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• Hoi An

Hoi An on a Budget: 5-Day Adventure

Discover ancient charm and modern thrills without breaking the bank in Hoi An, Vietnam.

21 June 2023

Hoi An, Vietnam, is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautifully preserved old town. The city offers a variety of affordable activities, including walking tours of the historic district, visiting local markets and temples, and exploring the nearby countryside by bicycle. With budget-friendly accommodation options available, a trip to Hoi An can be a culturally immersive experience without breaking the bank.

Travel plan

• Check in at Ha An Hotel, a charming budget-friendly hotel in the heart of Hoi An
• Wander around the ancient town's alleyways, admiring the traditional buildings and colorful lanterns
• Visit the Japanese Bridge, an iconic symbol of Hoi An
• Try local specialties like cao lau and banh mi at Mr. Son’s, a street-side eatery with a cult following
• Take a boat ride on the Thu Bon River, a great way to see the town's architecture from a different perspective
• End the day with a drink at Mango Rooms, a funky restaurant and bar with a lively atmosphere

• Rent a bike from your hotel and explore the countryside around Hoi An, pedaling through rice paddies, vegetable gardens and rural villages
• Stop at An Bang Beach, a laid-back and less crowded alternative to Hoi An's main beach
• Rent a beach umbrella and enjoy the sun and sea, or try surfing, paddleboarding or kayaking
• Have lunch at Under The Coconut Tree, a cute and eco-friendly beachfront restaurant serving fresh seafood and vegetarian options
• Visit the nearby Bay Mau coconut forest, where you can take a boat ride along the coconut palm-lined canals
• Back in town, have dinner at Bale Well, a local institution famous for its DIY spring rolls and delicious dipping sauce

• Wake up early and visit the Hoi An Morning Market, where locals buy fresh produce, meat and fish
• Take a lantern-making class at one of Hoi An's many workshops, learning the intricate process of shaping bamboo frames and silk covers
• Have lunch at Bánh Mì Phuong, a legendary sandwich shop where Anthony Bourdain dined on his visit to Hoi An
• Spend the afternoon shopping for handmade clothes, shoes and accessories at Hoi An's famous tailors
• Get measured and fitted for a custom outfit that will be ready in 24 hours
• Have a romantic dinner at Cargo Club, a renovated French colonial house-turned-restaurant with delicious food and live music

• Join a day trip to My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as the religious and political capital of the Champa Kingdom
• Explore the ancient ruins of Hindu temples and tombs, surrounded by lush jungle and a serene river
• Learn about the history and culture of the Champa people, who settled in Central Vietnam from the 4th to the 13th century
• Have lunch at a local restaurant in the nearby village of Thanh Ha, specializing in traditional noodle soups and rice dishes
• Back in Hoi An, unwind with a massage or spa treatment at Lemongrass Spa, one of the town's best wellness centers
• Have dinner at Morning Glory, an award-winning restaurant serving homestyle Vietnamese cuisine with a modern twist

• Take a cooking class at Red Bridge Cooking School, learning to prepare classic Vietnamese dishes and visiting the local market to buy ingredients
• Enjoy a farewell lunch with your classmates, savoring the fruits of your labor while sharing memories and tips
• Say goodbye to the ancient town of Hoi An, packing your bags and checking out of Ha An Hotel
• Stop at Ms. Vy's Market Restaurant, a vibrant and eclectic food court showcasing street food from all over Vietnam
• Board your plane or bus back home, feeling enriched and inspired by the colors, flavors and culture of Hoi An.