How to Explore Hoi An in 24 Hours – A Day of Learning and Adventure
Hoi An is a delightful little corner of Vietnam a traveller must visit at least once. Called the City of Lanterns, this town derives its international fame from being a UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves history. With little more than 100,000 inhabitants, Hoi An isn’t a very crowded city, nor is it very big. However, there are many attractions you must see. If you have only a day in Hoi An, this is how you can best enjoy it.
Arian Zwegers, Hoi An, Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation (6224320374), CC BY 2.0
Getting Here
You’ll find the nearest airport in Da Nang, about 30 kilometres north of Hoi An. From there you can get to Hoi An by taxi or shuttle bus. The journey is quite comfortable and takes about 40 minutes. If you’re travelling from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, you can get to Da Nang train station and take the bus or a taxi to Hoi An. Once you’re in the city, you’ll find that it’s quite compact and walkable, but you can also rent a bike.
Best Time to Visit
You have only a day, so make sure nothing gets in the way of making the most of your limited time. Visiting during the dry season, from February to August, will offer the best weather for exploration. The weather is pleasant, and the humidity is low. You might bump into other tourists, but it’s a small price to pay for perfect weather.
Places to Stay
You might want to check into a hotel the night before to begin your day of adventures. The hotel should be located close to popular tourist attractions so that you won’t have to spend too much time commuting. To that end, Hoi An offers a diversity of choices, including Anantara Hoi An Resort.
Ancient Town
Things to do in Hoi An call for a visit to the Ancient Town. It’s home to several attractions, but they sit within shouting distance of each other, so you don’t need more than a few hours to explore some of the must-visits:
- Japanese Covered Bridge: Built in the 16th century, the Japanese Covered Bridge is an iconic symbol of Hoi An. Its beautiful architecture is eye-catching.
- Tan Ky House: With antique furniture and beautiful wooden carvings, Tan Ky House is a 200-year-old house that belonged to a wealthy merchant.
- Fujian Assembly Hall: Dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu, Fujian Assembly Hall was built by the Chinese community in the 17th century. The beautiful architecture makes it a must-visit.
Local Cuisine
The local cuisine is an absolute culinary wonder. There’s a great variety of dishes you must try. You’ll find plenty of local eateries serving authentic local fare, so take your pick. Must-try dishes include Cao Lau, White Rose Dumplings, and Banh Mi.
Beaches
Just a short ride from the Ancient Town, you’ll find Hoi An’s beautiful beaches. An Bang Beach, for one, is known for its soft white sand and clear blue waters. The beach is perfect for soaking up the sun and swimming. Once you’re done with all the sunbathing and swimming, head to one of the beachfront restaurants to enjoy a delicious seafood meal. Cua Dai Beach is another beautiful beach. Although it has been subjected to erosion over the years, it still offers stunning views and a peaceful escape. It’s the perfect spot for a quiet afternoon.
Cooking Classes
Once you have tried Vietnamese food, you’ll find yourself wishing you could make some of those culinary masterpieces yourself. Join a cooking class, and the expert teachers will have you making delicious Vietnamese food in no time. Plus, you’ll be taken to local markets to pick up fresh ingredients before arriving at the class and start learning the art of Vietnamese cooking.
