Hoi An Day Trip: How to Experience the Ancient Town in One Day

Arrive early (ideally by 8:00 or 9:00 am) to catch the market at its most lively. Browse fresh produce, chatty vendors, and stacks of herbs. Grab a local breakfast, like banh mi or mi quang noodles, at a street stall—flavors here are gentle, savory, and deeply satisfying.

Don’t Miss:

• Japanese Covered Bridge: Hoi An’s 400-year-old landmark.
• Old merchant houses (Tan Ky, Phung Hung): Atmospheric interiors and family history.
• Assembly Halls: Bright, incense-swirled spaces showing Chinese roots—Fujian Assembly Hall is a favorite.

Refuel with a classic cao lau noodle bowl, filled with pork, herbs, and crunchy crackers—a Hoi An specialty. For souvenirs or hands-on fun, join a lantern-making class, shop for silk scarves, or visit a tailor (Hoi An is famous for same-day custom clothes).

Rent a bicycle and peddle past yellow walls to Tra Que Vegetable Village (see farmers at work, try herbal foot soaks) or continue on to An Bang Beach for a quick swim and fresh coconut. Easy, flat roads make for a relaxed ride.

As afternoon fades, return riverside. Watch boats drift on the Thu Bon as lanterns flicker to life, and enjoy people-watching at a café (try CoCoBox or Hoi An Roastery). After dark, the night market on Nguyen Hoang Street fills with street food, crafts, and glowing lanterns—bring your camera and your appetite.

• From Da Nang: 45 min by car/taxi, or direct shuttle bus. Local buses and private motorbike rental available.
• From Hue: ~3 hours by car, morning transfer advised.
• Biking: Possible from Da Nang for active travelers (25km), but best in cool weather.

Tip: Arrive early for cooler temps and to enjoy the quietest streets.

• Old Town is best explored on foot or by bike—cars are banned from most streets.
• Entry ticket (120,000 VND) covers five heritage sites—buy from official booths.
• Dress light/shady—Hoi An is hot and humid, hats & water recommended.
• Respect local businesses: always ask before photographing inside shops or homes.

Visit our flagship MR.VIET outlet on Phan Chu Trinh.

Is it possible to see Hoi An in a single day?
Yes. A well-planned day covers Old Town sights, local eats, a river sunset, and the night market—with time left for a little shopping. Many travelers base in Da Nang and day-trip to Hoi An; if that’s your plan, these picks help: Danang beachfront hotels for a comfy base, plus post-trip options in Da Nang nightlife. For bigger trip structure, see the Vietnam Itinerary 10 Days.

Can I get clothes tailored in just one day?
Some tailors do 24-hour turnarounds, but next-day pickup is more reliable for custom work. Swap contacts and measurements via messaging to speed things up—our Vietnam SIM/eSIM guide shows how to stay connected. For etiquette at fittings and payments, see Tipping in Vietnam.

Is Hoi An night market open every evening?
Usually from dusk to about 10 pm, with the biggest buzz on weekends. If you’re timing lantern walks and river cruises, check the season—our Vietnam weather by month (and the broader Best Time to Visit Vietnam) help you pick the driest windows.

What’s the best way to combine Hoi An Old Town with the beach?
Rent a bike for flexibility and budget 1–2 hours for An Bang Beach. If you’re based in Da Nang, you can pair Hoi An with a coastal morning or sunset at the Son Tra Peninsula or a quick stop at the Marble Mountains.

Are there vegan/vegetarian street food options?
Yes—look for cơm chay stalls, tofu dishes, and fruit smoothies around the Old Town. Continuing your food journey elsewhere? Compare regional flavors with our Hanoi street food tour or noodle deep-dive in Best Pho in Hanoi.