What should you do in Hoi An if you have a just one day ?

Hoi An is a charming and picturesque city located in the central coast of Vietnam. Once a bustling trading port in the 15th to 19th century, Hoi An is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved old town, beautiful beaches, and cultural significance. The city boasts a unique blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architecture, and is also famous for its lantern-lit streets, vibrant markets, and mouth-watering cuisine. Hoi An offers visitors a perfect combination of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a must-see destination for anyone traveling to Vietnam. However, if you are short of time, what should you do, for example, you just got one day? This article will give you the answer.

Wake up at 5 AM to catch the sunrise of Hoi An

As the first light of day begins to creep across the sky, the city of Hoi An begins to stir. For those who are ready to start their day in a unique and unforgettable way, waking up early to see the sunrise over Hoi An is an excellent choice. And what better way to start that journey than with a boat ride down the Thu Bon River to the Duy Hai fish market? As you board the boat and begin your journey down the river, you will be surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the surrounding countryside. The water is calm, and the air is cool and refreshing. It’s the perfect way to start your day, with the gentle rhythm of the boat’s engine lulling you into a sense of calm. As you approach the Duy Hai fish market, you’ll be struck by the vibrant colors and bustling energy of the place. The market is one of the largest and most famous in the area, and it’s a sight to behold. The boats bobbing in the water, the fishermen haggling over prices, and the smell of freshly caught fish all combine to create an unforgettable experience .As you wander through the market, you’ll have the opportunity to see all sorts of seafood, from shrimp and crab to squid and octopus. You’ll see vendors preparing the fish for sale, cleaning them, and putting them on ice. You may even be lucky enough to see the fishermen hauling in their catch, or the boats returning from their nightly fishing trips.

Take a photo of the Fijian Temples

Fukien Assembly Hall, also known as the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, is a historical building located in Hoi An, Vietnam. The hall was constructed in the late 17th century and served as a gathering place for the Chinese Fukien community. Not only was it a social hub, but it was also a place for spiritual worship of various deities. The hall is home to a stunning image of the goddess of the sea, who was believed to protect fishermen and sailors. Additionally, visitors can also find statues and altars dedicated to the gods of prosperity and mother goddesses. This impressive building is a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the cultural and spiritual history of Hoi An. The temple will give you a lot of opportunities for photos.

Address: 46 Trần Phú, Cẩm Châu, Hội An, Quảng Nam

Hours: Opens 7 AM, Closes 6 PM

Note: You have to buy tickets to it. With the tickets, you can visit 5 different temples, old houses in town.

Visit the Japanese Bridge

The Japanese Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks of the ancient city of Hoi An in Vietnam. Located in the heart of the historic district, this unique bridge is a symbol of the cultural and historical significance of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.The bridge was built in the early 17th century by the Japanese community in Hoi An, who were merchants and traders that settled in the town during the time of the Nguyen Lords. It spans over a small canal that connects the two sides of the town and was originally constructed to serve as a link between the Japanese and Chinese quarters of the city.The Japanese Bridge is a beautiful example of traditional Japanese architecture, featuring a curved wooden roof, intricate carvings and ornate decorations. The bridge is also adorned with a number of statues, including two dogs at the entrance of the bridge that were believed to be guardians against evil spirits.

Address: 186 Trần Phú, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam

Take a stroll in the lantern street at night

The lantern street is located in the Old Town of Hoi An, and it is a magical place that comes alive at night. The street is lined with colorful lanterns, which are lit up at night, creating a stunning and romantic atmosphere. It is the perfect place to take a stroll after dinner, and admire the beauty of the lanterns.There are many shops on the lantern street that sell handmade lanterns of various shapes, sizes, and colors. You can also find other souvenirs, such as handmade silk lanterns, traditional Vietnamese clothing, and handcrafted pottery.If you want to immerse yourself in the culture of Hoi An, you can take part in the lantern-making workshop, where you can learn how to make your own lantern. The workshop is led by local artisans, who will guide you through the process of making a lantern from start to finish.

Address:  Nguyễn Hoàng, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam

Take a bike ride to the countryside

When visiting Hoi An, one of the most popular activities is to take a bicycle ride through the countryside. This is an excellent way to experience the local culture, see stunning scenery, and escape the busy streets of the city. Here’s everything you need to know about taking a bicycle ride to Hoi An Countryside.

Getting started: Renting a BicycleThe first step is to rent a bicycle. You can easily find bicycle rental shops in Hoi An, and the cost is typically around 50,000 VND (about $2) per day. Make sure you choose a bike that’s suitable for your height and that the brakes and gears are in working order.

Choosing your Route: Once you have your bike, it’s time to choose your route. There are many options available, so it’s best to do some research beforehand to find the route that suits your interests and abilities. Some popular routes include:- Kim Bong Village: This village is known for its traditional woodworking and boat building. The ride takes you through scenic rural landscapes and along the river.- Cam Thanh Village: This village is famous for its coconut forest. You can take a boat ride through the forest, learn how to make coconut candies, and see the local way of life.

Eat Cao Lau and Banh Mi – The two signatures of Hoi An cuisine.

Coming to Hoi An, it will be a big miss without mentioning its food. Hoi An has a very wide selection of good food. It takes a long time to try all the local food here. But if you don’t have much time, here are the two important foods you should try.

Cao Lau is a traditional Hoi An noodle dish that is known for its unique taste and texture. The dish consists of thick, chewy noodles made from a blend of rice and wheat flour that are served with slices of succulent pork, fresh herbs, and crispy fried wontons. What sets Cao Lau apart from other noodle dishes is the way it is prepared by using water from the ancient Ba Le well, which is believed to give the noodles their distinctive flavor and texture. Cao Lau is often served with a light broth made from pork bones and infused with spices such as star anise and cinnamon, making for a dish that is both flavorful and satisfying.

Banh Mi, on the other hand, is a Vietnamese sandwich that has gained worldwide popularity due to its delicious taste and versatility. The sandwich typically consists of a crispy baguette filled with a variety of ingredients, including grilled pork, pate, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and spicy chili sauce. Banh Mi is a staple of Vietnamese street food and is often eaten as a quick lunch or snack.

Drink a cup of Vietnamese coffee

Beyond its charming façade, Hoi An is also famous for its coffee culture.

Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk, also known as cà phê sữa đá, is a popular coffee beverage that is enjoyed throughout Vietnam. The coffee is typically brewed with a metal drip filter, and then mixed with sweetened condensed milk and ice. The result is a rich and creamy coffee with a sweet and robust flavor that is sure to satisfy any coffee lover’s cravings.

Egg coffee, or cà phê trứng, is another unique and delicious coffee drink that is popular in Hoi An. This quirky beverage is made by whisking an egg yolk with sugar and a small amount of coffee, before adding the remaining coffee and topping it with frothed egg white. The result is a creamy and rich coffee with a sweet and smooth finish.

For those who prefer a more tropical flavor, Hoi An also boasts a delicious coconut coffee, or cà phê cốt dừa. This refreshing coffee beverage is made by mixing coconut milk with espresso and ice, resulting in a flavorful and sweet drink that is perfect for a hot day. Whether you prefer your coffee strong and bold or sweet and creamy, Hoi An has a coffee beverage that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

In short, there are a lot of things you can do in Hoi An. To have a perfect holiday, you should spend at least 3 days here. However, if you have a short time or even 1 day here, these are some ideas introduced by Khanh – The guide and owner of Mate Tours. If you have any other ideas, please let us know in the comment. We also have tours which can help you do all those activities without any stress. Please click here to see or contact khanh directly: contact@matehoian.com