Arrival at Da Nang International Airport (DAD). Collect luggage, clear immigration and grab a local SIM card or currency at the arrivals hall if needed.
Meet your pre-arranged private transfer or taxi at the airport for the 1.5-2 hour drive to Hue. Sit back and enjoy views of the coastal road and Hai Van Pass (traffic permitting).
Arrive in Hue and check into your hotel (recommended: Ancient Hue Garden House for a central, charming stay or Pilgrimage Village for a peaceful vegetarian-friendly resort). Drop bags and freshen up.
Late lunch at Vegetarian House Hue (or Nhat Quang Vegetarian) to sample local vegetarian renditions of Bun Bo Hue-style noodles, fresh rice-paper rolls and vegetable stir-fries.
Stroll along the Perfume River toward the evening light. Walk past the Truong Tien (Trang Tien) Bridge and stop for photos of river life and colonial architecture.
Visit Dong Ba Market for a sensory dive into local life—browse food stalls, dried fruits, tea shops and pick up snacks like sesame candies or vegetarian banh (ask vendors for ingredients).
Short taxi ride to the Imperial City (The Citadel). If you arrive before closing or for extended evening openings, start exploring the outer courtyards and the Ngo Mon Gate area for sunset photos.
Dinner at Hoa Sen Restaurant (Vegetarian friendly) — enjoy vegetarian rice plates, tofu dishes, and local mock meats in a quiet setting near the citadel.
Evening dragon-boat style river cruise option on the Perfume River (book in advance) for a relaxed introduction to Hue by night, with gentle lights and traditional music performances when available.
If you prefer a quieter evening, visit a riverside café such as DMZ Bar & Café for herbal tea or Vietnamese coffee; enjoy views across to the Imperial City lit up at night.
Return to your hotel to rest. Prepare luggage and notes for tomorrow's full day exploring Hue's royal tombs and Thien Mu Pagoda; confirm pickup time with your driver (typical start 8:00 AM).
Lights out or optional night walk near your hotel—Hue is peaceful at night and ideal for an early sleep to recover from travel and be fresh for Day 2.
Wake up and enjoy a light vegetarian breakfast at your hotel (Pilgrimage Village or Ancient Hue Garden House offer fresh fruit, banh mi chay or porridge). Confirm today's pickup with your driver for an 8:00 AM start.
Take a short riverside wander to the Truong Tien Bridge to watch local life on the Perfume River and take early-morning photos before the heat and crowds build.
Meet your guide/driver and head to the Imperial City (The Citadel). Aim to arrive at opening to explore the Ngo Mon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace and the Forbidden Purple City with cooler light and fewer visitors.
Continue inside the Citadel to visit the Royal Antiquities Museum and the palace gardens; your guide can explain Nguyen dynasty court life and point out restored temples and frescoes.
Walk or take a short taxi to Dong Ba Market for a lively market visit—browse local sweets, hoa (flowers) and handicrafts, and sample vegetarian snacks such as steamed cassava cakes or xoi chay (vegetarian sticky rice).
Lunch at Vegetarian House Hue (Quan Chay Nhat Quang) or Hoa Sen Restaurant—order local favorites like vegetarian bun bo Hue-style broth, fresh spring rolls and claypot tofu.
Return to the Perfume River and take a short boat ride upriver toward Thien Mu Pagoda; enjoy river scenery and quiet village life along the banks (confirm round-trip timing with your driver).
Visit Thien Mu Pagoda—climb the steps, admire the seven-tiered pagoda and learn about its role in Hue's spiritual life; take time for photos in the shaded temple gardens.
Drive to the Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang (or Khai Dinh if you prefer intricate mosaics) to explore the royal mausoleum, ornate pavilions and tranquil lakeside landscaping with fewer crowds in the afternoon.
If time and energy allow, visit Tu Dinh or Tu Hieu Pagoda—quiet retreats where you can observe monks and soak in peaceful gardens, or return to the hotel to freshen up.
Sunset stroll along the Perfume River near the Imperial City; stop at a riverside cafe such as DMZ Bar & Café for herbal tea and views of the citadel walls as lights come on.
Dinner at Nhat Quang Vegetarian or Thanh Thao Chay—enjoy a relaxed vegetarian multi-course meal with seasonal vegetables, mock meats and fragrant rice dishes.
Optional evening activity: book a short cultural performance (folk music or royal court music) if available, or take a gentle night boat cruise on the Perfume River to see illuminated monuments.
