Hoi An Ancient Town: Time-travel to the traditional land of Vietnam

Hoi An Ancient Town still has its own distinct beauty lying in every street corner, every roof, and even in the small streets. This place has an ancient grace with features that cannot be found anywhere else. Coming here, visitors can feel the affection from the friendly locals.

With its natural landscapes, beautiful beaches, as a Chinese – Vietnamese – Japanese cultural melting pot of architecture and culinary specialties, Hoi An Ancient Town has become a leading tourist destination, attracting people around the world since the 80s to the present. You would not want to miss it for the world! Note down the following tips for an amazing trip to Hoi An old town!

1. About the Ancient Town in Hoi An, Vietnam

1.1. Introduction of Hoi An Ancient Town

Just downstream from Thu Bon River, Hoi An Ancient Town is located in the heart of Quang Nam Province, about 30 kilometers to the south of Da Nang City. Hoi An, Vietnam is a famous tourist attraction and an architectural relic complex.

The town’s historical significance is deeply rooted in its role as a thriving trading port from the 15th to the 20th century. During this period, Hoi An Ancient Town served as a vital hub for commerce, connecting European merchants with their Asian counterparts. Traders from China, Japan, and Portugal left their indelible marks on the town through a diverse array of architectural patterns. Recognizing the exceptional value of Hoi An Old Town, UNESCO designated it as a World Cultural Heritage site in 1999. This recognition underscores the town’s status as a living museum, showcasing a wide range of construction designs and urban lifestyles from around the world.

Today, Hoi An Old Town has managed to retain its original charm and character, thanks to dedicated conservation efforts. Strict regulations and guidelines have been implemented to ensure that any restoration work or new constructions maintain the town’s pure and oriental medieval style. This commitment to preservation has allowed visitors to experience the ambiance of a bygone era and gain insight into the historical significance of the town. Wandering through Hoi An Old Town, visitors will encounter an array of well-preserved structures, including ancient houses, assembly halls, pagodas, and temples.

1.2. Hoi An Ancient Town – Location, opening hours, and entrance fees

If you just want to take a chill walk around the old town, enjoy Hoi An’s specialties or take beautiful pictures, there is no entrance fee. However, there are several cultural monuments that require entry tickets:

Cultural constructions: Quan Cong Temple, Cau Bridge, etc…
Ancient houses: Phung Hung Ancient House, Duc An Ancient House, etc…
Church: Church of the Tran family, Church of the Nguyen family.
Museums

In addition, tickets also include a wide range of activities, namely folk games, street performances (every day from 7 pm to 8.30 pm), art shows (at 10.15 am and 3.15 pm daily). The ticket prices for Vietnamese and foreigners differ, which are 80,000 VND/person and 120,000 VND/person respectively.

Don’t hesitate to buy tickets as the experience will provide deep insights of the town’s history. Moreover, the money contributes to the repair and preservation of the old town for future generations.

2. Where to visit: Attractions in Hoi An Ancient Town

2.1. Hoai River

Hoai River is a tributary of Thu Bon river which flows across Hoi An city and connects to other tourist attractions. A chilling boat trip on Hoai River is a popular activity on tourists’ must-do list. It is highly recommended that you go to Hoi An Ancient Town at night as with the lights from the houses, the whole riverbank becomes a glowing fairy land. Visitors can clearly feel the peaceful, gentle, and romantic vibe of Ancient Town Hoi An.

Lanterns releasing on Hoai River is also a meaningful ritual as it is to express gratitude to ancestors and to wish for a prosperous year. Full moon days (the 1st and 15th of the month according to the lunar calendar) are when “Old Town Hoi An trades its electric lights for traditional colorful lanterns”. Hoai River twinkles with the soft light of the lanterns, while thousands of candlelit paper flowers float across the water at night.

