In today’s blog post, we embark on a journey to uncover the secrets of this enchanting UNESCO World Heritage site nestled along the banks of the Thu Bon River. From the moment you set foot in Hoi An Ancient Town, you'll be transported back in time, immersed in a tapestry of cultures, traditions, and timeless beauty.

What’s Special About Hoi An Ancient Town?

Let me paint you a picture of this enchanting town. Picture yourself strolling along the Thu Bon River, lined with ancient yellow buildings adorned with colorful silk lanterns swaying gently in the breeze. As you explore the winding alleyways, you'll encounter centuries-old houses, each telling a tale of Hoi An's rich history as a bustling trading port.

Here, you'll find influences from China, Japan, and Europe, all woven seamlessly into the fabric of daily life. Whether you're sampling mouthwatering Cao Lau noodles at a street-side stall or admiring the intricate architecture of the Japanese Covered Bridge, you'll feel the heartbeat of Hoi An's diverse heritage.

And let's not forget the artisans. Hoi An Ancient Town is a haven for craftsmen and women, from skilled tailors creating bespoke garments to masterful lantern makers crafting works of art that illuminate the night sky.

But perhaps the most magical moments happen after dark, when the town transforms into a twinkling wonderland. Lanterns flicker softly, casting a warm glow over the ancient streets as traditional music fills the air.

Hoi An Ancient Town Attractions

Japanese Covered Bridge in Hoi An Ancient Town 

First and foremost, you’ve got the Japanese Covered Bridge, a symbol of Hoi An ancient town, printed on the back of the 20,000 VND banknote.

The Bridge was built in the 17th century by the Japanese. It is closely associated with the legend of a mythical creature named Namazu. According to the legend, its head lies in India, its body in Vietnam, and its tail in Japan. Therefore, each time the creature thrashes about, floods and earthquakes occur. The bridge was constructed as a way to placate the monster so that the three nations would always be peaceful and prosperous.

The Japanese Covered Bridge in Hoi An ancient town has a total length of 18 meters, with a roof covering and a main door that features a large plaque inscribed with three Chinese characters, "Lai Vien Kieu," meaning "a bridge to welcome guests from afar." The Japanese Covered Bridge is watched over by statues of its guardian animals: the Dog on one side and the Monkey on the other. This is also an homage to its construction, which started in the Year of the Monkey and was completed in the Year of the Dog.

Old Houses in Hoi An Ancient Town 

Wandering through the ancient streets of Hoi An Ancient Town is like stepping into a living museum of Vietnamese history and culture. Picture this: narrow lanes lined with tube-shaped houses, their façades weathered by time yet still exuding an aura of timeless elegance. These architectural gems, with their wooden frames and brick walls, stand as silent witnesses to centuries of trade, culture, and tradition. 

The roofs are crafted from clay tiles, with angular lines and graceful curves, creating a silhouette that is unmistakably Hoi An. Stepping inside, you'll find yourself immersed in a world of intricate design and thoughtful functionality. But perhaps what truly sets these ancient houses apart is their resilience. In a region prone to the whims of nature, from raging storms to scorching heat, they stand firm, a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of their builders.

Top Old houses in Hoi An Ancient Town to visit:

Tan Ky House: 101 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Hoi An

Phung Hung House: 4 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Hoi An

Quan Thang House: 77 Tran Phu, Hoi An

Thai Phien House: 104 Thai Phien, Hoi An

Assembly Halls in Hoi An Ancient Town 

Hanging proudly over the centuries since their first bricks were laid, the five Chinese assembly halls still stand solemnly along the narrow streets of the ancient town of Hoi An. These magnificent structures are the legacy of merchants and immigrants from different regions of China, who settled in Hoi An and erected assembly halls as places of worship, gathering, festival celebration, and community cohesion.

