Hello everyone, I’m Alba Bertrand, a travel enthusiast, and I recently had the chance to explore the charming city of Hoi An during a solo 5-day trip. In this article, I’ll share my experience and offer you a Hoi An 5-day itinerary, based on my personal 5 days in Hoi An. If you’re wondering what to do in Hoi An in 5 days, join me as I wander through the picturesque alleys, bustling markets, and serene beaches of this magical destination. Get ready to explore Hoi An with me!
During my recent 21-day trip to Vietnam, my Hoi An 5-day itinerary stood out as particularly memorable. The city, with its unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, immediately captivated me. Hoi An offers a peaceful atmosphere and a rich cultural heritage that make it truly special. Through its narrow streets, ancient houses, and vibrant markets, I discovered a city that feels frozen in time yet remains lively and welcoming. It was a true pleasure to immerse myself in this unique ambiance.
Thanks to AUTOUR ASIA, local travel agency in Vietnam, which perfectly organized my stay, I was able to enjoy every moment to the fullest. If you’re wondering what to do in Hoi An, follow my 5 days in Hoi An to uncover all the magic this city has to offer. From cultural tours to relaxing beaches, each day of this Hoi An itinerary was an enriching adventure.
Upon arriving in Hoi An, I decided to start with the heart of the city: the UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town. The Hoi An 5-day itinerary begins with a leisurely stroll through Hoi An’s narrow streets, flanked by traditional wooden houses and colonial buildings. The Japanese bridge immediately captivated me with its intricate carvings and unique atmosphere. After visiting the ancient Tan Ky House, I wandered around the local market and indulged in Hoi An must-try foods like Banh Mi and Cao Lau.
What to do in Hoi An? In the afternoon, I joined a cooking class, an enriching experience. The evening walk along the Thu Bon River allowed me to enjoy the magic of lanterns lighting up the city.
On the second day of my Hoi An 5-day itinerary, I visited the famous Tra Que village, known for its organic vegetables grown without chemicals. During this excursion, I became a real farmer, participating in daily activities like planting and harvesting fresh herbs such as coriander, mint, and basil.
What to do in Hoi An in 5 days? After a morning in the fields, I joined a Vietnamese cooking class. Guided by a local chef, I picked fresh vegetables to prepare traditional dishes like sautéed eggplant, chicken with rice, and the famous Vietnamese pancake, Banh Xeo. This enriching experience gave me a deeper appreciation for Vietnamese cuisine and left me with treasured memories of rural life, working with buffaloes, and cycling through picturesque landscapes.
What to do in Hoi An in 5 days? The third day was dedicated to exploring local culture and crafts. Hoi An is renowned for its craft villages, and I was fortunate to visit the Hoi An silk village, where I observed the silk-making process. I also explored traditional craft villages, including those of potters and carpenters.
In the afternoon, I visited the tailor shops, a must for Hoi An visitors, where I had a custom suit made. The day ended with a visit to the marble mountains, a peaceful spot offering spectacular views of the region. In the evening, I enjoyed Hoi An’s night market, picking up some souvenirs and tasting local specialties like Banh Xeo.
The fourth day of my Hoi An 5-day itinerary was more adventurous, featuring excursions around the area. My Son Sanctuary was a highlight, an archaeological site where I explored the remnants of Hindu temples from the Champa kingdom. In the afternoon, I cycled through scenic rice fields and quaint villages. My 5 days in Hoi An continued with a boat trip to Cham Islands, where I enjoyed snorkeling in crystal-clear waters. The day concluded with a magical sunset cruise on the Thu Bon River.
What to do in Hoi An in 5 days? On the final day of my Hoi An 5-day itinerary, I opted for relaxation before leaving this beautiful city. I started with a traditional Vietnamese massage at a spa, a rejuvenating experience. I then enjoyed a fantastic Vietnamese coffee in Hoi An's old town. In the afternoon, I visited museums in Hoi An to learn more about the city's history and ended the day with a visit to Chuc Thanh Pagoda, a serene Buddhist temple. The evening was spent picking up last-minute souvenirs.
My Hoi An 5-day itinerary was an incredible experience, blending cultural discoveries, relaxation, and adventure. Hoi An is a city to be explored at your own pace, and I’m thrilled to have chosen this itinerary to immerse myself in this unique experience.
For an unforgettable stay in Hoi An, here are some practical tips for your Hoi An itinerary.
Umbrella or raincoat in the rainy season: If you visit Hoi An between August and December, prepare for occasional showers by bringing a lightweight umbrella or raincoat.
Adapt your visits to the weather: If you arrive during the rainy season in Hoi An, focus on indoor activities like visiting pottery museums or temples, saving outdoor activities for sunny days.
Get custom-made clothing: Hoi An is famous for its tailors and fashion designers. You can have custom clothing made, with items ready in 1 to 2 days.
Enjoy local cuisine: Don’t miss Hoi An's typical dishes, available in many of the city’s restaurants and street stalls. A Vietnamese coffee or local dessert will perfectly complete your meal.
By applying these tips, I had a Hoi An 5-day itinerary that was perfectly balanced between cultural discoveries, relaxation, and gastronomic delights. I hope you have a memorable trip to Hoi An.
In summary, if you’re wondering what to do in Hoi An in 5 days, this Hoi An 5-day itinerary offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration, outdoor adventures, and relaxation. Each of these 5 days in Hoi An allowed me to immerse myself in the richness of local culture and fully enjoy the beauty of this unique city. I’m thrilled to have explored Hoi An at my own pace, and I highly recommend this Hoi An 5-day itinerary to anyone looking for an unforgettable experience.
Thanks to AUTOUR ASIA, Travel agency in Hanoi Vietnam, the local French-speaking agency in Vietnam, for creating my dream trip to Hoi An, Vietnam. I highly recommend this agency to anyone planning to visit Vietnam.
During your 5 days in Hoi An, there are several accommodation options suitable for all budgets and preferences. If you want to be close to major attractions like the Japanese bridge or the night markets, you can choose a hotel in the old town of Hoi An. The city offers a diverse range of hotels, including 5-star, 4-star, and 3-star options. For those who prefer the beach, staying near An Bang beach is a great option, where many resorts offer stunning views and modern amenities for relaxing after a day of exploration. Finally, if you're looking for a more authentic experience, consider Hoi An homestays where you can experience Vietnamese culture while enjoying the hospitality of the locals.
Yes, it is absolutely possible to spend fewer than 5 days in Hoi An if you want to explore more cities. If you're short on time, you can spend 3 days in Hoi An instead of 5, focusing your visit on the main attractions like the old town, An Bang beach, and the craft villages. This will give you more time to explore other destinations such as Hue or Da Nang. If you’re looking for Central Vietnam tours, these might interest you:
To get from Hanoi to Hoi An, you can take a direct flight to Da Nang Airport, which is the closest to Hoi An. The flight takes about 1.5 hours, and from there, you can take a taxi or private transport to reach Hoi An, which is just 30-40 minutes away. If you prefer a slower and more scenic journey, you can take a train or bus, although this will take about 16 hours. Once in Hoi An, enjoy your Hoi An 5-day itinerary exploring the old town, its beaches, and local activities, following the itinerary you’ve planned for your 5-day trip in Hoi An.
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