3 Days of Slow Travel in Hoi An: A Soulful Journey of History, Food & Relaxation

• Morning: Wander Hoi An's Old Town (17th & 18th-century architecture) & iconic Japanese Covered Bridge.

• Afternoon: Indulge in a custom-made clothing or lantern-making class (quintessential souvenirs).

• Evening: Explore Thu Bon Riverfront, savor local cuisine with riverside views and witness the magical lantern illumination.

• Night: Release lanterns on the river for good luck and explore the vibrant night market. (Price: ~350,000 VND for boat tour, negotiable)

This was exactly what we did and do not miss going to one of the rooftop areas overlooking the river. You can also book the lantern-making class in advance, which is available across Hoi An. If possible, avoid the weekends since it's a very small city and can be very crowded.

• Explore Hue's Imperial Citadel: Immerse yourself in Vietnamese history at the ruins of the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Shop at Dong Ba Market: Discover a treasure trove of local crafts, souvenirs and delicious street food at Dong Ba Market, a vibrant hub of Vietnamese culture.

• Ascend the Tomb of Khai Dinh: Embark on a scenic climb to the Tomb of Khai Dinh (one of the last Vietnamese emperors), a unique blend of European and Asian architectural styles.

We booked a 12-hour private car to take us to Hue for a day trip. You can definitely cover more tourist attractions, however we chose to just visit the top 3 attractions.

• Morning: Conquer the Marble Mountains — Hike through this natural wonder, explore hidden caves, and marvel at the impressive mountaintop pagoda. (Wear comfortable shoes).

• Afternoon: Coffee Connoisseur Experience — Unveil the secrets of Vietnamese coffee with a hands-on class, mastering the art of preparing 5 unique coffee varieties.

• Evening: Savor a Tranquil Moment — Unwind at a charming cafe, indulge in a glass of wine and relish the serene ambiance of Hoi An after dark.

• Night: Visit Hoi An Night Market and savour the local street foods. Take photos with the famous lanterns of Hoi An.

I absolutely enjoyed the Coffee Making Class. We learned the differences between Vietnamese Coffee, one of the experiences that you can do in Hoi An. On top of that, there are many outdoor cafes with seats where you can just unwind and enjoy the Hoi An breeze while waiting for dinner.

If you have extra days, you can also check out these destinations:

• Beach Bliss: Unwind on Da Nang's pristine beaches, bask in the sunshine and take a refreshing dip in the turquoise waters.

• My Son Sanctuary: Embark on a morning trip to My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing the ruins of an ancient Hindu temple complex.

• Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge: Ascend the Ba Na Hills for breathtaking panoramic views and experience the iconic Golden Bridge, a must-see architectural marvel.