Hoi An, the ancient town by the Thu Bon River, is a must-visit destination when you set foot in Central Vietnam. With its architecture preserving the beauty of the past, ancient stone streets, and distinctive culinary flavors, Hoi An attracts thousands of visitors each year. The one-day tour of Hoi An introduced by VnCarRentals.com will provide you with an overview of the cultural and historical beauty of this charming city.
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A Brief Introduction to Hoi An
In December 1999, the Ancient Town of Hoi An was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site, marking an important milestone in the preservation and promotion of the unique cultural values of this area. Along with the My Son Sanctuary, Hoi An has become a pride of the people of Quang Nam, as well as a “living museum” of East Asian architecture, lifestyle, and culture, known and recognized by the world.
Hoi An’s Ancient Town is characterized by its old houses, assembly halls, and temples, which bear the marks of various cultures, from Japan and China to Western countries. The charming narrow streets, colorful lanterns, and the peaceful atmosphere here have captured the hearts of many travelers.
Tourism in Hoi An has been developing rapidly, attracting a large number of domestic and international visitors, especially during peak seasons. Tourists come to Hoi An not only to admire the ancient beauty of the town but also to experience cultural activities, art, and unique cuisine. A one-day trip to Hoi An, enjoying delicious dishes, participating in traditional festivals, or simply strolling through the ancient streets in the evening, all provide unforgettable memories for visitors.
Why You Should Visit Hoi An at Least Once in Your Lifetime
Vietnam takes pride in being a diverse tourist destination with countless stunning wonders, ancient cultural landmarks, and landscapes that look like paintings. Among the prominent cultural heritage sites, Hoi An Ancient Town always tops the list, considered a living museum of the distinctive architecture and culture of East Asia. Hoi An has preserved its ancient architectural style with streets, houses, temples, assembly halls, and clan churches. It is this simple yet timeless beauty that captivates countless visitors.
Through many wars, Hoi An still stands as a historical witness, preserving part of the memory of its past as “one of the most bustling international trading ports in Southeast Asia.” Visiting Hoi An is not only about exploring its beauty, but also an opportunity to learn about the history, architecture, and culture of a bygone era.
Why should you visit Hoi An at least once in your life? Because Hoi An will tell you historical stories through every ancient house, every layer of moss, every bridge, temple, or even the small boats docking at the river. Hoi An will let you taste unique dishes that you can’t find anywhere else, such as Cao Lau, Quang Style Noodle, and Mot Hoi An. Hoi An is not only visually beautiful, but also provides a special experience through other senses, as you feel the cool breeze, smell the gentle aroma of local dishes, and listen to the gentle sound of waves.
A trip to Hoi An will take you from one emotion to another, each moment becoming more fulfilling. And that is Hoi An, a cultural heritage of the world, a place that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.
Suggested One-Day Tour Itinerary in Hoi An
Itinerary for Visiting Assembly Halls and Releasing Lanterns
Morning Itinerary
The day in Hoi An starts with enjoying the famous Banh Mi Phuong (Phuong Sandwich). Located at 2B Phan Chu Trinh, this bakery attracts not only local visitors but also many international tourists with a variety of fillings such as grilled pork, sausage, pate, or mixed options. A crispy Banh Mi paired with a fragrant cup of Sua Bap (corn milk) makes for a perfect start to the day.
Once you’re energized, head to a riverside café to enjoy the fresh air. A steaming cup of aromatic ca phe (coffee) along with the peaceful view of the Hoai River will help you relax and recharge before exploring Hoi An.
Next, visit famous assembly halls to learn about the culture and history of the ancient town. The Quang Dong Assembly Hall with its unique Chinese architecture is the first stop. Then, you can visit the Tan Ky Ancient House and Phung Hung Ancient House, which hold many valuable artifacts and showcase beautiful Asian architecture. Finally, the Sa Huynh Museum will take you back in time with precious archaeological finds.
This morning journey will help you fully experience the beauty of Hoi An, from its delicious cuisine and tranquil atmosphere to its unique cultural and historical values.
Afternoon Itinerary
After visiting the sights of Hoi An in the morning, stop for lunch to taste some of the town’s specialties. A great option for the warm weather is Com Ga Ba Buoi (Ba Buoi Chicken Rice). Known for its distinctive, delicious flavor, this dish will restore your energy. After lunch, take a leisurely stroll or enjoy a breeze by the beach at Cua Dai or An Bang, where you can enjoy the cool, comfortable atmosphere.
Continue your culinary exploration of Hoi An by renting a bicycle and riding around streets like Nguyen Thai Hoc and Tran Phu. This is a great opportunity to experience the local snack culture. Try some tasty treats such as Banh Trang Nuong (grilled rice paper), Banh Beo (steamed rice cakes), Banh Da Heo (pigskin cake), Tao Pho (sweet tofu pudding), and Thit Xien Nuong (grilled skewers).
Evening Itinerary
Your one-day exploration of Hoi An will be perfectly completed with a dinner of delicious Cao Lau. To achieve the authentic chewy texture, Cao Lau requires water from the Ba Le well and ash from Cu Lao Cham wood, which give the dish its unique flavor.
