Hoi An Itinerary: 3 Perfect Days in Lantern Town

Created by Hoang Anh at 2024-12-20 09:23:31 , Updated by Hoang Anh at 2024-12-21 08:59:45
Discover the best places to stay, top attractions, cultural activities, and essential travel tips for an unforgettable experience in this UNESCO World Heritage Site

Hoi An is the Lantern Town of Vietnam and beckons travelers to experience the magical charm, pulsating culture, and breathtakingly beautiful landscape. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, nestled in central Vietnam, is renowned for its well preserved ancient town filled with colorful lanterns and scrumptious cuisine. Be it history, foodie, or beach aficionado, Hoi An has a lot in store that promises an unforgettable journey.

Bustling Hoi An

Bustling Hoi An (Source: CrystalBay)

Why You Should Visit Hoi An

Hoi An easily wins the hearts of all visitors. This place, located in Central Vietnam, is known worldwide as the Ancient Town full of enchantment, expressed through a harmonious mix of well preserved architecture, colorful lanterns, and rich history. Any walk through its narrow streets, illuminated by lanterns, feels like a genuine step back in time at every turn, with lots of charming shophouses, ancient temples, and bustling markets.

The charm of the town, other than its architecture, comes from being a food heaven serving dishes such as cao lau and banh mi with its active local markets. Only a stone's throw away from pristine beaches, lush rice paddies, and iconic coconut forests, it really offers a great combination of relaxation and adventure.

Beautiful evening in Hoi An

Beautiful evening in Hoi An (Source: HoiAnFoodTour)

Whether it is making lanterns, exploring the surrounding villages, or just attending the magical Full Moon Lantern Festival, Hoi An offers a cultural experience unlike any other. 

Best Accommodations in Hoi An

La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa (Luxury)

La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa is the epitome of luxury and tranquility. Tucked away in the Ancient Town's outskirts, this 5 star resort blends perfectly with the traditional aesthetics of Vietnam and modern comforts. Guest rooms are well appointed through a selection of elegantly designed rooms and suites, many with private balconies overlooking lush gardens or the inviting infinity pool.

World class spa with rejuvenation and treatments, fully equipped fitness center, outstanding dining options featuring local and international cuisines, come with us to enjoy a totally peaceful spot and find our resort just a bicycle or shuttle ride from vibrant Ancient Town. Unwind under our pool or while reclining in a very relaxing session at the Spa, it would be unforgettable.

Swimming Pool in the resort

Swimming Pool in the resort (Source: La Siesta Hoi An)

Little Hoi An Boutique Hotel & Spa (Mid-Range)

Perfectly set along the Thu Bon River, Little Hoi An Boutique Hotel & Spa offers a charming retreat with easy access to Hoi An's Ancient Town. The hotel perfectly mixes a warm, traditional Vietnamese style with modern amenities and features cozy, well appointed rooms equipped with plush beds, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. One can relax by the outdoor swimming pool or enjoy pampering treatments at the on site spa.

Food service in the hotel restaurant represents a wide range of dishes from local and international cuisines, prepared with freshly picked seasonal ingredients. Given its prime riverside location, it is well positioned for exploring the vibrant markets, historic landmarks, and lantern lit streets. This makes it a prime choice for travelers who aim to enjoy comfort and convenience at all times.

A mid range hotel in Hoi An

A mid range hotel in Hoi An (Source: Hotels)

Tribee Cham Hostel (Budget)

Tribee Cham Hostel is a favorite among backpackers and budget conscious travelers. Known for being lively and friendly, it is only a short walk to the Ancient Town, a perfect base for exploring Hoi An. The dormitory and private rooms in this accommodation are simple and clean, comfortable, but very affordable.

Socializing is encouraged through Tribee Cham's abounding communal spaces, along with the daily activities involving cooking classes, walking tours, and even pub crawls that the hostel organizes. Complimentary meals, bicycle rentals, and Internet access come with friendly customer service. The staff gives their utmost to make travelers' memories in this venue unforgettable.

Tribee Cham Hostel

Tribee Cham Hostel (Source: Tripadvisor)

With Tribee Cham Hostel, one surely will have an opportunity to easily meet fellow travelers and comfortably experience Hoi An while on a budget.

