Best One-Day Trips from Hoi An: Discover the Hidden Gems of Central Vietnam

Hoi An
Hoi An Fairy Tale Atmosphere (Hoi An, Vietnam) by jmhullot is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
  • My Son

    Explore the best of My Son in a day!

  • Da Nang

    Explore the best of Da Nang in a day!

  • Marble Mountains

    Explore the best of Marble Mountains in a day!

  • Cham Island

    Explore the best of Cham Island in a day!

One-Day Trip from Hoi An to My Son

Distance and Travel Time

  • Distance from Hoi An: 40 km (25 miles)
  • Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour by Car

Transportation Options

  • By Car: Renting a car or hiring a taxi is the most convenient option, offering flexibility and comfort.
  • By Bus: Local buses are available but may take longer due to multiple stops.

Main Attractions

My Son Sanctuary My Son Sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its ancient Hindu temples built by the Champa civilization between the 4th and 14th centuries. The site is nestled in a lush valley surrounded by mountains, offering a serene and historical experience. Don't miss the A1 Tower, the most well-preserved structure, showcasing intricate carvings and architecture.

Cham Museum Located near the entrance of My Son, the Cham Museum houses artifacts and relics from the Champa civilization. The museum provides a deeper understanding of the history and culture of the region, making it a perfect complement to the sanctuary visit.

Tra Kieu Church A short drive from My Son, Tra Kieu Church is a beautiful Catholic church with a unique blend of Vietnamese and French architectural styles. The church is situated on a hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Itinerary Suggestions

  • Morning: Depart from Hoi An early to reach My Son Sanctuary by 8 AM. Spend the morning exploring the ancient temples and learning about the Champa civilization.
  • Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch in the serene surroundings of My Son or head to a nearby local eatery.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Cham Museum to delve deeper into the history of the region. Conclude your trip with a visit to Tra Kieu Church for some stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere.
  • Evening: Return to Hoi An by 5 PM.

Local Food

  • Mi Quang: A local noodle dish with turmeric-infused broth, shrimp, pork, and fresh herbs.
  • Banh Xeo: Vietnamese savory pancakes filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts.
  • Cao Lau: A regional noodle dish with pork, greens, and crispy croutons.

Local Tips

  • Best Photo Spots: The A1 Tower at My Son Sanctuary and the panoramic views from Tra Kieu Church.
  • Hidden Gems: Look for the lesser-known temples within My Son for a more secluded experience.
  • Travel Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring plenty of water, as the site involves a lot of walking.

One-Day Trip from Hoi An to Da Nang

Distance and Travel Time

  • Distance from Hoi An: 30 km (19 miles)
  • Estimated Travel Time: 45 minutes by Car

Transportation Options

  • By Car: Renting a car or hiring a taxi is the most convenient option, offering flexibility and comfort.
  • By Bus: Regular buses run between Hoi An and Da Nang, making it an affordable option.

Main Attractions

Marble Mountains A cluster of five marble and limestone hills, each named after the five elements. The mountains are home to numerous caves, tunnels, and Buddhist sanctuaries. Thuy Son, the largest mountain, offers stunning views from its summit.

Dragon Bridge A modern architectural marvel, the Dragon Bridge spans the Han River and is designed to resemble a dragon. The bridge lights up at night and even breathes fire and water on weekends.

My Khe Beach One of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam, My Khe Beach offers pristine white sands and clear blue waters. It's perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Itinerary Suggestions

  • Morning: Depart from Hoi An early to reach Marble Mountains by 8 AM. Spend the morning exploring the caves and pagodas.
  • Lunch: Head to a local restaurant in Da Nang for a delicious seafood lunch.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Dragon Bridge and take a stroll along the Han River. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing at My Khe Beach.
  • Evening: Return to Hoi An by 6 PM.

Local Food

  • Bun Cha Ca: Fish cake noodle soup, a specialty of Da Nang.
  • Banh Trang Cuon Thit Heo: Rice paper rolls with pork and fresh herbs.
  • Seafood: Freshly caught seafood is a must-try in Da Nang.

