Hoi An Day Trip from Da Nang: Top Itinerary & Tips

by Bliss Hoi An March 5, 2025 51

A Hoi An day trip from Da Nang is the perfect choice for those who want to explore the ancient town without an overnight stay. Hoi An offers a nostalgic charm, a peaceful atmosphere, and unique cultural and culinary experiences. Whether you’re drawn to its moss-covered streets, looking to immerse yourself in nature, or simply eager to savor renowned local dishes like cao lau and banh mi Phuong, this journey has something for everyone. This guide will help you plan the perfect itinerary to make the most of your day in Hoi An!

Why should you take a Hoi An day trip from Da Nang?

The scenery of Hoi An (Source: Dan toc & phat trien news)

Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s most remarkable destinations, attracting millions of visitors each year with its ancient charm, peaceful atmosphere, and unique cuisine. If you’re staying in Da Nang, a day trip to Hoi An is the perfect choice due to its short distance, affordable cost, and convenient travel options. Here are the compelling reasons why you shouldn’t miss the chance to explore this ancient town in just one day.

Short distance and easy transportation

Hoi An is only about 30 km from Da Nang, with a travel time of less than an hour. There are multiple transportation options available, including motorbikes, taxis, Grab, buses, or group tours. The convenient journey allows you to fully enjoy a day of exploration without the need for an overnight stay.

Time-consuming and costs saving

If you have a tight schedule or want to optimize your budget, a day trip from Da Nang to Hoi An is a cost-effective option. There’s no need to book a hotel—just prepare a small budget for food, transportation, and entrance fees. This allows you to experience the beauty of the ancient town while saving significantly compared to a longer stay.

Hoi An – A Perfect blend of history, culture, and nature

Hoi An is not just a simple ancient town, it is a destination that brings together cultural, historical, and natural values. Here’s what you can experience:

Strolling through the narrow streets lined with centuries-old houses, showcasing a unique blend of Eastern and Western architecture.
Exploring cultural heritage sites such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Ancient House, and Fujian Assembly Hall.
Visiting traditional craft villages, where you can try making lanterns, pottery, or even take a cooking class to learn Hoi An’s signature dishes.
Relaxing at An Bang beach or Cua Dai beach, enjoying the serene atmosphere of central Vietnam’s coastline.

A day may not be enough to see everything in Hoi An, but it is certainly enough to create unforgettable memories. If you’re in Da Nang, don’t miss the chance to take this amazing day trip and experience the timeless charm of Hoi An!

A culinary paradise not to be missed

Hoi An is renowned for its diverse cuisine, blending traditional flavors with a unique local touch. When visiting, you have the chance to enjoy:

Banh mi Phuong – dubbed “the best banh mi in the world” by chef Anthony Bourdain.
Cao Lau – the famous noodle dish with uniquely chewy noodles, flavorful char siu pork, and rich sauce.
Banh xeo Gieng Ba Le – crispy, savory Vietnamese pancakes served with a sweet and tangy fish sauce.
Com ga Ba Buoi – a signature chicken rice dish with fragrant, tender rice and deliciously firm chicken.

With a day trip, you can savor many of Hoi An’s signature dishes without feeling rushed.

No need for complicated planning

A day trip to Hoi An doesn’t require extensive preparation. Simply plan your time wisely, choose a suitable mode of transport, and research key attractions in advance. With a well-structured itinerary, you can fully explore Hoi An’s beauty within 12 to 14 hours.

Suitable for all types of travelers

Hoi An is a perfect destination for various types of travelers:

Couples: Enjoy a romantic atmosphere with lantern-lit streets.
Families: Engage in activities like pottery making, lantern crafting, and creating cherished moments together.
Groups of friends: Explore the local cuisine, capture Instagram-worthy photos, and experience ecotourism adventures.
Nature lovers: Relax on the beach, ride basket boats at Bay Mau Coconut Forest, or unwind at beachside resorts.

