Hoi An Itinerary: 3 Days of Food & Lantern-Lit Charm
Lantern-lit streets, riverside cafés, and the scent of fresh bánh mì in the air — Hoi An is the kind of place that makes you slow down and fall in love with Vietnam all over again.
If you’re wondering how to spend 3 days in Hoi An – balancing tailoring sessions, ancient temples, beaches, and those magical lantern-lit nights – this itinerary shows you exactly how to do it.
We spent three unforgettable days here making our own lanterns, getting custom clothes stitched overnight, and discovering local spots beyond the tourist crowds.
Keep reading for our exact itinerary, insider tips, and a few lesser-known experiences that will make your Hoi An trip truly special.
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The Perfect 3 Day Hoi An Itinerary
Hoi An is one of those places that’s hard to leave – a mix of ancient charm, riverside cafés, custom tailoring, and the warmest locals you’ll meet in Vietnam.
This 3 day Hoi An itinerary blends the best of it all: exploring the lantern-lit Ancient Town, getting custom clothes made, cycling through rice fields, relaxing on the beach, and diving into incredible food along the way.
Whether you’re here for the clothes, the culture, or just to slow down and soak up the magic, three days is the perfect amount of time to experience Hoi An at your own pace.
If tailoring isn’t your thing, you could probably see the main sights in two days – but if you’re planning to get something made (and you really should!), you’ll want that third day for fittings and a little extra exploring.
🇻🇳 Not sure which spots are actually worth it? Check out our no-fluff guide to the best places to visit in Vietnam.
Hoi An Itinerary Day 1: Custom Clothing & Ancient Town
Day 1 focuses on Hoi An’s most iconic experiences – getting custom clothes made, learning traditional crafts, and exploring the lantern-lined Ancient Town.
Get Custom Clothes Made in Hoi An
First things first: head to one of Hoi An’s famous tailors to kick off your clothing adventure.
Getting custom clothes made is what Hoi An is known for, and it’s way more affordable here than back home (wherever that may be).
Pick a tailor, show them your designs or browse their catalogs, and get measured to perfection.
The process is fun and surprisingly quick, but you’ll likely need a couple of fittings over the next few days to get everything just right.
Julia got a dress and a pair of trousers made and Jess got a silk blouse and pair of trousers as well for around $100 USD each.
We went to Bao Diep Tailor at the recommendation of our hostel owner.
TOP TIP: The tailors in Hoi An range from cheap to high end – you’ll get what you pay for. We’d classify Bao Diep as mid-range. If you want a complex design, high end fabrics, or just A++ quality, you’ll have to seek out a more high end shop.
Join a Lantern Making Workshop in Hoi An
Making your own lantern is such a fun way to dive into Hoi An’s culture. This was one of our very favorite things we did in Hoi An!
There are many different options to make a lantern but we LOVED our workshop at Đức Thành Lantern Making Class.
We didn’t have to make a reservation – we just showed up and our instructor was able to accommodate us right away.
After choosing our fabric, she walked us through the steps and helped us when we needed a little extra assistance to make the lantern look presentable (this is a common theme in handicraft workshops for us LOL).
The workshop only cost 150,000 VND ($6 USD), which is SIGNIFICANTLY less expensive than most other lantern making workshops we saw around town.
Explore Hoi An Ancient Town & Japanese Bridge
Next up, take a walk through Hoi An’s stunning Ancient Town. It’s free to roam the streets, but if you want to visit the museums, assembly halls, or old houses, you’ll need a Hoi An Ancient Town ticket.
It’s 120,000 VND (about $5 USD) and lets you pick five out of 22 attractions.
Don’t miss the iconic Japanese Bridge, also known as Chùa Cầu. It’s one of Hoi An’s most famous landmarks and a beautiful spot for photos.
The bridge is free to cross, but there’s a small temple inside that’s included with the Ancient Town ticket.
TOP TIP: The Ancient Town can get crazy busy. Skip the bike and either walk or order a ride with a Grab (Vietnam’s version of Uber).
