Hoi An Ancient Town, a small city beside the Thu Bon River, is a place where time seems to settle within every street corner, every ancient tiled roof. Behind that dreamy beauty are fascinating historical stories tied to the golden era of an international trading port. In this article, letโs explore together to learn more about Hoi An Ancient Townโthe place that fully preserves the soul of olden times in this heritage land.
Exploring Hoi An Ancient Town: A Journey Back to the Past
Hoi An Ancient Town, with its nostalgic beauty and long-standing history, is an ideal destination to explore unique cultural values and stories linked to the golden age of an international trading port; letโs learn about the prominent distinctive features of this place.
Introduction to Hoi An Ancient Town
Hoi An Ancient Town, located at the lower reaches of the Thu Bon River in Quang Nam Province, Vietnam, is an ancient urban area with a history spanning over 400 years. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Hoi An was once a bustling international trading port, a meeting point for merchants from Japan, China, and the West.
In 1527, when Mac Dang Dung seized the throne from the Le dynasty, this land was directly affected by political upheavals in Dong Kinh. By 1570, Nguyen Hoang and his son Nguyen Phuc Nguyen controlled Quang Nam, building fortifications and developing the economy, turning Hoi An into a leading trading port in Southeast Asia, marking the birth and growth of the ancient town by the late 16th century.
During the Trinh-Nguyen rivalry, Hoi An still maintained its status as a vibrant seaport with the presence of the Japanese quarter and the Chinese quarter, places of unique cultural fusion. However, the city suffered significant damage when Lord Trinh captured Quang Nam, but within just 5 years, Hoi An revived strongly. By the Nguyen dynasty era, the closed-door policy caused the decline of Dong Kinh port, leading Hoi An to fade into obscurity for many centuries.
It was only in 1980 that Hoi An regained attention thanks to cultural preservation efforts. Especially in 1999, when UNESCO recognized it as a โWorld Cultural Heritageโ site, Hoi An Ancient Town became an attractive destination, a symbol of revival and historical preservation.
Location, Opening Hours, and Ticket Prices for Visiting Hoi An Ancient Town
Hoi An Ancient Town covers an area of about 5 kmยฒ, is located in Minh An Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province, about 30 km south of Da Nang City. You can get a better overview of Hoi An Ancient Townโs location via Google Maps, making it easier to travel between destinations.
Hoi An Ancient Town is open to visitors from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily. However, some specific attractions in Hoi An may have different operating hours. For example, historical sites in Hoi An typically operate from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. After 9:00 PM, most shops in Hoi An Old Town close, but the night market area remains active until 11:00 PM.
According to regulations from the Hoi An City Peopleโs Committee, the ticket prices for visiting Hoi An Ancient Town in 2025 are applied as follows:
| Ticket Type | Price |
| Vietnamese Visitors | 80,000 VND/person |
| International Visitors | 120,000 VND/person |
| Children under 1 meter | Free |
| Children from 1 meter to 1.4 meters | 50,000 VND/person |
Must-Visit Destinations in Hoi An Ancient Town You Canโt Miss
Are you ready to explore the standout destinations in Hoi An Ancient Town? Letโs discover the list of places you cannot miss below.
The Japanese Covered Bridge
The Hoi An Covered Bridge, also called the Japanese Bridge Hoi An, is one of the most unique and famous architectural symbols of Hoi An Ancient Town. Built in the late 16th century by Japanese merchants, this bridge served not only transportation purposes but also represented the cultural exchange between Vietnam, Japan, and China.
The bridge is about 18 meters long, entirely made of wood with a roof covered in yin-yang tiles, creating an ancient and elegant appearance. The temple section attached to the bridge worships Bac De Tran Vuโthe deity protector according to local beliefsโsolidifying its status as a Hoi An Pagoda. Notably, the two ends of the bridge are decorated with monkey and dog statues, which, according to legend, symbolize the years the bridgeโs construction began and ended.
Particularly, the image of the Japanese Covered Bridge is featured on Vietnamโs 20,000 VND polymer banknote, reflecting the importance and symbolism of this structure in Vietnamese culture.
Ancient Houses and Assembly Halls
Hoi An Old Town is famous for its ancient houses and Hoi An assembly hall bearing deep historical and cultural imprints. These structures not only showcase unique architecture but also narrate stories of a prosperous era in Hoi Anโs trading port history. Below are some suggested locations:
Tan Ky Ancient House
The Tan Ky Ancient House, located at 101 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, was built in the 18th century and has stood for over 200 years. This house harmoniously blends Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese architectural styles, with a sturdy wooden frame, brick walls, and a yin-yang tiled roof. Inside, visitors can admire hanging scrolls, couplets, and precious artifacts, reflecting the lives of Hoi Anโs merchant families across generations.
Phung Hung Ancient House
Situated at 4 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, the Phung Hung Ancient House was constructed in 1780 and is recognized as a National Historical-Cultural Relic. The house features a wooden frame structure, brick walls, and a yin-yang tiled roof, with intricately carved details. It was once a trading hub for goods like silk, ceramics, and salt, showcasing the affluence of its family through generations.
