What if you only have 24 hours in Hoi An?

6:00 AM – Wake up early to watch the sunrise and have breakfast like the locals.

As the sun peeks through the moss-covered tiled roofs, Hoi An takes on a unique beauty—gentle, pure, and tranquil—in the lingering morning mist.

Cycle or walk along the Hoai River, breathe in the fresh morning air, and visit Hoi An market, where you'll find a truly "Hoi An" breakfast: piping hot cao lau noodles, with chewy noodles, crispy pork cracklings, Tra Que fresh vegetables, and flavorful char siu pork, all topped with a rich sauce. Countless stalls sell this specialty around the Old Town. Cao Lau Ba Be (in the market), Ba Hat, or Cao Lau Thanh are long-time favorites among locals.

7:00 AM – Explore the vibrant living heritage site.

Spend the morning exploring the Old Town – a UNESCO World Heritage site. The all-inclusive entrance ticket (120,000 VND) takes you to historical landmarks: the Japanese Bridge – a symbol of Hoi An, Tan Ky Old House, Fujian Assembly Hall, handicraft workshops… Each place is a small slice of the past, preserved intact to this day. And don't forget to stop and take photos in the golden-hued alleys and colorful lanterns.

9 AM - Check-in with panoramic views of Hoi An town.

Visiting a cafe with a balcony or rooftop terrace, you'll see Hoi An from a different perspective – quiet, ancient, and full of charm. Cafes located in old houses along the Tran Phu – Bach Dang axis, such as 92 Station, Faifo Coffee, The Deck Hoi An, or The Hill Station, all have rooftop terraces offering panoramic views of Hoi An from above: moss-covered tiled roofs, the winding Hoai River, a few boats drifting lazily, and a Hoi An that still retains its peaceful charm even during the tourist season.

Order a cup of coffee, choose a quiet corner to sit in, not just to "check-in" but also to truly slow down and feel the unique rhythm of the ancient town from above. In that moment, amidst the gentle sunshine, soft breeze, and the sounds of the city gradually waking up, it's easy to fall in love with Hoi An once again.

10:00 AM - Visit traditional craft villages and experience the essence of handicrafts.

If you want to delve deeper into the local culture, rent a bicycle or motorbike to visit the traditional craft villages around Hoi An.

Along the banks of the Thu Bon River lies Thanh Ha pottery village – where artisans still meticulously shape each earthenware vase, cup, and lantern by hand, just as their ancestors did hundreds of years ago. Not far from there, Kim Bong carpentry village, with its strong scent of fresh wood and the marks of chiseling, is where you can witness lifeless blocks of wood being transformed into exquisitely carved works of art.

If you love lush green spaces and local life, Tra Que vegetable village is the ideal destination. Here, you can not only learn about the process of growing organic vegetables using traditional farming methods, but also try your hand at farming: tilling the soil, watering, carrying vegetables… just like a real local resident.

Each craft village is a small world, a place filled with memories, skillful hands, and a spirit of preservation. And it is this simplicity and craftsmanship that makes the journey through Hoi An deeper, more multifaceted, not just a trip to admire, but a trip to understand.

11:30 AM – A refreshing lunch with delicious local dishes.

Amidst the sweltering heat of the ancient town, nothing is better than finding a rustic eatery nestled in a small alley to enjoy Hoi An chicken rice, one of the signature dishes that embodies the soul of the local cuisine. The rice, cooked in chicken broth, is soft yet fluffy, golden yellow, and served with shredded free-range chicken, Vietnamese coriander, fragrant fried onions, and a touch of pickled vegetables for a balanced flavor.

This dish is simple yet refined in every detail. Furthermore, the dipping sauce is a key highlight, creating a rich, authentic Central Vietnamese flavor. Some recommended chicken rice restaurants in Hoi An include: Ba Buoi, Ba Nga, Com Ga Xi, and Co Man...

Ba Buoi Chicken Rice is one of the oldest eateries in Hoi An, a must-visit for many diners exploring the ancient town's culinary scene. Established in the 1950s, the restaurant maintains its traditional flavors – from cooking the rice in chicken broth to seasoning it perfectly. The restaurant is housed in a simple, unpretentious old house, yet it's always cozy and bustling with people. Amidst the slow pace of Hoi An, enjoying a hot plate of chicken rice while watching the quiet stream of people passing by, you'll easily feel the subtle yet profound charm of this land.

2 PM – Take a basket boat ride and admire the Seven-Acre Coconut Forest.

Located about 15 minutes by car from the old town center, Cam Thanh coconut forest offers an exciting experience with rowing basket boats, watching basket boat spinning performances, and crabbing.