Return to your hotel; review arrangements for tomorrow's tombs and Thien Mu follow-up or your pickup for transfer back toward Da Nang on Day 4. Prepare camera batteries and comfortable shoes for tomorrow.
Lights out or a final quiet walk near the hotel—Hue is peaceful at night and an early sleep will help you be ready for another full day exploring royal tombs and the countryside.
Wake gently and enjoy a hotel vegetarian breakfast—fresh fruit, banh mi chay or warm cháo (rice porridge) at Pilgrimage Village or Ancient Hue Garden House to fuel a full day of sightseeing.
Meet your driver/guide in the hotel lobby; confirm the route and bottled water. Plan to start with the nearby Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc to avoid mid-day crowds and get the best light for photos.
Arrive at the Tomb of Tu Duc—stroll the peaceful gardens, pavilions and lakes; your guide will explain the emperor’s life, the funerary architecture and the subtle symbolism in the site’s layout.
Short drive to the Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh—explore the moonlit mosaic-covered terraces and intricate porcelain inlay work, a striking contrast to Tu Duc's classical symmetry.
Coffee break at a nearby café (try a vegetarian snack and Vietnamese iced coffee or herbal tea) while your driver prepares the short transfer back towards the Perfume River and Thien Mu Pagoda.
Return to Thien Mu Pagoda for a deeper visit—climb the steps, photograph the seven-tiered pagoda, and spend time in the shaded temple grounds observing monastic life and historic memorials.
Lunch at Thanh Lien Chay or Nhat Quang Vegetarian near the city—enjoy a leisurely vegetarian meal of claypot tofu, stir-fried vegetables, and fresh spring rolls to rest before the afternoon tomb visits.
Head to the Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang—wander its symmetrical terraces, ornate pavilions and reflective pools; your guide will highlight the Confucian and Buddhist influences evident in the layouts.
Drive to the quieter Tomb of Emperor Gia Long or the scenic Tu Hieu Pagoda (depending on energy levels)—Tu Hieu offers a contemplative temple setting and views of monks’ daily routines.
Return toward central Hue with a stop at Dong Ba Market if you’d like to pick up souvenirs—look for local handicrafts, lotus tea, sesame candies and small incense bundles (confirm vegetarian ingredients before buying food items).
Leisurely riverside walk along the Perfume River to the Truong Tien Bridge; pause for photos, watch river life and enjoy late afternoon light over the citadel walls.
Optional short boat trip on the Perfume River (if you didn't do this earlier) to watch sunset from the water and appreciate Hue’s riverside ambience as local lights come on.
Dinner at La Maison De L'Artisan Chay or Hoa Sen Restaurant—try a tasting-style vegetarian meal featuring regional flavors: mock seafood, lemongrass tofu, and fragrant jasmine rice.
Attend an evening royal court music (Nha Nhac) performance if available, or enjoy a quiet drink at DMZ Bar & Café with views across the Perfume River and the illuminated Imperial City.
Return to your hotel to pack any items for tomorrow’s transfer to Da Nang; confirm pick-up time for Day 4 and review a relaxed plan for Marble Mountains and My Khe Beach.
Lights out — restful sleep to recharge for the drive back toward Da Nang and the start of your seven-day Da Nang & Hoi An exploration.
Wake up in Hue and enjoy a leisurely vegetarian breakfast at your hotel (Pilgrimage Village or Ancient Hue Garden House) — fresh fruit, banh mi chay and cháo will set you up for travel.
Check out and confirm luggage with your transfer driver; have water and snacks ready for the 1.5-2 hour drive along the coast toward Da Nang via the scenic route (Hai Van Pass if traffic permits).
Depart Hue with a private transfer bound for Da Nang — enjoy coastal vistas and a brief stop for photos at scenic points along the way if you wish (driver will advise on stops).
Short coffee break en route at a local café near Lang Co (optional) to stretch your legs and enjoy Vietnamese iced coffee or herbal tea with a vegetarian snack.
Arrive in Da Nang and check in to your hotel (recommended: Fusion Maia for wellness-focused stays or A La Carte Da Nang for a centrally located option); drop bags and freshen up before heading to Marble Mountains.
Taxi or Grab to Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son) — purchase entrance ticket and begin exploring the cluster of limestone hills, caves and pagodas such as Tam Thai and Linh Ung grottoes.