👉 If you’re heading to Northern Vietnam as well, this is how we’d spent 2 weeks across Hanoi, Sapa, Halong Bay + more.
Watch the Sunset Over Hoi An’s Rice Fields
Set off on your bike to the rice fields right outside of town to catch the sunset. This spot is amazing and seemed to be a bit off the tourist path with very few people around.
Hoi An can be overwhelming, but once you’re out of the Ancient Town it’s very local and chill!
TOP TIP: The Ancient Town is pedestrian-only during specific hours, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM to 9:30 PM. During these times, it’s a great place to stroll and soak in the atmosphere without worrying about traffic.
Where to Eat in Hoi An on Day 1
- Breakfast: White Rose Restaurant (try their namesake dumplings!)
- Lunch: Bánh Mì Phượng (famous for their bánh mì sandwiches, sooooo good)
- Dinner: HỒNG PHẤN Restaurant & Cafe (delicious local food)
👉 Want to know more about Vietnamese cuisine? Here’s everything we tried in Hanoi.
Hoi An Itinerary Day 2: Bike Through Hoi An to the Beach & Rice Fields
Day 2 is all about slowing down – cycling from Hoi An’s old streets to An Bang Beach, pedaling through rice fields, and discovering quiet corners most travelers miss.
Bike to An Bang Beach
Start your morning by grabbing a bike and heading to An Bang Beach. It’s about a 15-minute ride from Hoi An Ancient Town to An Bang Beach – perfect for a slow morning with a coconut in hand and your toes in the sand.
We rented a couple beach beds and umbrellas for $5 USD and relaxed with our books until we were ready to leave. The beaches in Hoi An aren’t super nice, but they’re still safe to swim at.
If you prefer quieter stretches, keep cycling north toward Hidden Beach, where there are fewer loungers and more local families. For much better beaches, head up the coast to Da Nang.
Explore Hoi An’s Countryside & Rice Fields
After the beach, head inland and swap ocean views for the peaceful rhythm of the countryside.
Pedal through peaceful rice fields, spot some water buffalo, and soak up the quieter side of Hoi An. It’s a great way to escape the crowds and see another side of Vietnam.
The sound of cicadas and the scent of wet earth follow you as you cycle past water buffalo and bright-green paddies. We even saw a man taking a nap on top of a water buffalo on our ride – not something we ever expected to see.
Lilou’s Lane is a great spot to bike to if you want a specific destination. This will take you right outside of Hoi An and there are some great cafes and restaurants close by for lunch.
📌 Love exploring on a bike? Don’t miss cycling through the rice fields around Ninh Binh.
Tailor Fitting Time
If you ordered clothes yesterday, today’s usually your first fitting. Don’t be shy – this is your chance to ask for tweaks or better fits; most tailors expect at least one adjustment.
Visit Hoi An Central Market
End your day back in town at Hoi An Central Market – a sensory overload of local produce, fabric stalls, and steaming food vendors.
At Central Market you can shop for souvenirs or just take in the lively atmosphere.
Where to Eat in Hoi An on Day 2
- Breakfast: 9 Grains Bakery & Café (great coffee and pastries)
- Lunch: Roving Chillhouse (a serene spot with rice field views)
- Dinner: Hoai Linh (near Okra Hostel, super tasty and budget-friendly)
Hoi An Itinerary Day 3: Museums, Street Food & Vietnamese Fusion
Day 3 in Hoi An is all about culture and connection – discovering local heritage, sampling unforgettable street food, and soaking in those last riverside lantern views before you go.
Visit the Precious Heritage Museum by Réhahn
Start your final day with a visit to the Precious Heritage Museum by Réhahn, an underrated gem celebrating Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups through stunning portraits and traditional costumes.
It’s one of the most meaningful free attractions in town and only takes about 30–45 minutes to explore.
Join a Hoi An Street Food Tour
The best way to experience Hoi An’s flavors is on a street food tour – we recommend this one that combines local bites with cultural storytelling.
