Beyond the Ancient Town: These are the Best Day Tours from Hoi An
Explore the best day tours from Hoi An and within its Ancient Town. Visit historic sites like My Son Sanctuary and Hue, and dive deep into Vietnamese culture with our curated guide.
We believe the centre of Vietnam is perhaps the most culturally rich in all of the country.
From the charming ancient streets of Hoi An, through to the regal city of Hue, the area is littered with an abundance of important cultural sites that are essential stops on any Vietnam itinerary.
But it’s also wildly diverse, blending lush plains, misty mountains, endless beaches, and stunning diving opportunities off its East Sea shores.
For those basing themselves in Hoi An (which you should!), exploring the regional attractions and those within the ancient city is a must.
This guide explores the best day tours from Hoi An and the best tours within Hoi An Ancient Town, from the historic Cham ruins of My Son Sanctuary to the famed dynastic city of Hue, and the stunning natural landscapes in between. In addition, we feature the best cultural tours to help you to immerse yourself in Vietnamese traditions.
LOVE OUR PHOTOS? Edit like us with our Tropical Dreams Preset Packs, and Tropical Bliss mobile videofilters, inspired by the tropical beauty and colour of this beautiful country
BEST DAY TOURS FROM HOI AN OVERVIEW
HISTORY | Hue Heritage tour
ANCIENT RUINS | My Son Sanctuary
BEACHES + DIVING | Cham Islands snorkelling and speedboat
SOMETHING DIFFERENT | A motorbike tour of Hai Van pass
THE ANCIENT CITY | Hoi An walking tour
THE BEST DAY TOURS FROM HOI AN
SPEND A MORNING AT THE CHAM RUINS OF MY SON SANCTUARY
Its name translates to ‘beautiful mountain’, and most travellers will certainly find themselves agreeing that against the backdrop of emerald green mountains and blue skies, the burnt orange ruins of Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary make for an emphatic feature of the landscape about an hour outside Hoi An.
Where Hoi An was the trading port of the ancient Cham Kingdom (read more here), My Son was its spiritual and political capital between the 4th and 15th centuries. Once home to over 70 Hindu temples offering deep insight into the country’s long and often ignored ancient past, unfortunately, war was not kind to the Sanctuary. Over just a few days in 1969, the ruins were almost entirely razed by US carpet bombing raids that reduced all but 20 or so of the temples to rubble.
Thankfully, a combined international effort led to the site being UNESCO World Heritage protected since 1999, and recent restoration efforts have rebuilt some of the main highlights in painstaking detail. It’s certainly far more appealing than in previous years (Mark visited 10 years ago and was shocked at the change!).
Plan your visit with our detailed guide.
You’ll find the temples grouped from A - H, with an easy and accessible path that meanders through each section in the complex (it’s actually a very good path for prams for those with children!), taking in each temple group as well as lush forest and water features.
Group A, once the most important crown jewel of the site is sadly still little more than rubble after being deliberately razed by US forces, while Groups B through H showcase the architectural and artistic genius of the Cham Kingdom through the centuries in the temples in various states of decay.
Sure, they’re not as impressive as the nearby Cambodian ruins of Angkor Wat (to which they’re often unfairly compared), but without the heaving crowds, we found Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary a really enjoyable morning trip from Hoi An.
There are a number of ways to visit Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary, although this tour is the best option as it arrives super early to avoid the crowds, which tend to descend on the ruins around 10 am.
Alternatively, you can book a spot on a shuttle bus from Hoi An, take a public bus (note this doesn’t stop at the ruins though), or hire a private driver to make the hour-long drive to the Sanctuary, wait, then drive back to Hoi An, which will set you back around $30 USD.
THE DETAILS
Where | Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary
Entrance Fee | 150,000 VND per adult, 30,000 VND per child (5 - 15 years old), Under 5’s are free
Opening Hours | 6:30 am to 5:30 pm
Read more | Our complete guide to visiting My Son Sanctuary
BOOK | This morning trip from Hoi An to My Son Sanctuary
VISIT THE IMPERIAL CITY OF HUE
The former imperial capital of Hue has a lot to see and do and is definitely worth more than just a day trip. However, if you’re pressed for time like we were, it is also possible to make the day trip from Hoi An (you can also visit the Marble Mountains and My Son to make the most of the day).