After a satisfying meal, experience other exciting activities, such as taking a boat ride along the Hoai River and releasing hoa dang (lanterns). During this time, the ancient town of Hoi An comes alive with colorful lanterns reflecting on the water. The old houses by the river create a beautiful setting that will captivate you. Enjoying the beauty of Hoi An at night will be the perfect ending to your tour.
Hoi An Culinary Exploration and Night Market Tour
This is an affordable trip for food enthusiasts, as most of the time during this tour will be spent exploring the delicious local dishes. As previously mentioned, Hoi An is a famous destination known for its rich culinary culture, attracting visitors with its flavorful dishes and vibrant colors, along with the unique tastes of the region.
Morning Itinerary
Start your day with a morning stroll down Tran Phu Street to explore the peaceful and refreshing atmosphere of Hoi An. Afterward, make sure to visit the famous Madam Khanh Banh Mi (Sandwich Shop). With over 30 years of history, Madam Khanh remains popular for its delicious, crispy banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich) filled with a variety of ingredients, including grilled meat, sausage, pate, and eggs.
A must-try local drink is Mot Drink, a refreshing herbal beverage made from various herbs like chrysanthemum, green tea leaves, and other spices. It has a naturally sweet taste and provides a cool relief on hot days.
A morning spent enjoying banh mi and nuoc Mot will give you the energy you need to continue exploring Hoi An. After breakfast, take a stroll around the Old Town, soak in the peaceful ambiance, and prepare for more exciting experiences ahead.
Afternoon Itinerary
In the afternoon, it’s the perfect time to explore Hoi An’s iconic dishes. A great suggestion is to try Banh Bot Loc, a savory tapioca dumpling filled with shrimp, meat, mushrooms, or fried onions, served on the sidewalks of Le Loi Street. The dumplings are crispy on the outside and packed with rich flavors inside.
If you’re visiting during hot weather, don’t miss out on Hoi An Ice Cream in a Tube. Known for its natural fruit flavors, this cool treat is a perfect dessert after lunch.
After a satisfying meal, visit some of the famous Assembly Halls such as Quang Dong Assembly Hall, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, or explore temples like Chua Cau (Japanese Bridge) and Chua Ong (The Ong Temple). These sites offer a chance to learn about the unique architecture and experience the tranquility of Hoi An’s ancient temples.
Evening Itinerary
To complete your day, head to Ba Ty Chicken Rice Restaurant (25-27 Phan Chu Trinh Street, Hoi An). This restaurant is famous for its flavorful chicken rice, a must-try dish in the Old Town.
After a delicious dinner, enjoy traditional Hat Choi (a type of folk music) on Bach Dang Street. Hat Choi is a traditional form of Central Vietnamese folk music and a unique feature of the cultural space in Hoi An at night.
Don’t miss the Hoi An Night Market along the Thu Bon River. Here, you can sample local specialties like banh mi (Vietnamese sandwiches), Goi Cuon (spring rolls), Banh Xeo (Vietnamese pancakes), and various refreshing sweet soups (che).
The Old Town of Hoi An is more than just a tourist destination—it’s a “living museum” of history, architecture, and Asian culture. Here, you will experience the traditional cultural values of Vietnam, from ancient houses to traditional crafts and landscapes full of national identity.
Temple Visit and Relaxation at the Beach Itinerary
Morning Itinerary
When you arrive in Hoi An in the morning, start your day at Anh Trang Bridge to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Hoi An River amidst the historical surroundings. After that, explore Hoi An Market, famous for its cheese banh mi (sandwich), and visit Phuc Kien Pagoda to admire the beautiful architecture and experience the tranquility of this sacred place. This will be a perfect start to your day in the ancient town of Hoi An.
Afternoon Itinerary
Under the afternoon sunlight of Hoi An, the journey continues with special experiences. First, explore the Old Town for shopping and beauty treatments. Here, you can find unique handmade products, from handicrafts to fashion. Hoi An is especially known for making ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dresses), where you can choose the fabric, style, and color to create your own unique outfit.
Next, relax at An Bang Beach. With its quiet space, clear blue waters, and gentle waves, it’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the sea breeze. There are many seaside restaurants and cafes where you can savor delicious food and drinks while watching a beautiful sunset over the sea.
Evening Itinerary
No trip to Hoi An would be complete without experiencing its rich local culinary culture for dinner. Start with Cao Lau, a traditional noodle dish served with fresh vegetables, meat, and a flavorful broth. This dish is a hallmark of Hoi An’s culinary identity and should not be missed when visiting this ancient town. Additionally, try Banh Bao Vac (Hoi An’s “white rose dumplings”), small dumplings made from rice flour filled with meat, offering a delicate and unique taste of Hoi An.
Conclusion
With the one-day tour of Hoi An introduced by VnCarRentals.com, you will have the opportunity to explore famous landmarks such as Japanese Bridge, Cau Pagoda, the Hoi An Ancient Town, and enjoy the best local dishes. This will be an unforgettable experience on your journey to discover Central Vietnam. Plan your trip and enjoy a relaxing and meaningful day in Hoi An.
Don’t forget to use the private car rental service in Hoi An from VnCarRentals.com for the best experience. If you are staying in Da Nang, you can also book a one-day trip from Da Nang to Hoi An to explore the itinerary in the most cost-effective way.
