You will only have two days in Hoi An City during your trip to Vietnam. With this limited time, preparing a reasonable itinerary and transportation is necessary. This perfect two-day tour for visiting Hoi An, My Son, and Hue will help you discover the most unique beauty.
Details of the 2-day program in Hoi An
Following this itinerary will give you a suitable planned travel time, beautiful destinations, and outstanding cultural features, which provide more value to your two days in Central Vietnam.
Day 1: Explore Hoi An and My Son in one day
Thanks to its charm and cultural richness, Hoi An draws travelers from around the world, both solo and with families. The locals’ warm, welcoming approach to tourism leaves a lasting impression on everyone who visits.ch entertainment, recreation, experience, and discovery needs of visitors from all over the world.
You should not miss many things, as shown below on the first day in Hoi An.
5:00 am: Taking Pictures of Thanh Ha Fish Market
The first day will be to wake up early and enjoy the bustling atmosphere of Thanh Ha Fish Market, located in Thanh Ha Ward, about 4km West of Hoi An ancient town center. It takes about 12 minutes to get there by car.
This fish market, one of the largest markets in Hoi An, operates from around 3 am to 10 am every day. However, the busiest time is around 5 am to 6 am. The hustle and bustle here changes daily depending on the weather, season, and fishermen’s fishing productivity.
For tourists, 5 am to 6 am is the most suitable time to experience the fish market of coastal people. At that hour, you’ll witness boats arriving nonstop with fresh catches, filling the air with shouts, laughter, and the rhythm of coastal life.
Traders are bustling to exchange, buy, sell, and bargain. Workers are busy transporting seafood baskets from boats to the port or taking them to cars to other large and small markets around Hoi An. Everything becomes even more vibrant under the sunlight as it is ready to welcome the new day.
If you are a photography enthusiast, you should not miss this place because of the impressive scenery. The early fish market will help visitors recognize the style and culture of the people’s daily lives.
7:00 am: Have Breakfast With Banh Mi
After returning from the Thanh Ha fish market, you should spend time eating your breakfast. Phuong bread is an interesting suggestion. Bring it to a coffee shop to enjoy the “best bread in the world” with a cup of coffee.
You can also try other drinks mixed with their recipe at the shop. The total amount you have to spend for a Phuong bread and a cup of coffee is equivalent to 50,000 VND. This is one of the most convenient ways to experience how Hoi An locals start their day.
8:00 am: Explore My Son
Travel to My Son to visit the ancient sanctuary of the Cham people. The sanctuary includes a complex of relics bearing the cultural traces of the Champa people at their most prosperous period. The outstanding attraction at this relic is the mystery of the techniques and adhesive materials used to build the towers dating back to the 7th century.
It will take about 1 hour and 15 minutes to travel by car from Hoi An to My Son Sanctuary. This time will allow you to enjoy the Cham dance performance at 9:15 am at the temples or the second show at 10 am at the performance house in the relic complex area.
The ticket price to visit My Son relic is 150,000 VND/ 1 person, including entrance ticket, electric car fee to the relic, and a performance at the performance house.
12:30 pm: Having Lunch
Saying goodbye to My Son, returning to Hoi An. It is time for you to suggest to your driver to stop by Cau Mong to enjoy grilled young beef – a famous specialty in Quang Nam. This flavorful, protein-packed lunch costs around 200,000 VND per person.
Popular restaurants include Grilled Beef Ten (Bê Thui Mười) and Grilled Beef Bay Lep (Bê Thui Bảy Lép), both well-loved by locals and visitors. Both are located on National Highway 1A in Dien Phuong, Dien Ban Town, on the route from My Son to Hoi An, so it is convenient for tourists to travel there.
After tasting grilled beef for lunch, you will return to Hoi An Ancient Town.
1:30 pm: Experience Tailoring
This program gives you a whole afternoon to explore Hoi An ancient town. But, first, whether you are a fashionista or consider fashion a mandatory outfit, you should still stop by a few tailor shops in the ancient town. Every outfit here—whether a dress, suit, or shirt—is custom-tailored to your exact size and style preferences.
Customers can choose from many samples. You can also ask the shop owner to make it according to your available sample. You’ll find a wide selection of fabrics in different materials, colors, and patterns to suit your taste. In particular, the price is reasonable for the quality, beyond expectations.
Suppose you finish choosing the sample and taking measurements in the early afternoon, after dinner. In that case, you can return to the store to try on clothes and request necessary repairs. You can also rest assured that the tailor shops can deliver it to your hotel late at night or early in the morning.
3:30 pm Exploring Attractions in the Old Town
Then, spend two hours visiting the famous relics in the center of the old town, such as:
- Museums: Hoi An, Sa Huynh Culture, Folklore, Trade Ceramics.
- Cultural works: Japanese Covered Bridge, Cam Pho Communal House, Quan Cong Temple, Tuy Tien Duong Minh Huong.
