What to do if you have 36 hours in Hoi An?

The New York Times suggests a 36-hour itinerary in Hoi An with a variety of experiences. The journey doesn't just revolve around familiar destinations, but also opens up to lesser-known spaces.

ZNews•22/04/2026

American media outlets have commented that Hoi An is not only a tourist destination but also a place to experience the local way of life.

According to The New York Times , Hoi An is one of the rare destinations in Vietnam that brings together multiple layers of experience in a small space: ancient architecture, modern cuisine , and contemporary performances under a bamboo dome.

During the day, visitors can stroll through the small craft and boutique shops. As night falls, lantern-lit boats drift slowly along the Thu Bon River, creating a characteristic scene.

April is considered the ideal time to visit, with pleasant weather, beautiful beaches, and before the rainy season. Based on these factors, the American newspaper suggests a 36-hour weekend itinerary to explore Hoi An.

Friday at 5 PM: Swimming in the sea at sunset.

Locals often avoid swimming during the hot midday sun, opting instead for the time before sunset. At this time, the water temperature is more pleasant, the light is softer, creating a relaxing atmosphere.

Besides the bustling An Bang beach with its many bars and restaurants, visitors can venture about 1.5 km further south to a quieter area such as the Hit Ha beachfront cafe (opened in 2024).

7 PM: Enjoy seasonal cuisine.

Located just a few minutes from the beach, near Tra Que vegetable village, an agricultural community situated on a small island in the middle of the river, diners can visit Mua restaurant for fine dining.

Here, you can sit outdoors under the lights, beside a pond and palm trees, and enjoy a seasonal menu featuring various appetizers: sliced raw veal with lime leaves, red snapper from Cham Island, or a dessert made with Dak Lak cocoa combined with kumquat peel.

9:30 PM: Evening cocktail

From the Tra Que area, visitors should travel about 10 minutes through the rice fields to get back near the old town.

Here you'll find rooftop bars near Hoi An market, offering views of the Thu Bon River and ancient trees, with a breezy and open atmosphere. The menu focuses on cocktails, especially gins mixed with local ingredients like lemongrass, star anise, or banana, paired with rice wine and local rum.

If you want to be closer to the sea, you can visit the restaurants along An Bang beach.

8 AM Saturday: Stroll around the Old Quarter

Hoi An Old Town is quite small, perfect for walking. Start in the market area with its local food stalls selling spring rolls and fresh seafood.

From there, visitors can visit the Trade Ceramics Museum to learn about the history of trade with Japan and China. Afterwards, they can go to the Fujian Assembly Hall, visit ancient houses such as Duc An, and finish at the Japanese Bridge.

The Fujian Assembly Hall, with its elaborate architecture and decorations, is one of five structures built by the Chinese merchant community in Hoi An.

12 PM: Lunch in the old house.

Some old houses are still used as spaces for serving traditional cuisine. Visit Quan Thang Old House to enjoy some traditional Hoi An dishes in a house that was once the residence of a merchant.

Here, visitors can try rose-shaped cakes, thin, translucent rice cakes filled with meat and shrimp, or Hoi An chicken rice with shredded meat, herbs, and sauce (50,000 VND per serving).

2 PM: Shopping and tailoring

The streets of Hoi An are lined with handicraft and tailoring shops. Tourists can have clothes and shoes custom-made within 1-2 days.

Besides the famous tailor shops, there are also stores selling recycled goods, pottery, and lanterns made from traditional fabrics. If you need a break, cafes combined with bookstores are a popular choice, offering a quiet space in the afternoon.

5:30 PM: Watch an art performance.

At Hoi An Lune Center, visitors can enjoy a Teh Dar performance at 6 PM every day.

The bamboo-domed stage, along with the sounds of gongs and traditional musical instruments, creates a unique experience. The performances revolve around the life cycle and culture of the Central Highlands, combining traditional and modern elements.

8 PM: Eat Cao Lau (a type of noodle dish).

Cao Lau is a signature dish of Hoi An, featuring thick noodles, char siu pork, crispy fried pork skin, fresh vegetables, and a rich sauce. This dish is believed to be influenced by various cuisines, reflecting the trading history of the ancient town.

The American newspaper suggested the Bá Lễ high-class restaurant, named after a nearby well.

10 PM: Tasting rice wine

Besides traditional rice wine, Hoi An has places to sample locally produced rice wine.

Some varieties are made from ST25 rice, which has a milder and more palatable taste. The setting is usually an old house, combined with a bar, serving cocktails made from rice wine. This is a new experience, different from the traditional image of rice wine before.

9 AM Sunday: Head to the countryside

Leaving the Old Quarter, visitors can head to Tra Que vegetable village, where the small streets are named after different types of plants.

Cafés nestled amidst rice paddies, traditional wooden houses, and green spaces create a relaxing atmosphere. Additionally, there are cultural spaces showcasing handicrafts from ethnic minority groups.

11:30 AM: Lunch in the middle of the field.

Some restaurants are nestled amidst rice fields, combining Vietnamese cuisine with European influences.

The open-air setting, with tables overlooking the rice paddies, is perfect for enjoying dishes like grilled fish, meat, and seasonal vegetables. It's also a tranquil stop before the end of your journey.

12:30 PM: Meeting with artists and artisans

Back in the old town, visitors can meet artists painting pictures, or visit a silk workshop to see the traditional weaving process.

Additionally, there are creative spaces here that utilize recycled materials, showcasing artworks made from metal and plastic, with artistic and environmentally friendly aspects.

1:30 PM: Enjoying tea

After exploring, visitors can stop at La.Kao tea house to enjoy tea in a quiet and private setting.

Vietnamese teas are brewed multiple times to experience different flavors, from subtly sweet to intensely strong. Visitors can learn about the origins of tea, harvesting methods, and traditional tea-drinking culture.