Between 1802 until 1945, Hue served as the political, cultural, and religious centre of Vietnam under the Nguyen dynasty, and as a result, has a vast array of incredible historic and cultural sites, including the Imperial City.
This Hue Heritage tour dives head first into the historic city and its vast Citadel, which encompassing grand palaces, ornate temples, and beautifully landscaped gardens of the former home of the Nguyen Dynasty. A tour of the Imperial City is essential to understand the grand architecture and intricate details through the complex.
The tour also further explores Hue, including a cruise on the famed Perfume River, stops at Thien Mu pagoda and Khai Dinh Royal Tomb, as well as a lunch stop for Bún bò Huế, a local dish that enamoured Anthony Bourdain.
The tour also includes a drive over the historic Hai Van Pass.
Below are two popular and excellent day tour to options Hue from Hoi An:
This full-day Hue Heritage tour, which includes a boat cruise down the Perfume River as well as a guided tour of the Hue complex and includes lunch
This full-day Hue tour, which takes you over the famous Hai Van pass, a guided tour of Hue and lunch at a local restaurant serving traditional Hue dishes
STEP INSIDE THE MARBLE MOUNTAINS, DANANG
The Marble Mountains, located in Da Nang, are as unique as they are intriguing. Comprising five hills named after the elements—Water, Wood, Fire, Metal, and Earth - Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism converge here, and over centuries, these hills and caves have been carved to feature temples, pagodas, and sanctuaries - it’s pretty cool to step deep inside the mountains and admire the towering cavernous areas.
The sanctuaries and sacred sites dotted throughout the mountains are alive with colourful shrines, the scent of incense, and vibrant religious iconography. The views from atop the mountains over Danang are also pretty special.
We recommend visiting the Marble Mountains as part of a broader tour, and this easy half-day tour encompasses a number of Da Nang’s popular attractions.
BOOK | From Hoi An, you can take this day tour to the Marble Mountains, which covers the Lady Buddha and Am Phu Caves too
SPEND A DAY ON CHAM ISLANDS
Keen to swap the historic old town for some South East Asian island hopping?
The nearby Cham Island Archipelago is home to crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and lush tropical forests which make for the perfect day trip from Hoi An.
Snorkelling and diving are among the top attractions here, with the islands' UNESCO Biosphere-protected marine areas offering a chance to explore underwater wonders. Or, just laze by the beautiful, white sand beaches.
This small group day tour to the Cham Islands includes hotel pick-ups/transfer from Hoi An, a speedboat tour, snorkelling in multiple locations, lunch on board then a transfer back to Hoi An.
BOOK | Cham Islands snorkelling and speedboat day trip from Hoi An
BA NA HILLS & THE GOLDEN BRIDGE
Ba Na Hills is tough to describe.
A European-inspired tourist village & theme park, which includes castles, cathedrals and gardens, and features some world-famous architecture, plonked on the top of a misty, tropical mountain outside Danang, Ba Na Hills is in many ways surreal and weirdly cool, but authentic it is not.
A quintessential day trip from Hoi An, the tour starts in Hoi An and includes a ride on the world’s longest cable car ride, which spans just under 6 km and crosses the lush national forest below.
The highlight is, without a doubt, the Golden Bridge. Elevated by giant stone hands, this architectural marvel stretches across the sky, offering incredible views of the surrounding hills and the coastline far below. A word of warning - it gets ridiculously busy here, so if you want photos without people - good luck.
Arriving at the top of Sun World Ba Na Hills, your tour guide will take you through the weird, yet quite beautiful French Village where a buffet lunch is served.
The day will finish with a visit to the amusement section of the park, which features a range of family-centric activities, including an alpine coaster, wax museum and fantasy park.
We feel this tour is perfect for families, however, if you’re like us, and prefer more cultural exploration, we’d suggest one of the other tours listed in this guide.
Additionally, if you’re after sunrise photos from the Golden Bridge, we suggest staying overnight and visiting the bridge before the tour crowds arrive.
THE DETAILS
BOOK | Popular Ba Na Hills day tour from Hoi An
HAI VAN PASS BY MOTORBIKE
Fans of Top Gear will know all about the Hai Van Pass, which Clarkson, Hammond and May passed (and loved) during their Vietnam special in 2008.
