10 Best Hoi An Day Trips: Islands, Sanctuaries & More

Share This Article

One could easily spend a week just chilling out around Hoi An, meandering its picturesque streets and drinking cocktails down at the beaches. I get it, half the draw of Hoi An is time to totally zen out — that’s what I do whenever I’m here. 

However, if you don’t feel like being too lazy, you should definitely branch beyond the cafes of the sleepy French-inspired town and delicious Hoi An restaurants. In fact, one of my favorite things about Hoi An is what an incredible base it is for the many Hoi An day trips available.

The best part is that none of these are more than 1.5 hours away, so it’s not as if you’re spending hours and hours on the road to reach them. 

From craft villages to islands to coastal cities to spiritual sanctuaries dating back thousands of years ago, here are 10 of the most awe-inspiring Hoi An day trips. I promise you, you’ll have zero regrets! 

1. Cham Islands: Go snorkeling 

Technically the Cham Islands are made up of eight small islands within the Hoi An region. I always recommend visitors to Hoi An spend a day at sea around the Cham Islands. You could even stay overnight if you’re keen on extending beyond a Hoi An day trip. 

If your heart is set on snorkeling during your time in Vietnam, this is one of the places for it. The area is one of the world’s biosphere reserves, listed by UNESCO.

Only the largest island, Hon Lao, is open to tourists. You can reach it by speedboat, or local wooden boats. Enjoy watersports, visit a local market, temple sightseeing, swim, and explore its diverse marine world. I personally love this island-hopping speedboat tour which handles all the logistics and taps into local knowledge on the best places for snorkeling!

If you’re less excited about getting on a boat, you can still plan some excellent Hoi An day trips simply beach-hopping. To help you plan, don’t miss our ultimate guide to Hoi An’s beaches.

Distance from Hoi An: Transport-dependent. Speedboat +/- 20 minutes.  

2. Bich Hoa Village: An art haven  

Calling all art appreciators and graffiti geeks (guilty!). Bich Hoa Village, i.e., Làng Bích Họa Tam Thanh is just under an hour from Hoi An (but as if heading in the opposite direction to Danang side, so technically if you carry on past Hoi An and further up the coast). 

This cute beachside village is splashed in street art, from buildings to walls to random installations decorating the sands. Many of the works are an expression of daily life in the country and are done by local artists. It’s nicknamed ‘the mural village’ for good reason! 

Talk about an amazing photo op! Apart from the photography (and posing), chill at the beach, knock back some seafood, and enjoy the creative vibes.  

Distance from Hoi An: 1 hour 

3. The Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills: An Instagram Icon 

If you’ve done enough homework or have been admiring the Hoi An area for a while now, especially on the socials, the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills is perhaps at the top of your radar for the Hoi An day trips to embark on. 

This Golden Bridge shot to fame about ten years ago, popping up all over feeds — and for obvious reasons. The 150-meter-long treasure is literally a stone-carved hand (which kind of in some way reminds me of the Hand of David by Michaelangelo) doubling as a pedestrian walkway 1.4 kilometers high off the ground. 

Actually constructed from fiberglass and mesh wire, it’s located inside the exciting Ba Na Hills Park. Other than this famous walkway there is loadsssss to do here for a super fun day out! Some of these attractions include a French Village, the maze of Le Jardin D’amour Flower Gardens, the Wax Museum, Linh Ung Pagoda, the 100-year-old Debay Wine Cellar, a cable car ride, amazing restaurants, the Fantasy Park, an Alpine Coaster, Linh Phong Zen Monastery — the list goes on and on! 

Distance from Hoi An: 1.5 hours 

4. My Son Sanctuary: An enlightened moment in time  

Dive into a world of towers and temples chronicling between the 4th to the 13th centuries at the mystifying My Son Sanctuary. 

It’s one of eight of Vietnam’s official UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and it feels as if you’ve entered another world — it gives you the same sort of shivers-down-your-spine feeling when entering Cambodia’s Angkor Wat. Fascinatingly enough, both share a similar architecture. The Champa Kingdom is the equivalent of Siem Reap’s Khmer capital. You’ll notice that this collection of Hindu temples looks very much the same as those ruins of Angkor Wat. 

I love how the relics are overgrown in moss, green, and vines, which adds this otherworldly appeal and the remains show off the various centuries in which they were built. You’ll find temples dedicated to different Hindu gods, like Shiva, Vishnu, and Krishna. 

In my opinion, if you are interested in the history, culture and archaeology of Southeast Asia, My Son should be on your list of must-do Hoi An day trips.

Distance from Hoi An: 1 hour 

5. Nui Than Tai Hot Springs: Leave feeling like a new person

Let’s be real here, as relaxing as traveling can be, if you’re zooming through a country like Vietnam, it’s not all leisurely — especially if you’ve gone the whole backpacking vibe. I lived in Vietnam, and taught five days a week, standing in front of a classroom of 60 pupils. So, when I say my body often needed a rejuvenation, I seriously mean it. Whatever your reasoning, a stint at the Nui Than Tai Hot Springs is an amazing way to relax and restore — especially thanks to its natural healing properties.

Plus, not just hot springs (which are excellent for blood circulation, de-stressing, improving skin health, aiding in inflammation, and providing better sleep), there’s loads in store at this park, even accommodation and restaurants. 

Other things to do here as part of your Hoi An day trips agenda include mud, coffee, milk, tea, wine, and herbal bathing. (Yup, you read that right). You’ll also find the Than Tai Temple, Dragon Acupuncture Lake, Long Tien Cave, Son Than Temple, an Onsen Tower, Longevity Egg activities, and more.  

