Hoi An is a delightful mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, but if you’re keen to explore beyond the usual tourist spots, this one-day itinerary is for you. We’ll guide you through the hidden gems of Hoi An, where you can enjoy slow travel, experience local life, and dive into the town's rich history—all at a relaxed and leisurely pace.
Morning: Discover the Charm of Tra Que Village
Start your day with a visit to Tra Que Village, a serene farming community just a short bike ride from Hoi An’s old town. This charming village is the perfect place to slow down and soak in the tranquil countryside. Picture yourself wandering through vibrant green fields, where local farmers use traditional methods to cultivate a variety of herbs and vegetables. It’s a great way to connect with the land and see a side of Vietnam that many visitors miss.
Source: Rod LongLong (Unsplash)
If you’re feeling adventurous, join the farmers in their daily activities—whether it’s planting herbs or harvesting fresh produce, it’s a hands-on way to experience rural life. Afterward, enjoy a traditional Vietnamese breakfast featuring the local specialty, cao lầu. These noodles, unique to Hoi An, are made with water from an ancient Cham well and served with herbs grown right in the village. It’s as fresh and local as it gets!
Late Morning: Get Creative at a Lantern-Making Workshop
After your visit to Tra Que, head back into town for a lantern-making workshop—one of Hoi An’s most beloved traditions. Lanterns are a symbol of the town, casting their soft glow over the streets and creating a magical atmosphere, especially during the evening.
In this workshop, you’ll learn about the history and significance of lanterns in Hoi An, and then get hands-on as you craft your own. From selecting the fabric to assembling the frame, you’ll create a beautiful lantern to take home as a unique souvenir. It’s a fun and creative way to engage with the local culture and bring a piece of Hoi An’s charm with you.
Afternoon: Dive Into Hoi An’s Culinary and Architectural Heritage
In the afternoon, dive into Hoi An’s rich culinary and architectural heritage, starting with a cooking class. Vietnamese cuisine is famous for its fresh flavors and vibrant dishes, and there’s no better way to experience it than by cooking it yourself. In this class, you’ll visit a local market to pick out fresh ingredients, then head to a kitchen where you’ll learn to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes. From rolling spring rolls to perfecting the balance of sweet, salty, and sour flavors, this hands-on experience will leave you with new skills and a full belly.
Source: Collected
After your cooking class, take a leisurely stroll through Hoi An’s ancient town, where history comes alive in its beautifully preserved ancient houses. These historic homes offer a glimpse into Hoi An’s past, with their unique blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architectural styles. Visit iconic houses like the Tan Ky House and the Phung Hung House, where you can admire the intricate woodwork, antique furniture, and centuries-old artifacts that tell the stories of the families who lived there.
Evening: Release Lanterns on the Thu Bon River
As evening falls, head to the Thu Bon River for one of Hoi An’s most magical experiences—releasing lanterns onto the water. This tradition is a beautiful way to end your day, as you join locals in lighting small lanterns and setting them adrift on the river. Watching the lanterns float away, casting a warm glow on the water, is a peaceful and reflective moment that captures the spirit of Hoi An.
Source: Scivi Travel
The lanterns symbolize hope, peace, and good fortune, and participating in this ritual is a meaningful way to connect with the culture of Hoi An. It’s also a perfect opportunity to reflect on your day of slow travel and the connections you’ve made with this remarkable town.
Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999, is a delightful mix of culture, history, and stunning ancient architecture. Once a bustling port in Southeast Asia, the town feels like a step back in time with its beautifully preserved buildings that blend Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences. As you stroll through its narrow, lantern-lit streets, you’ll uncover historic homes, temples, and assembly halls, each rich with stories from the past. Hoi An’s vibrant cultural heritage and its picturesque location along the Thu Bon River make it a must-visit destination for anyone wanting to experience the true essence of Vietnam.
This one-day itinerary gives you a great taste of Hoi An’s rich history, lively culture, and distinctive architecture. To fully experience all that Vietnam has to offer, consider extending your trip to explore other amazing destinations like Hanoi, Hue, Halong Bay, and Ho Chi Minh City. Each place has its own unique charm and will make your Vietnamese adventure even more memorable!
Would you like to explore other options for your Vietnam itinerary?
- 7-day Vietnam itinerary: Focus on North Vietnam, visiting Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Sapa.
- 15-day Vietnam itinerary: Combine North, Central, and South Vietnam, including highlights like Hue, Hoi An, and the Mekong Delta.
- Off-the-beaten-path itinerary: Explore lesser-known destinations like Ninh Binh, Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, or the Central Highlands.
At Innoviet we know your time is valuable, so we keep our group sizes small, allowing you to really soak in the experience of each location we visit. You will never feel rushed on our tours and our highly trained and personable tour guides will go out of their way to make your trip unforgettable!
Start your journey today and create unforgettable memories in Vietnam here:
Vietnam Package Tour - Immersive 15-Day Journey Through Vietnam's Heart and Soul (innoviet.com)
1-day Mekong tour from Can Tho | The Myst Mekong
Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Rural Life
Mekong Delta 1 Day Tour - Ben Tre boat and bike experience
Mekong delta homestay 2 days tour with cycling trip in non touristy villages
Mekong delta tour 3 days with homestay - cycling - Cai Rang floating market
We hope that your experience will be nothing short of amazing
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