How many days in Hoi An? 3 days of lanterns, tailors and riverside villages
By Tony Panopoulos · travel-agency planner in Greece · Updated
Hoi An was a trading port where Chinese, Japanese and European merchants met from the 15th to the 19th century, and its Ancient Town of yellow merchant houses survived almost intact (UNESCO). Three days fits it perfectly: one for the old town by day and by lantern-light, one for the countryside (a cooking class in the herb village of Tra Que, basket boats in the coconut forest, An Bang beach), and one for the Cham temples of My Son or the bridges and beaches of Da Nang. It is also famous for its tailors, who make clothes to measure in 24-48 hours.
Short answer
Two days covers the old town, a tailor and one countryside experience. The third adds My Son or Da Nang, and time for fittings.
The 3-day plan, day by day
Day 1: The Ancient Town
Morning. Buy the Ancient Town ticket (about VND 120,000), which gives entry to five of about 20 heritage sites, and visit early: the Japanese Covered Bridge (restored in 2024), the Tan Ky Old House, a merchant's home of 1741, and the Fujian Assembly Hall with its dragon fountain.
Afternoon. Choose a tailor and order a suit, dress or shirt: bring a photo of what you want, agree the price and plan two fittings. Then rest through the midday heat.
Evening. After dark, the Ancient Town glows with silk lanterns. Take a small boat on the Thu Bon river (about VND 150,000-200,000 per boat) and float a paper lantern with a candle for luck, then eat at the night market.
The streets of the Ancient Town are closed to motorbikes at certain hours, making evening walks pleasant.
Day 2: Tra Que, the coconut forest and An Bang
Morning. Cycle 3 km through rice fields to Tra Que, a village that grows herbs for the town's restaurants, for a cooking class (about US$25-40), often starting with a market visit and a lesson in the village's farming methods.
Afternoon. Visit the Bay Mau coconut forest in Cam Thanh for a ride in a round basket boat (thung chai), whose rowers spin them in circles for fun (about VND 150,000-200,000 per person).
Evening. Cycle to An Bang Beach (about 5 km), with beach restaurants and bars, for sunset and grilled seafood.
Most hotels lend bicycles for free; Hoi An's flat roads are perfect for cycling.
Day 3: My Son Sanctuary or Da Nang
Morning. Visit My Son (UNESCO, about VND 150,000), the ruins of Hindu temples built by the Champa kingdom from the 4th to 13th centuries in a jungle valley, about 1 hour away. Go at opening for cooler air and fewer people.
Afternoon. Return to Hoi An for your final tailor fitting, or go to Da Nang (about 45 minutes): the Marble Mountains with caves and pagodas, My Khe beach, and the Dragon Bridge, which breathes fire on weekend nights.
Evening. For a last dinner, try cao lầu, the noodle dish said to be made only in Hoi An.
The Golden Bridge held by giant stone hands is at Ba Na Hills (about 1.5 hours from Hoi An), a crowded theme park with a cable car (expensive).
Only have 2 days?
With 2 days, do Day 1 and Day 2.
Got extra days?
With more time, visit Hue, the old imperial capital (about 3-4 hours, via the Hai Van Pass, a famous coastal road), or the caves of Phong Nha.
Where to stay in Hoi An
| Budget | Area | Why | Typical double/night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | Homestays near the Ancient Town | Family-run, free bikes, walk to the old town. | VND 400,000-800,000 |
| Mid-range | Riverside hotels near the Ancient Town | Pools, walk to the lanterns at night. | VND 1,000,000-2,000,000 |
| Mid-range | An Bang / Cua Dai beach | Beach villas 10-15 minutes by bike from town. | VND 1,000,000-2,500,000 |
| Comfort | Luxury resorts between Hoi An and Da Nang | Beachfront resorts with spas. | VND 5,000,000-15,000,000 |
Getting around
Walk or cycle in Hoi An. Use Grab for longer trips. Da Nang airport is about 45 minutes away by car (around VND 300,000-400,000). Trains and buses go north to Hue and south from Da Nang. Most nationalities need an e-visa for Vietnam.
What to eat in Hoi An
Hoi An is one of Vietnam's food capitals. Eat cao lầu (chewy noodles with pork and herbs), white rose dumplings (bánh bao vạc, shrimp in rice paper), mì Quảng (turmeric noodles in a little broth), cơm gà (Hoi An chicken rice) and the famous bánh mì at Bánh Mì Phượng, praised by Anthony Bourdain. Street meals cost VND 30,000-70,000; riverside restaurants more. Drink fresh coconut and Vietnamese iced coffee.
Best time to visit
February to April, with warm, dry weather (highs of 25-30°C), is ideal. May to August is hot (often 35°C) but good for the beach. September to December is the rainy season, and in October and November the river often floods the Ancient Town, sometimes for days. The Full Moon Lantern Festival is held each month on the 14th day of the lunar calendar.
Month-by-month weather for Hoi An →
What a day costs
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing a double) | VND 250,000 | VND 700,000 | VND 3,000,000 |
| Food & drink | VND 250,000 | VND 500,000 | VND 1,200,000 |
| Sights & activities | VND 150,000 | VND 500,000 | VND 1,500,000 |
| Transport | VND 50,000 | VND 200,000 | VND 600,000 |
| Total per person, per day | about VND 700,000 | about VND 1,900,000 | about VND 6,300,000 |
Approximate 2026 prices in Vietnamese dong (very roughly VND 27,000-28,000 to €1). Tailored clothes are extra: a suit costs about US$100-250 depending on fabric and tailor.
Before you go
Common questions
How do I choose a tailor in Hoi An?
Look at recent reviews, check the fabric and the finishing of sample garments, agree the price in writing, and allow time for at least two fittings. The cheapest tailors are rarely the best.
Is the Ancient Town ticket required?
You need it to enter the heritage houses, assembly halls and museums included in it, and officials may check it at some entrances to the old town.
When is the lantern festival?
Every month on the full moon (the 14th day of the lunar month), the town turns off electric lights and floats lanterns on the river. Lanterns are lit every evening, though.
Does Hoi An flood?
Yes, often in October and November during the rainy season. Travel then is possible, but plans may change.
Hoi An or Da Nang as a base?
Hoi An for charm and the old town; Da Nang for a big city beach, the airport and cheaper modern hotels. They are 45 minutes apart.
Is Hoi An good for families?
Yes: cycling, basket boats, cooking classes and the beach are all fun for children.
Is My Son worth the trip?
Yes for history lovers: it is the most important Champa site in Vietnam, though many temples were damaged by bombing in the war. Go early.
How this guide was made
Written by hand, without AI, from experience planning Vietnam trips. Prices are approximate for 2026 in dong; confirm on the official Hoi An tourism, My Son Sanctuary and e-visa websites before booking.
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