Spend your first morning getting acquainted with Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that looks almost the same today as it did hundreds of years ago. Make the most of the pedestrian-only zone on a walking tour before escaping the crowds on land during a riverboat ride down the Thu Bon River.

While the Old Town offers a wealth of attractions, the countryside of Hoi An is well worth exploring. Rural villages and farms operate at a completely different pace to the often-crowded center. The easiest way to get around the countryside is on a bike tour, the majority of which make stops at Tra Que Village, an organic vegetable farm.

After your bike tour, head back to the Ancient Town to watch Hoi An’s famous lanterns lighting up. Ensure you sample the best of Hoi An’s culinary offerings on a food tour, most of which focus on no-frills street-food stalls that serve classic central Vietnamese dishes such as cao lau (noodles topped with boiled egg and pork).

If you’re keen to beat the crowds, rise early and watch Hoi An wake up on a sunrise tour of the fish market, where you can get an authentic glimpse into local life. If sunrise is a little too early, opt for a morning cooking class instead. Hoi An offers a wide variety of food-focused experiences, which can include a ride on a basket boat or a visit to a fishing village.

Take the afternoon to delve deeper into the culture and history of Hoi An. For a couple of hours of family fun, book a lantern-making class; indulge a love of history at My Son Sanctuary, home to ancient ruins; or, if you’re ready to take a break from sightseeing, head down to An Bang Beach to relax on golden sands.

Dedicate your final evening in Hoi An to the Thu Bon River, which provides visitors with a magical way to watch sunset and see the Ancient Town light up with lanterns. Couples can opt for a romantic candle-lit dinner cruise, while groups can charter a traditional wooden row boat and release paper lanterns into the water.