The Ultimate 2 Days in Hoi An Itinerary

Falling for the Yellow City

There’s no disputing that Hoi An is a pretty place. Nestled along the central coast of Vietnam, the historic core of Hoi An is known as the Yellow City, because of the mustard-yellow walls of its preserved architecture. Once a bustling trading port, the Yellow City is a UNESCO world heritage site. The iconic hue of the buildings is rooted in Vietnamese cultural symbolism of prosperity and royalty, and also serves a practical purpose by reflecting heat in the tropical climate, making the yellow meaningful and sensible!

As dusk falls, the golden facades in Yellow City come alive with hundreds of silk lanterns glowing in vibrant reds, pinks, and golds. Picturesque and with pedestrian-only hours (usually in the morning and again the late afternoon), it’s perfect for wandering. The Yellow City is also famous for tailors, meaning you can leave Hoi An with a new wardrobe that looks as good as the city itself.

Whether you are here to get a bespoke suit made or to track down the legendary Banh Mi (delicious baguette full of yummy toppings), 48 hours is just enough time to fall head over heels for this place. Get ready to explore. Let's dive into your perfect two-day plan!

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Day 1: Ancient Town Charm and Bespoke Tailoring

• Morning: Heritage Walk and the Japanese Covered Bridge

• Midday: The Tailor Experience and a Banh Mi Lunch

• Evening: Lanterns on the Thu Bon River

Rise and shine! Your first morning in Hoi An is all about soaking up the historic atmosphere before the midday heat hits. Early birds can head to the Hoi An Ancient Town (Yellow City) at 8:00 AM. The combined entry ticket is well-priced and grants you access to several heritage sites. Don’t miss the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. It’s a 400-year-old architectural marvel that served as a link between the Japanese and Chinese quarters. Next, wander over to the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall. The vibrant red gates and intricate dragon carvings are a photographer's dream! To see how locals lived centuries ago, step into the Tan Ky Ancient House and admire the dark wood and shimmering mother-of-pearl inlays.

By mid-morning, it’s time for some clothes business. Hoi An is world-famous for bespoke tailoring, and you’ll want to get your measurements taken early. (Wanderwell once had a fabulous red silk dress made in Hoi An.) Head to a reputable shop like Bebe or Yaly. Pro tip: bring a photo of a design you love or a favourite article of clothing you’d like to copy. While your clothes are being stitched, treat yourself to a legendary lunch. Banh Mi Phuong is the gold standard for a reason. Legendary chef Anthony Bourdain once called it “a symphony in a sandwich.” Wash it down with a Mot herbal tea which is served with a lotus petal.

As the sun dips, the Thu Bon River glows and the town transforms. Hop on a small sampan boat and let a local rower glide you through the reflections of a thousand silk lanterns. It’s pure magic. Finally, cross the bridge to the Hoi An Night Market where the smell of grilled pork skewers fills the air and you can get an ice-cold local beer.

Day 2: Beach Vibes and Countryside Adventures

• Morning: Basket Boats and Coconut Forests

• Afternoon: Tra Que Village and An Bang Beach

• Evening: Rooftop Sunsets and the Memories Show

Day two is all about getting a little dusty and very sandy! After breakfast, rent a bicycle or hop in a taxi to the Cam Thanh Coconut Village. You can climb into a bamboo basket boat and navigate through lush water-based coconut forests. Be prepared because the local rowers love to spin the boats around! It’s loud, chaotic, and great fun.

Once you’ve found your land legs again, pedal through the emerald rice fields toward Tra Que Vegetable Village. This is the secret sauce of Hoi An’s culinary scene. You can actually join the farmers in the fields or take a quick cooking class. Learn to flip a crispy Banh Xeo (Vietnamese pancake) like a pro and savour the fragrant herbs.

By the afternoon, you deserve some downtime. An Bang Beach is just a short ride away. It’s the perfect spot to plant yourself on a sun lounger with a cold coconut in hand. The vibe here is laid-back and breezy. If you’re feeling fancy, stay for a rooftop sunset at Faifo Coffee back in town to see the yellow rooftops from above. If you want a grand finale, the Hoi An Memories Show is an outdoor production with hundreds of performers. Truly, it’s the best way to wrap up your 48 hours.

Culinary Essentials: What and Where to Eat

• Must-Try Local Dishes

• Top-Rated Dining Spots

• Central Market Secrets

If you didn’t come to Hoi An to eat, you’re doing it wrong! The food here is distinct from the rest of Vietnam. Cao Lau, for instance, are thick and chewy noodles cooked in water from the ancient Ba Le Well. For something lighter, look for White Rose Dumplings. They are delicate, translucent, and shaped like little flowers.

For a sit-down dinner, Morning Glory is an institution. They serve elevated traditional dishes in a beautiful setting. For those seeking a soulful experience, visit the Reaching Out Teahouse. It’s a silent teahouse run by staff with hearing and speech impairments. It’s the most peaceful place in the city. On the flip side, for a real "local" feel, just head to the Central Market. Sit on a tiny plastic stool, point at what looks good, and enjoy the best Hoi An Chicken Rice (Com Ga) of your life for just a few dollars.

Practical Tips for Your 48-Hour Trip

• Best Time to Visit

• Getting Around Logistics

• Packing Essentials

Let's talk logistics so your trip is as smooth as Vietnamese silk. The best time to visit is between February and July. The weather is dry, and the skies are blue. If you can, try to time your visit with the Full Moon Lantern Festival (every month during full moon). The city turns off its electric lights, and it is otherworldly!

Moving around is a breeze. Most of the Ancient Town is a pedestrian-only zone during parts of the day and evening. For longer trips to the beach or the coconut forest, the Grab app is your best friend. It’s like Uber but for cars and motorbikes. It’s cheap and saves you from haggling. Lastly, pack light! You’re going to be buying tailor-made clothes, so leave some extra room in your suitcase. Wear breathable linen or cotton and don’t forget a hat. That tropical sun doesn't play around.

Your Hoi An Adventure Awaits

Hoi An is a beautiful place with a special feeling. From the golden hour glow on the Thu Bon River to the crunch of a perfectly toasted baguette, these two days will likely be the highlight of your entire Vietnam trip. You'll leave with a suitcase full of tailor-made clothes, a full belly, and a heart full of memories! So, what are you waiting for? Start packing. Grab your camera. Your ultimate 2 days in Hoi An itinerary is ready to become a reality!

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