Sitting in between Hoi An and Hue, the famed Hai Van Pass, known for its hairpin turns and steep inclines, is one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the world, and a motorcycle journey through the misty mountains makes for the perfect day tour from Hoi An.
The tour starts with a few stops in Da Nang, visiting the famous Dragon Bridge and a local fishing village (you can also visit the Marble Mountains), before commencing the thrilling journey up and over the Hai Van pass.
The experience is nothing short of cinematic, with each curve revealing outrageous views over the East Sea and misty mountain peaks. From the top, enjoy the views north toward Hue (on a clear day, of course) and sip some local coffee, before descending slowly.
For anyone wanting to experience pure adventure, and the freedom of the open road, this motorbike tour to Hai Van Pass is an absolute must-do.
One thing to note is that the tour offers both riding and pillion options, so if you’re not a confident rider, you can still join!
THE DETAILS
BOOK | This highly-rated motorbike tour of Hai Van pass
BEST HOI AN ANCIENT CITY TOURS
TAKE A HOI AN GUIDED WALKING TOUR
As independent travellers, the idea of walking tours usually fills us with dread. We’d much prefer to grab our cameras, wander aimlessly, and get a feel for a town without the whistle-stop nature of a tour.
However, we really wanted to understand the depth and complexity of Hoi An’s history, so we booked this private guided walking tour and we’re so happy we did.
Guided by a local expat with a deep knowledge of the town and province of Quảng Nam, we started our journey in the narrow, lantern-lined streets of the ancient town (previously known as Fai Fo), weaving through the laneways while stopping at the many obvious, and not so obvious attractions.
Along the way, our guide, Robert, helped us understand the complex, deep and multicultural history of Hoi An, from the iconic Japanese Bridge and the town’s historical connections with Japan to the ancient homes and assembly halls of the early Chinese settlers and the history of the families that built them.
From there, we explored the later arrival of European traders who introduced Hoi An to global trade and commerce between the East and the West, leaving a colourful mark on the town that exists to this day.
We strolled through the buzzing local markets, found hidden gems, and ended the tour at a home of the Ngô family, masters of Hoi An’s Xí mà (black sesame soup), where we sampled this local delicacy on the arched colonial balcony.
All in all, the perfect way to spend three hours, and we highly recommend you do the same.
THE DETAILS
BOOK | This highly-rated Hoi An walking tour
TAKE AN EXCELLENT HOI AN COOKING CLASS
Vietnamese cuisine is an incredible mix of flavours, textures and ingredients that expertly balances sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami flavours with the freshest of ingredients, creating a complex culinary experience from street food to high-end restaurants. In short, it’s excellent, and one of the best cuisines in the world.
To truly understand Vietnamese cuisine and culture, we recommend taking a Hoi An cooking class.
Most classes begin with a tour of the local market, providing a refreshing insight into local produce and life that couldn’t be more different to the bustling tourist-trap markets found in central Hoi An, before floating through a dense coconut palm forest on a traditional bamboo basket boat.
Then, it’s often a stop past a nearby rice paddy to learn how rice is cultivated (although this may differ between tours), before being whisked to a traditional kitchen to learn about making Vietnamese staples - spring rolls, Bánh cuốn (Vietnamese steamed rice rolls), Bánh Xèo (Hoian rice pancakes), Phở (pho noodles with beef), and Chè (sweet bean soup) - and then sitting down together to feast upon the fruits of your labour.
The complexity of Vietnamese cuisine lies in its use of fresh herbs and vegetables - ingredients like coriander, mint, basil, lemongrass, and lime leaves, complemented by a variety of sauces and condiments, most notably fish sauce (nuoc mam). Learning how these all work together to make heavenly food is such a game-changer.
There is a heap of food tours offered in Hoi An, so it can be hard to discern which is best - we opted for this 4-hour class, which included a market tour, basket boat ride, and cooking class. Vegetarians, vegans, omnivores, pescatarians, and everyone in between are catered for — and it’s not a stretch to say that this cooking class was one of our favourite things to do in Hoi An!
