Hoi An Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and showcases the valuable culture, history, and society of Vietnam from the past to the present. Seni World’s travel guide will show you its history, attractions, and important travel tips.
Introduction To Hoi An Ancient Town
Hoi An Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a highlighted destination in the Central Vietnam itinerary. This place is a superbly preserved trading port that flourished between the 15th and 19th centuries. Positioned along the Thu Bon River, Hoi An Ancient Town showcases a harmonious mixture of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architectural styles with its old houses, assembly halls, temples, as well as the famous Japanese Covered Bridge.
The town’s beautiful, narrow streets have many different, unique yellow-walled shophouses, and pretty, colorful lanterns create a timeless vibe, even as its busy and modern lifestyle. There are also conventional crafts, and many best restaurants in Hoi An Old Town, which serve unique delicacies. Therefore, Hoi An Ancient Town is a must-visit vacation spot for tourists searching for history, culture, and vibrant charm.
History Of Hoi An Ancient Town
Hoi An Ancient Town has a rich history, considered one of Southeast Asia’s most important trading ports from the 15th to the 19th centuries. It became a dynamic and busy hub where Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and then European merchants exchanged products and goods, including ceramics, silk, and spices. Today, you can see the special architectural mixture of East and West in its houses, temples, assembly halls, and hotels in Hoi An Old Town. Though the old port declined in the 19th century because of river siltation and the increase of Da Nang, it is still remarkably well-preserved, and was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.
Top 5 Iconic Attractions In Hoi An Ancient Town
Hoi An Ancient Town is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it is also a brilliant destination that showcases the valuable culture, history, and society from the past to now of Vietnam. Here are 5 iconic attractions of the well-known Hoi An Ancient Town:
Japanese Covered Bridge
The Japanese Covered Bridge is also called Chua Cau, the most symbolic attraction in Hoi An, and was built in the 16th century. The Japanese Covered Bridge has an elegant wood structure, an arched layout, and a tiled roof, which reflects a special mixture of Japanese, Vietnamese, and Chinese styles. Walking inside, you can see a small spiritual shrine dedicated to the weather god. Its ancient meaning and timeless beauty is the answer to the question of what to do in Hoi An Old Town.
Phuc Kien Assembly Hall
Originally constructed by the Fujian Chinese community, the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall is one of the most colorful destinations in Hoi An Ancient Town. This place is famous for its ornate gate, complicated dragon motifs, brilliant ceramic decorations, and the religious hall honors Thien Hau, the Goddess of the Sea. The central courtyard, which is filled with incense, statues, and careful carvings, brings vacationers an insight into the spiritual and cultural existence of Hoi An’s past traders.
Tan Ky Ancient House
The Tan Ky Ancient House is a captivating preserved 200-year-old merchant home, showing a harmonious combination of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese structures. Travelers can admire its carved wooden beams, mother-of-pearl inlays, and a comfortable courtyard that guarantees light and ventilation. The Tan Ky Ancient House also showcases antiques and artifacts that are the prosperity of Hoi An Ancient Town as a major trading port. These things make the house a living museum of history and culture.
Hoi An Night Market
Positioned along Nguyen Hoang Street, the Hoi An Night Market is a dynamic hub where tradition blends modern journey stories. Vacationers can walk among loads of stalls selling colorful lanterns, beautiful handicrafts and souvenirs, and delicious street food. The shimmering lantern-lit atmosphere creates a wonderful backdrop for memorable photographs, while the energetic vibe of the market displays Hoi An Ancient Town’s vibrant spirit both day and night.
Hoi An Riverside & Lantern Festival
The riverside vicinity of Hoi An is one of the most enchanting sights, particularly during the period of the well-known Lantern Festival held on the 14th day of the lunar month. Thousands of brilliant lanterns light up the poetic Thu Bon River, and travelers can release paper lanterns onto the water as a unique image of good fortune. Even outside festival days, the Hoi An riverside still has beautiful boat rides, local coffee shops, and an unforgettable surroundings of old-world allure.
4 Cultural Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss In Hoi An Ancient Town
Not only can you uncover the iconic attractions of Hoi An Ancient Town, but you can also learn more about and revel in cultural experiences in this famous destination. Here are 4 cultural experiences you should not miss when exploring the impressive area around the Hoi An Ancient Town:
Joining The Hoi An Lantern Festival
Staying in Hoi An Ancient Town at night, you can have a chance to experience the truly magical Hoi An Lantern Festival, which is one of the wonderful things to do in Hoi An. Held on the 14th day of each lunar month, the entire Hoi An Ancient Town will switch off all its electric lights and glow beneath the warm, romantic, and vibrant lanterns. Travelers can freely walk through ancient streets, revel in traditional music performances, and float pretty paper lanterns on the Thu Bon River to wish for luck, success, and happiness.
Taking A Traditional Cooking Class
Hoi An is famous for its specific delicacies, blending Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese flavors. Don’t forget to take part in a local cooking class, which lets you buy fresh ingredients from the local market, learn traditional recipes like Cao Lau (Cao Lau Noodle Soup) or Banh Xeo (Crispy Vietnamese Pancake), and then cook dinner alongside skilled cooks. This is not just a meal, it is a cultural and historical immersion that connects you to Hoi An’s culinary heritage.
