🌏 Hoi An Travel Guide

🏙️ City Introduction

Hoi An is located in central Vietnam, approximately 30 kilometers from Da Nang, a 30-40 minute drive. Hoi An Ancient Town was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 for its preserved ancient architecture, including Chinese-style guild halls, Japanese-style bridges, French-style buildings, and traditional Vietnamese houses.
When night falls, the whole ancient city is lit up with lanterns, and the atmosphere is so romantic that it feels like walking into an ancient scene.

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📍 Must-visit tourist hotspots

1. Hoi An Ancient Town

• A World Cultural Heritage, it preserves the port city landscape from the 15th to the 19th century.
• There are Chinese guild halls, Japanese buildings and old French houses on the street.
• The place is full of lanterns at night, which is super romantic.

2. Japanese Bridge (Chùa Cầu)

• Also known as "Laiyuan Bridge", it is the most representative landmark of Hoi An.
• Built by Japanese merchants in the 16th century, there is a small temple on the bridge.

3. Lantern Night View & Water Lantern Festival

• Every night, the lanterns along the river in the ancient city light up, which is super dreamy.
• You can buy a small water lantern and release it into the Thu Bồn River for good luck.

4. Thu Bon River Cruise

• Take a boat tour to explore the ancient city river scenery, which is especially romantic at night.

5. Hoi An Night Market

• The riverside night market is bustling with handicrafts, lanterns, and special snacks.
• It is a good place for buyers to get information.

6. An Bang Beach

• It is about 5 kilometers away from the ancient city and can be reached by bicycle.
• The beach is clean and less crowded than Da Nang, perfect for relaxing.

7. My Son Sanctuary

• It is about a 1-hour drive from Hoi An.
• The remains of the Champa Kingdom are known as the "Little Angkor Wat of Vietnam".

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🍜 Must-try food in Hoi An

1. High Floor (Cao Lầu)

• Hoi An's unique rice noodles have a texture somewhere between udon and pho.
• It is served with barbecued pork, vanilla and crackers, which makes it very layered.

2. White Rose Dumplings (Bánh Bao Bánh Vạc)

• Small steamed dumplings shaped like flower petals, made with shrimp or pork wrapped in rice wrappers.
• It is a traditional dim sum unique to Hoi An.

3. Chicken Rice (Cơm Gà Hội An)

• Yellow chicken rice, served with hand-shredded chicken and herbs.
• Affordable and delicious.

4. Vietnamese Pancake (Bánh Xèo)

• The crispy pancakes are filled with shrimp and bean sprouts, and are wrapped in lettuce for a refreshing and non-greasy meal.

5. Hoi An Cafe

• There are many hipster coffee shops in the old town, located in ancient houses, with a first-class atmosphere.
• I recommend trying the Vietnamese coconut coffee, which is sweet and smooth.

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🚖 Transportation Guide

1. How to get to Hoi An

• Nearest airport: Da Nang International Airport.
• Danang → Hoi An :
  • Chartered car or taxi: about 30-40 minutes.
  • Buses: Cheap but limited.
  • Grab: Convenient and transparent.

2. Transportation in Hoi An

• Walking : The ancient city is small and is best suited for a slow tour.
• Bicycles : Many B&Bs provide free bicycles, so you can ride them to An Bang Beach to sunbathe.
• Motorcycle : Suitable for visiting My Son Sanctuary or nearby attractions.

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🌟 A friendly reminder from the editor

• Best time to travel : The weather is best from February to August; there may be a rainy season from October to December.
• The most beautiful scene is at night : it is recommended to stay overnight to enjoy the night view.
• Ancient City Entrance Ticket : You need to purchase a ticket (approximately 120,000 VND) to enter the main attractions of the ancient city, where you can visit many guild halls and ancient houses.
• Dressing recommendations : Light clothing is recommended for hot days and a light jacket is recommended for cool nights.
• Cash preparation : Most night markets and small shops accept cash, so remember to bring enough Vietnamese dong.

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✨ Summary:
Hoi An is a romantic, quaint, and heartwarming town. During the day, you can leisurely admire ancient buildings and cycle to the beach; at night, you can immerse yourself in the sea of ​​lanterns and the riverside night market. Whether you're a couple, a backpacker, or a family, you're sure to love this destination.

🗓️Da Nang + Hoi An 4 Days 3 Nights Itinerary

📌 Day 1: Arrive in Danang | First beach experience

• Morning/Noon

  • Arrive at Da Nang International Airport and check into the hotel (it is recommended to stay near the beach for easy relaxation).
  • Lunch: Try the local specialty , Mì Quảng rice noodles .

• afternoon

  • 【My Khe Beach】Walk, swim or sunbathe.
  • Sit in a seaside cafe and enjoy the slow-paced atmosphere.

• night

  • Dinner: Seafood feast (grilled lobster and clam chowder are must-try).
  • Go to Dragon Bridge to enjoy the night view (you can watch the fire show on weekends).

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📌 Day 2: Ba Na Hills | Da Nang Culture

• Morning

  • After breakfast, we will depart for Bà Nà Hills.
  • Must-see: Golden Bridge .
  • Wander around French towns and theme parks.

• noon

  • There is a buffet restaurant in Ba Na Hills for convenient dining.

• afternoon

  • Take the cable car down the mountain → Head to [Marble Mountains].
  • Visit the cave Buddhist temple and climb up to enjoy the view.

• night

  • Return to Da Nang city.
  • Dinner: Try Bún Chả Cá, a rice noodle dish with fish cakes .
  • You can go to Rooftop Bar to enjoy the night view.

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📌 Day 3: Danang → Hoi An | Romantic Ancient City

• Morning

  • After breakfast, check out and take a bus to Hoi An (approximately 40 minutes).
  • Check in to hotel near Hoi An Ancient Town.

• noon

  • Lunch: Try Cao Lầu, a high-end noodle dish .

• afternoon

  • Wandering around Hoi An Ancient Town:
    • Japanese Bridge
    • Chinese Hall
    • French old house
    • Check in at a coffee shop (Coconut Coffee is recommended)

• night

  • Dinner: Try Hoi An’s signature white rose dumplings and chicken rice.
  • Take a Thu Bon River cruise and experience the floating of water lanterns.
  • Hoi An Night Market: Buy souvenirs and enjoy the night view of lanterns.

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📌 Day 4: Relaxing on the beach | Preparing for the return trip

• Morning

  • After breakfast, rent a bicycle to go to An Bang Beach to enjoy the sunshine and sea breeze.
  • Or take a Hoi An cooking class to experience local culture.

• noon

  • Lunch: Enjoy another delicious Hoi An meal.

• afternoon

  • Return to Da Nang International Airport for your return flight.

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🌟 Editor's reminder

• Currency exchange : It is recommended to exchange money in Da Nang city, as the exchange rate is usually better than at the airport.
• Best travel season : February to August (sunny), September to November (rainy season), December to January (slightly cooler).
• Transportation : It is recommended to use Grab or charter a car from Da Nang to Hoi An, which is convenient and fast.
• Luggage arrangement : beach + ancient city = swimsuit + light clothes + comfortable shoes.
• Don’t miss out on the night view of Hoi An Ancient Town!

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✨ Summary:
This itinerary allows you to enjoy a beach vacation in Danang, check in at Ba Na Hills, and the romantic night view of Hoi An Ancient Town all in one. 4 days is just the right time to have fun without feeling rushed.