Hoi An in 72 Hours: Your Ultimate Travel Itinerary

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Hoi An Travel Guide: A 3-Day HoiAn Getaway

Lately, my mind often wanders back to my magical trip to Hoi An, a city in Vietnam that feels more like a cozy town brimming with charm and warmth. A three-day visit might seem like enough time to explore the city. However, I quickly realized that the captivating allure of the Lantern Festival, delicious food, and unique experiences could hold my interest for much longer. If only I had more time.

In this blog, I will take you through Hoi An’s enchanting streets, vibrant night markets, and serene river cruises. Discover the best places to eat, shop, and relax, and learn why this small town left such a big impression on me. There’s so much to share, from custom-tailored suits at Yaly Couture to the mesmerizing Memories Show at Hoi An Memories Land. Stay with me as I recount the magic of Hoi An and provide tips and insights to help you plan your unforgettable adventure. You won’t want to miss a single detail of this incredible destination.

Table of Contents

• Hoi An Travel Guide: A 3-Day HoiAn Getaway
• Hoi An Travel Guide
• 3-Day Hoi An Adventure
• Lantern Festival & Old Town
• Yaly Couture
• G Boutique Resort Hoi An
• Son Bistro
• Tamy Coffee – The Rooftop Hoian
• Things to do in Hoi An
• Lanterns Everywhere
• Memories Show
• Shopping for Handmade Crafts
• Ylang Ylang Spa
• My 3-day Hoi An Travel Guide
• Day 1
• Day 2
• Day 3
• Last Day in HoiAn
• If I Had 1 and 2 Days More in Hoi An
• In Conclusion

Hoi An Travel Guide

Looking for a journey that’ll leave a lasting impression without breaking the bank? I hope to get back there one day soon. I think you should consider a 3-day HoiAn getaway. In HoiAn, there’s truly something for every taste, and hey, did we mention the cheap beer? So grab your camera, pack your appetite, and let HoiAn do the rest. Because let’s be real, any place that’s as easy on the wallet as it is on the eyes, is a place worth making memories.

Do you like night markets? Check out my experience at the Raohe Night Market in Taipei.

3-Day Hoi An Adventure

Travel Diary & Hoi An Itinerary

During my recent trip, I immersed myself in Hoi An’s beauty and charm. Though it’s more like a quaint town, its rich culture and history captivated me. In just three days, I saw the highlights but yearned for more time to explore. Hoi An’s stunning architecture, enchanting lantern festival, delicious cuisine, and welcoming locals create an unforgettable experience. The tailor shops, especially Yaly Couture, offer custom-made clothes, while the Thu Bon River cruises provide picturesque views. The city’s vibrant past is evident in its temples and ancient houses, and the local markets are perfect for unique handmade crafts and souvenirs. Hoi An is a destination that leaves a lasting impression.

Lantern Festival & Old Town

Lantern Festival & UNESCO World Heritage City

Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known for its ancient architecture and cultural heritage. It is therefore, mandatory that every first-time visitor to Hoi An, check out the lantern festival on the 14th of every month with special activities and performances. However, don’t despair. You can still experience the lanterns every other night as well.

The lanterns were first brought to Hoi An by Japanese and Chinese traders.

Yaly Couture

Our trip wouldn’t have been complete without a visit to Yaly Couture, a renowned tailor shop in Hoi An that offers bespoke tailoring services. We purchased custom-tailored suits, dresses, and shirts that fit us perfectly. The experience was seamless, from selecting fabrics to final fittings, of which there were three. Remarkably, everything was made in just three days, so ensure you have enough time. It was the first thing we did upon arriving in Hoi An, based on a recommendation from our hotel.

Steven also visited another shop for additional button-down shirts. If you have time, it’s worth exploring a few different tailors. Yaly Couture, however, is a must-visit for anyone looking to add a touch of elegance to their wardrobe. Steven recently ordered another suit from Yaly Couture because they keep your measurements on file. He had to bargain to get the price he wanted, but he’s thrilled to have another bespoke suit in his closet.

There are three locations, but I went to this location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BKqgxtm7dhfMtzq58

The Hoi An travel guide offers insights into the town’s rich cultural history..The city has a fascinating history that dates back to the 15th century, and visitors can explore ancient houses, temples, and pagodas that have stood for centuries. The city also offers a range of cultural experiences, from lantern-making to traditional dance and music shows.

