Hey friends! It’s me, Tina from An Bang Seaside Village in Hoi An. I’ve been living here for over 5 years now and absolutely love this charming town. As you probably know, Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage site located along Vietnam’s central coast. With its well-preserved Ancient Town, stunning beaches, amazing food, and incredibly friendly locals, it’s no wonder Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s top destinations.
I often get asked by my guests at An Bang Seaside Village for recommendations on how to best experience Hoi An in a short time. So I decided to put together this 2 day Hoi An itinerary to help you make the most of your visit. I’ll share with you the best things to do in Hoi An, where to eat, and some insider tips to help you plan an amazing trip.
Let’s get started!
Day 1 in Hoi An: Exploring the Ancient Town
On your first day in Hoi An, I recommend spending it wandering around the enchanting Ancient Town. This historic district is filled with old wooden houses, colorful lanterns, quaint cafes, bustling markets, and so much more.
Start your day with a hearty Vietnamese breakfast. Head to White Rose Restaurant along the river and try their famous cao lau noodles. This Hoi An specialty features thick noodles mixed with slices of pork, bean sprouts, and fresh herbs. So delicious!
After breakfast, stroll over to the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. Dating back to the 18th century, it’s one of Hoi An’s most famous landmarks. Make sure to have your entrance ticket ready so you can cross over the bridge and admire it from both sides.
Next, wander through the Old Town’s narrow alleyways. Pop into the centuries-old homes turned into workshops where you can see local artisans handmaking lanterns, woodcarvings, pottery, and more. The architecture here is truly unique with influences from Vietnam, China, and Japan.
Around midday, stop at a restaurant in the Old Town for a lunch break. I love Nu Eatery for its modern fusion dishes and stylish ambiance. The chicken rice is one of my go-to orders!
After refueling, continue exploring the Old Town. Some must-see highlights include the Cantonese Assembly Hall with its striking dragon statues, the historic Fujian Meeting Hall, the Central Market, and the Japanese Bridge at sunset.
As evening approaches, get ready to enjoy Hoi An’s magical nighttime scene. The Old Town transforms as the golden lanterns come aglow. For dinner, grab a hearty bowl of cao lau at Morning Glory Restaurant. Then browse through the bustling Night Market near the bridge.
End your first day in Hoi An with an evening river cruise. Relax on board as you gently float along the Thu Bon River. Admire the glowing cityscape as traditional folk music plays. It’s incredibly romantic!
Day 2 in Hoi An: Cycling, Cooking, and the Beach
On your second day, escape the city center and explore the surrounding countryside.
Start with a rejuvenating breakfast at An Bang Seaside Village’s restaurant. Our tropical fruit bowls and banana pancakes with coconut syrup are guest favorites!
After breakfast, rent a bicycle from your homestay to explore at your own pace. Pedal through lush rice paddies, small villages, and past water buffalo grazing in the fields. Stop at Cam Thanh Village and see local farmers harvesting water spinach and other vegetables.
Work up an appetite again because next you’ll learn to cook authentic Vietnamese food! Book a cooking class with Red Bridge Restaurant. You’ll visit Hoi An’s central market to shop for fresh ingredients. Then head to their restaurant where a master chef will teach you to make dishes like spring rolls, papaya salad, and seafood curry. It’s so much fun!
In the late afternoon, cycle over to An Bang Beach. Spread out your beach towel and relax on the soft sand. Go for a swim in the gentle waves or grab a drink at one of the beach bars. It’s the perfect way to end your day!
For your last dinner in Hoi An, dine at popular Cargo Club. Their beachfront restaurant serves delicious wood-fired pizzas and has amazing sunset views. Get the pulled pork pizza – it’s my personal favorite.
After an action-packed two days in Hoi An, I’m sure you’ll agree this charming town has so much to offer! The food, history, beaches, and friendly locals come together to create an unforgettable travel experience. I hope this 2 day itinerary helps you plan your own magical trip to Hoi An.
Let me know if you have any other questions! I’m always happy to share more insider tips about this special place. Looking forward to welcoming you soon at An Bang Seaside Village.
Cheers,
Tina