Planning to explore the ancient town but not sure whether to choose Hoi An tours or go on your own? The article below from Hoi An Royal Beachfront Villas will help you make the most suitable decision, while also suggesting some of the most popular tours in Hoi An today.
Should you travel to Hoi An with a tour or on your own?
When planning a trip to Hoi An, many travelers wonder whether to explore on their own or join available tours in Hoi An. Each option has its own pros and cons, depending on your needs and preferences. The comparison table below will help you choose the most suitable way to travel:
| Criteria | Tour Package | Travel Independently |
| Flexibility | Fixed itinerary with little room for changes. Convenient but slightly rigid. | Free to plan your schedule, go wherever and eat whatever you like. |
| Preparation | Almost no need to worry—everything is arranged by the tour company. | You plan everything yourself: destinations, routes, accommodation, tickets… |
| Experience | Guided tour with clear information, though sightseeing time may be limited. | Comfortable exploration, experiencing Hoi An your own way. |
| Cost | Clearly priced upfront, easy to manage. | Can be cheaper if planned well, but small extra costs may arise. |
| Suitable For | Ideal for families, seniors, large groups, or those with little time to plan. | Best for young travelers, small groups, or those who enjoy freedom. |
| Overall | Convenient, hassle-free, great for relaxation. | Flexible and independent, great for adventure—but requires initiative. |
Whether you choose to join a tour or travel independently, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and that it fits your schedule.
Some of the Most Popular Tours in Hoi An
Explore Hoi An Ancient Town from Tien Sa Port – 1 Day
This tour in Hoi An departing from Tien Sa Port allows you to admire the ancient beauty and learn about the UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage – Hoi An Ancient Town. The tour offers a harmonious blend of natural scenery, traditional architecture, and local lifestyle.
Tour duration: 1 day (approximately 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM)
Highlights of the tour:
- Capture beautiful photos and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere at Linh Ung Pagoda.
- Discover unique caves and spiritual architecture at Ngu Hanh Son – a sacred limestone cluster in the heart of Da Nang.
- Stroll through Hoi An Ancient Town, admire mossy yellow houses, the ancient Japanese Bridge, and typical Chinese assembly halls.
- Enjoy local cuisine and relax by the peaceful Hoai River.
- Experience a basket boat (traditional round bamboo boat) ride in the coconut forest or release flower lanterns (upon request).
Detailed itinerary:
| Time | Activity |
| 8:30 AM | Pick-up at Tien Sa Port |
| 8:50 AM | Visit Linh Ung Pagoda |
| 10:00 AM | Visit Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son) |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch at a local restaurant |
| 1:30 PM | Explore Hoi An Ancient Town – walking tour, photography, sightseeing, shopping for specialties |
| 3:30 PM | Return to Tien Sa Port |
| 4:00 – 4:30 PM | Drop off at the port, end of tour |
Estimated price: From 49-163 USD/person depending on group size (larger groups get better rates)
Explore Hoi An Ancient Town and My Son Sanctuary – Full-Day Tour
This Hoi An local tour takes you to My Son Sanctuary, a mysterious relic of the ancient Champa Kingdom, and the peaceful Hoi An Ancient Town, where you can experience the rich cultural and historical beauty of Central Vietnam.
The tour operates from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Tour highlights:
- Visit the ancient Cham temple complex from the 4th century at My Son – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Learn about Hindu architecture and religion through stone carvings and red-brick towers in a green valley.
- Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Hoi An.
- Explore Hoi An Ancient Town with old houses, the Japanese Covered Bridge, and the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall.
- Experience traditional sericulture and silk weaving in Hoi An.
Trip itinerary:
| Time | Activity |
| 7:30 AM | Pick-up at hotel in Hoi An/Da Nang, depart for My Son Sanctuary |
| 8:30 – 9:00 AM | Visit My Son Sanctuary – explore Cham towers and listen to cultural explanations |
| 12:30 PM | Return to Hoi An, lunch at a local restaurant (menu can be customized) |
| 1:30 PM | Visit Hoi An Ancient Town – Hoi An Market, ancient houses, Japanese Bridge, Assembly Halls, silk weaving experience |
| 3:30 – 4:00 PM | End of tour, drop-off at hotel in Hoi An or Da Nang |
Estimated price: From 39 – 106 USD/person (discounted for larger groups)
Discover Da Nang and Hoi An – 3 Days 2 Nights Tour
The 3-day 2-night Da Nang – Hoi An tour takes you to famous destinations such as Cam Thanh fishing village, Hoi An Ancient Town, Ba Na Hills with the Golden Bridge, and other cultural wonders. This fascinating experience will leave you with unforgettable memories of the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Central Vietnam.
The duration of the journey is 3 days and 2 nights.
The highlights of the tour include:
- Visit Cam Thanh fishing village and experience the basket boat ride.
- Explore Hoi An Ancient Town and its unique architectural landmarks – a must among the top things to do in Hoi An for first-time visitors.
- Admire the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills.
- Experience the modern cable car and visit the French village atop Ba Na.