Climb to the main viewpoints and visit the Huyen Khong and Tang Chon caves; photograph sweeping views over Da Nang and the coastline and discover local sculptures and Buddhist shrines.
Lunch at Nén Vegetarian or Loving Hut Da Nang (both offer vegetarian options nearby) — enjoy tofu dishes, fresh vegetable plates and Vietnamese noodle bowls to recharge for the afternoon.
Short transfer to My Khe Beach for a relaxing afternoon on one of Vietnam’s most famous sandy shores — stroll the palm-lined promenade or relax with a beach read and gentle sea breeze.
Optional water activities: rent a sunbed and umbrella, take a refreshing swim in the gentle surf, or try stand-up paddleboarding from a beachfront operator (confirm availability and safety conditions).
Walk north along My Khe toward the Lady Buddha viewpoint area to get early glimpses of the Linh Ung Pagoda across the bay; stop at a beachfront café for coconut water or a cold drink.
Return to your hotel to shower and rest; if you’re staying near the city center, take a short nap or enjoy the hotel spa for a quick massage (many Da Nang hotels offer vegetarian-friendly spa menus).
Head out to the Da Nang Cathedral area and APEC Park vicinity for an early evening stroll — admire the pink cathedral façade and the tree-lined public spaces as the city transitions to night.
Dinner at Minh Chay Vegetarian Restaurant or Loving Hut (Da Nang) — savor a variety of vegetarian Vietnamese dishes like com chay (vegetarian rice plates), mock seafood and fresh spring rolls.
Walk along the Han River toward the Dragon Bridge area; if it’s a weekend, you may catch the Dragon Bridge fire-and-water show (typically around 9:00 PM on weekends), so plan accordingly for a later return.
Explore Da Nang Night Market (Helio or Son Tra night market depending on location) — sample vegetarian snacks from stalls, browse handicrafts and enjoy lively street scenes.
If tonight is a weekend and you’d like to see the Dragon Bridge show, find a riverside spot or the bridge promenade to watch the colorful lights and (when scheduled) the fire-breathing display around 9:00 PM; otherwise, enjoy leisure time along the river.
Optional cocktail or herbal tea at a riverside bar (e.g., Waterfront Danang Restaurant & Bar) — relax with views of the illuminated bridges and skyline before returning to your hotel.
Return to your hotel to rest and unpack for a full day of Da Nang icons tomorrow (Lady Buddha, Museum of Cham Sculpture and APEC Park). Charge cameras and prepare comfortable shoes for the Ba Na Hills day trip coming up.
Wake up and enjoy a vegetarian breakfast at your hotel (recommended: Fusion Maia buffet offers plentiful fruit, porridge and vegetarian dishes; A La Carte Da Nang also has good options). Charge cameras and confirm pickup time with your driver for a morning of sightseeing.
Depart hotel for Linh Ung Pagoda on Son Tra Peninsula to visit the Lady Buddha (Quan Am) statue—the drive offers coastal views and you’ll arrive before larger tour groups. Walk the landscaped path to the 67m statue and take in panoramic views over Da Nang Bay and My Khe Beach.
Explore the Linh Ung Pagoda complex: admire the ornate shrines, incense halls and sea-facing terraces while learning about local Buddhist practice; photograph the statue from multiple angles with soft morning light.
Continue the short drive down the peninsula toward the Museum of Cham Sculpture in the city center. Enjoy the scenic coastal-to-urban transition and ask your driver to drop you nearby for an easy walk.
Arrive at the Museum of Cham Sculpture (23 Th? K? Qu?n). Spend 1.5-2 hours exploring the world’s largest collection of Cham artifacts—stone sculptures, sandstone carvings and informative displays tracing Champa history.
Coffee break at a nearby café (e.g., 43 Factory Coffee Roaster) to rest and sample a Vietnamese iced coffee or herbal tea with a vegetarian pastry; review the afternoon route and purchase any museum souvenirs.
Walk or short taxi to APEC Sculpture Park (Bach Dang promenade) to stroll among contemporary sculptures and enjoy views of the Han River and bridges; take photos near the riverside installations and well-kept lawns.
Lunch at Minh Chay Vegetarian Restaurant or Loving Hut Da Nang—order a set of vegetarian Vietnamese favorites such as com chay, fresh spring rolls, lemongrass tofu and mock seafood dishes to refuel for the afternoon.