You’ll meet families who’ve run the same stalls for generations and taste dishes like white rose dumplings, cau lau noodles, and grilled pork skewers.
Make sure to book as soon as you can. The tour is popular and will book out during high season.
Pick Up Your Tailored Clothes
One of the biggest perks of staying three days in Hoi An is having enough time for custom tailoring. By now, your clothes should be ready for final fitting and pick-up.
There’s nothing quite like walking away with perfectly tailored clothes that you helped design – we wear our handmade clothes regularly!
🏮 Continuing south after Hoi An? This Ho Chi Minh City itinerary helps you plan your time in Vietnam’s busiest and most energetic city.
Evening Stroll Through Hoi An’s Ancient Town
There’s no better way to end your trip than with a slow walk through the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An. Grab a plastic chair along the river, order a cheap beer, and soak it all in.
The lantern-lit river is beautiful, but we skipped releasing a lantern ourselves – no one could tell us where they all end up, and we didn’t want to add to the trash problem Vietnam is facing.
If you’re itching to get out on the river, this is a great kayak tour! The views from the water under all the lanterns are amazing.
TOP TIP: The views along Nguyen Thai Hoc Street are especially beautiful – it’s one of the best spots in town for photos at night.
Where to Eat in Hoi An on Day 3
- Breakfast: Rosie’s Cafe (great vibes and tasty food)
- Lunch: Part of your street food tour!
- Dinner: Nữ Eatery (Vietnamese-French fusion, small menu, big flavor, and a great way to end your trip)
After three days in Hoi An, you’ll see why so many travelers end up staying longer – it’s the kind of place that lingers with you long after you’ve left.
Where to Eat and Drink in Hoi An (Local Favorites)
We couldn’t fit every meal into our three-day itinerary, but our hostel owner shared a list of his favorite local restaurants – and every single one we tried was a winner. Here are a few more great spots to add to your list:
🍜 Nourish Eatery: Healthy Western–Vietnamese fusion brunch spot with smoothie bowls and great coffee.
🍲 Nhan’s Kitchen Restaurant: Local favorite for affordable homestyle Vietnamese dishes.
🍜 Mì Quảng Ông Hai (Mr. Hai Noodles): Famous for mì quảng – a noodle dish you can only find in central Vietnam.
☕ Faifo Coffee: Rooftop café with some of the best views of Hoi An Ancient Town.
🥞 Miss Anh’s Bánh Xèo: Try the crispy pancakes – they’re messy, fun, and delicious.
🥖 Madam Khánh – The Bánh Mì Queen: Iconic Hoi An street food stop; locals and travelers both swear by her sandwiches.
Whether you’re after a quick bánh mì, a river-view coffee, or a fancier dinner, these spots cover it all – and they’re all places locals actually eat.
☕️ If you’re a coffee lover like us, you have to try all the types of Vietnamese coffee. These are our favorites (+ where to find them).
Best Day Trips from Hoi An
If you have extra time in Hoi An or you’re skipping the tailoring sessions, there are some incredible day trips nearby – from marble caves to ancient temples and tropical islands.
⛰ Marble Mountains: A cluster of marble and limestone hills dotted with pagodas and caves. Climb to the top for panoramic views of Da Nang and the coast. This is a highly-rated full day excursion.
🌊 Cham Islands: A UNESCO-protected marine park perfect for snorkeling day trips. Boats leave from Cua Dai Pier daily.
🏛️ My Son Temples: Ancient Cham ruins located about an hour away – best visited early in the morning before the crowds and heat.
🌉 Ba Na Hills & The Golden Bridge: If you’ve seen the “hands holding the bridge” on social media, this is the spot! It’s about two hours from Hoi An and can be combined with a Marble Mountains visit.
You can visit any of these on your own by scooter or book an organized day tour – just choose based on whether you prefer culture, nature, or a bit of both.
Where to Stay in Hoi An – Old Town, Beach & Budget Picks
Where you stay in Hoi An makes a big difference to your trip, especially when you’re balancing Old Town, the beach, and quieter local areas.