A day trip from Da Nang to Hoi An is an excellent choice for those who want to experience the ancient town without spending too much time or money. With its blend of history, culture, cuisine, and nature, Hoi An promises unforgettable memories.

Read more: Day trips from Hoi An: 12+ ideal and interesting destinations

Guide to travel from Da Nang to Hoi An

Hoi An is located about 30 km from Da Nang, with various convenient transportation options for an easy day trip. Depending on your budget, preferences, and group size, you can choose between motorbikes, buses, taxis/Grab, or group tours. Below is a detailed guide to help you pick the best option.

Travel by motorbike

Renting a motorbike is a popular choice for those who love freedom and flexibility in their journey. You can take the coastal route (Vo Nguyen Giap – Lac Long Quan – Hoi An), which offers stunning ocean views and allows you to make stops at My Khe Beach, Non Nuoc Beach, or the Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village before reaching Hoi An.

Motorbike Rental Costs

Manual motorbike: 120,000 – 150,000 VND/day
Automatic scooter: 150,000 – 200,000 VND/day
Fuel cost for the entire trip: approximately 50,000 – 70,000 VND

You can rent motorbikes from hotels or professional rental services in Da Nang.

Travel by bus

If you want to save money, taking the bus is a practical and economical choice. The Da Nang – Hoi An Bus (Route 1) operates daily with the following schedule:

Operating hours: 06:00 – 18:00
Frequency: Every 20 – 30 minutes
Ticket price: 30,000 VND per person per trip

Travel by Taxi/Grab

Estimated costs:

Traditional taxi: 350,000 – 450,000 VND per trip (varies by company)
GrabCar: 250,000 – 400,000 VND per trip, depending on demand and time of booking

Who should choose this option?

Groups of 3 – 4 people to split costs, making it more affordable than renting a motorbike or taking the bus
Families with children or elderly members, ensuring a more comfortable and safe ride
Travelers who want to save time and avoid the hassle of driving themselves

Group tour – Hassle-free and well-planned schedule

If you want to enjoy a day trip to Hoi An from Da Nang without worrying about transportation or planning, joining a group tour is the perfect option. Travel agencies provide round-trip transfers, professional guides, and well-organized itineraries to ensure a seamless experience.

Popular group tour options:

Hoi An Ancient Town Discovery Tour: Explore iconic landmarks such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Old House, and Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, stroll through the charming old streets, and experience the magical lantern-floating ritual on the Hoai River.
Bay Mau Coconut Forest Adventure: Enjoy a basket boat ride, crab fishing, coracle dance performances, and gain insight into the traditional fishing lifestyle.
Hoi An & An Bang Beach Combo Tour: Spend the morning discovering the ancient town, then relax on An Bang Beach in the afternoon.

Estimated group tour costs

Half-day tour: 350,000 – 500,000 VND per person, including transportation, entrance fees, and meals.
Full-day tour: 500,000 – 800,000 VND per person, with additional hands-on activities like lantern-making workshops, cooking classes, or a scenic boat ride on the Hoai River.

Suggested Itinerary for a Hoi An day trip from Da Nang

A Hoi An day trip from Da Nang offers a variety of experiences, from exploring the ancient town and immersing yourself in local culture to enjoying the beach and savoring delicious cuisine. Depending on your interests, you can choose one of the two itineraries below for a memorable day in Hoi An.

Itinerary 1: Exploring the Ancient Town & Cultural experiences

Explore Hoi An ancient town (Source: Dan tri news)

This itinerary is perfect for those who love history, architecture, and the peaceful ambiance of Hoi An Ancient Town.