2.2. Japanese Covered Bridge (Chua Cau)

Your trip to Hoi An Ancient Town will be incomplete if you miss out on the Japanese Covered Bridge, one of the most alluring attractions in Hoi An. Also known as Japanese Temple, the Covered Bridge is located adjacent to Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street and Tran Phu Street. The bridge is an excellent example of traditional Eastern architecture. Despite being built by Japanese merchants around the middle of the 16th century, through restoration, the Japanese Covered Bridge has become a harmonic architectural combination between Vietnamese, Japanese and Chinese cultures.

From the distance, the Covered Bridge stands out with a rainbow-like softly curved roof brightening up a corner of the ancient yet modern, quiet yet vibrant old town. The entire pagoda and bridge are made of vermilion wood, carved with many meticulous Japan-infused details. In the evening, when the lanterns are lit up, the bridge’s shadow is imprinted on the water surface, shimmering in the midst of the hustle and bustle of Hoi An.

2.3. Assembly Halls

Built in 1885, the Cantonese Assembly Hall is located in the center of old town Hoi An. This assembly hall is a harmonious blend of materials of wood and stone. This place conserves many ceramic artifacts, which simulate and document the cultural life of the Cantonese community in Hoi An.

Among the 5 ancient assembly halls, Fujian, located at 46 Tran Phu, is the largest and most well-known. Visitors tend to light large incense rings and often hang wishing paper sheets to pray for health and fortune. The Hall was granted a national historical – cultural relic certification (February 17, 1990), adorning Hoi An ancient urban architecture.

Trieu Chau Assembly Hall

Trieu Chau Assembly Hall was built by the Chaozhou community in 1845 to worship the god Phuc Ba for safe voyage and smooth sailing. Architectural motifs are decorated according to the folk legends, many of which are embossed with porcelain.

2.4. Ancient houses

Tan Ky Old House

This was the first house to be honored as a national heritage site and is also frequently visited by various governors. Over centuries, even after the historic flood of 1964, the ancient house remains miraculously intact. The wooden East Asian-inspired decorative patterns in the house are delicately carved, indicating the exchange between different architectural styles.

Phung Hung Old House

The house is completely built of expensive ironwood, bearing a traditional beauty and displaying the owner’s well-off life. Phung Hung Old House is the guardian of the rich knowledge about the merchants’ lifestyle in Hoi An old trading port. This ancient house was granted the certificate of historical – cultural relic in June 1993.

Quang Thang House

Built approximately around 300 years ago, Quang Thang House is definitely one of the oldest houses in Hoi An Ancient Town. Walking in, you can easily notice stunning wood carvings of peacocks and flowers on the walls. Those sculptures are the products of the Kim Bong carpentry village’s craftsmen, who are renowned for their sophisticated craftsmanship of the Hue garden houses.

Tran Family Chapel

The Tran Family Chapel is one of the famous destinations of Hoi An with its well-preserved antiquated garden architecture, exquisite decoration, intricate details and numerous valuable antique artifacts. The Chapel is a harmonious and unique mix of 3 different architecture styles: Japanese – Chinese – Vietnamese. For history-enthusiast, a visit to the Tran Family Chapel will be absolutely remarkable as the atmosphere and tradition of history are imbued in the relics of the Tran Family.

2.5. Sacred temples

Quan Cong Temple, also known as Kong Pagoda, is one of the biggest Hoi An tourist destinations with great spiritual and religious significance. Tourists are captivated by the extraordinary classical Chinese-influenced architecture of the temple. The ancient shrine with mossy tiled roof has vividly portrayed the traditional charm of cultural heritage in Hoi An.

Ba Mu Pagoda

Since its renovation, Ba Mu Pagoda has become one of the most popular check-in locations. Situated right in the heart of Ancient Town Hoi An, the pagoda is endowed with exquisitely carved golden walls, bunches of flowers blooming with shimmering colors, a clear lake reflecting the aquarium-blue sky. Blessed with antique charm and an open space, the pagoda is the perfect background for visitors to take impressive photos.

Minh Huong Pagoda

Minh Huong Pagoda is a place of ancestor worship for Chinese people living in Hoi An. It is the only remaining Buddhist temple in the heart of Ancient Town Hoi An. It preserves substantially intact wooden sculptures carved by the artisans of Hoi An Kim Bong carpentry village.

