Cập nhật: 01-01-1970 12:00:00 | Blogs about Vietnam | Lượt xem: 1073
Famous for its charming lantern-lit streets, distinctive yellow buildings, and tranquil riverside ambiance, Hoi An Ancient Town is one of the most beloved travel destinations in Vietnam and arguably Southeast Asia. Once a busy trading center in the 16th century, the town perfectly reflects cultural convergences between Eastern and Western civilizations. It is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique experience during their stay in Vietnam, especially those with a soft spot for cultural immersions, romantic ambiance, and tasty food.
Hoi An Ancient Town is a small town located in Quang Nam province, about 30 km south of Da Nang - Central Vietnam’s largest city. Owing to fantastic efforts in maintaining its original character after over 400 years, this special space was recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage in 1999.
One of the most striking characteristics of Hoi An Ancient Town is its peculiar architecture, which is a harmonious combination of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and European elements. The town retains its original beauty with ancient shophouses, wooden temples and pagodas, French colonial buildings, and narrow cobbled alleys. Besides the architectural appeal, Hoi An also captures hearts with its delectable cuisine, vibrant festivals, and impressive handicrafts.
Hoi An Ancient Town has a long and rich history that dates back to the 15th century when it was known as a bustling port city and a salient trading center in Southeast Asia. During that period, Hoi An was called “Faifo” by early Western traders. It was a popular stopover for merchants from Japan, China, India, and European countries such as Portugal, the Netherlands, and France. Thanks to its favorable location on the bank of the Thu Bon River and proximity to Vietnam’s East Sea, Hoi An soon flourished into a huge international seaport where silk, ceramics, spices, and other goods from Vietnam and neighboring regions were exchanged.
Hoi An reached its pinnacle during the 16th and 17th centuries. However, its significant role gradually declined by the end of the 18th century due to changes in shipping routes and the development of other seaports, especially Da Nang. Despite all that, Hoi An’s historical and cultural values are still perfectly retained.
After many centuries of development, the town of Hoi An is still well-preserved with various ancient houses and religious structures featuring strong cultural imprints. Today, Hoi An Ancient Town is an enchanting travel hub that attracts millions of visitors yearly, offering an extraordinary opportunity to step back in time and experience the beauty of an era when cultures converged through trade and artistry. Your Vietnam travel package is incomplete without seeing Hoi An ancient town.
Hoi An is easily accessible from Da Nang - the nearest major city. If you travel by plane, you can catch a taxi from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An Ancient Town at about $12 - 20 for the 45-km ride. Some hotels in Hoi An also provide private pick-up from Da Nang Airport. Public buses run from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An as well, but this means of transport is often less convenient and takes more time.
The North-South train is another notable option for visitors departing from big cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh. After reaching Da Nang station, only 30 km from Hoi An Ancient Town, you can take a cab or local bus to your final destination.
Hoi An is characterized by a typical tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons: dry and rainy. The dry season runs from February to July, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C. This is the ideal period to visit Hoi An Ancient Town with dry and pleasant weather, suitable for sightseeing, exploring historical sites, and participating in traditional festivals.
The rainy season lasts from August to December, and prolonged rainfalls and possible flooding during this time might interrupt your experiences. However, this is a reasonable choice if you wish to explore the town in a more peaceful setting with fewer tourists.
For an even more awing adventure, plan your visit on the 14th day of the lunar calendar, when the enticing Hoi An Lantern Festival occurs. During the festival, the town switches off its electric lights and allows the soft, warm glow of tons of lanterns to light up the streets and the Thu Bon River. It’s worth mentioning that those lanterns are all hand-crafted, showcasing Hoi An’s rich heritage in lantern-making.
As an emerging star in the travel map of Vietnam, Hoi An provides a wide range of hotel options that suit every visitor’s needs. Budget hotels usually cost between $15 - 30 per night and are fair choices for those looking for an affordable place to spend the night with basic utensils. For those who prefer high-end services, 3-star and 4-star hotels cost between $40 - 80 per night, offering luxurious spaces and full amenities including swimming pools, restaurants, and spas... 5-star resorts, with classy spaces and impeccable services, cost from $100 per night.
