourists and one rower, slowly gliding into the coconut forest for exploration. Here, you will be guided by staff to make small, cute toys from coconut leaves to give to tourists as souvenirs, such as ant eyes, rings, or hats… to make as souvenirs. This will surely be an interesting experience in your 3-day 2-night Hoi An tour!
Hoi An Market
“To understand the life, culture, customs… of a land, visit the market of that land.” Perhaps this saying is always true, at least for Hoi An. When you come to Hoi An Market, you seem to forget that you are just a tourist visiting the market, but you will feel like you are a Quang local, a Hoi street resident returning to visit your homeland.
Hoi An Market is located at the intersection of Tran Phu, Bach Dang, and Nguyen Thai Hoc streets, right in the center of the ancient town. It only takes a few minutes of walking to reach this market.
When visiting Hoi An Market, you can find any type of food from savory to sweet, from breakfast, lunch to dinner. The food area in the market is divided into rice dishes, Cao Lau stalls, Quang noodle stalls, noodle stalls, cake stalls, drink stalls, dessert stalls… so it’s very easy for you to find what you’re looking for.
Amidst the stalls, there is a connection between them so you can sit in one place and still enjoy all the different dishes in the market, as the stall owners bring them to you.
If you like to eat to your heart’s content, you can choose dishes like Cao Lau, Mi Quang, Com Ga… If you’re in the mood for some fun eating, various cakes such as white rose cake, banh vac, mango cake, banh bot loc, banh xeo… are excellent choices.
After a satisfying meal, nothing beats a dessert like a smoothie or various types of sweet soups such as mung bean sweet soup, green bean sweet soup, lotus seed sweet soup, grass jelly, and more…
In front of the market, there is a stall selling grilled food, always emitting a fragrant smoke with grilled corn, grilled pork skewers, lemongrass grilled meat… For just 5,000 VND for a skewer of grilled meat or pork, you also get complimentary vegetables, rice paper, and a delicious sweet and sour dipping sauce to enjoy.
If you are worried about being overcharged in tourist cities, then when you visit Hoi An market, you can be completely at ease. The eateries in the market all display their prices upfront. The food here is delicious, the service is attentive, and the prices are affordable.
The prices for dishes like Cao Lau, Mi Quang, rice… range from 20,000 to 35,000 VND, while for desserts, cakes, and drinks, you only need 5,000-10,000 VND to enjoy.
Hoi An market is a culinary paradise where you can find all the delicious specialties of Central Vietnam, Quang Nam, and Hoi An.
Eating Tips for a 3-day 2-night Tour in Hoi An
Being a cultural melting pot, the cuisine in Hoi An is undoubtedly diverse. Few can resist a long list of must-try dishes when visiting Hoi An.
Cao Lau
As a signature dish showcasing the diverse cuisine of Hoi An, Cao Lau features thick noodles similar to Japanese soba; Chinese-style char siu pork; served with fresh herbs and crispy rice crackers Vietnamese style.
Delicious food addresses:
- Cao lầu Thanh: 26 Thái Phiên
- Quán Không Gian Xanh: 687 Hai Bà Trung
- Cao lầu Liên: 9 Thái Phiên
Hến xào – Bánh đập
Bánh đập is a unique cake, a combination of dry and wet rice paper. When eating, you have to gently tap to make the two types of cakes stick together. The most rustic way to eat bánh đập is to dip it in fish sauce, sometimes accompanied by stir-fried clams for added variety.
Delicious food addresses:
- Quán Bà Già: Thôn 1, xã Cẩm Nam
Chicken rice
Chicken rice is considered a famous specialty that no independent Hoi An travel guide can miss. The sticky rice is cooked with chicken broth and turmeric for a golden color. The boiled chicken is mixed with salad, a bit of onions, shredded papaya, herbs, and sweet and sour fish sauce for a rich flavor.
Delicious food addresses:
- Bà Buội Chicken Rice: 26 Phan Châu Trinh
- Xí Chicken Rice: 47/2 Trần Hưng Đạo
- Ty Chicken Rice: 25-27 Phan Châu Trinh
Banh xeo – Grilled pork rolls
Being a province in Central Vietnam, Hoi An’s banh xeo is a small, crispy pancake filled with meat, shrimp, and squid. Some places even serve banh xeo with grilled pork rolls, creating another enticing version of this familiar dish.
