Wake up to the cool morning sea-breeze before heading off for a wander around the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An Ancient Town. A former trading port that welcomed Chinese, Ditch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab merchants from the 16th to the 18th centuries, it’s one of the country’s most fascinating cultural melting pots. Hoi An is also home to some of the country’s most beautiful ancient architecture inspired by Portuguese, Chinese and Japanese culture.
Start your walking journey through the breezy walking streets lined with honey-yellow buildings, and arrive first at Chua Ong Pagoda. This Chinese inspired structure dates back to 1653, and its interior still wafts the sweet smell of incense during the day. From here, walk onward to nearby Phuc Kien Assembly Hall and Jinshang Temple, dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea.
After passing by the 200-year old Tan Ky House, take a short break at the Japanese Covered Bridge – one of Hoi An’s most iconic structures. At Reaching Out Tea House – an establishment that aids locals with disabilities – sit down for a rejuvenating cup of tea before having a tasty lunch accompanied by a cooking demonstration at a restaurant specializing in traditional Hoi An delicacies.
Afterwards, hop on a cyclo and head out toward Cam Thanh Village, a small community located in the outskirts of central Hoi An. Your destination is a small village home where you’ll meet a local family and have the opportunity to interact with the locals that call this village home. On the nearby river, hop in a bamboo basket boat to visit a water coconut forest and then on board a boat bound for central Hoi An. After taking in the stunning riverside scenery along the Thu Bon River, wrap up your journey with a sunset cocktail at a rooftop bar.