H I an Vietnam 7 Day Itinerary

Hội An, Vietnam: A 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Hội An

Places to Go:

  • Central Market: Start your day by exploring the bustling Central Market, where you can find fresh produce, souvenirs, and local snacks.
  • Japanese Bridge: Visit the iconic Japanese Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 16th century.

Activities:

  • Take a stroll along the Thu Bon River and enjoy the scenic views of Hội An’s historic architecture.

Where to Eat:

  • Morning Glory: Try some delicious breakfast at Morning Glory, a local café serving Vietnamese coffee and pastries.
  • Ba Be Café: Enjoy lunch at Ba Be Café, which serves traditional Vietnamese dishes in a cozy atmosphere.

Where to Stay:

  • Hoi An Garden Villas: Consider staying at Hoi An Garden Villas, a tranquil retreat with beautiful gardens and modern villas.

Day 2: Explore Hội An’s Historic District

Places to Go:

  • Phuc Kien Assembly Hall: Visit the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, a historic temple dedicated to the Chinese deity of prosperity.
  • Quan Cong Temple: Explore the Quan Kong Temple, another impressive example of Hội An’s rich cultural heritage.

Activities:

  • Take a walking tour of Hội An’s Historic District and discover its narrow streets, ancient architecture, and vibrant street life.
  • Learn about the history of Hội An at the Hội An Museum.

Where to Eat:

  • Madam Moon: Enjoy dinner at Madam Moon, which serves modern Vietnamese cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.

Day 3: Relax on Cua Dai Beach

Places to Go:

  • Cua Dai Beach: Spend the day relaxing on Cua Dai Beach, a stunning stretch of sand and sea.
  • Hội An Beach Club: Visit the Hội An Beach Club for some beach activities and a refreshing swim.

Activities:

  • Take a sunset cruise along the Thu Bon River and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
  • Practice yoga or meditation at one of the local studios.

Where to Eat:

  • Song Xanh Hoi An Restaurant: Try some delicious seafood at Song Xanh Hoi An Restaurant, located near the beach.

Day 4: Explore the Countryside

Places to Go:

  • Tra Que Village: Visit Tra Que Village, a charming rural community known for its beautiful gardens and traditional farming practices.
  • Thanh Ha Village: Explore Thanh Ha Village, another picturesque countryside destination with stunning scenery and local crafts.

Activities:

  • Take a cooking class and learn about Vietnamese cuisine from a local chef.
  • Go on a cycling tour of the countryside and enjoy the scenic views.

Where to Eat:

  • Tra Que Village Restaurant: Enjoy lunch at Tra Que Village Restaurant, which serves traditional Vietnamese dishes in a cozy atmosphere.

Day 5: Discover the Local Culture

Places to Go:

  • Hội An Museum of History & Culture: Visit the Hội An Museum of History and Culture, which showcases the city’s rich cultural heritage.
  • Traditional Arts Centre: Explore the Traditional Arts Centre, where you can learn about local crafts and watch artisans at work.

Activities:

  • Attend a traditional dance or music performance at one of the local cultural centres.
  • Take part in a local festival or celebration, if scheduled during your visit.

Where to Eat:

  • Café des Amis: Enjoy dinner at Café des Amis, which serves delicious French-Vietnamese cuisine in a charming atmosphere.

Day 6: Relax and Rejuvenate

Places to Go:

  • An Hoi Spa & Wellness Centre: Treat yourself to some pampering at An Hoi Spa and Wellness Centre, which offers massages, facials, and other treatments.
  • Hội An Yoga Studio: Practice yoga or meditation at one of the local studios.

Activities:

  • Take a leisurely walk along the Thu Bon River and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
  • Enjoy some retail therapy at one of the local markets or shops.

Where to Eat:

  • Madam Mui Restaurant: Try some delicious Vietnamese cuisine at Madam Mui Restaurant, located near the river.

Day 7: Departure from Hội An

Places to Go:

  • Central Market: Visit the Central Market for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
  • Japanese Bridge: Take a final stroll along the Thu Bon River and visit the iconic Japanese Bridge.

Activities:

  • Reflect on your time in Hội An and plan your next adventure.
  • Exchange contact information with locals and other travelers, if desired.

Tips & Transportation:

  • Get around town using taxis, motorbike taxis (xe om), or rent a bicycle to explore the countryside.
  • Hoi An has a good network of bike paths, making it easy to get around without a car.
  • Learn some basic Vietnamese phrases, such as “hello” (xin chào), “thank you” (cảm ơn), and “goodbye” (tạm biệt).
  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples or cultural centres.

Essential Information:

  • Weather: Hoi An has a tropical climate with three main seasons: dry (February to August), wet (September to November), and hot (December to January).
  • Safety: Take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings, especially in crowded areas or at night.
  • Currency: The Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the local currency. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s still a good idea to have some cash on hand.

Recommended Reading:

  • “The Food and Cooking of Vietnam” by Corinne McDry
  • “Vietnam: A History from Earliest Times to 1990s” by Bernard Fall

This itinerary provides a comprehensive guide to exploring the best of Hoi An, from its historic architecture and cultural heritage to its beautiful beaches and local cuisine. With this plan, you’ll be able to experience all that Hoi An has to offer and create unforgettable memories.