G Boutique Resort Hoi An

Luxurious Accommodations

I loved this hotel and the staff. The G Boutique Resort HoiAn is a luxurious property that offers spacious and comfortable rooms, beautifully decorated with modern amenities. The resort’s lush gardens and peaceful pool area provide a serene escape from the bustling city. The friendly and helpful staff ensure that guests have an unforgettable experience during their stay. I loved that she was so helpful in crafting our itinerary for our stay. She also booked our appointment with Yaly Couture, our upgraded tickets to the Memory Show, as well as a spa appointment. And I am not exaggerating. The food, especially the steak and eggs breakfast, was mouthwatering. It was the perfect portion size to get satiated but not full. Perfect energy boost for a long day if touring Hoi An.

Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/bAJ1kJ5wmrNm8n3F7

Sneak peek– check out the two-story at the Seahorse Hostel— our next destination during this trip to Vietnam.

Son Bistro

Hoi An is a food lover’s paradise, with a range of delicious local dishes and international cuisine available on both sides of the Thu Bon River, accessible by the city’s many charming bridges. The city’s street food is particularly famous, with the night market offering a variety of local delicacies that tantalize the taste buds. Visitors can also enjoy coffee at quaint local coffee shops, indulge in a culinary adventure at Son Bistro, or relax with a drink at a rooftop bar, soaking in the picturesque views of the lantern-lit streets below. Whether you’re craving traditional Vietnamese dishes or international flavors, Hoi An’s vibrant food scene has something to satisfy every palate.

Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8FWisXxSoudCFLbK6

Tamy Coffee – The Rooftop Hoian

Tamy Coffee – The Rooftop Hoian is a delightful haven that offers a serene escape from the bustling streets of Hoi An. As you step into this charming cafe, you’re greeted by a cozy and inviting atmosphere, enhanced by the vibrant decor featuring colorful lanterns and traditional Vietnamese motifs. The rooftop seating area provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city’s picturesque landscape, making it the perfect spot to relax and unwind.

While sipping on expertly brewed coffee, you can enjoy the gentle breeze and watch the world go by from above. The cafe’s comfortable seating, friendly staff, and serene ambiance create a perfect setting for both relaxation and inspiration. Whether you’re starting your day with a morning coffee or winding down in the evening with a refreshing drink, Tamy Coffee – The Rooftop Hoian offers a unique and memorable experience that beautifully complements the charm of Hoi An.

Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/951j5i2SYrCCiLA38

Things to do in Hoi An

The Hoi An travel guide includes recommendations for restaurants and cafes. During my recent trip to Vietnam, I had the opportunity to delve into all the wonders that Hoi An had to offer, and I found myself entirely captivated by the beauty and charm of this quaint city. Its size, more akin to a cozy town than a bustling metropolis, suggests that a three-day visit should suffice for covering the highlights. Yet, I quickly discovered the depth of the experiences here could keep me engaged for a much longer period if only I had the time.

Lanterns Everywhere

One of the delightful activities in Hoi An was a 20-minute boat ride along the Thu Bon River for about 150,000 dong or $6. This “not so serene” ride offers the chance to release a paper lantern into the water for good luck, creating a beautiful and peaceful moment. Hoi An is famous for its lanterns, and you can see them everywhere, adding a magical ambiance to the city, especially at night. The lanterns’ glow reflects off the water, creating a picturesque scene that’s perfect for photos.

Memories Show

Hoi An also boasts two vibrant night markets in the city center, where lanterns are a prominent feature. Here, I bought paper lanterns in three different colors and shapes and attended a free workshop to learn how to make them. If you want to enjoy this experience, go on a weekday and early in the evening, so the river won’t be so crowded. The markets are bustling with life, offering a range of local delicacies and handmade crafts, making them a must-visit for anyone exploring Hoi An.

We also attended the spectacular Memories Show at Hoi An Memories Land, a vast theme park featuring mini shows, restaurants, pagodas, and numerous photo zones with picturesque backdrops and traditional Vietnamese architecture. Normally, tickets cost around 600,000 dong, but our hotel provided us with complimentary tickets. The price was perfect. It had been a long day, and I nodded off more than once. It was a spectacle with lots of beautiful costumes and lights, but it was a bit touristy.

