Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Hoi An?

Q: Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Hoi An?

A weekend is usually not enough time to experience the quaint town of Hoi An, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. You don't want to miss the chance to browse around the old town, dine out at amazing restaurants, find the best deals at the shops, and spend time at the museums. So, you'll likely want more than a weekend, as many tourists set aside around two to three days for their visit. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your journey.

Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Hoi An?

Many visitors spend two to three days in Hoi An during their trip. If you're not sure how much time you might need here, we have the answers because your journey calls for making the most of every moment. The town offers the chance to browse around the old town, dine out at amazing restaurants, find the best deals at the shops, and spend time at the museums.

Hội An is a charming town on the central coast of Vietnam. The old town is filled with yellow buildings and in the evening it lights up with lanterns. The town's local cuisine can only be found in this setting, so don't miss out on the truly unique dishes. Tailor made clothing is also a local specialty.

Do you have one or two days to visit Hoi An? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is one day enough time in Hoi An?

Hoi An offers plenty of activities and attractions and remains a top choice for tourists. One day is probably not enough time here. You might feel rushed to see the main attractions of Hoi An such as the historic old town, the food, shopping, and the famous sights and museums. To thoroughly enjoy all that the town has to offer, you'll probably want more time. Most travelers schedule two to three days to fully experience the quaint town. Nevertheless, if time is of the essence, we have some nice suggestions for your visit.

How to spend a day in Hoi An

The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. The charming old town is recognizable for its striking yellow color and its many tailor shops. It feels like a living museum, and the evening hours are particularly special with the town's lanterns lighting the way.

The culinary scene in Hoi An is world famous, and draws visitors from around the globe. Make sure you spend time enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this town's best restaurants. And consider a food tour, too. Many are either a half day or just a few hours, so you can fit one into your schedule easily. The local cuisine is truly unique from the rest of Vietnam. It's considered to be a culinary city with interesting recipes that depend on local ingredients that can't be found outside of the region. Specialty dishes of the city include Cao Lầu (pork and rice noodles), Bánh Bao Bánh Vạc (white rose dumplings), and Cơm Gà Hoi An (Hoi An chicken rice).

Hoi An is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the town, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. There are "walking hours" when motorized vehicles aren't allowed in the old town, and this is a particularly good time to explore on foot.

Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Hoi An?

A weekend is usually not enough time to experience the quaint town of Hoi An, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. You don't want to miss the chance to browse around the old town, dine out at amazing restaurants, find the best deals at the shops, and spend time at the museums. So, you'll likely want more than a weekend, as many tourists set aside around two to three days for their visit. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your journey.

Hoi An, Vietnam

How to spend 2 days in Hoi An

If you have more than a weekend (two to three days) in Hoi An, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the town has to offer.

Shopping in Hoi An is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. It is considered to be one of the best and most affordable cities in the world for tailor made clothing. Pop in a shop and have your measurements made. You can pick out a design and in a day or two return for your custom made outfit. It's a truly unique shopping experience.

Hoi An is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The city is beautiful during the day with its traditional architecture, as well as at night when it is lit with lanterns.

The public transit in Hoi An is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the town quite easily and affordably. Biking, taxis, and motorbikes are the most popular ways to explore the area.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Hoi An, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.