Local Tips

  • Best Photo Spots: The summit of Thuy Son at Marble Mountains and the Dragon Bridge at night.
  • Hidden Gems: Explore the lesser-known caves at Marble Mountains for a more intimate experience.
  • Travel Tip: Bring a hat and sunscreen for the beach, and wear comfortable shoes for climbing the Marble Mountains.

One-Day Trip from Hoi An to Marble Mountains

Distance and Travel Time

  • Distance from Hoi An: 20 km (12 miles)
  • Estimated Travel Time: 30 minutes by Car

Transportation Options

  • By Car: Renting a car or hiring a taxi is the most convenient option, offering flexibility and comfort.
  • By Bus: Local buses are available but may take longer due to multiple stops.

Main Attractions

Thuy Son (Water Mountain) The largest and most famous of the Marble Mountains, Thuy Son is home to several caves, pagodas, and viewpoints. The climb to the summit is rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Huyen Khong Cave A mystical cave within Thuy Son, Huyen Khong Cave is known for its spiritual atmosphere and beautiful light effects created by natural openings in the cave's ceiling.

Tam Thai Pagoda An ancient pagoda located on Thuy Son, Tam Thai Pagoda is a serene place of worship with beautiful architecture and peaceful surroundings.

Itinerary Suggestions

  • Morning: Depart from Hoi An early to reach Marble Mountains by 8 AM. Spend the morning exploring Thuy Son, including Huyen Khong Cave and Tam Thai Pagoda.
  • Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch at the base of the mountains or head to a nearby local eatery.
  • Afternoon: Continue exploring the other mountains if time permits, or relax and take in the views from Thuy Son.
  • Evening: Return to Hoi An by 5 PM.

Local Food

  • Mi Quang: A local noodle dish with turmeric-infused broth, shrimp, pork, and fresh herbs.
  • Banh Xeo: Vietnamese savory pancakes filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts.
  • Cao Lau: A regional noodle dish with pork, greens, and crispy croutons.

Local Tips

  • Best Photo Spots: The summit of Thuy Son and the interior of Huyen Khong Cave.
  • Hidden Gems: Look for the lesser-known caves and pagodas within Thuy Son for a more secluded experience.
  • Travel Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring plenty of water, as the site involves a lot of walking and climbing.

One-Day Trip from Hoi An to Cham Island

Distance and Travel Time

  • Distance from Hoi An: 18 km (11 miles)
  • Estimated Travel Time: 30 minutes by Speedboat

Transportation Options

  • By Speedboat: The fastest and most convenient way to reach Cham Island, with several operators offering daily trips.
  • By Ferry: A slower but more affordable option, with ferries departing from Cua Dai Port.

Main Attractions

Bai Chong Beach A pristine beach with crystal-clear waters and soft white sand, Bai Chong Beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. The beach is surrounded by lush greenery, offering a tranquil escape.

Cham Island Marine Protected Area A designated marine protected area, Cham Island is home to diverse marine life and coral reefs. Snorkeling and diving are popular activities, allowing visitors to explore the underwater world.

Hai Tang Pagoda An ancient pagoda located on Cham Island, Hai Tang Pagoda is a serene place of worship with beautiful architecture and peaceful surroundings.

Itinerary Suggestions

  • Morning: Depart from Hoi An early to catch a speedboat to Cham Island. Spend the morning relaxing at Bai Chong Beach and snorkeling in the clear waters.
  • Lunch: Enjoy a seafood lunch at a local restaurant on the island.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Cham Island Marine Protected Area for more snorkeling or diving. Conclude your trip with a visit to Hai Tang Pagoda.
  • Evening: Return to Hoi An by 5 PM.

Local Food

  • Seafood: Freshly caught seafood is a must-try on Cham Island.
  • Banh It La Gai: A local dessert made from glutinous rice, mung beans, and coconut.
  • Banh Xeo: Vietnamese savory pancakes filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts.

Local Tips

  • Best Photo Spots: Bai Chong Beach and the underwater scenes while snorkeling.
  • Hidden Gems: Explore the lesser-known beaches and coves on the island for a more secluded experience.
  • Travel Tip: Bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water, as the island can get quite hot. Snorkeling gear can be rented on the island, but bringing your own is recommended for better quality.

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