If you want a show, stick to the cheap and last less than 20 minutes. he ones in the city center. We took a Grab for about $2 (each way) to and from our hotel making it a convenient and affordable excursion.

Shopping for Handmade Crafts

Among the many highlights of my journey on this Hoi An travel guide, a couple of personal experiences stood out for me. Shopping at local art and craft galleries was an enchanting affair with an array of unique handmade items that captured my heart. I felt a deep personal connection with some of these items, especially the handmade journals graced with the image of my spirit animal – the elephant. These tokens, besides being keepsakes of the trip, will serve as beautiful reminders of the artistic talent that thrives in Hoi An.

Ylang Ylang Spa

Another unforgettable experience on this Hoi An travel guide was our visit to the Ylang Ylang Old Town Spa, a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city. I indulged in a four-hour session of pure relaxation, involving a facial, foot and back massage with essential oils, and a manicure and pedicure. This retreat gave me an unparalleled sense of serenity, rejuvenating my mind, body, and soul.

My 3-day Hoi An Travel Guide

The Lantern Festival is just the Beginning

Day 0 of the Hoi An travel guide started with a late flight from Busan to Danang and transfer via Grab to our hotel, G Boutique Resort Hoi An. The staff greeted us with a welcome drink and directed us tour room immediately. The hotel is about 10 minutes from Old Town. It does not include transfers into town, but it includes a large menu of delicious hot breakfast items. Order via WhatsApp the night before.

Day 1

Breakfast in the hotel

Complimentary pick up by Yaly Couture

Group photography tour of the Old Quarter

Coffee/ Snack at Highlands Coffee

Massage, Facial, scrub, and mani/pedi at Ylang Ylang Old Town Spa

River boat ride/ Lantern Festival

Dinner at the Son Bistro

Day 2

Breakfast at the hotel

First fitting at Yaly Couture

Art & Handmade Crafts Galleries

Lunch at River View Restaurant

Tamy Coffee & Rooftop

Dinner at Hoi An Night Market

Final fitting at Yaly Couture

Hoi An Memories Show

Day 3

Breakfast at the hotel

Shop at Mommy Shark

Picnic at Vuon Pho Hoi

Lantern Making Class & souvenir shopping in Old Quarter

Coffee at 96 Coffee Hoi An Riverside

Lunch at U Cafe Hoi An

Self guided walking tour

Dinner at the Basket Boat Cafe & Restaurant

Last Day in HoiAn

Breakfast at the hotel

Checkout, Drive (hired through Grab) to Danang, for the last two days of our trip to Vietnam. Click here if you’d like to see what we did in Danang.

If I Had 1 and 2 Days More in Hoi An

One Extra Day

Day 4: Explore More of Hoi An’s Hidden Treasures

1. Morning:

• Bike Tour: Rent a bike and explore the countryside. Cycle through rice paddies and visit local villages.
• Tra Que Vegetable Village: Experience a farming tour and learn about organic vegetable cultivation.

1. Afternoon:

• An Bang Beach: Spend a relaxing afternoon by the sea. Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or a massage by the beach.

1. Evening:

• Cooking Class: Join a Vietnamese cooking class and learn to make local dishes. Many classes end with a dinner where you can enjoy your creations.

Two Extra Days

Day 5: A Day Trip to My Son Sanctuary

1. Morning:

• My Son Sanctuary: Take a day trip to this UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the ancient Cham ruins and learn about the history of the Champa Kingdom.

1. Afternoon:

• Riverside Spa: Return to Hoi An and unwind with a relaxing spa treatment at a riverside spa. Enjoy a massage, facial, or other rejuvenating treatments.

1. Evening:

• River Cruise: Enjoy a longer, more leisurely boat ride on the Thu Bon River, perhaps with a sunset view.

By adding these activities, you’ll get to see more of what Hoi An and its surrounding areas have to offer, making your trip even more memorable.

In Conclusion

Hoi An is a must-visit destination that offers a rich history and culture, combined with luxurious accommodations, delicious food and drink, unique experiences, and vibrant energy. Combine the charms of Hoi An with Danang for an awesome experience in central Vietnam. This Hoi An travel guide highlights everything you need to explore this enchanting town. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore Hoi An and create unforgettable memories.

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