
We spent two whole days in Hoi An, and it quickly became one of our favorite destinations in Vietnam. This ancient riverside town is known for its preserved architecture, vibrant lantern-lit streets, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re a foodie, photographer, or simply seeking a laid-back escape, Hoi An offers the perfect blend of history, charm, and modern convenience.
Nestled in central Vietnam, Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and walking through its Old Town feels like stepping back in time. With tailor shops on every corner, delicious local dishes, and warm hospitality, it’s no wonder so many travelers make it a highlight of their Vietnam itinerary.
We spent one month in Vietnam so check out some of our other blogs about Hanoi, Sapa, Da Nang, Hue, Phong Nha, Nha Trang, and Saigon (coming soon)!
Curious about other destinations on our journey? Check out our blogs on Laos, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand or the Philippines!
Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no additional cost to you.
TLDR 🫣
Hoi An is a beautifully preserved ancient town in central Vietnam, full of lantern-lit streets, delicious food, and cultural experiences that make it a must-visit stop on any Vietnam itinerary.
Itinerary
- Day 1: Explored Marble Mountains and Coconut Boat Tour on the way from Da Nang to Hoi An, checked into Aman Boutique Hotel, enjoyed a bánh mì lunch crawl, and spent the evening at the Lantern Festival and Night Market.
- Day 2: Started at the Central Market, visited the Precious Heritage museum, had lunch at Morning Glory, relaxed at Reaching Out Teahouse, caught sunset by the river, and ended with dinner at Pho Xua and the Night Market.
Pro Tips:
- Go to Marble Mountains early to avoid the heat.
- Don’t skip the Coconut Boat Tour — choose a provider like Hacoconut for transparent pricing.
- Hoi An is very walkable — no motorbike rental needed.
- Try multiple bánh mì spots — each has its own flavor profile. Bring cash!
- Watch the lantern boats rather than riding in one for a more magical view.
Top Awards:
- Best Stay: Aman Boutique Hotel – quiet, beautiful, and walking distance to Ancient Town.
- Best Experiences: Coconut Boat Ride with Hacoconut – thrilling, affordable, and culturally immersive.
- Best Eats: Tie between Phi Banh Mi’s special (#11) and the BBQ pork banh mi from Banh Mi Queen.
- Best e-SIM: Airalo (You can use our referral code “CELINA4205” to save $4.50 CAD OFF your first purchase).
How to Get to Hoi An
We started our journey in Da Nang, just about 45 minutes north of Hoi An. To make the most of the trip, we hired a private driver who allowed us to stop at key attractions along the way. This is a popular and efficient way to reach Hoi An while exploring central Vietnam’s coastline. If you’re flying into this central part of Vietnam, Da Nang will be the closest airport.
Must-See Stops on the Drive:
Marble Mountains: A cluster of five limestone and marble hills with stunning views, Buddhist sanctuaries, and caves to explore.
Coconut Boat Tour (with Hacoconut): A unique experience floating through a tranquil coconut forest in a traditional Vietnamese basket boat. Fun, photo-worthy, and a nice cultural experience.

Getting Around Hoi An
Once in Hoi An, we quickly realized how walkable the city is. Most of the top attractions are located in or around the Ancient Town, and you can comfortably explore on foot or rent a bicycle if you’re venturing a bit further out. Motorbikes are available, but we found them unnecessary for such a compact and pedestrian-friendly destination.

Where to Stay in Hoi An
If you’re wondering where to stay in Hoi An, we highly recommend Aman Boutique Hotel. This charming hotel offered the perfect mix of comfort, style, and value. Located within walking distance of the Ancient Town, it was a convenient base for exploring without being right in the middle of the crowds.
The rooms were clean and beautifully decorated in a modern Vietnamese style, and the staff went out of their way to make us feel at home. They also have a small pool!
Whether you’re traveling on a budget or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, Aman Boutique Hotel in Hoi An strikes a great balance. We found it to be an excellent option for a relaxed, no-fuss stay with boutique charm.

Itinerary
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how we spent our two days in Hoi An, balancing sightseeing, food, and downtime—ideal for budget-conscious travelers who still want to soak up everything this magical city has to offer.
Day 1: From Da Nang to Hoi An + Night Market Magic
Morning:
We departed from our Airbnb in Da Nang with a private driver around 8:00am. The cost for our driver (~half day) was 450,000 ₫.
First stop: Marble Mountains – climbed to the top for panoramic views and explored hidden caves and pagodas. Entry was 80,000 ₫ for two adults.


This is a beautiful place and definitely a recommendation if you like to hike! Pro Tip: Go early in the morning to avoid the heat!


You’ll see plenty of traditional pagodas on top of rocky mountains. Definitely a hike for the eyes!


You’ll also be able to visit a few caves. We checked out all of them, including the Tang Chon Cave, where you’ll see two marble statues playing a game of… chess? or Pai Sho?


Continuing hiking upwards until you reach the peak! Here you’ll be able to see the city and beautiful ocean, before having to make your way down the rocky steps on the other side of the mountain.