Morning

07:00 – Depart from Da Nang: Travel to Hoi An by motorbike, taxi, or a group tour, which takes around 45–60 minutes.
08:00 – Enjoy a local breakfast: Try Banh Mi Phuong, one of the most famous banh mi spots in Vietnam, or Cao Lau Thanh, a unique noodle dish exclusive to Hoi An.
09:00 – Explore the Ancient Town’s architecture and heritage sites:
- Japanese Covered Bridge – The iconic symbol of Hoi An with a unique blend of Japanese architecture.
- Tan Ky Old House or Phung Hung Old House – Preserving centuries of cultural and historical values.
- Fujian Assembly Hall – A stunning Chinese-influenced structure built by Hoi An’s Chinese community.
10:30 – Lantern-making workshop or traditional cooking class: Experience Hoi An’s rich craftsmanship by making your own lanterns or learning to cook white rose dumplings and banh vac.

Noon

12:00 – Lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant: A highly recommended spot to enjoy local specialties like chicken rice, cao lau, and crispy wontons.
13:30 – Relax at Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness: Unwind in a tranquil beachfront resort, take a dip in the pool, or sunbathe by the private beach.

Afternoon

15:30 – Cycling through fishing villages or enjoying a spa experience: Rent a bike to explore the An Bang beach area or indulge in a relaxing spa treatment.
17:00 – Return to the Ancient Town to experience Hoi An at night: As lanterns light up the streets, Hoi An transforms into a magical setting. Visit the night market or enjoy a coffee with a panoramic view at Faifo Coffee.
18:00 – Dinner by the Hoai River: Choose Mango Mango for creative fusion dishes or The Deck House An Bang for a beachfront dining experience.
19:30 – Lantern floating on the Hoai River: A must-try experience in Hoi An, where you can release a wish lantern and admire the glowing reflections in the water.
20:30 – Return to Da Nang, concluding the trip.

Itinerary 2: Nature & Culinary experience in Hoi An

This itinerary is perfect for those who love eco-tourism and want to explore Hoi An’s authentic cuisine.

Morning

07:00 – Depart from Da Nang: Travel to Hoi An by motorbike or Grab, with a journey time of 45–60 minutes.
08:00 – Breakfast at Banh Xeo Gieng Ba Le: Enjoy one of Hoi An’s most famous banh xeo spots, known for its crispy golden crust and flavorful shrimp-pork filling.
09:00 – Bay Mau Coconut Forest Tour:
- Paddle a basket boat through the scenic coconut palm forest.
- Watch boat-spinning performances and experience the lively local river culture.
- Try crab fishing, an engaging hands-on activity for visitors.
11:00 – Midday break at Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness: After an eventful morning, unwind at a beachfront resort, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and ocean views.

Relax in Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness

Noon

12:30 – Enjoy fresh seafood at a beachfront restaurant: Choose between dining at the resort or exploring local seafood eateries along the coast. Must-try dishes include lobster, steamed crab, and grilled squid with chili salt.
14:00 – Relax with a spa treatment or bike ride along An Bang Beach: Opt for a revitalizing spa session or rent a bicycle to explore the tranquil coastal scenery.

Afternoon

15:30 – Visit Thanh Ha Pottery Village: Discover a 500-year-old craft village, where you can watch artisans at work, try pottery-making, and create a unique souvenir to take home.
17:00 – Explore Hoi An Ancient Town & enjoy coffee at Faifo Coffee: This café is famous for its stunning rooftop view, offering a panoramic glimpse of the lantern-lit town.
18:30 – Dinner at Hoa Hien Restaurant or Ba Buoi Chicken Rice: If you love Hoi An’s signature dishes, indulge in the authentic flavors of Ba Buoi’s chicken rice or savor traditional specialties at Hoa Hien Restaurant.
19:30 – Stroll through Hoi An Night Market & shop for souvenirs: Browse a variety of handcrafted lanterns, fabric bags, and local artworks at reasonable prices.
20:30 – Return to Da Nang, concluding your journey.

Read more: Central Vietnam itinerary 5 days: Must-visit destinations

Essential notes for a Hoi An day trip from Da Nang

To have a trip to Hoi An from Da Nang fully and smoothly, you need to note some important points of time, means of transportation, items to be carried and how to save costs. Here are the experiences to help you enjoy the journey in the most comfortable, safe and effective way.

