Quick summary: Experience the charm of Hoi An over three days with enchanting lantern-lit evenings, a delicious local food tour, and relaxing beach visits. This family-friendly itinerary balances culture, cuisine, and leisure with convenient mixed transport options.
Route map + stops
Hoi An Ancient Town
- Hoi An Ancient Town (Phố cổ Hội An)
Nearest station: Hoi An Bus Station — Line: Local bus — Exit: Best exit: check station signage - Japanese Covered Bridge (Chùa Cầu)
Nearest station: Hoi An Ancient Town — Line: Walking — Exit: N/A - Hoi An Lantern Market (Chợ đèn lồng Hội An)
Nearest station: Hoi An Ancient Town — Line: Walking — Exit: N/A - Central Market (Chợ Hội An)
Nearest station: Hoi An Ancient Town — Line: Walking — Exit: N/A - Museum of Trade Ceramics (Bảo tàng Gốm sứ Hội An)
Nearest station: Hoi An Ancient Town — Line: Walking — Exit: N/A - Cam Pho Temple (Chùa Cẩm Phô)
Nearest station: Hoi An Ancient Town — Line: Walking — Exit: N/A
Other
- Tra Que Vegetable Village (Làng rau Trà Quế)
Nearest station: Hoi An Bus Station — Line: Taxi or bicycle — Exit: N/A - An Bang Beach (Bãi biển An Bàng)
Nearest station: Hoi An Bus Station — Line: Taxi or bicycle — Exit: N/A - Thanh Ha Pottery Village (Làng gốm Thanh Hà)
Nearest station: Hoi An Bus Station — Line: Taxi or bicycle — Exit: N/A - Cua Dai Beach (Bãi biển Cửa Đại)
Nearest station: Hoi An Bus Station — Line: Taxi — Exit: N/A
Timeline (hour-by-hour)
Day 1
Start your day exploring Hoi An Ancient Town, visiting historic houses and the Japanese Covered Bridge. Enjoy lunch at the bustling Central Market sampling local dishes. In the afternoon, visit the Museum of Trade Ceramics. As evening falls, stroll through the Lantern Market and enjoy the magical atmosphere with lantern-lit streets and riverside dining.
09:00 — Explore Hoi An Ancient Town
Why go: Discover the UNESCO World Heritage site with its well-preserved architecture and vibrant streets.
Do:
- Walk through narrow lanes
- Visit historic houses and temples
- Shop for local handicrafts
How to get there: Arrive by local bus or taxi to Hoi An Bus Station, then walk into Ancient Town
Cost / tickets: Entry fees vary by site, generally 120,000 VND for the Ancient Town ticket
Time needed: 3 hours
12:30 — Lunch at Central Market
Why go: Taste authentic Vietnamese street food and fresh local produce.
Do:
- Try Cao Lau noodles
- Sample fresh spring rolls
- Enjoy tropical fruits
How to get there: Walk from Ancient Town center to Central Market
Cost / tickets: Around 50,000–100,000 VND per dish
Time needed: 1 hour
14:00 — Visit Japanese Covered Bridge and Museum of Trade Ceramics
Why go: See iconic landmarks and learn about Hoi An’s trading history.
Do:
- Photograph the bridge
- Explore ceramic exhibits
How to get there: Short walk within Ancient Town
Cost / tickets: Included in Ancient Town ticket
Time needed: 1.5 hours
18:00 — Lantern Market and Evening Stroll
Why go: Experience the magical lantern-lit streets and vibrant night market atmosphere.
Do:
- Buy a lantern
- Enjoy street performances
- Dine riverside
How to get there: Walk from Ancient Town center
Cost / tickets: Free to enter; food and souvenirs vary
Time needed: 2 hours
Day 2
Begin with a bicycle ride to Tra Que Vegetable Village to see traditional farming and join a cooking class. After lunch, visit Thanh Ha Pottery Village to watch artisans and try pottery making. End the day relaxing at An Bang Beach with sunset views and beachside cafes.