The Bay Mau Coconut Forest (Cam Thanh Coconut Forest) is considered an ideal destination for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and explore the peaceful beauty of the Hoi An countryside. Entrance fee is 30,000 VND per person, and renting a basket boat costs between 150,000 and 200,000 VND per boat. Here, visitors can experience activities such as rowing a basket boat to admire the scenery, watching basket boat dances and races, casting nets to catch fish, and making souvenirs from coconut leaves. This place is likened to a miniature version of the waterways of the Mekong Delta.

6 PM - Releasing lanterns on the Hoai River

As the ancient town lights up, Hoi An transforms into a tranquil, ancient, and emotionally evocative space. This is the ideal time to head to the Hoai River, where locals begin selling charming little lanterns, lit with candles inside, inviting visitors to float them down the river as a way of making wishes.

Lanterns cost only 10,000 – 20,000 VND each, allowing you to choose a colorful lantern symbolizing wishes for good luck, peace, and happiness. To fully enjoy this magical atmosphere, rent a boat and paddle along the river, surrounded by hundreds of flickering lanterns floating on the water. Boat rentals cost around 50,000 – 100,000 VND per person for a short trip (10-15 minutes), with a more affordable price for groups of 2-4 people.

The moment of releasing lanterns from the middle of the river, with the shimmering light of the lanterns reflecting on the water's surface and the murmur of people on the bank, will be one of the most unforgettable memories of your 24-hour trip to Hoi An.

7 PM – Enjoy Central Vietnamese cuisine

Evenings in Hoi An don't need to be fancy. A light meal by the sea with fresh seafood, or a cozy dinner in the old town with a few Central Vietnamese specialties, is enough to soothe a day of exploration.

The cuisine here is diverse, offering a wide range of choices to suit every taste. If you love seafood, you can visit beachfront restaurants like Sao Bien, Canh Buom Trang, Gio Bien, Nam Gia, or Hai San Sen – where the menu usually features familiar dishes, simply prepared to preserve the fresh taste of the sea. For those who want to try European cuisine or a more youthful atmosphere, some notable names frequently mentioned by tourists include Shore Club An Bang Beach, Moyo Beach Club, The Deck House, The Hmong Sisters, or The Fisherman Vegan Restaurant – each with its own unique personality, from the free-spiritedness of the sea to the minimalist and gentle ambiance.

Alternatively, if you want to end your long day with a moment of tranquility, you can visit a restaurant with a distinct Central Vietnamese flavor like Ngon Pho Hoi – Vietnamese Authentic Cuisine. Located in a quiet neighborhood, the atmosphere evokes memories of old Hoi An: yellow walls, brick courtyards, brightly lit lanterns, and the sounds of traditional Vietnamese musical instruments echoing every evening.

The menu is rich in regional flavors, featuring dishes such as pomelo salad with shrimp, chicken grilled in bamboo tubes, and sticky rice fried in pandan leaves... dishes that may seem simple but clearly showcase the sophistication of Central Vietnamese cuisine. In the evenings, there are also performances of traditional Vietnamese musical instruments such as the T'rưng and tranh, creating folk-inspired melodies. This is a unique highlight, allowing diners to enjoy delicious food while immersing themselves in the cultural atmosphere and traditional music that embodies the spirit of Hoi An.

8:30 PM – Stroll through the night market and admire Hoi An.

As the light from the lanterns begins to shine down on the streets, Hoi An enters its most beautiful moment of the day – both tranquil and enchanting, with a touch of something reminiscent of a classic film. This is the ideal time to stroll through the old town's night market, leisurely wandering among the colorful handicraft stalls and the lively sounds. Here, you can choose to buy small but quintessential Hoi An souvenirs: a paper lantern, a brocade wallet, or exquisite handcrafted jewelry.

Don't forget to stop and enjoy "nước mót" – a refreshing herbal drink made from tea leaves, lemongrass, licorice, and lotus flowers. Just one sip and you'll feel the simplicity and gentleness, just like the people and the rhythm of life in Hoi An.

In just 24 hours, Hoi An can offer you more than just a vacation – it's a journey of slow living, immersing yourself in the flavors, touching your emotions through the music, the lights, and the warmth of its people.

Phuong Thao is an editor at Travellive magazine. She is passionate about traveling and enjoys capturing moments with her camera in every place she visits. Travel, art, and lifestyle are Phuong Thao's favorite writing topics.

Phuong Thao - Photo: Phuong Thao, collected from various sources.