Second stop: Coconut Boat Tour in the Cam Thanh Water Coconut Village, booked through Hacoconut. Super fun and a must-do! The cost for entry and the boat ride was 200,000 ₫ for two people


We’re not sponsored by Hacococonut, but we would FULLY recommend them. No scams, no hidden fees – just clear, transparent prices and super helpful staff. We loved our coconut ride with Thuy! The cost for two people was 200,000 ₫ (about $11 CAD). One of our highlights of our Vietnam trip was this wild, spinning coconut ride (expect to pay extra $) for a whirlwind adventure.

Afternoon:
After both of those morning adventures, we made our way to Hoi An ancient town, and was dropped off in front of our hotel. We couldn’t check in yet, so we dropped off our bags and headed for another adventure. This time – food. Did you know Hoi An has some of the best banh mi’s in Vietnam?
Lunch stops: We tried as many of Hoi An’s legendary bánh mì spots—Phi Banh Mi, Banh Mi Queen, and Banh Mi Phuong. Verdict? They’re all excellent—try one of each!
At Phi Banh Mi, get the loaded banh mi (#11 – The Phi Special)! Also, it’s an added bonus that the owner of this shop has been here for decades, makes his own spicy sauce, and is one of the nicest people we met in Vietnam. Two Banh Mi’s from Phi Banh Mi cost 75,000 ₫.


Head on over to Banh Mi Queen and order their bbq pork banh mi. Between the Phi Special and the Bbq pork banh mi — these were the stars of hoi an! Two banh mis cost us 60,000 ₫.


At Banh Mi Phuong, our third banh mi place, we ordered the bbq pork and mixed versions. The cost of two banh mis was 70,000 ₫.


To hydrate, we stopped by a local coffee chain where we ordered some coffee and iced tea for about $4 CAD.

We explored local tailor shops and admired the custom outfits, but ultimately decided it was outside our budget. Even so, window-shopping is part of the experience!

Evening:
We headed to the Hoi An Lantern Festival and Night Market. The Ancient Town lights up at night with colorful lanterns, traditional music, and bustling stalls. It was one of the most atmospheric nights of our Vietnam trip. It feels like you’ve been transported to a magical storybook.




For dinner, we walked along the night market and ordered a “Vietnamese pizza” or is it a taco? You be the judge. It was only 30,000 ₫.




Day 2: Culture, Coffee, and Sunset Vibes
Morning:
After breakfast, we strolled through Hoi An Central Market – bustling with locals, fresh produce, and street food stalls. We grabbed a light bite and a Vietnamese coffee to start the day.

Then, we visited the Precious Heritage by Réhahn museum – a beautifully curated gallery showcasing Vietnam’s ethnic minorities. Highly recommended for photography lovers and culture enthusiasts.

For lunch, we treated ourselves to a meal at Morning Glory, an upscale Vietnamese restaurant known for its authentic flavors and elevated dishes. For about $16 CAD, we got a small noodle dish, two drinks, and White rose dumplings. These delicate dumplings are a Hoi An specialty aka a local cuisine must-try. They are made with translucent rice flour dough and filled with shrimp or pork in the shape of little roses. Ours came with some deep fried onions and garlic on top


Afternoon:
Needed a bit of downtime and Wi-Fi, so we chose between XLIII Specialty Coffee and Reaching Out Teahouse—both peaceful, beautifully designed spaces perfect for catching up on planning. We ended up going to Reaching Out Teahouse, a unique experience centered around enjoying a cup of tea in silence. You can use the blocks that have words taped on them to confirm your order or request the bill.


We used the time to research our next destination: Southern Vietnam. A few hours later, we were ready to get back to the streets of Hoi An. The cup of coffee and water cost ~$3.50 CAD
Evening:
Around 5:30pm, we strolled down to the Thu Bồn River to catch a breathtaking Hoi An sunset.


While we considered taking a lantern boat ride, we decided it was more magical to simply watch from the riverbank as hundreds of glowing lanterns drifted across the water.


For dinner, we returned to the Night Market and grabbed some skewers before settling on a steaming bowl of pho and pork chops at Pho Xua. The skewer cost 25,000 ₫ while the main meal was 125,000 ₫ (~$6 CAD). The atmosphere was lively yet laid-back—the perfect end to our Hoi An visit.


TOTAL COST for 2 Nights in Hoi An (Approximate CAD for 2 people):
Activities: $18
Accommodations (2 nights): $56
Food: $52
Transportation (Driver): $27
Souvenirs: $8
TOTAL: $162 (Roughly $41 per person, per night)
Final Thoughts
While many come to Hoi An for tailor-made clothes or luxury stays, we found it entirely possible to enjoy the city on a modest budget without missing out on its beauty or culture. From street food stalls to glowing lanterns, riverside strolls to cultural gems, Hoi An offered a peaceful, picturesque, and soulful experience.
If you’re wondering how to spend two days in Hoi An, we hope this itinerary helps you plan a trip that’s just as memorable and stress-free as ours. Let us know if you have any questions in the comments below!
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