08:30 — Cycle to Tra Que Vegetable Village
Why go: See traditional farming methods and enjoy a cooking class.
Do:
- Cycle through countryside
- Participate in vegetable farming
- Join a cooking workshop
How to get there: Rent bicycle from hotel or local shop
Cost / tickets: Cooking class around 300,000–400,000 VND
Time needed: 4 hours
14:30 — Visit Thanh Ha Pottery Village
Why go: Discover local pottery craftsmanship and try pottery making.
Do:
- Watch artisans at work
- Try pottery shaping
- Purchase handmade ceramics
How to get there: Taxi or bicycle from Tra Que Village
Cost / tickets: Free entry; pottery items priced individually
Time needed: 1.5 hours
17:00 — Relax at An Bang Beach
Why go: Unwind on a peaceful beach with cafes and sunset views.
Do:
- Swim
- Enjoy beachside dining
- Watch sunset
How to get there: Taxi or bicycle from pottery village
Cost / tickets: Free beach access; food and drinks extra
Time needed: 2 hours
Day 3
Spend the morning at Cua Dai Beach for swimming and sunbathing. Return to town to visit the peaceful Cam Pho Temple and enjoy local coffee at nearby cafes. Conclude your trip with a final evening walk through the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An Ancient Town and a memorable dinner at a mid-range restaurant.
09:00 — Morning at Cua Dai Beach
Why go: Enjoy a quieter beach experience with soft sand and clear water.
Do:
- Swim
- Sunbathe
- Walk along shore
How to get there: Taxi from Hoi An center
Cost / tickets: Free access
Time needed: 3 hours
13:30 — Visit Cam Pho Temple and Local Cafes
Why go: Explore a peaceful temple and savor local coffee culture.
Do:
- Tour temple grounds
- Try Vietnamese drip coffee
- Relax in garden cafes
How to get there: Walk or taxi from beach area
Cost / tickets: Free temple entry; coffee 30,000–50,000 VND
Time needed: 2 hours
16:00 — Final Evening Lantern Walk and Dinner
Why go: Enjoy your last night with lantern-lit streets and riverside dining.
Do:
- Buy souvenirs
- Dine at a mid-range restaurant
- Take photos of lanterns
How to get there: Walk in Ancient Town
Cost / tickets: Dinner 150,000–300,000 VND per person
Time needed: 3 hours
Logistics (read this first)
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and light clothing due to warm weather
- Carry cash in Vietnamese Dong for small purchases
- Rent bicycles for countryside visits; taxis available for longer trips
- Stay hydrated and use sun protection
- Book cooking classes and bike rentals in advance during peak season
- Ancient Town ticket required for most heritage sites
Local tips and guide
Hoi An Local Guide
Hoi An is a charming riverside town in central Vietnam known for its well-preserved Ancient Town, lantern-lit evenings, and delicious cuisine. The Old Town is compact and best explored on foot or by bicycle. Nearby villages and beaches offer relaxing escapes. The climate is warm year-round, with a rainy season from September to December. Local markets and riverside cafes provide authentic cultural experiences. Visitors should carry cash and wear comfortable shoes for walking.
If it rains (2 alternatives)
If something is closed (2 alternatives)
FAQ
Do I need a ticket to enter Hoi An Ancient Town?
Yes, a ticket is required to visit most heritage sites within the Ancient Town area.
Is it safe to cycle around Hoi An?
Yes, cycling is popular and generally safe on designated paths and countryside roads.
What is the best time to see the lantern festival?
The full moon nights each month feature the lantern festival with streets lit by colorful lanterns.
Are there family-friendly dining options?
Yes, many restaurants offer kid-friendly menus and comfortable seating.
Can I use public transport to get around?
Local buses and taxis are available, but walking and cycling are preferred within the town.
How we planned this route
Byline: Expert travel planner with extensive experience in Southeast Asia itineraries
Based on local insights, visitor reviews, and cultural highlights to maximize family-friendly experiences