Fujian Assembly Hall
The Fujian Assembly Hall, at 46 Tran Phu Street, was built in 1697 by the Fujian Chinese community. Initially, it served as a place to worship Thien Hau Thanh Mauโthe deity protecting fishermen and merchants at sea. The assembly hallโs architecture includes a triple gate, courtyard, miniature landscape, east-west wings, and main hall, creating a grand and solemn space.
Chaozhou Assembly Hall
Constructed in 1845, the Chaozhou Assembly Hall is located at 157 Nguyen Duy Hieu Street. This is a place to worship Phuc Ba Tuong Quan Ma Vienโthe deity safeguarding safe sea voyages. The assembly hall stands out with its exquisite wooden architecture, elaborate carvings, and a system of ornate hanging scrolls and couplets, reflecting traditional Chinese architectural artistry.
The Dreamy Scenery Along the Hoai River
The Hoai River, a small branch of the Thu Bon River, flows gently through the center of Hoi An Ancient Town, creating a peaceful and poetic natural scene. The river stretches about 1.5 km, with a width of 15 to 20 meters and an average depth of about 1.5 meters, winding through streets like Bach Dang, Nguyen Phuc Chu, and Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa.
On both banks are rows of ancient houses bearing the marks of traditional architecture, their reflections shimmering on the water, forming a vivid ink-wash painting-like beauty. When Hoi An Ancient Town lights up at night, the Hoai River dons a magical glow with radiant light from thousands of lanterns and floating flower candles on the waterโs surface. The activity of releasing flower candles on the Hoai River is not only a unique cultural feature but also a beloved experience for countless visitors.
Hoi An Central Market
The Hoi An Market, located at the heart of the ancient town, is the intersection of Tran Phu, Bach Dang, and Nguyen Thai Hoc streets. Rated by Lonely Planet magazine as one of the worldโs most enticing culinary paradises, the market operates from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily, drawing both locals and tourists.
The market is divided into several zones, including the food area, fresh seafood area, dry goods area, fruit and vegetable area, and souvenir area. Particularly, the food zone is renowned for Hoi An specialties like cao lau, Quang noodles, banh xeo, and Hoi An bread, while the souvenir area offers a delightful Hoi An shopping experience with local crafts and keepsakes. Prices at the market are reasonable, with dishes ranging from 20,000 to 50,000 VND, allowing visitors to enjoy a wide variety of local cuisine alongside their shopping adventures.
See more: Typical Food in Hoi An: Top 10 Must-Try Dishes for Food Lovers
Cultural Experiences and Activities at Hoi An Ancient Town
Hoi An Ancient Town isnโt just about sightseeing; itโs also an opportunity to experience culture and join unique activities steeped in tradition, offering some of the best things to do in Hoi An for an unforgettable visit. Below are some suggestions you shouldnโt miss.
Making Traditional Lanterns
Lanterns are a hallmark symbol of Hoi An Old Town, reflecting the creativity and cultural essence of the locality. Joining a traditional lantern-making class is a natural way to immerse yourself in local traditions, often recommended by any comprehensive Hoi An travel guide.
Visitors will be meticulously guided through crafting bamboo frames, covering them with silk fabric, and completing their personalized product. Some well-known workshops offer lantern-making tours costing about 150,000 VND/person, lasting from 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Here are some traditional lantern-making workshops in Hoi An Old Town you can refer to:
- Nhat Linh Lantern Production Facility: Ha My Hamlet, Duy Xuyen District, Quang Nam
- Ha Linh Lantern Production Facility: 72 Tran Nhan Tong, Cam Chau, Hoi An City
- Ngoc Hoa Decorative Lantern Production Facility: 46 Le Van Huu, Hoi An City
Cooking Classes
Hoi Anโs cuisine is diverse and rich, featuring specialties like cao lau, Quang noodles, and banh xeo. Joining a cooking class, youโll be guided by professional chefs from selecting ingredients at the local market to preparing dishes. Participation fees range from 429,000 VND to 569,000 VND/person, depending on the program and duration.
Here are some cooking classes in Hoi An you can refer to:
- Hoiana Cooking Class: Hoiana Resort & Golf
- Tra Que Water Wheel: Cam Ha, Hoi An Old Town, Quang Nam
- Red Bridge Cooking School: Hamlet 4, Hoi An Old Town, Quang Nam
- Anfarm Hoi An Cooking Class: 633 Nguyen Tat Thanh, Thanh Ha, Hoi An Old Town
- Thuan Tinh Island Cooking Tour: Thanh Nhut Hamlet, Cam Thanh Commune, Hoi An
Handcrafted Tailoring Shops
Hoi An is dubbed the โtailoring capitalโ with hundreds of shops ready to create custom outfits within 24 hours. Famous tailoring shops not only offer high-quality sewing services but also advise on styles and materials suited to customers. Prices vary by fabric and design but typically start from 700,000 VND for a complete outfit.
