Top Things to Do in Hoi An on Your First Day (Best 1-Day Itinerary)

If you’ve just arrived in Hoi An and want your first day to unfold gently, think riverside charm, glowing lanterns, and peaceful cultural corners, this relaxed afternoon-to-evening itinerary is for you. Perfect for late starters or those arriving around midday, this top things to do in Hoi An guide skips the early crowds and gives you a soulful, slow-paced introduction to Hoi An’s highlights.

As local experts who’ve guided thousands through this ancient town, we know the best way to experience Hoi An is not by rushing but by wandering with intention. Here’s how to ease into its magic, through market scents, old streets, and river reflections, at your own pace.

1. Start at Hoi An Market – Dive Into Local Flavors and Daily Life

Kick off your journey at the beating heart of the town: Hoi An Central Market, located right on the banks of the Thu Bon River. It’s where locals shop for everything from fresh produce to handmade lanterns and it’s one of the best ways to ease into the authentic, non-touristy side of Hoi An.

What to expect:

• Piles of tropical fruit, fresh herbs, and exotic spices.
• Street vendors making Banh Mi, Cao Lau, and fresh spring rolls right in front of you.
• A vibrant, sometimes chaotic energy, especially in the wet market area.

Local tips:

• Visit around 3:00–4:00 PM when the lunch crowd is gone, but stalls are still busy prepping for the evening.
• Wear comfortable sandals and keep your camera handy, but always ask politely before taking close-up photos of vendors.
• Bring cash (small notes) if you want to buy snacks, souvenirs, or try your hand at bargaining!

Don’t miss: The dry goods section toward the back, which sells Hoi An’s famous noodles and handmade chili sauces, great gifts to bring home.

2. Visit the Phuc Kien (Fujian) Chinese Assembly Hall

From the market, it’s just a short walk to one of Hoi An’s most iconic cultural treasures: the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, originally built in the 17th century by Fujian Chinese merchants.

This is more than just a beautiful building, it’s a living example of how Hoi An was once a bustling, multicultural port. The hall serves as a temple dedicated to Thien Hau, the sea goddess who protects sailors and merchants.

Why it’s special:

• Stunning dragon statues, ceramic mosaics, and elaborate altars.
• Ornate incense coils hanging overhead that fill the hall with fragrance and atmosphere.
• Locals still visit to pray for safe travels and business prosperity.

Best time to visit: Around 4:00 PM for beautiful light slanting through the incense smoke, and fewer tour groups.

Insider tip: Notice the decorative motifs, each has symbolic meaning, from dragons and phoenixes to boats and clouds. A guide can help you decode them for a deeper understanding.

Check out our best-seller daily Hoi An guided tours by local experts (with over 500 5-star reviews).

3. Step Inside an Ancient House – Phung Hung or Tan Ky

No visit to Hoi An is complete without stepping inside one of its preserved merchant houses, where history, architecture, and family heritage come together.

Two of the most popular are Phung Hung Ancient House and Tan Ky Ancient House, both over 200 years old and still owned by local descendants.

What makes them unique:

• Blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architecture, reflecting Hoi An’s multicultural past.
• Antique furniture, silk lanterns, and intricate wooden carvings.
• Some houses even have flood markers etched on the walls, telling stories of the town’s battles with rising waters.

Tip from a local guide:
If you're short on time, visit Tan Ky House, it’s the most famous and compact. Guides inside often share personal stories, giving you a deeper connection to the space.

Etiquette note:
These are still private residences in parts, so move gently, don’t touch artifacts, and be respectful of the space.

4. Visit the Museum of Folk Culture - Top Things to Do in Hoi An

This lesser-known museum is one of the best spots to get context for what you see around Hoi An from traditional costumes to tools used in fishing, farming, and tailoring.

Why it's worth a stop:

• Real-life exhibits of silk weaving, rice paper making, and folk games.
• A quiet, shady building that offers a break from the heat and crowds.
• Insight into the daily lives of Hoi An’s past villagers, not just the royal or merchant class.

Recommended visit time:
30–45 minutes. If you’re into ethnology or folk art, you may linger longer.

Local tip:
Check for live craft demos or rotating exhibits - these often happen in the late afternoon when foot traffic slows down.

