Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Hoi An?

Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks 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 weeks 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 week enough time in Hoi An?

With one week at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Hoi An has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Hoi An as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can browse around the old town, dine out at amazing restaurants, find the best deals at the shops, and spend time at the museums at your own pace. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.

How to spend a week 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.

You'll want to have around 1 hour for Tan Ky Old House. It's a nice activity for backpackers and is known for its well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture and rich cultural heritage. It's entrance fee costs approximately 80,000 VND for adults with discounts often available for children and students.

It's worth around 2 hours for My Son Sanctuary. Entry is approximately 150,000 VND for adults, with discounted rates for children and students; prices may vary and guides can be hired separately.. It's known for its ancient Champa temple ruins and UNESCO World Heritage religious complex surrounded by lush jungle.

Make sure to set aside around 2 hours for Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, which is ₫30000. It's great for backpackers and is known for its beautiful traditional Chinese architecture and significance to the Fujian Chinese community in Hoi An.

It's worth around 2 hours for Hoi An Lantern Market. Entry is free. It's known for its colorful traditional lanterns and lively night market atmosphere.

You'll want to have around 2 hours for Hoi An Night Market. It's a nice activity for families and couples and is known for its colorful lantern displays, local street food, and handicrafts in a lively nighttime setting. It's free.

Central Market Hoi An is worth visiting for around 2 hours, which is great for families. Known for its wide range of local food, fresh produce, traditional crafts, and vibrant atmosphere offering an authentic Hoi An experience, entry is free.

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.

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.

It's worth around 2 hours for Hoi An Lantern Market. Entry is free. It's known for its colorful traditional lanterns and lively night market atmosphere.

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.

A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Hoi An, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. The old town is like a living museum. It's pedestrian-friendly and filled with beautiful yellow buildings. Highlights of the town include the Phung Hung House, Fukian Assembly Hall, and the Hoi An Museum.

You'll want to have around 1 hour for Museum of Trade Ceramics. It's a nice activity for backpackers and is known for its extensive collection of maritime trade ceramics and its insight into Hoi An's historical role as a trading port. It's around 30,000 VND for adults, with lower prices for children and sometimes free entry for very young kids..

Make sure to set aside around 2 hours for Thu Bon River, which is free. It's great for families and couples and is known for its beautiful boat rides, traditional wooden boats, and enchanting lantern-lit evenings during festivals.

Quan Cong Temple is worth visiting for around 1 hour, which is great for backpackers. Known for its traditional Vietnamese temple architecture and dedication to the revered General Quan Cong, entry is free.

There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Hoi An.

Perhaps the most famous spot in Hoi An is the Fukian Assembly Hall, so make sure you set aside some time to check it out. It might not be at the top of your list, but it's worth experiencing during your trip.

The beautiful beaches await you in Hoi An, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. There is a long stretch of sandy beach in the area, that can be broken into five different sections. Some areas are privately owned, but there is still plenty of public beach to choose from. An Bang Beach is the most developed and popular beach in the area. Coconut Beach is the most luxurious, and Ha My Beach is similar to An Bang, but smaller.

You'll want to have around 3 hours for An Bang Beach. It's a nice activity for families and couples and is known for its clean sandy shores, relaxed atmosphere, and proximity to Hoi An's historic town. It's free.

Cua Dai Beach is worth visiting for around 3 hours, which is great for families and couples. Known for its white sandy shores, calm waters, and proximity to the charming town of Hoi An, entry is free.

A few tour suggestions include:

My Son - Danang from Tien Sa cruise harbor ($150)
Cruiseship Trip from TIEN SA or CHAN MAY Port to MY SON HOLYLAND & DA NANG City ($154)
Cruiseship Tour to MY SON HOLYLAND - DA NANG CITY From Chan May or Tien Sa Port ($179)

After you've explored most of Hoi An, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.

Because this is a world-class shopping destination, you'll need yet another day to find the best deals. Each area of Hoi An offers a different vibe and atmosphere, and along with it, different styles of shops.

Is 2 weeks enough time in Hoi An?

Two weeks is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to Hoi An, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. Browse around the old town, dine out at amazing restaurants, find the best deals at the shops, and spend time at the museums on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Hoi An as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding area.

Hoi An, Vietnam

How to spend 2 weeks in Hoi An

With 2 weeks in Hoi An, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy everything the town has to offer at your own relaxed pace. You'll want to spend plenty of time relaxing on the beach, exploring the historic town, dining at local restaurants, and browsing the shops. You can also relax at your hotel, or casually explore this town looking for hidden gems. Also, consider taking some day trips to nearby destinations where you can explore more of the region.

A few trip suggestions:

My Son - Danang from Tien Sa cruise harbor ($150)
Cruiseship Trip from TIEN SA or CHAN MAY Port to MY SON HOLYLAND & DA NANG City ($154)
Cruiseship Tour to MY SON HOLYLAND - DA NANG CITY From Chan May or Tien Sa Port ($179)
My Son - Danang from Tien Sa cruise harbor ($180)
Cruiseship Trip to GOLDEN BRIDGE & MY SON SANCTUARY from CHAN MAY orTIEN SA Port ($189)

More Info

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