Distance from Hoi An: 1 hour

6. Hai Van Pass: One of the most beautiful drives in Vietnam 

The great thing about one of the most scenically beautiful roads in the world — according to Jeremy Clarkson of TopGear — is that the 21-kilometer-long stretch has so much to explore along the way, that you don’t have to complete the entire road to feel like you’ve gotten your fix. Plus, it’s not as if it’s hours and hours away. 

This road connects Danang and Hue, so it can triple as a day trip to all three destinations if you really want. 

Off the sides are beach towns and fishing villages, hiking trails, viewpoints, nature reserves, beaches, restaurants, and even lakes. 

Some standout stops include: 

• Lang Co Town
• An Bang Village with its eerie An Bang Cemetery and Hai Van Gate 
• Tam Giang Lagoon (especially stunning at sunrise)
• The sand dunes around Lập An Lagoon

In my opinion, the best way to experience the Hai Van Pass is via motorbike. Drive it yourself if you’re comfortable and experienced, or there are motorbike tours where you play passenger. Better yet, double up with a visit to Hue on this tour which takes you from Hoi An to Hue via Hai Van all in one day!

Distance from Hoi An: 1.5 hours 

7. Danang: Central Vietnam’s largest city  

Honestly speaking, I’ve never actually stayed overnight in Danang — and by choice. I lived in Hanoi, and so when I ventured to the region, I always went straight to Hoi An without passing ‘Go’ i.e., Danang. Living in the capital city, it was busy enough for me, so I never had the desire to spend time in another “big city” — albeit this one is a coastal one. 

That being said, if you are considering just staying in Hoi An like myself, a day trip to sightsee Danang at least once is totally worth your while. Especially if you like watersports or are keen on surfing. The beaches are defs better for this Danang side. Plus, you could combine this with a day trip to the Hai Van Pass/Hue (which I’d recommend doing all by motorbike). 

Apart from that, there’s some cool shopping, restaurants, street food, markets, the Da Nang Downtown amusement park, and museums, like the Museum of Cham Sculpture.

For a full beach guide, check out the 9 Best Beaches in Danang, Vietnam All Year Round

Distance from Hoi An: 55 minutes 

8. Son Tra Peninsula: For amazing outdoor experiences and beauty 

Past Danang and just off to the right-hand side of the Hai Van Pass along the ocean lies the Son Tra Peninsula — home to the iconic Lady Buddha. The area is also a protected forest, where a slew of amazing (and tourist-free) beaches are, as well as some of the most stunning resorts around town. 

Roughly ten kilometers from Danang, you’ll find a lot to explore! 

• Hike to the Ban Co Peak (Chess Board Peak) and snap a pic. If you get here extra early, the morning mist rising around you is like WOW. 
• Visit the famous Linh Ung Pagoda with its 100-meter-tall Lady (the highest in the country). 
• Stand beneath the 2,000+-year-old Banyan Tree.
• Enjoy water sports like paragliding and snorkeling. 
• Visit the beaches including Bãi Bắc, Bãi Nam, Bãi Đá Đen, Bãi Tiên Sa, and Bãi Bụt.

Distance from Hoi An: 1 hr 15 mins 

9. Marble Mountains: To feel spiritually recharged  

A cluster of five marble and limestone hills, the Marble Mountains have a spiritual serenity about them. This makes them one of the best Hoi A day trips for something which combines nature and culture. 

Each of the mountains is named after five elements: Kim (metal), Thuy (water), Moc (wood), Hoa (fire), and Tho (earth). These are all local Vietnamese names, by the way, so next time someone introduces themselves, you’ll know what their name means. 

The primary Marble Mountain is a complex of several caves to explore, as well as temples, tunnels, and pagodas, and it’s the perfect opportunity to get in that “spiritual fix.” 

Some must-visit parts are the seven-tiered Xa Loi Tower, Huyen Khong Cave and Hoa Nghiem Cave (both on Thuy Mountain), 400-year-old Lady Buddha, and the famous Buddhist Linh Ung Pagoda. Plus, the views as you walk up the mountains are breathtaking. If you start early, you can actually combine a visit to both My Son and the Marble Mountains.

Word of advice: wear comfortable walking shoes!

Distance from Hoi An: 30 minutes 

10. Kim Bong Carpentry Village: Crafting since the 15th century 

I kinda low-key love the fact that the only way to reach the Kim Bong Carpentry Village is via boat only. Although it’s not located miles from Hoi An — in fact, quite the opposite — I consider it a “day trip” as it’s not just simply a matter of walking to get here, or even catching a taxi, and there are some logistics involved. 

Plus, you’ll want to spend a good couple of hours here, out on the Thu Bon River.

It’s only a ten-minute scenic boat ride and entrance to the craft village is free. In short, nothing is stopping you from this cute day excursion!

See locals at work, crafting all sorts from bamboo, wood, stone, and other materials. The village focuses on ancient architecture, wooden furniture, and building ships, all of which get transported to the mainland via the waterway. Get to see it all in action, and don’t leave before grabbing a super local bite to eat (like whole grilled fish). Stop over for an iced coffee and a quick chat with the locals, or join them in gardening or fishing along the river.  

Distance from Hoi An: 10 minutes 

---

Read more of our best insights from around the world

• 
  A Day Trip to Türkiye: A Guide to Crossing the Border in Cyprus
• 
  The Ultimate 4-Day Crete Itinerary for 2025
• 
  7 Beautiful Places in Nepal – and a Hidden Gem Few People Know About
• 
  10 of the Best Restaurants in Ravello, Including Sea Views to Gasp Over
• 
  9 Spots For The Best Brunch In Rome For Late Risers
• 
  We Found The Middle East’s Best New Hotel for 2025