Watching A Traditional Folk Performance
Hoi An has various nightly cultural shows featuring conventional Vietnamese people music, dance, as well as the unique Bai Choi singing, known for its UNESCO-recognized heritage. These performances are in ancient courtyards or open-air stages, like a mirror of the town’s artistic spirit and valuable storytelling traditions. For vacationers, it is very interesting and memorable to unwind in the wonderful rhythm, costumes, and atmosphere of the real Vietnamese tradition.
Learning Traditional Handicrafts
Hoi An has a long history of traditional craftsmanship, consisting of lantern making, wood carving, and silk weaving. Many workshops in this place welcome travelers to learn their skills directly from the local artisans. You can have an opportunity to paint a lantern, weave a silk scarf, or carve a little souvenir, and after that, you can take it home. They are not only handmade items, but also a deeper appreciation for Hoi An Ancient Town’s artisan legacy.
Entrance Fee Of Hoi An Ancient Town
Here is a table that Seni World has collected the Hoi An Ancient Town entrance fees. These fees can slightly vary according to the real-time travel season:
| Ticket Type | Price (VND) | Validity | Includes | Notes |
| Vietnamese Visitor | 80,000 VND | 24 hours | Entry to Hoi An Ancient Town and 5 sightseeing destinations (like ancient houses, assembly halls, museums,…) | It is required for sightseeing, not just strolling around the streets. |
| Foreign Visitor | 120,000 VND | 24 hours | Entry to Hoi An Ancient Town and 5 sightseeing destinations. | It is free for children under 16 years old. |
| Additional Sightseeing Tickets | From 20,000 to 40,000 VND each | Same day | Extra sites beyond the first 5, | It is an optional purchase if you want to visit more landmarks. |
Opening Hours Of Hoi An Ancient Town
Seni World has also summarized all the Hoi An Ancient Town opening hours for you. Thanks to them, you can schedule a convenient and suitable adventure to these iconic destinations in Hoi An:
| Area Or Activity | Opening Hours | Notes |
| Hoi An Ancient Town Streets | From 07:00 AM to 09:00 PM daily | Walking around streets, shops, coffee shops, and riverside here is free and always accessible to you. |
| Heritage Sites (like ancient houses, temples, assembly halls, and museums) | From 07:00 AM to 09:30 PM daily, depending on each attraction | A ticket is required, and each ticket includes entry to 5 sites. |
| Hoi An Night Market (Nguyen Hoang Street) | From 05:00 PM to 11:00 PM daily | This is the best place for lanterns, souvenirs, and street food. |
| Lantern Festival (14th day of the lunar month) | From 05:00 PM to 10:00 PM | Streets switch off electric lights, and lanterns glow throughout town. |
From February to April and from September to January are the best times to visit Hoi An Ancient Town. This is the reason why the open hours of this attraction can be different. So you need to carefully confirm with the Hoi An Ancient Town’s manager in advance.
How To Get To Hoi An Ancient Town
In this Hoi An Ancient Town itinerary, you should choose the right way to get to this spot to be comfortable, as well as have a budget-friendly price. Here are hints from Seni World about how to get to Hoi An Ancient Town:
| Transportation Mode | From Da Nang City Center | From Da Nang International Airport | Travel Time | Estimated Price (VND) | Best For |
| Taxi | About 30 kilometers | About 30 kilometers | From 45 to 60 minutes | From 300,000 to 450,000 VND | A taxi is convenient, direct, and comfortable. |
| Private Car | About 30 kilometers | About 30 kilometers | From 45 to 60 minutes | From 350,000 to 500,000 VND | It is suitable for families, groups, and travelers who love the flexible schedule. |
| Motorbike Rental | About 30 kilometers | About 30 kilometers | From 50 to 70 minutes | From 120,000 to 180,000 VND (per day) | Adventurous travelers who want to have flexible stops will prefer a motorbike. |
| Public Bus | About 30 kilometers | About 30 kilometers | From 70 to 90 minutes | From 30,000 to 50,000 VND | This is the cheapest option for you to have the local experience. |
Things To Know Before Traveling To Hoi An Ancient Town
To have an exciting, comfortable, happy, and safe trip to Hoi An Ancient Town, you should remember the following important travel tips. These tips will help you discover this place conveniently, but still respect the culture and society, and protect yourself best:
- Arrive early morning: To keep away from crowds and revel in a peaceful surroundings, you should visit Hoi An Ancient Town before 09:00 AM.
- Stay late for lanterns: Hoi An Ancient Town is most vibrant and magical after sunset, when colorful lanterns light up the streets and riverside.
- Buy a ticket in advance: To ensure availability, you should buy the ticket to Hoi An Ancient Town and the 5 sightseeing destinations in advance, especially during the peak season.
- Dressed politely: When journeying to temples or assembly halls, you need to wear modest apparel covering your shoulders and knees.
- Prepare cash: Many small stores and food stalls don’t accept online payment or cards, so let’s bring some cash (Vietnamese Dong).
Final Thoughts: Is Hoi An Ancient Town Worth Visiting?
Hoi An Ancient Town is an iconic destination in the adventure of Hoi An, which is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also showcases the valuable culture, history, and society of Vietnam from the past to the present. If you want to take a Hoi An Ancient Town trip, as well as consult hotels near Hoi An Ancient Town, and receive support for the visa process, let’s contact Seni World, a reputable tour operator from Vietnam. We are here to help you from A to Z on your Hoi An Ancient Town discovery trip.
