Hoi An Ancient Town is only 30 kilometres south of Da Nang, making it one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips in central Vietnam. The UNESCO-listed old quarter is compact enough to explore on foot, and a single day is plenty to soak in the atmosphere, shop for tailored clothing, and eat some of the best food in the country.
Morning: Getting There and the Ancient Town
Leave Da Nang by 8 AM to beat the heat. A Grab car costs around 250,000 VND (about $10) one way, or you can rent a motorbike and ride the scenic coastal road past Non Nuoc Beach and the Marble Mountains — a beautiful 45-minute journey. Once in Hoi An, purchase an Old Town ticket (120,000 VND) which grants access to five heritage sites. Start at the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, then wander through the merchant houses on Tran Phu Street. The morning light is perfect for photos before the tour groups arrive.
Afternoon: Tailors, Markets, and the Riverside
After lunch, head to one of Hoi An’s famous tailor shops. Yaly Couture and BeBe are well-regarded options where you can order a custom suit or dress — most shops offer same-day express service or shipping for more complex pieces. Walk through the Central Market to browse silk, lanterns, and local spices. By mid-afternoon, rent a bicycle (30,000 VND/day) and pedal out to An Bang Beach for a swim and a cold beer at one of the laid-back beach bars.
Evening: Lanterns and Cao Lau
Return to the old town as the sun sets. The riverfront comes alive with hundreds of silk lanterns reflecting off the Thu Bon River. Release a candle-lit paper lantern from the bridge for 10,000 VND — it is one of those simple moments that stays with you. For dinner, find a street stall serving Cao Lau, Hoi An’s signature noodle dish made with thick rice noodles, pork, and crispy croutons in a small amount of rich broth. Grab a car back to Da Nang around 9 PM, full and content after a perfect day.
