Hoi An totally stole my heart—this little town in central Vietnam is packed with charm, food, and fun experiences. I spent 4 days here and managed to squeeze in a lot, but honestly, I could’ve easily stayed longer. If you’re planning your Vietnam itinerary, make sure Hoi An is on the list.
Where I Stayed
I stayed at Fuse Old Town Hostel for 3 nights. It’s super cheap, social, and a great spot to meet people. That said, the beds aren’t the best—they shake anytime someone moves on the top or bottom bunk, so don’t expect luxury sleep. There’s also another Fuse location right by the beach that costs the same, so you just need to choose whether you’d rather be closer to the beach or town.
Top Experiences in Hoi An
🛶 Bamboo Boat Ride & Cooking Class
This was one of the highlights of my trip. The bamboo boats are such a fun, unique experience—but usually, they only let you book them if you’re with someone. I got around this by booking a combined bamboo boat + cooking class tour through the hostel, which was perfect for solo travelers.
Right after the boat ride, we went straight into the cooking class where we learned how to make four different Vietnamese dishes. It was hands-on, delicious, and honestly one of the most fun things I did in Vietnam.
🌉 Golden Hands Bridge (Ba Na Hills)
I also did a tour to see the famous Golden Hands Bridge in Da Nang. Heads up—this one is pricier and very touristy. But the 16-minute cable car ride up the mountain is beautiful, and the view from the top is worth it. Just go in knowing it’s not exactly a hidden gem.
🌙 Night Market & River Boat Ride
Hoi An’s night market runs along the river and it’s a vibe—tons of lights, street food, and shops. I also hopped on a traditional river boat ride one night. The lines to get on are kind of chaotic, but for around 150,000 VND (~$6), you get a peaceful 20-minute cruise under lantern-lit skies.
✂️ Get Clothes Tailored
Hoi An is the place in Vietnam to get custom clothes made. There are tailors everywhere offering great prices, fast turnaround, and quality work. If you’ve been thinking about having something made (a suit, dress, or even just some fun pants), do it here.
Where to Eat
🥖 Banh Mi Queen
I can’t hype this place enough—the best banh mi I’ve ever had. I went four times in three days. Each sandwich is around $1, and they do not skimp on the fillings. Pro tip: don’t skip the chili sauce on the table, it’s incredible.
🍜 COCOPLUS
A cute little spot with solid Vietnamese dishes and chill vibes. Everything’s fresh, flavorful, and reasonably priced.
Final Thoughts
There’s a lot to do in Hoi An. I packed my days full and still left feeling like I missed a few things. I’d say three nights minimum, but if you’ve got the time, definitely stay longer.
Got questions about Hoi An or want help planning your Vietnam route? Drop a comment below or shoot me a message on Instagram!