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24-Hour Itinerary In Hoi An - Travel Tips By Rosalie

Hello, I’m Rosalie. Visiting Vietnam has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember, and when I finally planned my trip to Hoi An, I knew I wanted to experience it properly - even with limited time. That’s how this 24-hour itinerary in Hoi An came to life. In just one day, I wandered through golden streets, explored the old town, and slowly understood why this place is considered a must-visit in Vietnam ! With the support of Autour Asia, fitting the best things to do in Hoi An into a single day didn’t feel rushed at all. Instead, the experience felt smooth, personal, and surprisingly complete. So, is one day really enough for a visit to Hoi An ? Let’s find out together.

I. Overview of my Hoi An itinerary 24 hours

Standing‎ in Hoi An for the first time, I felt its quiet magic almost immediately. Located just 30‎ kilometers south of‎ Da Nang, this UNESCO‎ World Heritage‎ site feels like a‎ living museum where‎ Chinese,‎ Japanese, and Portuguese influences‎‎ blend‎ beautifully. Whether it’s the mossy‎ tiled roofs or the golden walls‎ reflecting off the Thu‎ Bon River,‎‎ every corner holds a story from its days‎ as a 15th-century‎ trading port. Spending‎ 24 hours in Hoi An‎ felt less like sightseeing and more like quietly stepping into history.

It was this very atmosphere that inspired my approach to the trip. I worked with Autour Asia to design this 24-hour itinerary in Hoi An in a way that felt calm and unrushed. Instead of chasing highlights, my day unfolded naturally : cycling through herb gardens, enjoying simple local food, and ending with a cultural performance as the town softened into evening. If you’re wondering what to do in Hoi An with limited time, this is the path I followed, which may offer a helpful reference for your own journey.

II. Detailed my 24-hour itinerary in Hoi An

1. Morning : Countryside cycling, local market, and cooking experience

My morning kicked off early with a Grab ride from Da Nang, which took about an hour. Leaving at 6:45 AM was a genius move - watching the sunrise along the coastal road while avoiding the morning rush made the start of my Hoi An itinerary 24 hours feel incredibly peaceful ! Once I arrived, I dropped my bags at my homestay. Most hosts here are wonderfully flexible with early luggage storage. I took a quick moment to freshen up and enjoyed a strong Vietnamese coffee nearby. This little "recharge" break felt essential before diving into the day’s adventures.

By 8:45 AM, I met‎ my friendly guide at the lobby,‎ hopped onto a bicycle, and‎ pedaled straight into the local heart‎ of the town. Visiting a bustling market is easily one‎ of the most vibrant‎ things‎ to do in‎ Hoi An. I‎ felt like a local weaving‎ through stalls‎ piled high with‎ fragrant basil, mint, and‎ colorful vegetables. My‎ guide taught me‎ how to pick out the best‎ spices and‎ herbs,‎ explaining their roles in‎ traditional recipes. It was fascinating‎ to see the raw ingredients that would soon become our delicious lunch later that day.

Next, a dream-like‎ ride through emerald‎ rice paddies led us to Tra Que Vegetable Village, a 300-year-old organic farming community. This scenic transition became a memorable part of my 24-hour itinerary in Hoi An. After a refreshing herbal drink,‎ I wandered through gardens growing more than 20 types of herbs before becoming a‎ "true farmer". Guided by locals, I dug the soil, sowed seeds,‎ watered vegetables, and‎ harvested herbs using traditional methods. The work was slightly tiring but grounding, offering a simple insight into rural life. Watching farmers use seaweed as natural fertilizer explained why the vegetables taste so incredibly fresh.

The highlight of my trip to Hoi An was the traditional cooking class. Using vegetables picked just hours earlier made every step feel meaningful. Under the chef’s guidance, I learned to make Tam Huu rolls and crispy Banh Xeo. I’ll never forget the first bite of that pancake - the satisfying crunch of the golden crust mixed with the burst of fresh, peppery basil ! Sitting together to enjoy the meal was deeply rewarding, food truly tastes better when you've earned it. After this feast for the senses, I enjoyed a relaxed cycle back to town, wrapping up the first half of my unforgettable 24 hours in Hoi An.

2. Afternoon : Slow walks, Old Town charm, and local shopping

After the high energy of the morning, the midday heat was the perfect excuse to slow down. I checked into my homestay around 2:00 PM for a much-needed shower and a short nap - recharging is vital when you only have 24 hours in Hoi An. By 3:30‎ PM, I stepped back outside feeling‎ completely refreshed. Walking into‎ Ancient Town at this hour felt like stepping into a warm, sepia-toned‎ photograph. This was my moment to simply observe‎ : mustard-yellow‎ walls glowing softly in the sun, bicycles gliding past, and vibrant bougainvillea spilling over ancient roofs. If you’re wondering what to do in Hoi An to truly feel its soul, my advice is simple - just walk. Don’t rush, let the narrow alleys lead you toward hidden corners.