Delicious food addresses:
- Bá Lễ Well: 45/51 Trần Hưng Đạo
Banh bao – Banh vac
These two steamed rice cakes, banh bao with meat and shiitake mushrooms, and banh vac with minced shrimp, are served with fried shallots and eaten with sweet and sour chili fish sauce. These rustic cakes are a delight.
Delicious food addresses:
- White Rose Restaurant: 533 Hai Bà Trưng
Banh mi
As the “national dish” of Vietnam, Hoi An’s banh mi is still highly sought after by travelers exploring Hoi An on their own. A loaf of banh mi filled with char siu, grilled meat, pork sausage, pate, homemade butter, pickles, and more will surely charm anyone, whether you are a fan of this dish or not.
Delicious food addresses:
- Banh mi Phuong: 2B Phan Chu Trinh
- Banh mi Madam Khanh: 115 Tran Cao Van
Grilled skewered meat
If you ask what street food Hoi An has, the answer is grilled skewered meat. After an afternoon strolling through the ancient town, stop by the Hoai River, enjoy the charcoal-grilled meat skewers, served with crunchy pickled papaya, and the unique sauce of each eatery.
Delicious food addresses:
- Quan Anh: 132 Nguyen Thai Hoc
- Quan Ba Huong – Grilled meat with wet cake: Tran Phu intersection – Tieu La, Minh An Ward
- Grilled skewered meat in the Old Town: Beginning of Bach Dang Street, near the pedestrian bridge over the river
What to buy as gifts when traveling to Hoi An?
What to buy in Hoi An is a common concern for anyone visiting this ancient town. If you are unsure of what to buy in Hoi An as gifts for your loved ones and friends, check out the suggestions below:
Hoi An lanterns
Lanterns are considered an indispensable symbol of Hoi An. Walking along the peaceful streets, you will admire the beauty of thousands of lanterns with diverse colors and designs.
Not only that, if you don’t know what to buy in Hoi An as a gift, you can also choose a lantern here. Hoi An lanterns are usually made of paper, can be folded neatly so that visitors from afar can easily keep them.
Hoi An Silk
Silk is also an ideal choice for travelers who don’t know what to buy in Hoi An. Walking on the ancient streets, you will come across many silk shops with a wide variety of products. Hoi An silk is cool and soft, making it an ideal gift for family and friends.
And of course, if you don’t know what to buy in Hoi An, don’t miss out on the charming souvenirs here. The most attractive souvenirs of Hoi An are well-known to be: small bronze statues, beautiful ceramics, or unique artistic paintings with rich cultural colors of Hoi An.
Food as a gift
On the other hand, if you are wondering what to buy in Hoi An as gifts, don’t miss out on the extremely attractive local specialties such as: Banh it la gai, Hoi An chili sauce, Hoi An green bean cake, Hong Dao wine,… These specialties carry the vibrant colors of Hoi An and are a very meaningful gift for loved ones and friends.
Some things to keep in mind when traveling to Hoi An
- Hoi An in the morning is particularly peaceful and quiet, with only local people preparing for their day. Don’t hesitate to wake up early to fully enjoy the beauty of the ancient town.
- Hoi An is most beautiful during full moon festivals or traditional holidays, so it can be very crowded with tourists during these times. It’s best to book your hotel in Hoi An in advance to be well-prepared for your trip.
- The items commonly purchased by tourists as souvenirs in Hoi An are lanterns, handicrafts, or tailor-made services in the ancient town. For tailored clothes, you should allow time for alterations to get the most satisfying outfit.
- Although the weather in Hoi An is not too harsh, the city is susceptible to flooding. Pay attention to the weather forecast if you do not want to travel during this time.
Here is Cuong’s sharing about the experience of a 3-day 2-night self-sufficient and affordable tour in Hoi An. However, when going on a 3-day 2-night self-sufficient trip to Hoi An, the corresponding services may not be as perfect as some of you expect. Therefore, if you do not want your Hoi An trip to have additional complications or issues, then choose a full-package tour to Hoi An! Wishing you a fun and meaningful journey to explore the ancient town of Hoi An! Like and share to receive more useful travel experiences from Cuong! Thank you for watching the video.