Leisurely walk along the Han River toward the Dragon Bridge area, pausing at the Love Lock bridge and the nearby waterfront to take in the city atmosphere and watch local life along the riverbanks.
Visit Da Nang Cathedral (Con Ga Church) for a quick photo stop—admire the pink façade and neo-Gothic lines, then continue to the 3D Museum (Art in Paradise, if you’d like interactive photo fun) for lighthearted, immersive art experiences.
Spend about an hour at the 3D Museum (Art in Paradise Da Nang): pose with trompe-l’oeil murals, create playful photos and enjoy a fun, air-conditioned break from walking outdoors.
Return to the waterfront and visit APEC Park more fully if you missed parts earlier—relax on benches, enjoy public art and watch locals exercise; stop at a coconut-juice vendor for a refreshing drink.
Optional short taxi to Wonder Park / Sun Wheel area near Asia Park if you want a quick view from above (Ferris wheel) and more family-friendly attractions; otherwise return to hotel to rest and freshen up before evening activities.
Dinner at Nén Vegetarian or Loving Hut (if different from lunch) to try other vegetarian specialties—request local mock-meat dishes and seasonal vegetable plates and leave room for a light dessert like chè (ask for vegetarian version).
Head to Da Nang Night Market (Helio or Son Tra depending on your location) to browse stalls selling handicrafts, souvenirs and vegetarian street-food options; sample vegetarian bánh xèo or grilled corn and enjoy lively evening energy.
Walk along the Han River toward Dragon Bridge—if tonight is a weekend, find a riverside spot to watch the Dragon Bridge’s colorful lighting and the fire-and-water show (typically around 9:00 PM). Enjoy the illuminated skyline as locals gather on the promenade.
After the show, stroll back past the Love Lock bridge and stop at a riverside café for herbal tea or a nightcap with views of the lit bridges; reflect on the day’s highlights and plan tomorrow’s Ba Na Hills early start.
Return to your hotel to rest. Lay out clothes and prepare camera gear for an early departure to Ba Na Hills tomorrow, and confirm any transfers or tour bookings for the day.
Early wake-up at your Da Nang hotel; enjoy a light vegetarian breakfast (fruit, porridge or banh mi chay) and double-check camera batteries, tickets and warm layers for the mountains.
Meet your pre-booked private transfer or tour-guide in the hotel lobby for the 40-60 minute drive to the Ba Na Hills cable car station; enjoy coastal-to-highland scenery on the way.
Arrive at Ba Na Hills station, purchase any remaining tickets and queue for the lower cable car; aim for an early ascent to avoid later crowds and enjoy crisper mountain air.
Ride the cable car up through dramatic landscapes—the multi-stage system provides expansive views; take photos as the mist and pine forests sweep past the windows.
Reach Le Jardin (the resort plateau) and stroll to the Golden Bridge—walk onto the iconic hands-held bridge for photographs with fewer people around and soak in panoramic views of the Annamite foothills.
Explore the flower gardens and viewpoints near the Golden Bridge; visit nearby terraces and photo spots while your guide tells the story of the bridge and the Ba Na resort’s French-inspired architecture.
Head to the French Village and wander cobbled lanes, Gothic-style facades and small chapels—pop into the cafes or bakeries for a second breakfast pastry (ask for vegetarian options) and a hot tea.
Visit Fantasy Park (Wonder Park) and choose a few attractions—try the indoor arcade, mirror maze and gentle rides for a fun, air-conditioned break from walking the grounds.
Take the mountain tram (or walk short sections) to additional viewpoints and the Debay Wine Cellar area; enjoy the architecture and discover small photo nooks scattered around the French Village.
Lunch at Le Jardin Restaurant or one of the French Village eateries offering vegetarian-friendly dishes—order a hearty vegetarian set (salad, seasonal vegetables, pasta or rice with tofu) to refuel for the afternoon.
After lunch, walk toward Linh Ung Pagoda replica and other temple-style spots on the plateau; enjoy quieter trails and gardens with a peaceful mountain backdrop.
Return to Fantasy Park for any remaining attractions you missed earlier (4D cinema, indoor roller coaster or skill games) or spend more time photographing the romantic European-style streets.
Slowly begin the return route toward the cable car station; take last-minute photos of the Golden Bridge and French Village in the softer afternoon light as crowds ebb and flow.
Board the cable car for the descent—enjoy another scenic ride down through forest and cliffs; reflect on the day’s highlights and watch for local wildlife or dramatic cloud formations.