THE DETAILS
BOOK | This 4-hour Hoi An Cooking class
LEARN THE ART OF LANTERN MAKING
In a city famed for its illuminated lanterns that colour the skies each night, it would be remiss to visit Hoi An and not learn how to make its signature souvenir.
The Lantern Lady's lantern-making class is one of the best things to do in Hoi An and offers a unique, hands-on experience of the ancient art of lantern-making. Guided by the skilled hands of local makers, this class is an opportunity to craft a beautiful souvenir and learn a new skill while travelling in Vietnam.
Under their skilled guidance, you’ll learn step-by-step how to assemble the lanterns, from shaping the bamboo frame to selecting and attaching the silk, before carefully assembling the parts, as well as hearing stories of the craft. The process itself is pretty simple and cathartic, which offers a welcome relief from the crazy streets for a few hours.
Class prices are reasonable and the class runs daily - book here.
THE DETAILS
Cost | From $8, depending on lantern size
BOOK | The Lantern Lady’s Lantern-making class
COFFEE MAKING CLASS
In Hoi An, as in Saigon and Hanoi, Vietnam's deep-rooted love affair with coffee is obvious.
First introduced by the French during their colonial era, today Vietnam’s coffee culture combines centuries-old brewing techniques with creative and contemporary approaches to coffee making.
It makes for a brilliant coffee scene; everywhere from hipster cafes to nondescript street vendors serve rich, earthy, flavoursome Vietnamese coffee mixed (or topped) with sweet variations of milk, condensed milk, coconut, salted cream, or egg. Here in Hoi An, the favourite is iced coconut coffee. Perhaps more milkshake than proper coffee to true purists, it goes down as an absolute treat in the land of heat and humidity.
Regardless of your preference, if you’re a lover of coffee, you really can’t go wrong in Hoi An.
Which is why we recommend joining this coffee-making class during your visit. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn to make all the classic Vietnamese favourites, and perfect the art of Vietnamese coffee making (it’s part art, part science).
The class covers various local techniques, from the classic drip filter to contemporary methods, and even includes crafting the famous egg coffee, a Hanoi specialty that you’ll want to know all about.
THE DETAILS
COCONUT FOREST & BASKET BOAT RIDE
Look, this might be the most popular tour in Hoi An, but does it make it the best? That’s a no.
The tour takes you through Hoi An’s Bay Mau Coconut Forest, a network of canals and nipa coconut palms which hang overhead, in traditional, hand-woven basket boats.
The thick foliage that feels worlds away from the busy streets of the ancient town, which is part of the appeal - Hoi An can feel a little overwhelming at times, especially during the midday heat.
The charismatic guides make the tour somewhat enjoyable, sharing stories, singing karaoke (random, but fun) and demonstrating local fishing techniques, before spinning you to Hanoi and back as the tour ends.
While we’re sure this would’ve been an amazing tour years ago, the development around the river and the coconut jungles makes it feel a little too inauthentic to really enjoy it properly.
Maybe we’re jaded from years of life on the road or experiencing tours that delve a little deeper, but this tour felt devoid of any real cultural depth.
But, we still think it’s a day tour you should take part in, especially for first-time visitors, or if you’re travelling with kids, who will absolutely love the humorous guides and the boat spinning.
THE DETAILS
BOOK | The very (very) popular Coconut Forest & Basket Boat half-day tour
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO HOI AN
THINGS TO DO IN HOI AN
The UNESCO-protected yellow streets of Hoi An have an extensive list of things to see and do, places to eat, and wonderful tours to join.
We suggest taking a walking tour of the old town to get your bearings and joining a cooking class to better understand the local cuisine. Spend a morning exploring Hoi An’s markets, before heading to nearby An Nang beach to cool off and enjoy some relaxation. Also, a visit to the historic Cham ruins of My Son Sanctuary is a must.
The coffee culture in Hoi An is second to none, so make sure to visit Faifo Coffee, or Phin Coffee, located in the Old Town, or enjoy a slow afternoon sipping tea at Reaching Out Teahouse.
Beyond that, we suggest heading in early walking each street and alleyway, and immersing yourself in the deep history that permeates through the streets.
Plan your trip with our Hoi An guide.
