Itinerary Summary
Arrive in Da Nang and drive to Hoi An for handmade lanterns and the evening lantern-release on the river, plus a coconut-palm experience nearby. Then fly south to Ho Chi Minh City and into the Mekong…
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Da Nang arrival and the short drive to Hoi An
14:00
1.5h
Da Nang Airport arrival and transfer
Clear immigration at Da Nang and take a Grab or hotel car for the 30 km drive to Hoi An, about 45 minutes. Fixed-fare taxis wait at the arrivals kerb; ignore touts offering rates inside the hall.
📍 Da Nang Airport to Hoi An
16:00
1.5h
Hoi An riverside orientation walk
Walk the Thu Bon riverfront from the Japanese Bridge to the night market, noting the heritage houses you want to visit. The old town switches to pedestrian-only in the late afternoon, which makes it easier.
📍 Hoi An Ancient Town
18:30
1.5h
Cao lau dinner at Hoi An market
Sit at a market stall for cao lau noodles with pork, herbs and crisp rice crackers, then try a plate of white-rose dumplings. The market eateries wind down by 20:00, so arrive by 19:00.
📍 Hoi An Central Market
💡 Pro Tip: Da Nang International Airport (DAD) is about 30 km from Hoi An, a 45 minute drive by Grab, hotel car or fixed-fare taxi. Entry rules depend on your passport, so check the Vietnam visa section before booking. Vietnam is on UTC+7 with no daylight saving. Hoi An's old town is largely car-free in the late afternoon and evening, so expect to walk the last block to your hotel. Some lanes are also closed to motorbikes. Carry cash for market food and small shops, and cover shoulders and knees at temples and assembly halls.
Days 2-6 are member-only
Members get the complete day-by-day plan with timing, transport and on-the-ground tips.
Budget Breakdown
AccommodationUS$30035%
Hoi An boutique hotels and Delta homestays, 5 nights
Food & DiningUS$17020%
Hoi An specialities and delta fruit and fish
Remaining cost categories are member-only
Members see the full breakdown for flights, hotels, food, tickets and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to combine Hoi An with the Mekong Delta?+
February to July works well: Hoi An is mostly dry and the delta's waterways are navigable without peak wet-season flooding. Hoi An's beach season peaks May to August, while the delta stays hot year-round. Late-year typhoons can disrupt central Vietnam, so check forecasts for November and December.
How do I reach the Mekong Delta floating markets from Ho Chi Minh City?+
Most travellers drive two to three hours to Can Tho or Ben Tre and stay overnight, since floating markets such as Cai Rang are busiest at dawn. Day trips from Saigon exist but arrive late. Book a small boat through your hotel or a local operator, and agree the route and price before boarding.
Do Hoi An's lanterns get released every night?+
Lanterns glow across the Old Town every evening, and vendors sell paper lanterns to float on the river after dark. The bigger Lantern Festival falls on the 14th day of each lunar month, when electric lights are switched off and the streets fill. Check the lunar calendar and book rooms early for those dates.
How much does a six-day Hoi An and Mekong Delta slow trip cost?+
This comfort itinerary is estimated at $670 to $1,050 per person excluding international flights. It covers a mid-range hotel in Hoi An, the internal flight to Ho Chi Minh City, delta transport and boat tours. Costs rise in Hoi An's busy months and around the lunar lantern festival, so book ahead.
Attractions in This Guide
Guide at a Glance
- Duration: 6 days
- Budget: Comfort · approx. $670–1,050 (≈ €590–910), excl. int'l flights
- Difficulty: easy
- Best for: Hidden Gems
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