Arrive back at the base station and take a short break at a café near the car park—try fresh coconut water or a vegetarian snack while your driver prepares to return you to Da Nang.
Drive back to Da Nang; on the way, enjoy coastal or urban views and decide whether to stop at a viewpoint or local craft shop en route if time allows.
Arrive at your Da Nang hotel to freshen up, rest and change for the evening; pick a light vegetarian dinner option and charge devices for tonight’s waterfront outing.
Dinner at Minh Chay Vegetarian Restaurant or Nén Vegetarian—order a relaxed multi-course vegetarian meal with local flavors and mock-meat specialties to celebrate the day.
Head to the Han River promenade to stroll past the Love Lock bridge and APEC Park; enjoy the city lights and the relaxed riverside atmosphere after a day in the mountains.
If tonight is a weekend, find a riverside vantage point to watch the Dragon Bridge fire-and-water show (typically around 9:00 PM); otherwise visit the Da Nang Night Market for souvenir shopping and vegetarian street snacks.
Return to your hotel for a hot shower and downtime; sort photos from the day and make notes about any sights you want to revisit while staying in Da Nang and Hoi An.
Prepare for bed—pack a small day bag for tomorrow’s museums and the Dragon Bridge/3D Museum loop, and set alarms for a relaxed start to Day 7.
Wake gently and enjoy a vegetarian breakfast at your hotel (Fusion Maia or A La Carte Da Nang both have good options) while charging cameras and confirming any evening plans for the Dragon Bridge show.
Short walk or taxi to the Han River promenade for a morning photo session at APEC Park and the Love Lock bridge—soft light is perfect for capturing river sculptures and the quiet city awakening.
Head to a nearby café such as 43 Factory Coffee Roaster for a light second breakfast or iced coffee and a vegetarian pastry; use this time to review your museum route and buy tickets if needed.
Arrive at the Museum of Cham Sculpture for a deeper, slower look at highlights you may have skimmed earlier—focus on the major sandstone reliefs and the informative chronological displays.
Taxi to Da Nang Cathedral (Con Ga Church) for exterior photos of the pink neo-Gothic façade and a brief wander of the surrounding central streets to feel the city’s colonial-era character.
Walk or short ride to Art in Paradise (3D Museum) and purchase tickets; prepare to spend interactive time posing with trompe-l’oeil murals for playful, memorable photos.
Explore Art in Paradise (3D Museum): take creative photos, experiment with perspective tricks and enjoy a lighthearted break in an air-conditioned venue—great fun and a contrast to the morning’s cultural sites.
Lunch at Minh Chay Vegetarian Restaurant or Nén Vegetarian—order a mix of com chay (vegetarian rice plates), fresh spring rolls, lemongrass tofu and a cooling chè (verify vegetarian ingredients).
Leisurely stroll back toward the Han River, stopping at APEC Park again if you want more sculpture photos, or visit nearby souvenir shops for Cham-style replicas and local handicrafts.
Visit the Da Nang Fine Arts Museum or a local gallery (if open) to see contemporary Vietnamese works; alternatively, return to your hotel for a short rest and to freshen up for the evening.
Take a short taxi to the Son Tra / My Khe viewpoint area for a late-afternoon sea breeze—this is a relaxed option to watch light shifting on the bay and scout a spot for sunset photos near the Lady Buddha viewpoint across the water.
Return to the hotel to shower and change into comfortable evening clothes; pick up a small day bag with water, tickets and a light jacket for the riverside after dark.
Early dinner at Loving Hut Da Nang or Nén Vegetarian (choose one you haven’t tried yet) to enjoy a satisfying vegetarian meal before the night market—try mock meats, stir-fried greens and noodle dishes.
Walk to the Han River promenade and explore the Helio Night Market (or Son Tra Night Market depending on location) to browse stalls, sample vegetarian street-food options (grilled corn, banh mi chay, fresh fruit) and shop local crafts.
Stroll the riverfront toward the Love Lock bridge and find a riverside vantage point near Bach Dang pier; arrive early to secure a good spot for the Dragon Bridge show and evening lights.
Enjoy the lively riverside atmosphere, watch street performers and have a warm beverage at a riverside café while waiting for the Dragon Bridge’s weekend fire-and-water performance and colorful illumination.
Watch the Dragon Bridge fire-and-water show (typical on weekends) and the bridge’s LED light display—applaud with locals and capture night-time photos of the dramatic spectacle against the skyline.
