Day 1 in Hoi An

Welcome to Hoi An! Upon arrival at the airport, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!

We recommend you get acquainted with the city by taking a pleasant stroll through Ancient Town in the heart of Hoi An. This charming authentic neighborhood is filled with endless restaurants where you can stop in to enjoy a delectable `Bahn Mi` Vietnamese sandwich or some `Cau Doi` Hoi An`s version of Vietnamese Pho. The ancient city of Hoi An is known for its tailors, which can be found on every corner. If you are looking to get something tailor-made while in the city, then stop in today and get your measurements taken and put in your order.

Stroll along the river and become oriented with the town, walk through the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, built by the Japanese to link them to the trading community and the Chinese quarters. Visit the Buddhist temple situated on the north side of the bridge and some of the museum`s found in the area, including the Hoi An Riverside Museum of History and Culture.

Stop into The Tan Ky Old House, a cultural relic in the city. This well preserved 17th century home is a fine example of a spectacular blend of Vietnamese, Japanese and Chinese architecture that has been around for seven generations.

As evening time approaches, continue your explorations of the enchanting Ancient Town, which comes alive at night with hundreds of colorful lanterns decorating the magical streets.

A picturesque place to be in the evening when the street stalls set up shop, the smell of delicious food fills the air and the bustling streets are filled with people and an authentic atmosphere. Shop at the night markets for some souvenirs, enjoy a drink by the river and choose from one of the many eateries located in the colorful shop-houses.

Head back to your hotel for a good night`s rest.

Day 2 in Hoi An

Begin your day with a cup of Vietnamese coffee and make your way down by the river to the Central Market. Witness the local way of life at the bustling marketplace filled with buyers and sellers bargaining for fresh produce and other staples for the day. Here you can enjoy some delicious street eats at one of the many stalls that surround the market. Gather up some fresh items to take to the beach for a picnic.

Make your way to one of Hoi An`s famous beaches Cua Dai, is the nearest beach just 20 minutes from the city center. Find some shade under the willow and palm trees that line this beautiful stretch of sand and enjoy your picnic while gazing at the soft white sands and sparkling waters, the idyllic Cham Islands can also be seen off in the distance. Spend your afternoon sunbathing, swimming and relaxing in this piece of paradise.

Alternatively, visit An Bang Beach which is adjacent to Cua Dai, another gorgeous strip of beach offering water sports activities along with a wide selection of seafood restaurants and beachfront bars. This is a prime location to wind down from the day, sip on a cocktail and enjoy some tasty snacks. You can always visit both beaches, and a great way to explore both areas is with a leisurely bicycle ride.

As night falls, you can stay in the beach area and enjoy the sunset, the spend a laid-back evening at any of the beachfront establishments. Dine on delicious food and sip tropical drinks, then take a romantic stroll along the beach.

Alternatively, head back to Ancient Town and cross over to the trendy Riverside. The eclectic cafes and trendy bars here offer happy hour specials starting as early as 4 pm! If you fancy a night of street food snacks, cheap beers and a game of pool then this is the area for you. The neighborhood has quite the nightlife, offering boat rides along the river, dining alfresco along the river all while taking in the lively atmosphere and signature vibrant lanterns that make this a special spot in the evening time.

Day 3 in Hoi An

Today make your way out to the stunning Vietnamese countryside and the verdant rice fields to visit the picturesque Tra Que Vegetable Village. You can take an organized tour to this interesting village or take pleasure in a bike ride (about 2 miles from the city center) through the stunning scenery. Once you arrive at the village there are a number of activities to partake in, such as a tour of the gardens to learn about the organic farming methods, pick your own vegetables, take a boat ride down the river, go fishing and enjoy sampling the local cuisine. The rich soil found in the area and the water here provides some of the best habitats for growing the greenest, freshest vegetables in the country.

In the afternoon, take a local cooking class. You can join a countryside cooking class hosted in a local farmhouse with the head chef, cooking schools can be found throughout the city, or try a traditional cooking class where you visit the markets for your ingredients and learn how to make traditional dishes first hand. Some local restaurants will allow you to see firsthand how they prepare and cook your dishes while you take notes.

Enjoy an evening on the water with a sunset cruise along the Thu Bon River. There are plenty of options for cruising in this old port town including flat-bottomed boats, wooden canoes, speed boats or traditional sampan`s. An elegant sunset dinner cruise is another elegant option, including cocktails and dinner on board a private charter. Whatever option you choose you can be sure to capture some fantastic photographs of a captivating sunset and the charming lantern lit city.

For the remainder of your evening, grab some dinner at one of the local restaurants of your choice and make your way to the theatre. The Hoi An Theatre and the Hoi An Traditional Art Performance Theatre are two great places to capture a live performance featuring traditional folk music, dance, and water puppet shows.

Additional Days in Hoi An

Should you be able to spend additional days in Hoi An visit the secluded Cham Islands, which consist of a cluster of eight islets off the coast of Hoi An. An idyllic destination for a day trip or a short getaway with stunning beaches and tropical blue waters. There are dive trips and snorkeling tours available with vibrant coral and plenty of marine life to be seen. Visit Hang Ba (the lady`s cave) and hike through the forest to Suoi Tinh (the love stream).

Take a day trip to My Son Sanctuary and Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 4th century, the Hindu ruins are said to be the longest inhabited archaeological site in Indochina.

Visit the city`s many museums and assembly halls decorated with beautiful architecture and filled with the history of Hoi An. The Precious Heritage Museum filled with photographs and artifacts collected by famous French photographer Rehahn. The photogenic Fujian Assembly Hall, is a World Cultural Site in the city, built as a temple in 1690 to worship the `goddess of the sea', Thien Hau. And also, The Museum of Trade Ceramics in a restored timber house filled with ceramics and other artifacts that show Hoi An as a major trading port during the 16th - 18th centuries.

Your Last Day in Hoi An

Depart from your hotel to the airport for your return flight home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer to the airport if so the representative will meet you at your hotel with plenty of time to get you to the airport for your flight out.