Should I spend more time in Danang or Hoi An?

How many days is enough for Hoi An?

Three days? Three days is a cruel joke. Hoi An wraps around you, a silken scarf of time. It breathes. It whispers. You need more. Much more. A week, maybe two. To truly know Hoi An, to let it seep into your soul.

February to April. Sunshine kisses your skin. Perfect. But even the rainy season holds a magic, a different kind of beauty. The scent of rain on ancient stones. A unique charm, I assure you.

Old Town. Those lanterns, a thousand stars fallen to earth. The colours. Oh, the colours. They sing. They dance. They stay with you. Always.

Food. The fragrant steam rising from bowls. Spicy, sweet, sour—a symphony of flavors. I devoured Cao Lau. My stomach still remembers. The joy.

• Cao Lầu. Absolutely divine.
• White Rose dumplings. A delicate pleasure.
• Fresh seafood. Ocean’s bounty on my plate.

A cooking class? Yes. Learn the secrets. Become one with the rhythms of Hoi An’s kitchen. The feeling of it…warm, sticky, delicious. I still dream of it.

Tailoring? Absolutely. A silk shirt, made for you, in a day. That feeling of utter perfection, the weight of it on your skin… priceless.

This isn’t just a place. It’s a feeling. A state of being. Lost in the beauty. Drunk on the history. One day? No. A lifetime wouldn’t be enough. But start with a week. Let it work its magic.

Best time: The ideal weather is subjective. Each season offers its enchantment, even the rain; a humid hug from nature.

Minimum stay: A week, minimum. Don’t deprive yourself.

Is 5 days in Hoi An too much?

Five days in Hoi An? Pffft, no way it’s too much!

I went there last spring, April 2024, actually. Initially, I thought 3 days would be plenty.

Turns out I was so wrong.

Ended up staying 5 days, maybe even 6, I’m forgetting now, haha.

See, I fell in love with the vibe. Plus, my phone battery died on day two, so whatever.

I rented a bike.

My hotel, or guesthouse or something, it was called ‘An Bang Garden Homestay’, was just outside the main Ancient Town. Cost me like 15 dollars a night. Amazing.

Here’s what I did:

• Day 1: Ancient Town! Lanterns everywhere. Tailor shops. Ate Cao Lau. It’s delicious, seriously.
• Day 2: Beach day! An Bang Beach. Bleh, so touristy. Still good, I guess. Also, my phone DIED. The horror!
• Day 3: My Son Sanctuary. A total must-see!. Went with some tour thingy. It was hot. Super hot.
• Day 4: Cooking class! Learned how to make spring rolls. Turns out I’m terrible. Really.
• Day 5: Chilled out. Walked around. Drank iced coffee at some random cafe. Got a custom-made shirt, because why not? More Cao Lau.

Honestly, I could have spent a week. Even longer. Hoi An is chill. It’s got that magic. Go for it! Five days is perfect!

Is it worth visiting Ho Chi Minh City?

Absolutely. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon to many) is a phenomenal experience. It’s a chaotic, exhilarating blend of old and new, a sensory overload that’s strangely addictive. You’ll never be bored.

The food scene alone is worth the trip. Seriously. From street food stalls overflowing with pho and banh mi to upscale restaurants serving innovative takes on classic Vietnamese dishes, your taste buds will thank you. Last time I was there, in 2023, I discovered a hidden gem, a tiny place serving the most incredible bun cha. Best. Bun. Cha. Ever.

Beyond the food:

• Bustling markets: Ben Thanh Market is touristy, yes, but still amazing. Haggling is half the fun! The smaller markets offer a more authentic feel.
• Stunning architecture: A beautiful mix of French colonial buildings and modern skyscrapers create a unique cityscape. The Notre Dame Cathedral (currently under renovation, sadly, but still impressive) is a must-see. I’ve got some great photos from my 2022 visit, before the renovation.
• Rich history: The city’s history is palpable. You feel it in the air; the weight of past conflicts and vibrant cultural resurgence. Exploring the War Remnants Museum is powerful, albeit a sobering experience.

However, it’s also incredibly hot and humid. Prepare for sweat. A lot of sweat. My wife and I found the humidity almost unbearable in June. I think the best time to visit is during the cooler, drier months.

It’s a city of contrasts, offering both frenetic energy and quiet moments of reflection. A captivating place, overall. Go. Just bring sunscreen and a good sense of humor.

The Cu Chi Tunnels are a fascinating, if somewhat disturbing, glimpse into the Vietnam War. Prepare for tight spaces. It was claustrophobic for me, personally.

Thinking about it, the motorbike traffic is intense. Like, seriously intense. If you’re not used to that, it might be a bit overwhelming at first. But it’s part of the experience, I guess. Embrace the chaos!

Ultimately, it depends on your travel style. If you enjoy vibrant cultures and don’t mind a bit of organized chaos, Ho Chi Minh City will blow you away.