After the show, stroll back along the river past the Love Lock bridge; stop at Da Nang Night Market for any last-minute gifts, vegetarian snacks or casual people-watching before returning to your hotel.
If you’re still energetic, enjoy a nightcap or herbal tea at Waterfront Danang Restaurant & Bar with views of the illuminated bridges; otherwise, head back to your hotel to unwind.
Return to your hotel, back up photos from the day and set alarms for tomorrow’s transfer to Hoi An—prepare clothes and a small daypack for the riverside lantern evening planned for Day 8.
Lights out—rest well after a full day of museums, fun photos and a spectacular Dragon Bridge show, ready for the next leg of your Central Vietnam journey.
Wake gently at your Hoi An hotel (recommendation: Anantara Hoi An Resort or La Siesta Hoi An Resort) and enjoy a vegetarian breakfast—fresh tropical fruit, banh mi chay or a tofu-and-vegetable rice porridge to fuel a full day of exploring.
Take a short riverside walk from your hotel into the quieter early-morning lanes of the ancient town to photograph soft light on the Japanese Covered Bridge and merchant houses before the crowds arrive.
Visit the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge (Chùa Cầu) and the Tan Ky House—wander inside the well-preserved merchant home to learn about Hoi An’s trading past and spot traditional architecture and woodcarvings.
Head to the Hoi An Central Market to browse colorful produce stalls and local crafts; pick up snacks like fresh tropical fruit and ask at stalls for vegetarian versions of local bites (avoid fish sauce and shrimp paste).
Join a short guided walking tour (book in advance with a reputable local guide) that covers the Chinese Assembly Halls (Fujian Assembly Hall), the Quan Cong Temple and Phung Hung Old House with historical commentary.
Coffee break at Reaching Out Tea House (a calm, social-enterprise spot) for a cup of herbal tea and light vegetarian snacks while enjoying views of the Thu Bon riverside and local craft demonstrations.
Visit the Hoi An Memories Show box office (if you plan to attend later this week) to check performance times and secure tickets for an evening cultural spectacle that celebrates local history with music, dance and large-scale staging.
Lunch at Morning Glory or Mango Mango (both offer excellent vegetarian options); order cao lau chay (vegetarian if available), fresh spring rolls and lemongrass tofu, and enjoy a table overlooking a leafy lane.
Return to your hotel for a short rest or check-in refresh; change into beachwear if you plan an afternoon at An Bang Beach or pack a light day bag for boat activities on the Thu Bon River.
Taxi or bicycle to An Bang Beach (about 10-15 minutes from central Hoi An); relax on golden sand, swim in the calm surf, or rent a sunbed under a palm for an hour or two of seaside downtime.
Walk along An Bang’s beachfront to one of the vegetarian-friendly beach cafes such as Soul Kitchen or The Fisherman—sip fresh coconut water and enjoy light vegetarian snacks in a laid-back setting.
Return to Hoi An town and head to the Thu Bon riverside to join a traditional basket-boat (crewed) or small wooden boat coconut-boat experience—book with a reputable operator (e.g., Village tours near the river) to learn about local fishing and mangrove life.
Enjoy a calm coconut-boat ride through tributaries or a short hand-rowed boat along the Thu Bon River, watching locals prepare evening nets and fishing gear while the light softens for lantern photos.
Disembark and stroll back through the lantern-lit lanes of ancient town as merchants set up evening stalls; pick up handcrafted lanterns, silk scarves and woodblock prints at small artisan shops (bargain politely).
Early dinner at Nu Eatery (vegetarian-friendly) or Karma Waters Garden Restaurant—choose a multi-course vegetarian meal: cao lau chay (if available), vegetarian pho, tofu and seasonal vegetable dishes, and finish with chè for dessert.
Return to the riverfront and buy tickets for a traditional lantern boat ride from one of the official boat operators near the Japanese Covered Bridge; small-group wooden boats are atmospheric and intimate—confirm departure time and price.
Board your lantern boat for a 30-45 minute evening glide on the Thu Bon River—float beneath paper lanterns, release a small paper lantern (available to buy) with a wish, and watch the town’s reflections shimmer on the water.
Disembark and explore the Hoi An Night Market on Nguyen Hoang or along the market lanes; sample vegetarian street treats such as banh trang cuon rau (fresh vegetable rolls) and sweet sticky rice desserts, and shop for silk and lantern souvenirs.
