Experience Hoi An’s Magical Charm
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 a much longer time. If only I had more time.
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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 & Itinerary
During my recent trip, I had the opportunity to experience all that Hoi An had to offer, and I was blown away by the beauty and charm of this city. The city, if you can call it that, is small. So 3 days is plenty to see the highlights. However, I could also spend much more time there if I could. Here are just a few reasons why you should visit Hoi An too.
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.
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.
Sneak peek– check out the two-story at the Seahorse Hostel— our next destination during this trip to Vietnam.
Delicious Food and Drink
Hoi An is a food lover’s paradise, with a range of delicious local dishes and international cuisine available. The city’s street food is particularly famous, with the night market offering a range of local delicacies. Visitors can also enjoy coffee at local coffee shops, indulge in a culinary adventure at Son Bistro, or relax with a drink at a rooftop bar.
HoiAn– Unique Experiences
I love Vietnam and Hoi An offers a range of unique experiences that are not to be missed. Visitors can have a suit or dress made at Yaly Couture, a famous tailor shop in Hoi An. The Lantern Festival, which takes place on the 14th day of every lunar month, is a magical event that transforms the city into a sea of colorful lanterns. A river boat cruise provides a unique perspective of the city, with stops at local fishing villages and floating markets. Some other experience on a 3-day Hoi An adventure: the Memories Show, walking and photo tours of Old Town, cafe hopping the rooftops, and lantern-making workshops.
Shopping and Relaxation
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.
Shopping for Handmade Crafts
Among the many highlights of my journey, 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 was my 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, amidst the whirl of travel, provided me with an unparalleled sense of serenity, rejuvenating my mind, body, and soul.
My 3-day Hoi An Itinerary
The Lantern Festival is just the Beginning
Day 0 was 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
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
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.
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 HoiAn with Danang for an awesome experience in central Vietnam. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore Hoi An and create unforgettable memories of your own.
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