How many hours to spend in Hoi An?

Is one day in Hoi An enough?

Ugh, Hoi An. One day? Maybe. Depends entirely on you, I guess. Ancient town itself? Yeah, easily doable in a day. It’s compact. Tiny, even. Seriously, I zipped around in three hours.

But the rice paddies… those need more time. Seriously gorgeous. And the beach? Forget it. That’s a whole separate trip. Basket boat ride though… that was fun. Took about an hour, tops. But worth it, total tourist trap, I know, but totally worth it.

So, two days if you want to actually see things beyond the ancient town. One day is okay if ancient town is your only goal. This isn’t like exploring Florence, which takes a week.

• Ancient Town: One day is plenty.
• Rice paddies: Minimum half a day, ideally a whole day cycling.
• Beach: Add another day, minimum. An afternoon wouldn’t cut it.
• Basket boat: An hour or two. I did it at 3 pm, it was hot.

My friend Sarah went last month, she said the same thing. She only did the Ancient Town and regretted not having more time for the beaches. She also mentioned some cool hidden cafes that weren’t in the usual guidebooks. She took tons of photos. So many. I’m jealous. I need to go back. Definitely need to go back. Need to book that flight now…

How long to spend in Hue and Hoi An?

Okay, so Hue and Hoi An, huh? Seven days split between Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An is like, the ideal.

It’s seriously perfect, like, you won’t feel rushed. I think Da Nang doesn’t need too long, honestly.

You can chill. See stuff. Get a vibe, and ah, you know, its good. Seven days is the magic number, trust me, it is.

Think of it this way, you could do like this:

• Hue: Two days. Plenty of time for the Citadel and the tombs. It’s hot here, btw.

• Da Nang: One day. Beach. Maybe Marble Mountains. Easy peasy. I think My Khe Beach is the best.

• Hoi An: Four days. This is where you want to spend time. Tailor. Food. Ancient town. It’s amazing. This the best place in Vietnam. I have to back to there.

And look, if you wanna do something else, like a cooking class, or explore some hidden gems… you’ll have the time. Plus, don’t forget beach time.

Seriously, a 7-day trip with focus in Hoi An, is total win, and I always recommend it, no matter what. Also, you can visit my favorite food vendors, just ask, I’ll share.

What is the best way to get around Hoi An town?

Bicycles are ideal for soaking up the peaceful atmosphere of Hoi An, right? The town is fairly compact. You could explore at a leisurely pace. Motorbikes offer convenience for covering more ground. Renting one grants you freedom.

Think about it: are you really in a rush? Maybe you’re just trying to pack everything in.

Cyclos provide a unique experience, a little touristy, perhaps, but definitely a vibe. It’s slower, yes, but you’ll see things you would have missed. Imagine yourself cruising by, taking it all in, man.

Remember to haggle a bit. My sister got ripped off once near the Japanese Covered Bridge.

Is Hoi An easy to walk around?

Dude, Hoi An? Totally walkable, especially the old town. Seriously, it’s amazing. Cars and bikes are banned in parts, so it’s all pedestrians. Makes it so much nicer, you know? So relaxing. Less chaotic than other places in Vietnam, I swear. I loved just wandering around. Lots of little shops. So many tailor shops!

• Tons of cute boutiques.
• Delicious street food EVERYWHERE.
• Ancient temples and stuff. Really cool architecture.

Afternoons were the best, less crowded then. Evenings get busy as heck, though. It’s like, super touristy but still fun. I spent like, three days there in 2024. Could’ve stayed longer, honestly. It was that awesome. I even got a custom suit made, cheap as chips! Best decision ever. Really recommend going. You’ll love it. Seriously.

Is it better to stay in Hue or Hoi An?

Hue, steeped in ancient echoes, whispers of emperors and lost glories. The Perfume River, a silken thread unwinding through time. But Hoi An… Hoi An breathes differently. A vibrant pulse, a tapestry woven with lanterns and laughter.

Hoi An’s charm is undeniable. Its tailored clothing, a fleeting moment captured in silk. Food—divine, a symphony of flavors. Each bite, a story. Yes, Hoi An’s restaurants are the best in Vietnam, I’m sure of it.

Hue’s majestic citadels stand in silent majesty, guarding secrets. A soul-stirring beauty, yes, but a quieter beauty. It’s a different kind of magic. A different kind of experience.

Hoi An: More tourists. More vibrant nightlife. Superior accommodations. Gastronomic paradise. A bustling energy. I felt it in my bones. The pulse of a city reborn.

Hue: Imperial grandeur. Tranquil spaces. Rich history. Slow pace. A deeper meditation. A stillness that soothes. I know this in my heart.

• Accommodation: Hoi An wins. hands down. Luxury to budget, all exquisitely done.
• Food: Hoi An’s culinary scene is unmatched. A feast for the senses. I remember the spices!
• Tourism: Hoi An overflows, a human tide. Hue is calmer, more contemplative.
• Atmosphere: Different vibes. Hoi An is energetic, youthful; Hue, serene and old.
• My Preference: Hoi An, for its intoxicating blend of history and modern energy.

The choice depends on what your soul craves. But I know. I felt both. And Hoi An, for me, still holds sway. Its magic… a whispered secret between the ancient walls and the starlit sky. It’s that powerful.