3 Day Itinerary of Hoi An

Day 1: Exploring the Ancient Town

Hoi An is the first destination, get to its heart, Ancient Town. Start your day in Hoi An by enjoying a Vietnamese coffee from highly recommended Faifo Coffee as it offers a view of the iconic yellow walled buildings and meandering streets from its rooftop. It is a must to go around the town, home to the 16th century Japanese Covered Bridge that symbolizes Hoi An and the ornate Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation that presents a riot of colors.

Japanese Covered Bridge

Japanese Covered Bridge (Source: goteamjosh)

Lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant (or Fullmoon Restaurant, Little Faifo Restaurant), probably the best place to get going with the real taste of Hoi An, especially on "cao lau". Spend your afternoon browsing in for souvenirs, fabrics, and handicrafts with an immersive atmosphere. Take a peaceful Thu Bon River sunset cruise later in the day, with shades of gold across the sky.

Beautiful Thu Bon River

Beautiful Thu Bon River (Source: BlissHoiAn)

Wrap up your first day with dinner at Mango Mango (or restaurant like Mai Fish, Cargo Club), a riverfront restaurant fusing Vietnamese food with global cuisine, and follow the tradition of making a wish with a lantern release onto the river.

Day 2: Cultural Immersion and Nature

Spend the second day more closely exploring the culture and natural beauty of Hoi An. Tra Que Vegetable Village is one of the charming farming communities nestled on the outskirts of town, and your morning could start with a visit to it. Participate in a farming workshop learning about the traditional cultivation methods for herbs and vegetables followed by a fresh farm to table meal in the village.

Tra Que Vegetable Village

Tra Que Vegetable Village (Source: JackyVietNamTravel)

In the afternoon, proceed to Cam Thanh Coconut Village for a tour of quiet waterways in a traditional bamboo basket boat. The coconut forest is quiet and photogenic, and the rest will be just perfect in this tranquil environment away from the hustle of the town. Later in the evening, head back to Ancient Town and attend a lantern making class with professional artisans who will assist you in making your own lantern to take home.

Cam Thanh Coconut Village

Cam Thanh Coconut Village (Source: Pelago)

Dinner will be served at Streets Restaurant (or The Field Restaurant, Nu Eatery), a social enterprise which provides opportunities to underprivileged youth and also offers delicious Vietnamese food.

Read more: Shopping and handicraft paradise in Hoi An

Day 3: Beaches and Beyond

Spend your last day relaxing and exploring outside the town. In the morning, take a drive to An Bang Beach, which is close to Hoi An. This tranquil white sandy beach with turquoise water invites one for a comfortable lounge, swimming, or playing water sports. Treat yourself to fresh seafood for lunch at one of the restaurants overlooking the beach, where main courses like grilled fish and prawns are a specialty.

In the afternoon, take a trip to My Son Sanctuary, one hour from Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This complex of ancient Hindu temples, nestled deep in the jungle, offers a glimpse into the history and artistry of the Cham civilization.

Cultural heritage My Son Sanctuary

Cultural heritage My Son Sanctuary (Source: LocalVietnam)

Return to Hoi An for your last evening and feast at The Chef Restaurant (or other restaurants like Hoi An Roastery, White Marble Wine Bar & Restaurant), a fine dining restaurant serving both traditional and modern dishes. Take a last stroll around the streets lit with lanterns and drink in the magic of Lantern Town before heading off.

Important Tips for Travelers

  • The time to visit Hoi An is during the periods that are between February and April or from August to October, when the climate turns out to be very soft and the skies clear by then.
  • Getting around in Hoi An is best explored on foot or by bicycle. A lot of accommodations offer their guests free bikes.
  • Respecting local culture is by dressing modestly in Hoi An, when visiting temples and cultural sites. Always request permission before taking any shots of locals.

Conclusion

Hoi An is a place different from anywhere else in the world, with its enchanting streets lit up with lanterns, rich cultural heritage, and idyllic beaches. This 3 Day Hoi An tour will allow you to experience the town's historic highlights, outstanding natural beauty, and very special cultural activities. Now pack your luggage, be ready for adventure with Asia King Travel, and let Lantern Town leave you in awe with lifetime memories.

Read more: Hue Hoi An Tour 3 days: Culture and Charm

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