WHERE TO STAY IN HOI AN
Despite being a compact little town, it can be hard to find a comfortable hotel in Hoi An’s Old Town.
Thus, the hotels and hostels we’ve recommended below are outside the historic quarter. Thankfully though, it’s a short walk, ride or Grab into town.
LA SIESTA HOI AN | A boutique hotel that delivers big on luxury and hospitality, La Siesta Hoi An is one of the best hotels in town and comes highly recommended by friends who stayed there. It features spacious, elegantly designed rooms, multiple dining options, and two stunning pools, and is a short walk from the historic old quarter.
MULBERRY SILK VILLAGE | Where we stayed - Mulberry Silk Village is affordable, well-appointed, and served all our needs. Features huge rooms with a balcony, two swimming pools, spa facilities, and an on-site restaurant serving local and international cuisine, with a large breakfast buffet.
HOI AN CHIC GREEN RETREAT | Set amidst the green rice fields just outside of the old town lies the stunning Hoi An Chic Green Retreat. This modern, eco-friendly hotel features thoughtfully furnished rooms and an outdoor pool that blends seamlessly with the surrounding rice fields. Also includes organic dining options in-house.
MAD MONKEY HOSTEL HOI AN | Mad Monkey Hostel Hoi An is the home of hostel life in Hoi An, perfectly positioned near the ancient town. This backpacker hostel offers both dorm and private rooms and a party vibe perfect for solo travellers.
HOW TO GET TO HOI AN
Hoi An does not have its own airport, with Danang Airport serving as the gateway to the region.
As such, there’s now a robust network and transport options for getting from Danang Airport, as well as the major transport hubs in town (train, bus), to Hoi An City.
This transport guide breaks down each of the five travel options, from most comfortable, through to most affordable, providing an in-depth overview to help you plan your journey and, well, not get lost.
PLAN | How to get from Danang to Hoi An
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT HOI AN
The best time to visit Hoi An is during the dry season, from February to April.
During these months, the skies are clear and the temperature is moderate, making it ideal for wandering through the ancient town, biking in the countryside, or lounging on the nearby beaches. This period also avoids the peak of the dry season, which can see temperatures soaring from May to July, and the rainy season from October to November, when the town can experience significant flooding.
We’ve also visited Hoi An during July, which was mostly dry, but overwhelmingly hot and humid - cool if you like the heat, or have a hotel pool to retreat to.
The Lantern Festival, which takes place every full moon (check dates here), and transforms the town into a flickering wonderland, should not be missed.
READ MORE | Everything you need to know before visiting Hoi An
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN VIETNAM
If you can't afford travel insurance, you really can't afford to travel. As the current global situation has taught many people, things can go wrong anywhere in the world - and insurance is often the only way of mitigating any issues with minimal expense or stress for you.
Here are our recommendations, based on 8+ years of full-time travel:
FOR TRAVELLERS | HeyMondo - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel + medical insurance, an app with 24-hour medical support, and no out-of-pocket fees.
*The Common Wanderer readers get 5% off your policy by booking through our link here.
FOR DIGITAL NOMADS | SafetyWing - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and policies can be purchased while already abroad.
CAR INSURANCE | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy
EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF HOI AN
HOI AN |The best things to do in Hoi An, Hoi An Travel Guide: 15+ things to know before you visit, How to visit My Son Sanctuary, How to get from Danang Airport to Hoi An, A guide to the Hoi An Old Town Ticket
HO CHI MINH CITY | The best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, 15+ Essential Saigon Travel Tips, How to visit Tan Dinh Church (Saigon’s Pink Church), Where to eat and drink in Ho Chi Minh City, How to get from Saigon Airport to the city centre
HANOI | The best things to do in Hanoi, How to visit the Temple of Literature
MEKONG DELTA | The best things to do in the Mekong Delta
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Read our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and your friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
If you’ve enjoyed our free travel guides and want to support our work, please consider buying us a coffee here. Or, follow our travels on Instagram!
DISCOVER THE BEAUTY OF VIETNAM WITH OUR GUIDES
If you choose to purchase using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please know that by using these affiliate links, you're directly supporting The Common Wanderer to stay wandering, the running costs of the site, and our ability to provide you with free content to help you on your travels.
That, and you're officially a legend.