2.6. Hoi An’s Central Market

Unlike the calmness and tranquility of the old town, Hoi An’s Central Market is a distinct highlight of the ancient town, attracting a large number of tourists thanks to its bustling and lively atmosphere. The Market itself is divided into several areas for fresh seafood, vegetables, fruits, souvenirs… but perhaps the most appealing place must be the food court. Here, visitors will have the chance to try various delicacies of Central Vietnam cuisine such as Cao lau, Quang noodles, etc.

2.7. Museum of Culture

Hoi An Museum of Cultural History is the living proof of a once prosperous trading port. Built in 1989, the museum displays over 434 original artifacts and documents made of diverse materials like ceramics, bronze, iron, wood, paper, etc.

The museum is like a film carefully recording historical events of the heritage land. It continuously keeps track and witnesses the human, cultural and historical developments of Hoi An Ancient Town since its early days, from when it was a busy harbor to today – when it is a famous tourist destination.

So, after walking around Hoi An Ancient Town, you should visit the museum and immerse yourself in the flow of history to fully embrace Hoi An.

3. What to eat: Must-eat foods in Hoi An Old Town

Banh mi – The most famous Vietnamese street food

Despite being a common household dish, Hoi An’s Banh Mi has a very distinct taste, so much that it is considered as “the best bread in the world”. Among many, Banh Mi Phuong is the most popular food shop. The menu here is extremely diverse with more than 20 different fillings: burgers, spring rolls, pate, chicken with avocado and salad… However, the selling point of these small bread loaves is the special homemade sauce. Each loaf costs around 20,000 – 40,000 VND depending on the fillings.

Cao Lau – A yummy Hoi An specialty in the Ancient Town

Cao Lau has a Chinese-influenced taste with golden noodles, topped with char siu, deep-fried pork skin, and bean sprouts, drizzled with a bit of gravy. Chilling on the balcony watching Hoi An streets with a bowl of Cao Lau in front of you is truly an unforgettable culinary experience that only Hoi An can bring to visitors. Relatively more expensive compared to other dishes, a bowl of Cao Lau costs about 30,000 – 60,000 VND.

Quang noodles – A signature dish of Hoi An cuisine

Quang Noodles is believed to be the “soul” of Da Nang and Quang Nam cuisine. The perfect combination of soft rice flour noodles, delicious chicken with rich broth is what makes this dish irresistible. The price for each bowl is about 15,000 – 25,000 VND.

Chicken rice – A tasty Vietnamese food in Hoi An style

The taste of Hoi An chicken rice is one-of-a kind thanks to its special sauce. The light yellow sticky rice grains, delicious chicken with sweet and sour pickled salads never fail to amaze diners. With only 30,000 VND, you can order a delicious Hoi An shredded chicken rice dish.

Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese Pancake)

Tourists are captivated by the crispy golden pancake and the savory flavour of fresh shrimp and meat filling. The sauce is a mixture of rich soy sauce and fragrant peanuts, which can please even the most demanding customers. It will usually cost you 15,000 – 25,000 VND/serving.

Banh Dap (Smashed rice pancake)

Treat your taste buds with Banh Dap! The crispy rice pancake covered with mussels are dipped with delicious seasoned fish sauce. The mussels here are particularly juicy as when stir-fried, the fishy taste disappears and is replaced with the sweetness of the seafood. The price usually ranges from 15,000 to 50,000 VND.

4. What to shop for: Traditional souvenirs of Hoi An Ancient Town

Silk Lantern

Lanterns are also a lovely souvenir option as they have become an iconic symbol of Hoi An. From bamboo frames and colorful silk fabrics, the artisans have skillfully created lanterns of all shapes and sizes.

Tailor-made Ao Dai

If you are a fashion-enthusiast, Ao Dai is a must-buy item. Ao Dai Hoi An is an excellent blend of traditional and modern beauty, modest yet sophisticated. The tailoring service will offer you the perfect-fitting garment.

