Solo Travel / Solo Travel in Vietnam/ Hoi An / 24 Hours in Hoi An

How To Spend 24 Hours In Hoi An

TLDR: Spend 24 hours in Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautifully preserved ancient town, vibrant markets, and peaceful riverside setting. Ideal for solo travelers, Hoi An offers a mix of history, culture, and relaxation in one of Vietnam’s most picturesque towns.

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Highlight

Wander through Hoi An’s Ancient Town, a well-preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port.
Visit the colorful lantern-lit streets at night and enjoy riverside views.
Take a bicycle tour to the nearby countryside or to An Bang Beach for a refreshing swim.
Sample local specialties like cao lau and white rose dumplings at traditional eateries and food markets.

About Hoi An

Hoi An, located on Vietnam’s central coast, is a small yet culturally rich town with a population of around 120,000. It was once a major trading port and is now famous for its well-preserved Ancient Town, where French colonial buildings stand alongside Chinese and Japanese architectural influences. The town’s winding streets, covered markets, and lantern-lit evenings make it one of the most atmospheric destinations in Vietnam.

For solo travelers, Hoi An offers a tranquil, scenic retreat while still providing a wealth of cultural experiences. Whether you’re exploring the ancient streets, cycling through rice paddies, or relaxing by the beach, Hoi An is a destination that seamlessly blends relaxation with exploration.

Where to Sleep In Hoi An

Hoi An offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets. For budget travelers, Tribee Hostel is a popular choice, offering a social atmosphere with daily events and tours, located within walking distance of the Ancient Town. Another great option is DK’s House, a well-known hostel featuring both dorms and private rooms, as well as a pool.

For those looking for more luxury, Almanity Hoi An Wellness Resort is a top choice, offering an onsite spa, luxurious rooms, and proximity to the town’s main attractions.

Getting to and From Hoi An

By Plane:

The nearest airport is Da Nang International Airport (DAD), located about 30 kilometers from Hoi An. The airport offers both domestic flights and international connections from cities like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Seoul.

By Train:

The nearest train station is in Da Nang, which connects Hoi An to other major cities in Vietnam like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

By Bus:

Hoi An is well connected to other cities in Vietnam via long-distance buses. Buses from Da Nang take about 45 minutes, while buses from Hue take approximately 3 hours.

Travel Tip: Hoi An is best explored on foot or by bicycle. The Ancient Town is a pedestrian-only area, and many accommodations offer free or low-cost bike rentals.

Nearest Airport and Popular Connections

Da Nang International Airport (DAD) is the closest airport, located about 30 kilometers from Hoi An. The airport offers direct flights from several Asian hubs and Vietnam’s major cities, making it easily accessible for international and domestic travelers.

Estimated Flight Costs:

From Southeast Asia: Around €50 to €150 for a return flight (Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur).
From Europe: Around €400 to €700 for a return flight (London, Paris).
From the USA: Around €600 to €1,200 for a return flight (Los Angeles, New York).
From Australia: Around €300 to €600 for a return flight (Sydney, Melbourne).

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Hoi An experiences a tropical climate, with two main seasons: the dry season (February to August) and the rainy season (September to January). The best time to visit is from February to May, when temperatures are mild (20°C to 30°C), and the skies are mostly clear, perfect for exploring the town and nearby beaches.

The summer months (June to August) are hot and humid, while the rainy season can bring heavy downpours and the risk of flooding. However, if you’re looking for fewer crowds and cheaper accommodation, the rainy season still offers the town’s charm with lush green landscapes.

Meeting Fellow Travelers

Hoi An is a friendly destination, and there are many ways for solo travelers to connect with others:

Hostel Events: Hostels like Tribee Hostel offer nightly events, including cooking classes, pub crawls, and group bike tours, perfect for meeting fellow travelers.
Cooking Classes: Joining a cooking class in Hoi An is one of the best ways to connect with fellow food enthusiasts while learning to make traditional dishes like spring rolls and pho.
Cycling Tours: Many local tour companies offer group bicycle tours through the countryside, providing a chance to explore rural villages while making new friends.
Lantern-Making Workshops: These workshops are popular in Hoi An and provide an interactive cultural experience that’s perfect for bonding with other solo travelers.

Testimonials from Fellow Travelers

Lucy, 27, from the UK:
“Hoi An was my favorite stop in Vietnam. The Ancient Town is so picturesque, and I loved getting lost in the lantern-lit streets at night. The hostel I stayed at hosted cooking classes and bike tours, so it was easy to meet other solo travelers, and we ended up exploring the town together.”