✨ If you’re still deciding, we break down the best areas plus the hostels and boutique stays we’d genuinely book in this guide on where to stay in Hoi An.
If you just want a few budget options to start with, these are the places we’d recommend based on our trip:
🏡 Okra Hoian – Our Pick (Quiet + Local)
We stayed just outside Old Town at Okra Hoian and loved it. It’s within walking distance, but far enough to escape the crowds and noise.
It’s more affordable than most places nearby and includes thoughtful extras like free bikes, fresh fruit, and really friendly local owners.
🌴 Wanderlust Hostel – Beachside Vibes
If you want to stay by the beach, this is a great option. There is a pool, clean air-conditioned rooms, and you’re just steps from the sand.
You can also rent a bike and cycle into Old Town in about 15 minutes.
🛕 Gito Hostel – Stay in Old Town
If you want to be right in the middle of everything, Gito is a great budget option.
It’s close to all the main sights, includes breakfast, and has a social atmosphere without being over the top.
No matter where you stay, Hoi An is compact and easy to get around. Most places are within a 10 to 15 minute bike ride, and bikes are often included with your stay.
TOP TIP: We recommend staying just outside the Ancient Town – it’s quieter, but still close enough to walk or bike in whenever you want.
FAQs About Visiting Hoi An
How Do I Get Around Hoi An?
The best way to get around Hoi An is by walking, cycling, or using Grab (Vietnam’s version of Uber). The Ancient Town is compact and mostly pedestrian-only, so it’s easy to explore without a car.
How Do I Get to Hoi An?
The easiest way to get to Hoi An is by flying or taking the train to Da Nang, then continuing by taxi, shuttle, or Grab for about 40 minutes. Direct buses also connect Hoi An with major cities like Hue, Hanoi, and Nha Trang.
📌 For buses that go straight to Hoi An, we recommend booking through 12Go (this is what we did).
You’ll get the classic Vietnam sleeper bus experience here – your own bunk, though maybe a little bumpy.
👉 Become an expert on Vietnam’s transport links – read all about sleeper buses and sleeper trains throughout the country.
When is the Best Time to Visit Hoi An?
The best time to visit Hoi An is from February to April, when the weather is dry and mild. Avoid October to December, when heavy rain and occasional flooding can occur.
TOP TIP: If you’re here during the Full Moon Festival, you’ll catch the town at its most magical with lanterns everywhere.
Is Hoi An Worth Visiting?
Yes – Hoi An is absolutely worth visiting. It’s one of Vietnam’s most charming destinations, known for its lantern-lit streets, amazing food, and mix of history and culture.
What to Expect in Hoi An
Hoi An offers a mix of charm, culture, and calm – it’s busier than smaller towns but still feels authentic once you step outside the Ancient Town.
We’ve seen a few blogs saying Hoi An is overrated, but honestly, we couldn’t disagree more.
Hoi An felt different from the rest of Vietnam (though, to be fair, we thought this about a lot of places – it’s such a diverse country!). We loved our time here.
The food is fantastic, the people are incredibly kind, and the city strikes an interesting balance between touristy and authentically local.
Step outside the busy Ancient Town, and you’ll find a place that feels lived-in, with peaceful villages and plenty to explore.
We urge you to visit Hoi An and decide for yourself. For us, we could have easily stayed longer!
Hoi An has a way of stealing your heart. Between the food, the history, and the chance to slow down and enjoy the little things, you might just find yourself wishing you’d planned to stay longer.
Where to Next in Vietnam?
If your 3 days in Hoi An have left you wanting more, we’ve got the perfect itineraries to keep your Vietnam adventure going:
🛵 Vietnam 2-Week Itinerary: See the highlights from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City — the ideal balance of cities, countryside, and coast.
🌾 Vietnam 1-Month Itinerary: A slower, more immersive route covering local markets, rural stays, and hidden gems we fell in love with.
Both guides include our exact routes, travel tips, and favorite spots to eat, sleep, and explore – helping you plan the perfect trip through Vietnam.
