If you’re short on time during your stay in Hoi An, or simply need some inspiration for things to do in Hoi An, then I have some handy pointers for you. I have been a local guide in Hoi An for seven years and love this ancient town so much. I have put together my top tips for how to spend your time wisely in Hoi An.

Let’s start with the morning.

But first, coffee

The best way to kick off your fun 24-hour-adventure in Hoi An is with a classic Vietnamese coffee! Try the classic “Cà phê đen đá” (iced black coffee) with or without sugar, or, for those with a sweet tooth, the “Cà phê sữa đá” comes with condensed milk, and the “Cà phê dừa” (Coconut coffee) is a surprisingly delicious sweet treat that tastes more like a dessert than a coffee.

Then, eat like a local

“That’s a symphony in a sandwich” is how Anthony Bourdain described the most famous Vietnamese sandwich called the “Bánh mỳ”.

• “Bánh Mì Phượng” – This is the place that Anthony Bourdain visited. Their bread is a delicious delight, which has become so popular that it even made it onto CNN Travel. Not surprisingly, there’s always a long line of tourists waiting and others snapping photos. The delicious “Bánh mỳ” is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and filled with unique flavors and delicious herbs. The best part is the fresh bread which is baked daily at the bakery next door.

• “Bánh mỳ madam Khanh” or “Bánh mỳ Queen” – Their bread lightly toasted and the filling is usually topped with an egg. The combination of spicy, salty, savory, sweet, and aromatic tastes keep you savoring for more. In each bite is a wealth of textures and flavors. This is definitely my preferred “Bánh mỳ” in Hoi An.

Unseen Hoi An – A food and culture walking tour

Continue the morning with a walking tour. If you wake up early, make the most of the main sites at their quietest. Hoi An is my favourite place to wander, partly due to the impressive (and very yellow) colonial architecture. I like to watch the world go by and see how local people live and work.

Head out with a guide to understand the culture and history as you walk through the pretty streets and small alleys. A good guide can explain the history of the different areas and buildings and provide you with opportunities to interact with locals, giving you a greater understanding of central Vietnam and its people.

Let’s move on to the afternoon

There are so many things to do in Hoi An, but if you only have 24 hours you need to prioritise! My favourites are trying the local food and gently cycling through the flat streets and countryside (seeing much more than you would when walking or driving through the area).

Hoi An Countryside Bike Ride

Spend an afternoon leisurely cycling along flat and quiet roads through the scenic countryside of Hoi An. This is the perfect way explore authentic Hoi An village-life. You have a chance to get out of the tourist’s town and visit different villages in Hoi An. You will feel a sense of freedom when cycling and will be able to see water buffalo and rice paddies along the way. Enjoy lots of fun activities, such as farming, riding water buffalo, watering an organic vegetable garden, and riding in a bamboo basket boat. Be sure not to miss the following villages from your route:

• Trà Quế organic vegetable village

• Cẩm Thanh coconut village

• Cẩm Kim village

Hoi An Street Food Adventure

If you are a food lover, don’t miss the chance to try delicious street food in Hoi An - from the local specialty “white rose dumplings” (bánh bao bánh vạc) and “cao lầu” (local noodles - a unique local dish with a mix of Chinese and Japanese influence) to the delicious French fusion “bánh mỳ” and a generous serving of the most popular dessert in Vietnam, “chè” (sweet soup). It is a good idea to make sure your stomach is empty before starting on your street food adventure! This is one of the best and most memorable things to do in Hoi An. Here is a selection of my favourite local restaurants and eateries:

• White Rose restaurant

• Cao lầu Thanh

• Mì Quảng, Cao lầu ông Hai – Hai noodles restaurant

• Cơm gà Xí – Xi chicken rice

• Thịt xiên nướng – pork skewers

• Bánh xèo giếng Bá Lễ - Ba Le pancake restaurant

• Quán chay Đạm – Dam vegetarian buffet restaurant

Beach - for people want to relax and chill

Before the sun starts to set, head to the beach to feel the sand between your toes and get some drinks. If you have more time, definitely keep a day spare to chill out on the sand. The beaches around Hoi An are beautiful. Here are a few restaurants and pubs worth visiting:

• Soul Kitchen – This has everything you could want from a beach bar: comfortable and clean eating areas and sun beds, a grassy terrace under the shady palms, and even live music or DJs on some evenings (especially during weekends). It has a welcoming atmosphere for families too!

• The Deck House – A great place on An Bang beach, with great views, good food and friendly service. Very spacious and it even has its own swimming pool.

• Sound of Silence – A hidden gem coffee shop on Tan Thanh beach, which is very close to An Bang. It’s surrounded by a leafy garden with views of the ocean and also has plenty of sun beds on the beach itself.

Finally, let’s turn to the evening.

Hoi An Lantern Festival

If your visit to Hoi An coincides with the Hoi An Lantern Festival (on the 14^th day of each lunar month), then make the most of the experience. The Hoi An Lantern Festival celebrates the full moon, which is considered a sacred time in the Buddhist calendar.

Bai Choi

Bai Choi, a local traditional performance that combines music, poetry and acting, is hugely popular during Hoi An's Lantern Festival. The show, inscribed into UNESCO's intangible heritage list in 2017, features songs and poetry readings showing the pride locals take in their traditional way of life and work in and around Quang Nam province.

Amongst all the singing, there is a card drawing game similar to bingo, which spectators can take part in. Whether you join or not, being around the good-natured fun and games only adds to the joyous atmosphere of the Hoi An Lantern Festival.

Boat ride

Take a boat ride on the Hoai River in the old town where you can lay a little candle lantern in the water and watch it drift off amidst an enchanting crowd of floating lanterns. Lanterns released on the Hoai River are believed to bring about good fortune and love, and as you sit back and enjoy the serene surroundings and candlelit water, you'll probably understand why.

The An Hoi Night market

The 300-metre long street which houses the official Hoi An night market on An Hoi is where you’ll find more than 50 vendors selling a variety of local snacks, handicrafts, souvenirs, trinkets, clothing, shoes, jewellery, and accessories.

Every evening from 5 pm to 10 pm, vendors line up in three rows, forming two main aisles for visitors to walk through. The two outside rows (on both the left and right) are lined with food stalls. The middle row is comprised of stalls selling local souvenirs.

Lay back and enjoy drinks

There are many places to enjoy drinks either in a bar on on bar/restaurant terraces in Hoi An. Here is a list of my top picks:

• Market bar (overlooking the Thu Bon river) – Recommended for locals and travelers of all tastes, especially those searching for somewhere more laid back than your average tourist-bar in the centre of Hoi An. The menu offers a list of drinks, including craft beers and cocktails, as well as a mouth-watering choice of food platters (cheese, vegetarian, charcuterie, and mixed). The bar houses a superb selection of wine and sparkling, both local and international.

• Dive Bar (one of Hoi An’s traditional party hotspots) – There’s live music here every weekend and sometimes during the week as well. It also has a braai restaurant with a South African BBQ influence!

• Hill Station – This has become a great place to hang in the afternoon and evening – just as the original Hill Stationers did 100 or so years ago – with wine, cheese and cold cuts. The wine list is extensive, including options by the glass. There are craft beers as well and popular homemade concoctions.

• Shamrock Irish Pub Hoi An – The pub has live music every day from 6pm. There are countless beers on tap, including a strong IPA range. Of course, it has draft Guinness too, several ciders and countless whiskeys available: Irish, single malts, blended. There’s a well-maintained pool table and various sport screens inside, and plenty of tables outside, just over the road from the river.

Let explore Hoi An, Viet Nam!