Hoi An

Your First Day in Hoi An: Lanterns, River Life & Local Flow

City Essentials: First Day • 2 hours 5

(92)

Your First Day in Hoi An: Lanterns, River Life & Local Flow

Explore Hoi An at your pace with a host who helps you understand routes, rituals, and rhythms, so you can return to them confidently later.

Consider getting an Octopus card which can be used on all public transit, at convenience stores, and even at some coffee shops.

What makes this experience special

Your host helps you get your bearings in Hoi An, sharing cultural tips, customs, and a clear sense of how to explore with confidence, your pace, your way.

Key highlights

Begin by Hoi An’s iconic bridge and learn how the city flows
Learn how to move through temples, markets, and daily street life
Understand etiquette, local rituals, and how to explore respectfully
Choose your rhythm: pause by the river or step into the crowd
Explore with local insight, from tailor chats to temple calm
Get practical tips on transport, food spots, and when to go slow
End with a clearer sense of direction and what to return to next

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

At a glance What’s included Things to know

2 hours

Fully tailored to your preferences

English Other languages may be requested

Walking experience may use public transport for long distances

What’s included

Tailored itinerary based on your preferences

A knowledgeable host who knows the hidden gems

Flexible start times to fit your day

What’s not included

Food, drinks and shopping expenses

Transport fares or attraction entry fees

Meeting point

Japanese Covered-Bridge, Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam 564010, Vietnam

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

Here’s what your experience could look like

These are just suggestions from our hosts to inspire your day. Your host will tailor the experience to suit your interests and tastes

Meeting point

Japanese Covered-Bridge, Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam 564010, Vietnam

Japanese Covered Bridge Welcome

A calm starting point with timeless weight

Your First Day in Hoi An: Lanterns, River Life & Local Flow

You’ll begin where Hoi An’s heritage pulses quietly, the 18th-century Japanese Covered Bridge. Your host might share why this spot still carries meaning for locals, or simply let you settle into the city’s gentle rhythm.

Wandering the Ancient Streets

Let your senses steer the way through old lanes

From carved wooden shutters to incense wafting out of a hidden doorway, your host invites you to wander with intention. You might pause at an ancestral house, or walk towards a quiet courtyard. The pace is yours to set.

River Moments with Local Color

Still water, soft sounds, and lived-in scenes

By the Thu Bồn River, you may stop for sugarcane juice under a tamarind tree or watch a lantern-maker at work. This is a time to feel, not fill. Your host might offer cultural context, or simply let the river do the talking.

Choose Your Turn – Market, Temple, or Tailor

Three directions, each personal and revealing

At this point, your path is yours. You might dip into the bustling Central Market, step into a serene temple rarely noticed, or drop into a tailor’s for a conversation about fabric and tradition. Each choice adds a different tone to the day.

Gentle Close – Back Where You Began, But Grounded

Wrap up where the city now feels more familiar

You’ll end wherever feels right, back near the bridge or beside the river’s edge. Your host offers local suggestions, directions, or just a parting moment of calm to reflect on how the city now feels a little more yours.

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

Urban Harmony in Every Smile

Tram Tales & Laughter

Chopsticks & Chuckles

Above the City, Beneath the Clouds

Golden Hours, Golden Rings

An effortless journey with unforgettable faces.

A night to remember – soaking in the sparkle of the skyline with great company.

High above the hustle, discovering breathtaking views with those who matter most.

From city peaks to memory highs – a skyline framed by connection.

Where local charm meets skyline silhouettes.

Standing in awe beneath timeless grandeur

Sharing laughs in the heart of a vibrant Thai market street

Unwinding by the water on a peaceful Thai boat ride

Hugging it out on a colourful Thai street adventure

Tuk-Tuk Adventures and Smiles in Thailand

Street eats and good company at a local Thai food stop

Evening lights and easy smiles on a Thai night out

River breeze and good vibes on a Thai ferry ride

See what happens when you travel unscripted!

17,500+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting

Trusted and recommended by travelers worldwide, including 99% on Google and TripAdvisor.

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recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor

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What travelers think of our City Essentials: First Day experiences in Asia

Proscovia Tayal Aug 2025

Great way to learn about the city. Killed two birds with one stone by also getting in my 10, 000 steps per day!

Michael Aug 2025

Great local knowledge and very personable guide

Renata Aug 2025

Great Tour!!

Marcel Aug 2025

Great host!!

Kevin Aug 2025

Emi was a knowledgeable, friendly and effective tour leader. We appreciated her knowledge about Kyoto and her willingness to customize the tour to our interests. We really enjoyed our tour!

George Aug 2025

Leo, was amazing. We would recommend Leo as a tour guide. People skills were amazing and he allowed my wife (boss) and I to experience at a relaxing pace the tastes of great chocolate and beer. The wonders and mystic of the shrine and temple. The beauty of nature and wildlife. His recommendations have inspiered us to explore more. George and Katie Cormack.

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FAQs

Your questions, answered

Is this a traditional tour or something different?

This isn’t a traditional tour with a fixed script. It’s a fully personalized day shaped around your interests, whether it’s culture, history, neighborhoods, or hidden local spots. Your host is a knowledgeable local, more like a friend showing you their city. It’s flexible, one-on-one, and tailored entirely to you.

What if I don’t know what I want to explore?

That’s completely fine! Select an experience theme or a flexible discovery experience, and after booking, answer a few questions so your host can design the perfect experience for you.

How does personalization work?

After booking, you’ll receive a short questionnaire where you can share your interests, travel style, and any must-see spots. Based on that, we’ll match you with a local host who’ll reach out to plan your personalized itinerary..

Will I know my itinerary in advance?

Yes, you will have the opportunity to chat with your host directly and agree on a plan for the day. However, there’s always room for spontaneity and local surprises!

Will I see famous landmarks or just hidden gems?

Both! Your host will take you to iconic sights if you want to see them, but they’ll also introduce you to places and stories most travelers miss.

Can I request specific places or types of stops?

Yes! After booking, you will receive a questionnaire where you can highlight must-visit spots and anything else you’d like to include, and your host will craft your experience around them.

How much walking is involved?

This depends on the experience, but your host can adjust the pace to suit your comfort level.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Your experience will still go ahead, and your host will adapt the day to suit the conditions. One of the great things about City Unscripted is that no two experiences are the same, and your host knows the city well enough to find great “rainy day” alternatives.

Can my host meet me at my accommodation?

Hotel meet-ups are available upon request in central areas. If you're staying outside the city, your host will recommend the best meeting spot and guide you with directions.