5. Watch a Performance at Hoi An Traditional Performing Arts House

By now, the sun is low, and it’s the perfect time to take in a bit of culture through live performance. Just steps from the Japanese Bridge, the Hoi An Traditional Performing Arts House offers short, vibrant shows featuring music, dance, and folk stories.

Why you should go:

• See rare traditional instruments like the đàn bầu and đàn tranh in action.
• Appreciate choreographed folk dances based on local myths and rural life.
• Performances are short (~30 minutes), perfect for fitting into your itinerary.

Pro Tip:
Arrive a little early (before 6:00 PM) to get a front-row seat. Check the schedule posted outside, there may be multiple performances in one evening, often included with the Old Town ticket.

Check out our best-seller daily Hoi An guided tours by local experts (with over 500 5-star reviews).

6. Cross the Japanese Covered Bridge - Top Things to Do in Hoi An

Built in the early 17th century by the Japanese community, this covered wooden bridge is a symbol of Hội An, linking the Japanese and Chinese quarters of the old town. While small, it carries immense historical and cultural significance.

What to look for:

• Stone guardian statues (monkeys and dogs) at each end.
• A tiny temple to the Taoist weather god Tran Vo Bac De inside the bridge.
• Beautiful views of the canal and lantern-lit boats below during dusk.

Photography tip:
Come just before golden hour (5:00–5:30 PM) to catch soft lighting and fewer crowds. Avoid peak selfie-time around sunset if you want a peaceful stroll.

Local fact:
The bridge has survived floods and centuries of change, walking across it is like stepping into Hoi An’s layered past.

7. Visit Handicraft Shops and Art Galleries - Things to Do in Hoi An

After the bridge, take your time exploring the charming lanes lined with silk lantern workshops, tailor shops, ceramics, calligraphy studios, and contemporary galleries.

Why it’s worth doing:

• Hội An is famous for tailor-made clothes - get a shirt, dress, or suit made in 24–48 hours.
• Pick up hand-painted lanterns, woodcuts, or handwoven bags made by local artisans.
• Many galleries offer original artworks inspired by Hoi An’s heritage, ideal for authentic souvenirs.

Local tip:
Look for shops that are part of Hoi An’s Craft Preservation Network, these support ethical practices and traditional skills passed through generations.

8. Discover Small Laneways and Quiet Neighborhoods

Don’t stick only to the main streets. Turn a corner, and you’ll find residential backstreets where life still moves at Hoi An’s traditional pace.

What you’ll discover:

• Yellow walls and vine-covered houses untouched by tourism.
• Locals preparing food on tiny doorfront stoves.
• Friendly street dogs, kids on bicycles, and the real rhythm of town life.

Insider route suggestion:
Explore the alleys between Nguyen Thai Hoc and Tran Phu streets, or walk towards the Hoai River’s lesser-known southern banks.

Pro tip:
Go by foot or take a slow bicycle ride with a guide who knows the stories behind each turn. It's these quiet places where the true magic of Hoi An reveals itself.

Check out our best-seller daily Hoi An guided tours by local experts (with over 500 5-star reviews).

9. Ride a Boat and Release a Flower Lantern on Hoai River

As twilight settles in, head to the riverside and join a gentle rowboat ride under the lantern-lit sky. This is one of the most serene and iconic experiences in Hoi An.

How it works:

• Local boatwomen row small wooden boats down the Hoai River.
• You’ll receive a small paper lantern with a candle to float down the water, symbolizing peace and good fortune.

Best time to go:
Between 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM, just as the town lights glow and reflections shimmer on the river.

Insider tip:
Choose a short 15–20 minute ride (very affordable) and avoid motorboats for a quieter, more authentic feel. Let your guide help with the best boatwomen, some have been rowing for decades.

10. Visit All These Attractions with Us as Local Experts

We’re more than just guides, we’re born and raised in Central Vietnam, and we’re passionate about helping travelers experience the real Hoi An. Whether you’re joining us for a short lantern walk, a deep cultural tour, or a foodie discovery, we tailor every journey with insight and care.

Why our tours are different:

• We focus on authenticity, storytelling, and slow travel, not rushing from one sight to the next.
• Our routes avoid tourist traps and connect you with hidden corners, friendly locals, and meaningful traditions.
• Rated 5 stars by hundreds of travelers who’ve said it felt like seeing Hoi An with a local friend.

Join our curated Hoi An best-seller tour and discover what truly makes this town unforgettable:

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