No 24-hour itinerary in Hoi An is complete without visiting the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. This 16th-century landmark blends Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese influences through its vermilion wood and intricate carvings. Crossing it felt like stepping through a quiet chapter of history. Just nearby, the Hoai River flowed gently, reflecting lanterns and old houses as the sun slowly dipped. Watching wooden boats drift by was pure magic. As lanterns began to glow, the river transformed into a shimmering fairytale scene - romantic, peaceful, and almost unreal.

To cool off, I‎ headed to the famous‎ Mót stall for a cup of their famous herbal tea. Fragrant with‎ lemongrass, ginger, and cinnamon,‎ topped with a‎‎ lotus petal, it was incredibly‎ refreshing after my‎ walk. Before the evening festivities began,‎ I spent time browsing for souvenirs to‎ remember my trip to Hoi An. I couldn't resist picking up some delicate hand-embroidered pouches and a small bag of local Vietnamese coffee. Following this Hoi An itinerary 24 hours, late afternoon felt perfect for shopping - soft light, calm streets, and smiles everywhere.

3. Evening : Local flavors and Hoi An Memories Show

As evening draped‎ over the town, the air grew cooler and even more atmospheric. Since lunch had been quite filling, I kept dinner simple‎ with a bowl of Cao Lầu - a true Hoi An specialty. I chose a cozy‎ balcony spot overlooking the lantern-lit‎ streets, and honestly,‎ slurping those golden,‎ chewy noodles topped with savory char siu and‎ crispy pork skin while‎ watching life pass by was pure bliss. It’s definitely one of the most essential things to do in Hoi An if you’re a foodie. By 7:15 PM, I took a‎ short taxi ride to Hoi An Memories Show. Arriving early for the show felt like a natural part of my Hoi An itinerary 24 hours, giving me time to soak in the atmosphere.

Walking into the open-air theater, the sheer scale of the stage took my breath away - it’s the largest real-scene stage in Vietnam. Watching the Hoi An Memories Show became the most emotional way to wrap up my 24-hour itinerary in Hoi An. With over 500‎ professional dancers and a state-of-the-art‎ lighting system, the show masterfully recreated the town’s trading port history through music and art. I felt goosebumps as the performers brought centuries of culture to life under the starlight. By 9:15 PM, I returned quietly to my homestay, feeling like my short trip to Hoi An had ended in the most beautiful, complete way possible. What an unforgettable day !

III. Practical tips for your trip to Hoi An

Before wrapping up my journey, I want to share a few practical tips that truly helped me enjoy every moment of my 24-hour itinerary in Hoi An. These are small details, but trust me - they make a big difference when time is limited :

• Plan ahead, but don’t over-plan : For a short stay like 24 hours in Hoi An, having a loose structure is essential. I mapped out key moments in advance and booked my accommodation early, but I always left space for spontaneous wandering. That balance kept my trip to Hoi An smooth and stress-free.

• Dress for comfort : Hoi An’s tropical heat is real. Lightweight, breathable clothing made my 24-hour itinerary in Hoi An much more enjoyable. I also recommend bringing a light layer for evenings, plus a hat and sunscreen for daytime walks.

• Carry some cash with you : Small shops, street food stalls, and local markets often prefer Vietnamese Dong (VND). Having cash on hand keeps things simple and much more convenient.

• Learn a few simple Vietnamese phrases : A friendly "Xin chào" (Hello) or "Cảm ơn" (Thank you) goes a long way. It made my interactions warmer and more genuine, especially when asking locals for recommendations.

• Support local crafts : From handmade lanterns to silk scarves, choosing locally made souvenirs added meaning to my journey. It’s a lovely way to remember your time here while supporting the community.

If you approach this town with an open heart and a bit of a plan, even a single day will feel like a long, beautiful dream. I hope this helps you plan your own legendary trip to Hoi An !

Looking back,‎ this journey proved that 24 hours in Hoi An can be far more‎ meaningful than I ever expected. From quiet countryside‎ mornings to lantern-lit‎‎ nights, every‎ moment‎ felt intentional and never rushed. This 24-hour itinerary in Hoi An wasn’t about ticking boxes, but about choosing experiences that truly reflect the town’s soul - the food,‎ the culture,‎ and the people. Thanks to the‎ thoughtful planning and local insight from Autour Asia, everything flowed naturally, allowing me to stay present instead of stressed. If you’re‎ searching for authentic things to do in Hoi An with‎ limited‎ time, trust that one well-planned day‎ is enough to fall in love. I arrived‎ curious, and‎ I left with memories that will stay with me for a very long time.

You might be interested in :

- Ready to plan your own 24-hour itinerary in Hoi An ? Autour Asia, your trusted Vietnam travel agency, is here to help you design a smooth, meaningful journey with practical advice and personalized experiences.
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