Select the ideal time to visit

The most suitable time to go to Hoi An during the day is in the dry season, from February to August. This is cool, pleasant weather, suitable for walking in the old town, visiting the monuments and enjoying sea space.

If you want to experience the best of Hoi An, visit either early in the morning or late in the afternoon:

Morning (07:00 – 10:00): Gentle sunlight and fresh air make it ideal for photography and exploring the ancient town.
Afternoon (16:00 – 19:00): Hoi An lights up with lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere, and you can take part in the floating candle ritual on the Hoai River.

Choosing the suitable mode of transportation

If you’re looking to save money, buses or motorbikes are cost-effective options. However, for groups or families with young children, taxis/ grab, or group tours offer greater comfort.

Motorbike: Best for independent travelers who enjoy flexibility, but ensure the vehicle is in good condition before the trip.
Bus: Budget-friendly but requires waiting time and lacks schedule flexibility.
Taxi/Grab: Convenient and fast but comes at a higher cost.
Group tour: A great choice if you prefer an all-inclusive experience without worrying about the itinerary.

Essential items to bring

Although Hoi An is not far from Da Nang, preparing a few essential items will ensure a comfortable trip:

Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat: Protect yourself from the harsh sunlight.
Comfortable footwear: Opt for sneakers or sandals instead of high heels for easier movement on the brick-paved streets.
Cash: Some shops and eateries in Hoi An do not accept card payments or e-wallets.
A light jacket: Evenings in Hoi An can be slightly chilly, especially in autumn and winter.
A reusable water bottle: Save costs and help protect the environment instead of buying bottled water.

Money-saving tips for a Hoi An day trip from Da Nang

If you want to enjoy a budget-friendly day trip from Da Nang to Hoi An without missing out on key experiences, consider these tips:

Rent a motorbike instead of taking a taxi: Motorbike rental costs around 120,000 – 150,000 VND/day, which is significantly cheaper than traveling by taxi.
Dine at local eateries: Street food options like Bánh Mì Phượng, Cao Lầu Thanh, or Cơm Gà Bà Buội offer authentic flavors at reasonable prices.
Purchase combo tickets for attractions: If you plan to visit multiple sites like Chùa Cầu, Nhà Cổ Tấn Ký, and Hội Quán Phúc Kiến, buying a combo ticket can help reduce expenses.
Shop for souvenirs at Hoi An Night Market: Prices are often lower than in major stores within the Ancient Town, but remember to ask for prices in advance to avoid overpaying.

How to avoid overpricing in Hoi An

Hoi An is a popular tourist destination, and some places may overcharge visitors. To avoid this, keep these tips in mind:

Ask for prices upfront: Whether dining, taking a boat ride on the Hoai River, or shopping, always confirm the price beforehand to prevent unexpected charges.
Choose restaurants with clear pricing: Avoid places that do not publicly display their prices.
Avoid shops that aggressively solicit customers: Instead, opt for stores with good reviews on Google Maps or TripAdvisor.
Negotiate the price before using services like basket boats or cyclos: Some vendors may quote a higher price than usual, so clarify the cost before proceeding.

Tips for visiting Hoi An on Holidays and weekends

Hoi An tends to be crowded during holidays and weekends. If you plan to visit during these times, consider the following:

Start your trip earlier than usual to avoid traffic and large crowds.
Book tickets, tours, or restaurant reservations in advance to secure your spot.
Avoid main streets during peak hours (18:00 – 20:00), as the heavy influx of tourists can make moving around difficult.

To have a memorable Hoi An day trip from Da Nang, you need to plan carefully, choose the right time, and prepare all the necessary essentials. By following the above tips, you will have a smooth journey, fully enjoying the ancient beauty of Hoi An without any unwanted troubles.