In terms of location, Hoi An Ancient Town is generally the best area to stay given its easy access to iconic attractions. However, if you’re not into the hustle and bustle of the town, Cam Pho Neighborhood is also a nice option with quiet streets and scenic views of the Thu Bon River. Nature lovers and eco-tourists can consider accommodations in Cam Thanh Village, which offers a relaxing retreat amidst lush green nature. For those who seek a seaside escape, nearby beaches like An Bang or Cua Dai will be ideal for combining your cultural trip with a beach holiday.
One of the most prominent highlights of Hoi An Ancient Town is the Japanese Covered Bridge (Chùa Cầu), whose image is printed on the 20,000 VND banknote. Built in the late 16th century, this Japanese-styled structure features intricate carvings and a small temple inside. It initially served as a connection between the Japanese and Chinese communities and the locals living in Hoi An. The bridge remains almost intact after all those years and is now a Hoi An Ancient Town symbol.
Built over 200 years ago by an ethnically Vietnamese family, the Old House of Tan Ky (Nhà Cổ Tấn Ký) has been attentively preserved through seven generations despite historical floodings. This two-story house, whose architecture is a captivating blend of Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese influences, gracefully reflects the town’s multicultural heritage. Aside from the sophisticated architecture, the Old House of Tan Ky also displays a collection of antique items that date back to different eras, each featuring its own compelling story.
Another interesting home that’s worth stopping by in this area is the Old House of Phung Hung (Nhà Cổ Phùng Hưng), a small wooden house placed on the west side of the Japanese Covered Bridge. Constructed in 1780, it offers an insightful glimpse into the wealthy merchants’ lifestyle back then and is a lurid example of cultural fusion in Hoi An.
There are several assembly halls with distinctive characteristics in the ancient town of Hoi An, but the Fujian Assembly Hall (Hội Quán Phúc Kiến) is the biggest and most famous. Established in 1697 by Chinese immigrants from Fujian, this structure was used as a communal meeting space and a place to worship the Chinese goddess of the sea, who is believed to protect sailors and seafarers. The Fujian Assembly Hall was built in Chinese style with curved roofs, yin-yang tiles, and elaborate ornaments.
Apart from the Fujian Assembly Hall, you can also pass by the Cantonese Assembly Hall (Hội Quán Triều Châu) - a meeting hall dedicated to Guan Yu, a Chinese god of war, loyalty, and righteousness. Constructed in 1885 by Chinese merchants and craftsmen from Guangdong (formerly Canton) Province, the hall stands out with meticulously carved wooden motifs that depict Chinese folk legends, valuable ancient artifacts, and colorful ceramic works of art.
Occupying Nguyen Hoang Street in the town’s center, the Night Market opens from 5 pm to midnight daily and provides a hectic space for shopaholics with dozens of vendors selling snacks, trinkets, clothing, jewelry and accessories… The lovely river lit up with dazzling lanterns as background adds to the overall charm of the market. In addition to purchasing souvenirs, you can also feast on the delicious street food here.
During the day, you can head to Hoi An Market, which is another authentic place to get to know the locals and indulge in mouthwatering dishes. Located in the old town by the waterfront, this massive open-air market is a foodie’s paradise with numerous appetizing delicacies like bánh mì, mì quảng, cao lầu, cơm gà, bánh đa xúc hến, or chè…
Spending a few hours wandering through the pedestrianized streets of Hoi An is undoubtedly the best way to soak up its magical atmosphere. You can roam the area on your own, or join a guided walking tour for a deeper insight into the key attractions. During the stroll, don’t forget to take some time to enjoy a cup of coffee while admiring the stunning beauty of the Thu Bon River. Please note that the entrance ticket for Hoi An Ancient Town costs 120,000 VND (around $6) per guest. Aside from all the old town’s streets, the ticket also allows you to access 5 sightseeing places of your choice among the 22 listed ones.
Taking a leisurely boat ride on the Thu Bon River is a soothing way to uncover the beauty of Hoi An from its picturesque waterways. The most popular times for a scenic boat tour here are dusk and dawn when both the sky and the river are painted with vivid hues. You can board one of the many sampans that line up near the riverside, hop on a wooden boat, or challenge yourself with a quirky bamboo basket boat called “thung chai” that’s only seen in Vietnam.
Placed inside a 19th-century French building, the Precious Heritage Museum showcases the cultural diversity of Vietnam’s ethnic groups through mesmerizing large-scale portraits, all captured by Hoi An-based French photographer Réhahn for over a decade. In addition to these awe-inspiring photos, this place also features traditional costumes of each ethnic group given by the villagers as well as informative documentaries about the stories behind each shot. This museum/art gallery is open daily from 8 am to 8 pm and free to enter.