- Ancient houses: Tran Family Temple, Nguyen Tuong Family Temple, Quan Thang, Duc An, Phung Hung, Tan Ky.
- Assembly Halls: Fujian, Guangdong, Chaozhou.
- Dang Trong and watch traditional art performances (at 10:15 and 15:15 every day).
These places best represent the cultural identity of Hoi An’s ancient town. It includes a diverse blend of ancient Champa culture, Chinese culture during the Ming Dynasty, and Confucian culture of the Vietnamese.
A ticket costs 150,000 VND, and you can choose five destinations from the above relics to explore Hoi An.
In addition, you cannot miss the Hoi An market when coming to Hoi An.
Sitting at the edge of the old town, Hoi An Market is a lively hub that reflects the everyday rhythm of local life. They sell everything from vegetables, tubers, fruits, fish, and fresh meat for daily necessities to household items, fashion clothes, cosmetics, etc. Many small souvenirs with quite attractive prices are also sold around the market.
In addition, Hoi An market sells the most famous local dishes, such as bread, Cao Lau, bean sweet soup, Quang noodles, chicken rice, pancakes, and duck porridge. Spend time here to find some small, pretty souvenirs or taste the local cuisine, which will enrich your two-day holiday in Hoi An.
5:30 pm: Experiencing a Boat Ride
Leaving Hoi An market, you should move to Hoi An wharf, less than 100 meters from the market. Here, choose a small wooden boat and you will be rowed slowly by the locals on the Hoai River to watch the ancient town at sunset.
Glowing lanterns line both riverbanks as daylight fades, casting a magical glow over the water. The ancient town is so enchantingly beautiful at this time. And there is no better angle for a photo of Hoi An than the angle from a boat drifting gently along the banks of the ancient town.
The price of an hour cruising on the Hoai River with a small boat that can accommodate 3-4 people is about 200,000 VND/boat.
6:30 pm: Have Dinner
After returning from a river cruise, it’s time to enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the ancient town. Some suggestions are: Miss Ly Cafe Restaurant, at 22 Nguyen Hue Street; Hai Cafe Restaurant, 98 Nguyen Thai Hoc; or Morning Glory Restaurant, 106 Nguyen Thai Hoc.
Ending a day in Hoi An, you can walk around the ancient town under the lantern lights. Then, come back to your hotel and stay overnight in Hoi An.
Day 2: Day trip to Hue from Hoi An
Hue day trip from Hoi An carries you to the beautiful pass Hai Van and the ancient period of the last royal dynasty of Vietnam, the Nguyen Kings.
8:00 – 8:30 am: Start the Journey from Hoi An to Hue
We hit the road from Hoi An just after breakfast, at 8:00 am. The morning air is still cool as we left behind the charming lantern-lit streets and headed north on one of the most scenic drives in Central Vietnam.
Stop 1: Marble Mountains – Spiritual Caves and Hilltop Views
Your journey begins with the stunning Marble Mountains, just 18 km (about a 30-minute drive) from Hoi An in the Ngu Hanh Son District of Da Nang City. The range consists of five limestone peaks—Kim Son, Moc Son, Thuy Son, Hoa Son, and Tho Son—spanning a 2km area, surrounded by a coastal residential area.
We’ll focus on Thuy Son (Water Mountain), the most beautiful of the five. It’s home to various caves, rugged rocks, watchtowers, and sacred pagodas, making it a must-see for explorers.
Stop 2: Stone Carving Village – Artistry in Marble
At the base of Thuy Son lies a small village where the rhythm of chisels striking stone fills the air. This community has been carving statues and religious figures for centuries, and seeing their work up close — polished, powerful, and precise — was humbling. If you’re into craftsmanship, it’s hard not to be impressed.
Stop 3: Hai Van Pass – Where Clouds Touch the Sea
After departing from the Ngu Hanh Son scenic spot, you’ll embark on a 50-minute drive to the famous Hai Van Pass. Known for its breathtaking beauty, this winding road offers one of the most picturesque journeys in Central Vietnam.
The cliffs hug the coast, offering awe-inspiring sea views on one side and lush green hills on the other. Unsurprisingly, this pass is often called the “Ocean Cloud Pass” — especially when the clouds meet the sea at the summit.
At the top, take a moment to stop for rest. On clear days, you’ll be treated to a sweeping panoramic view of Da Nang and the Son Tra Peninsula. This moment is a perfect spot to snap photos and breathe fresh, crisp air.
Whether you’re here for the scenic drive or the jaw-dropping views, Hai Van Pass offers a thrilling and unforgettable adventure for any traveler.
Stop 4: Lang Co Bay – A Quiet Slice of Paradise
We will reach Lang Co beach after saying goodbye to Hai Van peak and passing another 12km. Lang Co Bay is located right at the foot of Hai Van, one of the most beautiful bays in the world. Worldbays Club has recognized it as one of the most beautiful bays in the world since 2009.