Below are some renowned tailoring shops in Hoi An you shouldnโt miss:
- Yaly Couture Tailoring Shop: 47 Nguyen Thai Hoc and 47 Tran Phu, Hoi An
- A Dong Silk Personal Tailoring: 62 Tran Hung Dao, Hoi An
- Bao Khanh Silk: 101 Tran Hung Dao, Hoi An
- Thu Thuy Silk: 60 Le Loi, Hoi An
Memories Show Hoi An: A Cultural Performance
For an immersive dive into Hoi Anโs rich history, the Memories Show Hoi An is a captivating outdoor performance that brings the townโs past to life through dance, music, and stunning visuals. Held at the Hoi An Impression Theme Park, this show narrates the story of Hoi Anโs trading port era and Hoi An cultural heritage, leaving visitors with lasting memories of the townโs vibrant legacy. Tickets typically cost around 600,000 VND/person, with performances running for about an hour in the evening, making it a perfect way to cap off a day of exploration.
3 Tourist Destinations Near Hoi An Ancient Town You Shouldnโt Miss
Hoi An Old Town isnโt just captivating with its dreamy ancient town but is also close to many fascinating destinations, offering unique cultural and natural experiences; here are 3 places you shouldnโt miss when visiting this region!
My Son Sanctuary
The My Son Sanctuary, about 40 km from Hoi An Old Town, is one of Vietnamโs significant cultural heritage sites, recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site. This complex is a historical and religious relic of the Champa people, built from the 4th to 13th centuries, with over 70 temple towers in the Indic architectural style. Though war destroyed much of it, 32 temple structures still retain their original beauty.
Visiting My Son, tourists can admire the unique architecture with intricately carved details on ancient temples, rich with the ancient Champa culture.
Thanh Ha Pottery Village
Located along the Thu Bon River, about 3 km west of Hoi An Ancient Townโs center, Thanh Ha Pottery Village is one of Vietnamโs famous traditional craft villages. Formed in the 16th century, this village has over 500 years of history, significantly contributing to the areaโs cultural and economic development, and becoming an appealing destination for those wanting to explore the essence of handicraft traditions.
Tra Que Vegetable Village
Situated about 3 km northwest of Hoi An Ancient Townโs center, Tra Que Vegetable Village in Cam Ha Commune, Quang Nam Province, is a traditional farming village renowned for over 300 years of vegetable cultivation. Established in the 16th century, Tra Que not only supplies fresh vegetables for the Hoi An area but also attracts visitors eager to explore Central Vietnamโs distinctive agricultural culture.
Choosing Accommodation When Visiting Hoi An Ancient Town
Hoiana Resort & Golf is a luxury integrated resort, distinguished by over 1,200 rooms meeting international 5-star standards, part of a complex of 4 high-end hotels.
Just under 20 minutes by car from Hoi An Ancient Town, the resort offers maximum convenience for visiting ancient temples like the Japanese Covered Bridge, Hoi Anโs famous symbol, or exploring the My Son Sanctuaryโa UNESCO-recognized World Heritage site preserving significant historical and cultural values.
See more: Hoi An Ancient Town: How Many Days Should You Spend in Hoi An? Suggested by Locals
Moreover, Hoiana Resort & Golf is an ideal starting point to explore Hoi Anโs famous tourist spots. Visitors can stop by Thanh Ha Pottery Village, home to a long-standing traditional pottery craft, or visit Tra Que Vegetable Village to enjoy the peaceful rural setting and immerse in the fresh air of lush green vegetable gardens.
Additionally, Hoiana Resort & Golf provides a free shuttle serviceโHoiana Express. This service flexibly connects Da Nang Airport, Da Nang city center, Hoi An Ancient Town, and the resort, making it easy for you to travel and spend more time exploring Hoi Anโs tourist destinations without worrying about transportation.
Another highlight of Hoiana Resort & Golf is NOX Beach Club, a groundbreaking venue set to transform Vietnamโs central coast with its world-class gastronomy, exciting entertainment, and upscale beachfront ambiance. Recognized among the best bars in Hoi An, this club features an innovative design inspired by the nearby UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi An, offering a unique village-like atmosphere that creates a hub for beach lovers, food enthusiasts, and fun seekers alike.
This expansive destination spans 5,000 square meters of lush lawns, coconut groves, and beachfront space, providing a refined tropical setting for relaxation and enjoyment. Highlights include a large freeform swimming pool surrounded by cozy cabanas, sun loungers, and vibrant retail spaces.
Guests can savor expertly crafted drinks at one of the best cocktail bars in Hoi An, alongside uplifting beach parties, social events, and live entertainment, elevating NOX beyond a simple beach club to a complete lifestyle experience within the prestigious Hoiana Resort & Golf.
Conclusion
Hopefully, the information shared above will make your journey to explore Hoi An Ancient Town more exciting and memorable.
If youโre looking for an ideal place to stay, Hoiana Resort & Golf is the perfect choice. With its convenient location near the ancient town, top-notch services, and unique amenities, this resort will help you enjoy a complete vacation. Book your room today at Hoiana Resort & Golf and prepare for a memorable Hoi An trip!