- Enjoy entertainment activities at Fantasy Park.
- Visit the Dragon Bridge, Love Bridge, Marble Mountains, and Linh Ung Pagoda in Da Nang.
Here is the detailed tour itinerary:
| Day | Itinerary |
| Day 1 | Arrival in Da Nang – Basket Boat Ride – Visit Hoi An Ancient Town: – Pick-up in Da Nang, transfer to Cam Thanh to visit the fishing village. – Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. – Visit Hoi An Ancient Town: Tan Ky Old House, Japanese Covered Bridge, Hoi An Market, and enjoy traditional folk dance performances. – Check in at the hotel, explore Hoi An by night freely with shimmering lanterns. |
| Day 2 | Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge – Discover a Paradise Landscape – Pick-up at the hotel and transfer to Ba Na Hills by cable car. – Visit the Golden Bridge, Linh Ung Pagoda, and the French Village. – Enjoy buffet lunch at a Ba Na restaurant. – Explore Fantasy Park and join adventure games. – Return to the hotel, free time to relax. |
| Day 3 | Da Nang Tour – Dragon Bridge, Marble Mountains, Linh Ung Pagoda – Visit Dragon Bridge, Love Bridge. – Visit Marble Mountains and Linh Ung Pagoda, admire the panoramic city view. – Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. – End of the tour and transfer guests to the departure point. |
Price: Approximately 185 USD
Da Nang – Hoi An 4 Days 3 Nights Tour (Most Distinctive Tour)
Explore the famous landmarks of Da Nang and Hoi An in this captivating 4-day, 3-night journey. From the ancient beauty of Hoi An Ancient Town to the breathtaking landscapes of Ba Na Hills, this tour offers you a diverse travel experience rich in cultural and natural beauty.
The trip lasts for 4 days and 3 nights.
The exciting destinations during the trip include:
- Rowing on the Cẩm Thanh River, visiting the coconut village of Hoi An.
- Exploring the ancient town of Hoi An and its historical monuments.
- Discovering Mỹ Sơn – a World Heritage Site.
- Enjoying the mystical atmosphere and stunning scenery at Ba Na Hills with the Golden Bridge.
- Visiting prominent landmarks in Da Nang: Dragon Bridge, Linh Ứng Pagoda, Marble Mountains.
The detailed tour itinerary is as follows:
| Time | Activity |
| Day 1: Arrive in Da Nang – Basket Boat Ride – Explore Hoi An | – Pick up guests at Da Nang. – Visit Cẩm Thanh coconut village by basket boat. – Lunch at a local restaurant. – Explore Hoi An Ancient Town with historical landmarks: Chùa Cầu (Bridge), ancient houses, and Hội Quán (assembly halls). – Overnight stay in Hoi An. |
| Day 2: Hoi An – My Son Sanctuary – Return to Hoi An | – Breakfast at the hotel. – Visit My Son Sanctuary – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. – Lunch at a local restaurant. – Return to Hoi An and explore more of the ancient town. – Overnight stay in Hoi An. |
| Day 3: Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge – ‘The Road to Paradise Scenery | – Breakfast at the hotel. – Visit Ba Na Hills: Golden Bridge, French Village, and Linh Ung Pagoda. – Lunch at a restaurant on Ba Na. – Enjoy entertainment activities at Fantasy Park. – Overnight stay in Da Nang. |
| Day 4: Da Nang Tour: Dragon Bridge – Linh Ung Pagoda – Marble Mountains | – Breakfast at the hotel. – Visit Dragon Bridge, Love Bridge. – Visit Linh Ung Pagoda on Marble Mountains, enjoy panoramic views of Da Nang. – Lunch at a local restaurant. – End of the tour and transfer guests to the airport. |
The tour price starts from 250 USD
Things to consider when choosing Hội An tours
To avoid unexpected experiences when booking a tour in Hội An, here are the things you need to carefully consider before making a decision:
- Clearly define your personal needs: Do you enjoy cultural exploration, relaxation, or unique experiences? Choose a tour that aligns with your trip’s objectives.
- Prioritize reputable agencies: Check reviews and feedback from previous customers to choose a quality service provider.
- Review the itinerary and policies carefully: A clear, transparent itinerary and flexible cancellation/exchange policies will provide you with more peace of mind.
- Opt for tours with insurance and good support: Tours that include travel insurance and 24/7 customer support are generally more trustworthy.
- Read real reviews: Look for feedback from people who have actually taken the tour to get an objective perspective.
- Local guides are a bonus: Local guides can provide you with a deeper understanding of the culture and history, making the experience more engaging and enjoyable.
- Note about the tour’s environmental protection policy: Prioritize eco-friendly Hoi An excursions that minimize waste and have policies to support the local community.
Hoi An tours are an excellent choice for those seeking a hassle-free, comprehensive, and time-efficient travel experience. Whether you cherish the freedom of independent travel or prefer the comfort of a guided tour, Hoi An Royal Beachfront Villas believes that Hoi An will always captivate your heart.