If you are a food lover, don’t miss the chance to learn some secrets behind the explosive cuisine treasures like phở, nem, mì quảng, or cao lầu... There are plenty of cooking classes you can sign up for in the town, some even start by picking up the fresh ingredients in a local market with the instructors. Hoi An’s cooking classes usually take 3 to 5 hours with fees varying from $20 - 40, depending on your choice.
In recent years, Hoi An Ancient Town has gained a reputation for its amazing custom tailoring services. There are countless shops around the town where you can get high-quality garments tailored to your specifications in a limited amount of time, from modern suits or dresses to traditional Vietnamese clothes. All you need to do is choose the fabric, shape, and style, and your professional tailors will take care of the rest. For a seamless experience, make sure to be specific about your budget and expectations.
Another fun activity you can try in Hoi An is learning to create your own beautiful lantern using traditional techniques with the help of local artisans. There are several lantern-making classes you can attend in Hoi An, each lasts for about 2 hours and costs around $15. You can either pick your fabric and a pre-made frame, or simply start from scratch. Such workshops not only provide an exciting hands-on experience but also give you a meaningful souvenir that symbolizes good luck and prosperity to bring home.
As the first cultural theme park in Vietnam, the Hoi An Memories Land restages the splendors of Hoi An’s golden time with many distinct zones that simulate Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese and European architectural styles in the 16th and 17th centuries. The main event of the park is its marvelous Hoi An Memories Show, which artistically tells the 400-year story of Hoi An via an excellent performance by over 500 actors and dancers on a 25,000-meter-square outdoor stage. The show is from 8 - 9 pm daily (except Tuesday), but you should arrive at 5 pm to enjoy the mini-shows and other activities. Ticket prices here start from 600,000 VND (about $24) per adult.
Taking place in a bamboo theater and using mainly bamboo props, Teh Dar’s “storytelling circus” transports you to the Central Highlands of Vietnam with a brilliant blend of traditional music, dance, and acrobatics. For those who are looking for a unique Vietnamese cultural experience, this is probably a must-see while visiting Hoi An Ancient Town. Ticket prices for a Teh Dar show start at 700,000 VND (about $28) per adult, and the show begins at 6:00 pm daily.
The countryside surrounding Hoi An offers a fantastic opportunity to pedal through lush rice paddies, quaint villages, and serene riversides. You can opt for a guided cycle tour, or rent a bicycle at any rental shop in the town for about $1 - 2 per day. Some of the most popular destinations for a short cycle trip around Hoi An are Cam Thanh Coconut Village, Thanh Ha Pottery Village, Kim Bong Carpentry Village, and Cua Dai Beach.
Located just a few km from Hoi An Ancient Town, the little village of Tra Que is another interesting destination that can be easily included in your cycling tour. This eco-friendly zone covers an area of about 40 ha and is best known for its organic farming methods. Here you can communicate with the farmers, practice planting organic herbs and vegetables, learn to make a few healthy local dishes, and experience a traditional Vietnamese foot bath with medicinal herbs grown in the village.
If you are looking for a quiet retreat after getting enough of the stirring streets in Hoi An, the splendid An Bang Beach is definitely a perfect choice. Situated only 5 km from Hoi An Ancient Town, this pristine beach attracts visitors with soft sand, clear waters, and relaxed vibes. Just take your time to lounge on the beach while reveling in the breathtaking coastal views, stroll along the shoreline, embark on some thrilling water sports, or savor fresh seafood at one of the beachfront restaurants.
Located 15km off Hoi An’s coast, the Cham Islands (Cu Lao Cham) consist of eight islands and provide a great setting for idyllic beach relaxation and adventurous water activities. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is home to about 950 aquatic species, making it an ideal spot for fishing, snorkeling, and diving. It’s worth staying at least one night here if your schedule allows.
Another astonishing destination you shouldn't miss in Quang Nam Province is My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located 40 km from Hoi An Ancient Town. Built by the Cham civilization in the 4th - 14th centuries, this archaeological site initially included about 70 ancient Hindu temples, half of which were destroyed during the historical wars. However, this majestic temple cluster remains a fascinating place to visit, especially if you are a history and nature enthusiast. The entrance ticket for My Son Sanctuary costs 150,000 VND (about $6) per person.
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