Lang Co Beach is like a masterpiece that nature has bestowed upon this land. It combines majestic tropical mountains and forests next to the clear blue sea and a smooth white sand beach over 10km long.
The mysterious Lap An lagoon, established by the sea of Lang Co, is interspersed among the magnificent and immense sea and mountain scenery, creating a perfect connection that makes the natural picture more attractive and captivating. Because of this place’s incredible scenery, you will surely lose a lot of space on your camera’s memory card.
Stop 5: Khai Dinh Royal Tomb – East Meets West
After stopping to rest and take photos at Lang Co Beach and Lap An Lagoon, we continued to move to Hue City. The 67 km route takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach the first tourist destination in the Hue Monuments Complex: Khai Dinh Tomb.
Khai Dinh Tomb is located about 10 km from the center of Hue, nestled among lush green mountains. Built for the 12th emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty, King Khai Dinh, the tomb is a stunning blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles, showcasing a unique fusion of cultural influences.
This unique blend of styles has made it one of the most distinctive landmarks in the Hue Monuments Complex, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The tomb reflects King Khai Dinh’s unique personality and the social turbulence of his time, including the decline of the feudal regime and the cultural exchange between East and West. Most visitors spend around 40 minutes exploring the tomb, taking in its rich history and intricate details.
Stop 6: Lunch With Bun Bo Hue – A Bowl of Royal Flavor
Hungry from the road, we returned to the heart of Hue for lunch, ready to try the city’s most iconic dish: Bun Bo Hue. This flavorful noodle soup, known for its rich, spicy broth, thick rice noodles, and tender slices of beef, is a culinary symbol of Hue — bold, complex, and deeply rooted in royal tradition.
We chose Bun Bo Hue Restaurant at 17 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, a local favorite with glowing reviews. A generous bowl here costs between 40,000 and 55,000 VND, and it’s more than just satisfying — it’s an experience. Most diners leave not only full, but with the taste of Hue lingering in memory.
Stop 7: Hue Citadel – Walking in Royal Footsteps
In the afternoon, we step back in time at Hue Citadel, the massive walled complex that once served as the seat of the Nguyen emperors. From towering gates to serene courtyards, the Citadel echoes with stories of Vietnam’s last feudal dynasty — tales of kings, mandarins, and a culture that has endured centuries of change.
Located on the northern bank of the Perfume River, the Citadel is the centerpiece and largest structure of the Hue Monuments Complex. Construction began in 1805 under King Gia Long, the first emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. For over 140 years, it was the political and cultural heart of the kingdom, home to 13 Nguyen kings and their royal families.
Though the Citadel suffered damage during wartime, many key structures remain standing, offering a powerful glimpse into Vietnam’s imperial past. Today, it stands not only as a historic site but also as the symbolic “heart” of Hue’s tourism.
Visitors often spend 1 to 3 hours exploring the grounds. If time allows, consider hiring a local guide. Their insights can enrich your experience, helping you appreciate the architectural elegance, historical depth, and subtle East Asian influences that make this site remarkable.
Stop 8: Thien Mu Pagoda – A Peaceful Haven for the Soul
Leaving the Imperial City, you need to travel another 5km along the banks of the Perfume River, to the West, to visit Thien Mu Pagoda and experience how locals express their Buddhist beliefs.
Established in 1601, under the reign of Lord Nguyen Hoang, Thien Mu is ranked among the most ancient pagodas in Hue and Vietnam. Its unique location and favorable feng shui factors give this pagoda a mysterious spiritual color.
The pagoda attracts many Buddhists from all over to worship and pray daily. In addition, the fantastic scenery here also becomes a highlight that attracts tourists from all over.
Although not Buddhist, many tourists come here to enjoy the peaceful natural scenery, watch the charming Perfume River winding in front of them, learn about the ancient Hue pagoda architecture, or want to hear impressive legends about this place.
You don’t have to pay an entrance fee to visit Thien Mu Pagoda. However, everyone must wear polite attire with sleeved shirts and pants or skirts above the knee if they want to visit the Temple.
Before you leave, take a moment to enjoy a bowl of local tofu while soaking in the serene beauty of the Perfume River in front of Thien Mu Pagoda — a simple, peaceful, and unforgettable way to end your visit.
Return to Hoi An via Hai Van Tunnel
After visiting Thien Mu Pagoda, we began our journey back to Hoi An, taking the Hai Van Tunnel — a faster, more direct route that sharply contrasted with the winding, dramatic Hai Van Pass we had climbed that morning.
The six-kilometer tunnel is one of Vietnam’s significant infrastructure efforts, connecting Da Nang and Hue more efficiently through the mountains.
We arrived back in Hoi An around 6:45 p.m., tired but fulfilled — our cameras full of photos and our minds full of stories from Vietnam’s imperial heart. A one-day trip to Hue might be brief but leaves a lasting impression.