Conical Hat (Nón Lá)

Representing Vietnamese traditional beauty, the conical hat is a small gift with great cultural significance. It portrays the elegance of Vietnamese women as well as the agricultural life of the country.

Calligraphy

Tourists normally visit scholars to ask for calligraphy, which is believed to bring good luck for themselves and their loved ones. Wishes for a happy and peaceful year are embedded in each flexible ink stroke of the writers.

To He

Creating To He is a profession with a history of hundreds of years in the ancient town of Hoi An. The small clay “To He” is sculpted into different figures, which are commonly the 12 zodiac animals. Kids will absolutely love this Hoi An Vietnam souvenir.

5. Hoi An what to do? Top Hoi An things to do you should try

Trying making pottery in Thanh Ha Pottery Village

Address: Pham Phan Street, Thanh Ha, Hoi An City.

Having been standing for over 500 years, Thanh Ha pottery village has witnessed the many ups and downs of Hoi An history. Bringing travelers numerous new experiences, the village has become a famous tourist destination. Besides being able to directly observe the sophisticated process of pottery making, you also have the chance to participate in creating your own unique ceramic product. This certainly should be on the list of the top Hoi An things to do.

Exploring Bay Mau Coconut Forest

Address: Cam Thanh Commune, City. Hoi An, Quang Nam Province

Another best thing to do in Hoi An is to explore the wilderness in Bay Mau Coconut Forest. Known as the “Southwestern region in the heart of Hoi An”, Bay Mau Coconut Forest is situated about 3 kilometers to the south of the center of Hoi An Ancient Town. Coming here, you can have a relaxing journey on a basket boat floating up and down the river, under the lush tree canopy. If you are more of a daredevil, you can always join the thrilling basket boat dance performance by the skillful boatmen.

Swimming in An Bang Beach

Address: Cam An Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province

Crowned as one of the 50 most beautiful beaches in the world, An Bang beach should definitely be on your must-visit list. Blessed with crystal clear blue water, long white sand stretch, this Hoi An beach is the ideal destination for you to have all your worries and fatigue washed away in the gentle waves. You can also lie in the sun, sip a refreshing smoothie, and calmly feel the peaceful pace of life. However, if you are a thrill seeker, it is highly recommended that you try different extreme sports such as windsurfing and waterskiing.

Having a culinary adventure through Hoi An Market

Address: 19 Tran Phu, Cam Chau, Hoi An

Hoi An Market will leave you in awe with many delicious specialties and the opportunity to have a glance at the locals’ daily life. Nominated by Lonely Planet magazine, Hoi An is one of the world’s most alluring food paradises for both tourists and locals. Treat your tastebuds with the countless delicacies of Central Vietnam cuisine such as Cao Lau, Quang noodles, etc. Besides the main dishes, remember to make room for sweet gruel as dessert.

Visiting Cham Island Hoi An

Address: Bai Ong Hamlet, Tan Hiep Village, Hoi An.

In 2009, the Cham island cluster was recognized by UNESCO as one of few biosphere reserves in the world. Cham Island is endowed by nature with majestic sapphire blue beaches such as: Bai Xep beach, Ong beach, Bai Huong beach with nearly 950 types of marine species. Cham Island tourism offers visitors a variety of interesting experiences such as fishing with local fishermen, coastal camping, scuba diving, etc. Bearing the bold imprints of Sa Huynh and Champa civilization, the island is a blend of nature and culture.

Cruising down Hoai River

Address: Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Hoi An

Immerse yourself in the magic of Hoi An nightlife with a relaxing Hoi An boat ride down Hoai river. On the 15th of the lunar calendar every month, visitors will have the opportunity to personally release twinkling flower garlands down the river in hope that the lights will bring good fortune to their families and loved ones. The whole town will then be illuminated by hundreds of sparkling garlands and colorful lanterns. This one-of-a-kind experience is definitely one of the top Hoi An things to do.