Hoi An is the only ancient town in Vietnam that has remained mostly unchanged throughout history. If you fall in love with an old atmosphere, a tranquil environment, and the nostalgic de signs of charming houses, Hoi An is the best destination to visit in Vietnam.

400 years ago, Hoi An was a crowded port and therefore the intersection of Eastern and Western cultures. The city of Quang Nam province, which is located in Central Vietnam, has harmonized the cultural essence of China, Japan, Vietnam, and even Western countries, especially in cuisine and architecture.

First note when you come to Hoi An ancient town: the visiting price

If you just wander around the ancient town, it’s totally free. However, if you want to visit some particular places (like the places I will mention below), you have to buy a ticket.

• For foreigners: 120,000 VND per person for five optional places.
• For Vietnamese: 80,000 VND per person for three optional places.

Places That You Should Not Miss When Traveling to Hoi An

Ancient Houses, Temples, and Pagodas

Tan Ky Ancient House 

This house was built in the late 19th century, which means it is more than 200 years old. Tan Ky house was home to the Le family and it has been maintained through seven generations. It is said that Tan Ky house is the most beautiful and artistic ancient house in Hoi An, it even stores many precious antiques. The main material is wood and the great carpenters of Kim Bong village created the beauty of Tan Ky house by combining the architecture of Vietnam, China, and Japan.

Address: 21 Le Loi street, Hoi An ancient town

Chua Cau Hoi An (Pagoda on the Bridge)

In the early 17th century, a group of Japanese businessmen built a bridge across a small branch of the Thu Bon river in the style of Vietnamese architecture. In 1653, a small pagoda was built right on the bridge. This is where it got its name Chua Cau (chua means pagoda, cau means bridge). The pagoda worships Bac De Tran Vo, who is the God of the land, gifting happiness to the locals. Above the main door, there is a sign written in traditional Chinese: Lai Vien Kieu, which means the bridge of visitors, by Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu. Chua Cau is the symbol of Hoi An city and it’s also the symbol of Vietnamese architecture.

• Trieu Chau Hall (originated from Chaozhou, Guangdong, China): 157 Nguyen Duy Hieu street, Hoi An city
• Phuc Kien Hall (originated from Fujian, China): 46 Tran Phu street, Hoi An ancient town
• Quang Dong Hall (originated from Guangdong, China): 176 Tran Phu street, Hoi An ancient town

Famous Villages in Hoi An

Tra Que Vegetable Village

All over Vietnam, there are many vegetable villages, but only Tra Que has its name on the list of must-visit villages. Tra Que has just a small area of 20 hectares, with more than 40 plants, but the taste of vegetables in Tra Que is very different from other villages. The reason may be the rich deposit of alluvial and biological fertilizer of riverweed from Co Co river.

Address: Tra Que village, Cam Ha commune, Hoi An city

Thanh Ha Pottery Village

Join Joi’s family at: Group 6, Tra Que Village, Cam Ha Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam.

Facebook: Joi | Tra Que Gardens

Contact: 090 589 75 44

Cycling Around the Ancient Town

Hoi An has all the means of transportation, but the best way to enjoy the beauty of this city is on foot, by cyclo, or by bicycle. You will feel the slow pace of life of the people in this ancient town as well as observe the old beauty. Even though Hoi An ancient town attracts many travelers from every corner of the world, there is always something that makes you want to take it easy and slow down.

Apart from walking, cycling, and kicking back in a cyclo, there is another means of transportation to explore the ancient town, which is on a boat. Local ferryman navigates the waters themselves, so you won’t hear the noise of an engine. As you observe the Hoai river, you can admire the ancient town with its old houses on the river bank. Try this in the evening, when Hoi An lights up with its characteristic yellow glow from the locally-made lanterns. On the 14th of each Lunar calendar month, you will have the chance to release flower garlands and colored lanterns on Hoai river. The price for each boat trip is about 50,000 – 100,000 VND.

Enjoying the Lantern Festival

Every 14th of the Lunar month, there is a lantern festival in Hoi An ancient town. Locals will turn off the electric lights and hang up the colored lanterns that illuminate the whole Hoi An ancient town. The festival usually starts at 6 PM and goes until 9 or 10 PM. The most active area is around Chua Cau, which attracts both locals and travelers.

Hoi An Memories is regarded as the biggest realistic art show in Vietnam with the size of 25,000 square meters and it gathers 500 actors. In fact, it is not simply a normal show but a diverse story that carves out the unique beauty of the country you’re visiting, from the first days of its establishment, the local Champa wedding, the lifestyle of residents, as well as its amazing leap into the world. With this show’s high quality, the price is absolutely worth it (540,000 VND – 950,000 VND for an adult), so you’d better book a seat before it runs out!

MORE INFORMATION 

Address: 200 Nguyen Tri Phuong, Cam Chau, Hoi An

Google Maps location: Hoi An Impression Theme Park

I hope this article can give you some good options and suggestions to travel to Hoi An.

Credit to Panda