If you are planning a holiday to central Vietnam then the Hoi An, Danang and Hue boutique hotels that Secret Retreats will curate for your custom-designed Central Vietnam travel itinerary will be the perfect homes from home for you while you visit this fascinating and ‘must-see’ region of Vietnam. Danang, famed for the Dragon Bridge and the breathtaking miles of sand that is My Khe Beach, is Central Vietnam’s largest city. Danang makes for the perfect entry point for international travellers planning to discover and enjoy Central Vietnam, as the city is serviced by an international airport. The travel team at Secret Retreats, which includes a team on the ground in Vietnam, will recommend the best location to stay in Da Nang (as the city is also known) to suit your wish-list for your Vietnam holiday itinerary. From Da Nang, or Danang, head north following the coast for around 2hours to what was once the imperial capital city of Vietnam, the ancient city of Hue. The team will select the best area to stay in Hue for your itinerary and of course select the pick of the Hue boutique hotels that are available for your stay dates. There is a lot to see in and around Danang and Hue, and our travel itineraries will share the best of every region with you to match your travel dates and length of stay. From Hue it is a 2hr 45min drive, along the coast, to the delightful UNESCO protected town of Hoi An. After selecting the boutique hotels in the best area in Hoi An to stay that are available for your stay, the Secret Retreats concierge and travel team will design the perfect stay itinerary to share with you all the best experiences that Hoi An has to offer, to help you discover the very best of Central Vietnam.
Hotels in Hoi An:
Casamaranth Resort
In the City
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Casamaranth Resort
La Maison d’Indochine
In the City
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La Maison d’Indochine
The Perfect 3 Day Itinerary Hoi An Travelers Will Love
Any 3 day itinerary Hoi An travel plans should center around the gentle rhythms and rich heritage of Central Vietnam’s most charming ancient town. Start your journey in Hoi An’s historic Old Town, today a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with vibrant lanterns, wooden shop houses, and cobblestone streets. Begin your morning with a stroll along the Thu Bon River, watching the local boats gently glide past the time-worn ochre-coloured colonial-period buildings. Highlights and ‘must sees’ include the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Tan Ky Old House, and the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation, these architectural gems tell the story of Hoi An’s multicultural history. Pause for a bánh mì (sandwich) at Bánh Mì Phượng or Madame Khánh, two of the most loved spots in town for this Vietnam favourite. Spend your afternoon biking through the peaceful rice paddies toward Tra Que Vegetable Village, where you can learn traditional farming techniques and enjoy a hands-on cooking class using fresh, local produce. For your first evening, head to the lantern-lit streets of the Old Town, perhaps enjoying dinner along the riverfront followed by a traditional water puppet show or a boat ride to enjoy the sights of Hoi An at night from the river – Hoi An is a photographer’s paradise. On day two, immerse yourself in the cultural fabric of Hoi An by taking a tailoring class or visiting a local artisan to create your own lantern, a local souvenir that is steeped in symbolism. Later, relax at An Bang Beach, a 10-minute drive from town, where you can dine beachfront on fresh seafood and refreshing cocktails as the sun sets. On day three, explore the spiritual side of the region with a morning visit to the My Son Sanctuary, a cluster of abandoned Hindu temples surrounded by lush jungle. Upon return, enjoy a Vietnamese coffee at one of Hoi An’s many elegant cafés, like the Hoi An Roastery or Phin Coffee. Wrap up your stay with a farewell dinner featuring a full Vietnamese tasting menu at Miss Ly or Morning Glory Signature, where each dish showcases the region’s diverse culinary roots. A 3 day itinerary in Hoi An promises a perfect balance of culture, relaxation, and local flavour. Evenings in Hoi An can include a sunset boat ride with traditional music and a walk through the night market. If you're staying longer, consider visiting Cam Kim Island, just across the river from Hoi An’s Old Town. Rent a bicycle and cross the bridge to discover peaceful countryside scenes, and hidden pagodas. This is a great half-day excursion to slow down and take in the untouched beauty of rural Vietnam. Another option is to take a cooking class. All the best cooking classes start with a local market tour where you can learn about all the wonderful fresh produce that makes of Vietnamese cuisine. These immersive experiences enhance your understanding of Vietnamese food and culture. Whether you're in town for three days or more, a flexible 3 day itinerary in Hoi An can easily expand into a deeper exploration of central Vietnam’s treasures on a full Central Vietnam travel itinerary by Secret Retreats, the Asia travel experts.