If you’d like a staged cultural experience, head to the Hoi An Memories Show (evening performance times vary) for a dramatic, choreographed celebration of Hoi An’s history—alternatively, enjoy live traditional music at a riverside café such as Mango Rooms.
Finish the night with a slow riverside stroll under a canopy of glowing lanterns—stop for herbal tea at Reaching Out Tea House (if still open) or enjoy a nightcap at your hotel while reflecting on the gentle magic of Hoi An by night.
Return to your hotel to rest; charge devices and lay out plans for tomorrow’s mix of An Bang beach time, a coconut-boat village visit or the optional My Son World Heritage excursion (book in advance if you plan to go).
Wake gently at your Hoi An hotel and enjoy a leisurely vegetarian breakfast of fresh tropical fruit, banh mi chay or cháo with tofu—pack sunscreen, swimwear and a light daypack for beach and temple visits.
Short bicycle or taxi ride to An Bang Beach—claim a shady sunbed if you like, take a quiet morning swim in the calm surf, or stroll the shoreline while the beach is peaceful and less crowded.
Breakfast-on-the-beach option at Soul Kitchen or The Fisherman (An Bang)—order a vegetarian breakfast plate, fresh fruit smoothie or coconut water and enjoy sea breezes and laid-back vibes.
Return toward central Hoi An and meet your local guide or driver for the My Son World Heritage optional half-day excursion (allow 2.5-3 hours round-trip driving and 2 hours onsite).
Depart Hoi An for My Son Sanctuary in a comfortable car or minivan; on the drive your guide will briefly introduce Champa history and point out the agricultural scenery and rural villages along the route.
Arrive at My Son World Heritage Site and begin a guided visit of the temple complexes—see red-brick towers, Cham lintels and reliefs while learning about Hindu rituals and Champa civilizational history.
Return drive to Hoi An; enjoy a vegetarian boxed lunch en route if offered by your tour (rice, tofu, fresh vegetables and fruit) or stop back in town for a sit-down meal instead.
Arrive back in Hoi An and relax at your hotel—shower, rest and change for a late-afternoon coconut-boat village tour along the Thu Bon tributaries.
Head to the Thu Bon riverside to join a Hoi An coconut-boat (basket boat) or small local wooden boat tour through the nearby waterways and small fishing villages; this offers close-up views of mangrove life and local livelihoods.
Enjoy a guided coconut-boat ride with a local rower: paddle through narrow channels, learn about traditional fishing methods and watch villagers preparing nets and boats—tranquil photo opportunities abound.
Disembark near a riverside workshop and visit a local family’s boat-making or basket-boat demonstration where you can try weaving a small souvenir or watch craftsmen at work.
Return to Hoi An’s ancient town and take a slow walk through the market lanes—pick up last-minute souvenirs like hand-stitched lanterns, silk scarves or woodblock prints, and sample vegetarian snacks like fresh fruit or banh trang cuon rau.
Early dinner at Morning Glory or Nu Eatery—order cao lau chay (if available), vegetarian mi quang, fresh spring rolls and lemongrass tofu while enjoying people-watching in a lantern-lit lane.
Return to the Thu Bon riverside to purchase tickets for a traditional lantern boat ride; buy a paper lantern for release and prepare your camera for golden-hour reflections.
Board your lantern boat for a 30-45 minute evening glide on the Thu Bon River—float beneath hanging lanterns, listen to gentle rowing, and release your little paper lantern with a wish into the water.
Disembark and explore the Hoi An Night Market on Nguyen Hoang Street—browse stalls for handcrafted gifts and sample vegetarian night-market treats such as sweet sticky rice, grilled corn and tropical fruit.
If you purchased tickets earlier, attend the Hoi An Memories Show for a spectacular theatrical retelling of the town’s trading history (check start time) or enjoy live traditional music at a riverside café like Mango Rooms.
Finish the evening with a gentle lantern-lit walk through the ancient town, stopping for a warm herbal tea at Reaching Out Tea House (if open) or a final view of the Japanese Covered Bridge reflected in the river.
Return to your hotel to pack and prepare for departure the next day—charge devices, back up photos and make any last notes about favorite places and contacts you want to keep.
Lights out—rest after a beautifully balanced day of beach time, river village experiences and heritage exploration; reflect on highlights from Central Vietnam as you prepare for onward travel or flight home.