Javier, 25, from Spain:
“Hoi An is a magical place! I spent my days cycling to the nearby beaches and my evenings wandering around the Old Town. I met a great group of people at my hostel, and we all joined a food tour to sample the local dishes. The vibe here is perfect for solo travelers looking to relax and enjoy the culture.”

Budgeting for 24 Hours in Hoi An

Accommodation:

Hostels: Tribee Hostel offers beds from €10 to €20.
Hotels: Almanity Hoi An Wellness Resort ranges from €80 to €200 per night.

Transportation:

Biking around town is usually free with hostel rentals, and taxis or Grab rides within the city typically cost €2 to €5.

Food and Drink:

Breakfast: €2 to €5 for a Vietnamese breakfast of banh mi or pho.
Lunch and Dinner: €5 to €15 for meals at local restaurants, €20 to €40 for dining at more upscale venues.

Attractions / Entertainment:

Entry fees to attractions like the Japanese Covered Bridge and other Ancient Town sites range from €2 to €5.
A lantern-making class or a cooking class costs around €15 to €30.

Miscellaneous:

Budget €10 to €20 for additional expenses like souvenirs or a traditional tailor-made outfit.

Total Estimated Budget: A day in Hoi An typically ranges from €50 to €120, offering a mix of cultural immersion, local cuisine, and outdoor exploration.

Morning

Start your day by heading into Hoi An’s Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander the charming streets filled with traditional wooden houses, colorful lanterns, and temples. Begin with a visit to the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, a symbol of Hoi An’s rich trading history. The bridge’s ancient architecture and peaceful atmosphere make it a great spot to soak in the town’s history. Afterward, enjoy a Vietnamese coffee at one of the local cafés near the Thu Bon River, where you can watch the boats pass by.

Once you’ve explored the bridge, walk to the Assembly Halls of Chinese Congregations. These beautiful buildings showcase intricate architecture and colorful decorations that reflect the town’s Chinese influence. Spend some time learning about the cultural significance of each hall before heading to the Central Market to browse through stalls selling fresh produce, local snacks, and traditional handicrafts.

Lunch

For lunch, stop by a local eatery to try Hoi An’s signature dish: cao lau, a flavorful noodle dish topped with pork, fresh herbs, and crispy rice crackers. Some of the best places to try it are within the narrow alleyways of the Ancient Town, offering an authentic experience. Meals typically range from €5 to €15 depending on the venue.

After lunch, take a leisurely walk along the river or rent a bicycle from your accommodation to explore the nearby countryside. A 15-minute bike ride will bring you to Tra Que Vegetable Village, where you can see local farmers at work and even participate in a farm-to-table cooking class.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, head to An Bang Beach, located just a short bike ride from the Ancient Town. The beach is known for its golden sand and clear waters, making it a perfect spot to relax after a morning of exploring. Grab a lounge chair, order a cold drink, and soak up the sun. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try paddleboarding or kayaking in the calm waters.

Alternatively, if you’d like to stay in town, consider booking a tailoring session at one of Hoi An’s many bespoke tailor shops. The town is famous for its skilled tailors, and you can have a custom-made outfit tailored to your measurements in just a few hours.

Evening

As the sun sets, return to the Ancient Town, where the streets come alive with colorful lanterns. The entire town is illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere. Take a leisurely walk along the riverbank and cross the bridge to the Night Market, where you’ll find street food stalls selling everything from banh mi to grilled seafood. Pick up some local handicrafts or lanterns as souvenirs.

For dinner, visit one of the riverside restaurants where you can enjoy Vietnamese cuisine with a view of the lantern-lit river. Try white rose dumplings, a local delicacy, and finish your meal with che (a Vietnamese sweet dessert). Meals typically cost between €10 and €30 depending on the venue.

After dinner, consider taking a boat ride along the river. You’ll be able to release a lantern into the water for good luck, a traditional experience in Hoi An that’s sure to be a memorable end to your day.

Departure Morning

On your departure morning, enjoy a final Vietnamese coffee at Reaching Out Tea House, a peaceful café run by the hearing-impaired community. Reflect on your time in Hoi An before heading to the airport or your next destination.

Where Next?

After exploring Hoi An, consider visiting nearby destinations like Da Nang, known for its beautiful beaches and Marble Mountains, or Hue, the ancient capital of Vietnam, famous for its imperial palaces and temples. For more travel ideas and local insights, visit Hoi An Now or check out our ’24-hour guides’ series on the Hostelworld app to plan your next adventure in Vietnam.