Spend 48 Hours in Hoi An, Vietnam: A Backpacker’s Guide

Hoi An has a way of pulling you in. It’s charming, easygoing, and packed with fun things to do—all in a small, walkable area. Be it for the food, the history, and the good vibes, 48 hours is enough to experience the best of this gem. Here’s how to do it.

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Getting to Hoi An

Hoi An doesn’t have an airport, but getting here isn’t complicated.

Fly into Da Nang: Land at Da Nang International Airport, about 30 km away. From there, grab a taxi, book a shuttle, or use Grab (the local ride-hailing app) to get to Hoi An. It’s a 45-minute ride.
Overland: Are you already in Vietnam? That makes it easier to travel. Just take a train or bus to Da Nang. From there, it’s the same deal—taxi or Grab to Hoi An.

Pro tip: Ask your hostel if they offer airport pickups. Some do, and it’s super convenient.

Day 1: Old Town Charm and Riverside Vibes

Morning: Walk Around Hoi An Ancient Town

A great way to start your trip is by wandering Hoi An’s UNESCO-listed Ancient Town. It’s a maze of narrow streets, yellow buildings, and hanging lanterns. Ditch the map, just follow where your feet take you.

Must-sees:

Japanese Covered Bridge: Snap a pic and admire the historic wooden structure.
Old Houses: Tan Ky and Phung Hung are great examples of traditional Vietnamese homes.
Assembly Halls: Check out the Fujian Assembly Hall with its colorful details.

Pick up a tourist ticket for 120,000 VND (~$5 USD)—it covers entry to five heritage sites and helps maintain the area.

Discover the rich heritage and colorful streets of Hoi An Ancient Town, photo courtesy of Canva

Lunch: Try Cao Lau

Hoi An’s signature noodle dish, Cao Lau, is a must. It’s smoky, slightly chewy, and totally unique to this town. Look for a small, local spot—the less fancy, the better.

Afternoon: Bike Through the Countryside

Sprinkle a bit more fun into your stroll by renting a bike for a couple of dollars and head out to the nearby villages.

Tra Que Vegetable Village: Learn how local farmers grow fresh herbs and veggies.
Cam Thanh Coconut Village: This one deserves a spot on your bucket list: a basket boat ride through the palm forest.

Looking for a chill afternoon instead? Don’t worry! You can hang out at one (or maybe three) of Hoi An’s many coffee shops.

Sunset: Thu Bon River Boat Ride

As the sun sets, take a boat ride along the Thu Bon River. This is peak lantern hour, and the views are next-level. It’s cheap, too—around 100,000 VND (~$4 USD) for a quick ride.

Catch the golden glow of sunset over the Thu Bon River, photo courtesy of VANNGO Ng

Dinner: Night Market

The Hoi An Night Market on Nguyen Hoang Street is backpacker heaven. Grab a banh mi, grilled skewers, or a plate of dumplings. Want something sweet? Try a mango smoothie or sugarcane juice.

Day 2: Beaches, Tailors, and Food

Morning: Chill at An Bang Beach

Kick off day two at An Bang Beach. Just a 10-minute ride from the town center, you’ll find the perfect spot to relax. Unwind on a lounger, sip on a fresh coconut, and take a dip in the sea. Doesn’t that sound like a perfect beach day?

Lunch: Banh Mi Time

What’s a visit to Hoi An without munching on a banh mi? The best spot in town is Banh Mi Phuong. Just don’t go there when you’re super hungry because there’s usually a line—but it’s definitely worth the wait!

Indulge in the perfect balance of flavors with every bite of banh mi, photo courtesy of Canva

Afternoon: Tailor or Cooking Class

Hoi An is the tailor capital of Vietnam. Been thinking about getting a suit, dress, or even a custom shirt made? Well now’s your chance. Not into shopping? Take a cooking class instead. Many classes start with a trip to the market, so you’ll get the full experience. Make sure to include these activities during your 48 hours in Hoi An.

Late Afternoon: Marble Mountains (Optional)

If you’re up for an adventure, head to the Marble Mountains, about 30 minutes away near Da Nang. What can you expect? Caves, pagodas, and breathtaking views!

Discover the hidden caves and pagodas of the Marble Mountains, photo courtesy of Canva

Dinner: Riverside Spot

For your last meal in Hoi An, pick a spot along the river. Plenty of restaurants offer local dishes like white rose dumplings and mi quang, or you can stick to classic Vietnamese pho. This is the best way to end your 48 hours in Hoi An.

Where to Stay

Hoi An is backpacker-friendly, and there are plenty of hostels to choose from. Looking for a comfortable stay, a pool, and an overall social, fun vibe? Check out Mad Monkey Hoi An. It’s affordable and the perfect place to meet fellow travelers.

Tips for Backpackers

Carry Cash: Many places in Hoi An don’t take cards.
Rent a Bike or Scooter: It’s the easiest way to get around, and rentals are cheap.
Plan for the Weather: February to April is the best time to visit, with dry, sunny days.

Spend Your Best 48 Hours in Hoi An

Hoi An may be small, but it’s a town full of charm. Two days here might fly by, but you’ll leave with great memories, a full stomach, and maybe even a custom-made outfit. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to come back for more.