In the past, Hoi An Ancient Town was home and business grounds to five major Chinese ethnic groups: Fukien, Cantonese, Chiu Chow, Hainan, and Hakka, each corresponding to one assembly hall of considerable size to serve as their community center. The architectural layout of these assembly halls typically adheres to a set pattern: a grand entrance gate, followed by a spacious courtyard adorned with ornamental trees, rockeries, and two auxiliary shrines for worshiping the deities, then comes the main hall where ceremonies are conducted, culminating in the temple, the largest structure of the complex. These assembly halls are intricately decorated, with elaborately carved wooden frames gilded with gold, and the roofs are adorned with colorful ceramic figurines of mythical creatures. Besides maintaining community activities, the assembly halls also serve another crucial function, that of religious worship. Depending on the religious beliefs of each community, the assembly halls provide the basis for deity worship.

You can explore these assembly halls in chronological order, starting with the Fujian Assembly Hall (1690s), Trung Hoa Assembly Hall (1741), Chaozhou Assembly Hall (1854), Hainan Assembly Hall (1875), and Cantonese Assembly Hall (1885). You can also discover all five assembly halls along Tran Phu Street from the Japanese Covered Bridge to the Chaozhou Assembly Hall. Some assembly halls exhibit a boat in their main hall, reminiscent of how the early Chinese settlers arrived in Hoi An Ancient Town and their ancient professions.

Museums

You can have a glimpse of Hoi An culture through the ancient houses, lantern-lit streets, and many unique folk activities. But visiting museums in Hoi An is the way to fully understand its history and values.

Museum of Trade Ceramics in Hoi An Ancient Town 

Address: 80 Tran Phu, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City

Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily (except the 15th of every month)

Traditional Medicine Museum in Hoi An Ancient Town 

Address: 46 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City

Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily

Museum of Folk Culture in Hoi An Ancient Town 

Address: 33 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City

Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily (except the 20th of every month)

Hoi An Museum in Hoi An Ancient Town 

Address: 10B Tran Hung Dao, Son Phong Ward, Hoi An City

Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed every Saturday and Sunday)

Hoi An Silk Museum in Hoi An Ancient Town 

Address: 28 Nguyen Tat Thanh, Tan An Ward, Hoi An City (about 1 km from the center of Hoi An ancient town)

Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Night Market in Hoi An Ancient Town 

The Hoi An Night Market not only offers delicious street food and unique souvenirs, but also music performances and fun folk games.

Listening to folk singing, particularly "chòi" songs, at the Hoi An Night Market is an activity that visitors shouldn't miss. It's a distinctive cultural feature of Hoi An. "Chòi" singing is a call-and-response folk singing game, traditionally organized on full moon days or at the beginning of the month. Today, in Hoi An Ancient Town, "chòi" singing is performed daily at 7 PM at the communal yard near the well. In addition to "chòi" singing, traditional games are also must-sees while visiting the night market.

Of course, one of the reasons why Hoi An Night Market is so popular is because of its enticing cuisine. Indulge your taste buds with an array of delicious Vietnamese delicacies, from savory bowls of Quang noodles and fragrant Cao Lau to crispy Banh Xeo grilled to perfection. Make sure you bring an "empty stomach" when visiting the Hoi An Night Market.

After exploring, shopping, and enjoying all the delicious food at the Hoi An Night Market, you can leisurely hop on a boat to admire the beautiful scenery on the Hoai River.

Hoi An Ancient Town Entrance Fee

To visit the sites in Hoi An ancient town, you are required to purchase tickets. The ticket will give you access to 4/21 sites.

Entrance fee for Vietnamese visitors: 80,000 VND

Entrance fee for International visitors: 120,000 VND

How Long Does It Take to Walk Around Hoi An Old Town? 

It doesn’t take that long to walk around the town if you don’t wish to stop and explore the sites; we would say an hour or so would be enough for you to walk from end to end. But if you want to fully explore everything, give it half a day. You can also visit the town at night for the lanterns and cultural activities.

=> Ultimate Hoi An Travel