24-Hour Traveller Guide to Hoi An

Think you’re ready to spend 24 hours exploring all the wonders Hoi An has to offer? Perfect! We’ve compiled a step-by-step itinerary to help you make the most of your day around this riverside city.

Located on the banks of the Thu Bồn River, Hotel Royal Hoi An, Mgallery is a perfect blend of heritage and romance. Its refined style inspired by Art Nouveau has a delicate touch of Japanese and Vietnamese cultures and offers spectacular views of the river.

No trip to Vietnam is ever really complete without having Bánh mì. Fancy getting the iconic sandwich for breakfast? Well, you are in luck. Bánh mì Phượng lets you do just that from 6:30 am onwards! A warm crispy baguette that's soft on the inside filled with ingredients like cold cuts and pickled vegetables, we can’t think of a better way to start your trip.

Address:
Bánh mì Phượng (Phuong's Breads)
2B Phan Châu Trinh, Cẩm Châu, Hội An, Quảng Nam 560000 Hoi An

Operating Hours:
6.30am – 9.30pm

The Japanese Covered Bridge (or Cau Nhat Ban in Vietnamese) is emblematic of Hoi An. A bridge was first constructed here in the 1590s by the Japanese community to link them with the Chinese quarters. Over the centuries the ornamentation has remained relatively faithful to the original Japanese design. The French flattened out the roadway for cars, but the original arched shape was restored in 1986. No trip to Hoi An would be complete without visiting this important monument. 

Did you know that the magnificent Fujian Chinese Congregation Assembly Hall is the largest and grandest out of the five remaining assembly halls in Hoi An? Originally built as a place for the Fujian Chinese to socialise and trade, it was later transformed into a temple to worship Thien Hau, the goddess of the sea.  As you stroll through the ornate gates, look out for the animal themes in its murals, carvings, and paintings. Each animal has a different meaning. For example, dragons symbolise power and turtles symbolise longevity.

Unless you’ve had these dumplings, you have not been to Hoi An. Known by the locals as Banh Bao Vac, these dumplings are a speciality of Hoi An and cannot be found anywhere else. The little white roses are made from translucent white dough which is filled with spiced minced shrimp or pork and bunched up to look like little white roses. 

Address: White Rose Restaurant  533 Hai Ba Trung StreetHoi An 

Operating Hours:  6.30am – 8.30pm

Built over 200 years ago by a Vietnamese merchant, this house has been preserved for the past seven generations. This house is paradise for those looking to understand more about the prospering trade and cultural exchanges among the Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese during the 18th century.

After a long day of sightseeing, why not take a breather at the beach? If beautiful sunsets are your thing we recommend Cua Dai beach. This serene spot is also one of the five UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Hoi An. If white sandy beaches and crystal-clear sea water is your thing, you have to be here to see it.

If restaurants per square metre were a measure of the place’s food credentials, Hoi An would take the top spot. If you are feeling adventurous we would suggest trying out Cao Lau, which is another specialty from Hoi An. Chewy noodles, smoky pork, crisp greens and bean sprouts sitting on a pile of noodles. Legend has it that the noodles were made from one ancient well in Hoi An called Ba Le Well. The lye solution used to prepare the noodles comes from trees from Cham island. Together with the water, lye solution, and fresh rice grains, the resulting noodles have an interesting firm texture and flavour. 

Address:
TY Cao Lau
Cẩm Phô tp. Hội An 51000 Vietnam,
84 Phan Châu Trinh, Phường Minh An
Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam

Operating Hours:
4.30pm – 10pm

Credit: Marjot/ iStock/ Getty Images Plus/ Getty Images Once you are done with dinner, head over to Hoi An night market and immerse yourself in the beauty of the streets lit up by hundreds of colourful lanterns. This 300-metre long street consists of over 50 vendors selling a wide variety of local snacks, trinkets, clothing, and accessories. If you are planning to do some shopping, this is the place to be!Pro-tip: Do note that prices stated on the goods are inflated, so be prepared to strike up a bargain!

After a long and fulfilling day, it’s time to get some quality R&R. With complimentary Wi-Fi provided across all rooms, you can kick back, relax, and share your amazing snaps from your 24-hour adventure in Hoi An with your loved ones back home!