Itineraries in Vietnam:
Best Area in Hoi An to Stay for Convenience and Charm
The Best area in Hoi An to stay is typically within the old town. Staying here puts you right in the heart of Hoi An’s enchanting beauty, within walking distance of the town’s top attractions, cafes, night markets, and river cruises. This area is also ideal for visitors who want to fully immerse themselves in the historic ambiance without needing much transport. From sunrise walks along the quiet lanes to nighttime strolls under a sky full of lanterns, the old town offers a sensory-rich experience you won't find elsewhere. Hoi An town is also only an easy cycle ride to the surrounding attractions such as the Cua Dai Beach or the Cam Thanh Coconut Village. For travelers who prefer a blend of beach and town life, consider staying near An Bang Beach. While not directly in the old town, it offers a peaceful alternative that’s still close by. This area suits families or those seeking a quieter retreat, and many accommodations provide free shuttles to the city center. Cam Chau is another excellent option, located between the beach and old town. This tranquil neighborhood is perfect for those who want a bit of everything from rural scenery and rice paddies to cultural experiences, and easy access to dining and shopping. Whether you're looking for a romantic escape, to discover the local culture, or a laid-back beach holiday, the best area in Hoi An to stay can cater to all travel styles. If you're in search of style and comfort, explore the many best boutique hotels Hoi An has to offer as curated for you by Secret Retreats when discussing your Central Vietnam travel itinerary. The best boutique hotels are known for their exceptional service, charming decor, and strong sense of place. Boutique accommodations often blend modern amenities with traditional Vietnamese aesthetics, including lush gardens, on-site spas, and personalized experiences provided with a warm, familial hospitality style. Many hotels provide complimentary bicycles, local food tours, and yoga classes to enrich your stay experience. Choosing the right neighborhood and hotel will greatly enhance your Hoi An experience, giving you the perfect base to relax after long days of exploring the ancient town and its surroundings, and this is assured when planning and booking with Secret Retreats thanks to the local advice and support we can provide.Holiday in Danang: Your Next Destination After Hoi An
A Holiday in Danang makes for the perfect continuation of your Vietnam adventure after exploring the cultural charm of Hoi An. Just an hour’s drive north, Danang offers a vibrant urban escape mixed with coastal relaxation without losing the beauty and warmth of central Vietnam. Danang is Central Vietnam’s largest city. The best location to stay in Danang for beach lovers has to be near the city’s famous My Khe Beach. This stunning sandy beach is well known for its soft white sand and proximity to both the city center and tourist attractions. This area combines beach luxury with easy access to cultural sites, making it a favorite for travelers who want both comfort and convenience. While in Danang, don’t miss the iconic landmarks such as the Marble Mountains. These uniquely shaped marble and limestone hills house caves, tunnels, and Buddhist sanctuaries. Visit the stunning Ba Na Hills and walk along the famous Golden Bridge, held aloft by giant stone hands. These attractions are especially popular with families and photographers alike. For shopping and local experiences, the city’s Han Market is a bustling hub for souvenirs, fabrics, and Vietnamese snacks. As the sun sets, stroll along the Dragon Bridge, which literally breathes fire and water on weekend nights, offering a dramatic show over the Han River. If you are starting your travel itinerary in Danang, then after a few days exploring and enjoying Danang, take a scenic journey north to the imperial city of Hue. Just a two-hour train or car ride away from Danang, Hue is rich in historical significance, with imperial tombs, palaces, and pagodas lining the banks of the Perfume River. The buildings and monuments from the imperial city of Hue have also been listed, and protected, by UNESCO. If you’re planning a stay, the Hue boutique hotels that the Secret Retreats travel team will personally select for you will blend comfort with heritage design, offering peaceful garden views and locally inspired decor that perfectly complement the tranquil atmosphere of the former royal capital. With the Secret Retreats travel team comprising well-travelled concierges and teams on the ground, we can assure you the best boutique hotels in Danang, Hue and Hoi An paired with unforgettable travel experiences in each destination, all tailored into the perfect Central Vietname travel itinerary just for you.
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