1. Where is Hoi An Ancient Town?
Hoi An Ancient Town is located along the lower Thu Bon River, in the coastal plain of Quang Nam province, Vietnam, and about 30 km south of Da Nang City. The town’s favorable geographical and climatic conditions once made it a bustling international trade center. During the 17th and 18th centuries, this place played a trading role for merchant ships from Japan, China, and the West. In recognition of its rich historical and conservation significance, UNESCO designated Hoi An Ancient Town a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1999.
The name Hoi An means “Peaceful meeting place” in Vietnamese. The town was originally called Fai Fo or Faifoo, which means “town of the Chinese” in the local Cham language. This name was given by Chinese merchants who settled in Hoi An in the 16th and 17th centuries. Later, the town was renamed Hoi An by the Vietnamese.
2. History of Hoi An Ancient Town
- How to learn the history of Hoi An Ancient Town
The best way to learn more about the history of Hoi An Ancient Town is to join Hoi An Walking Tour with English-speaking guides of historical sites such as Covered Bridge, Ancient Assembly Halls, Ancient Houses, etc.
3. Architecture in Hoi An Ancient Town
One of the most distinctive features of Hoi An is its architecture, which reflects the influence of many different cultures that have left their mark on the city. Hoi An has more than 1,000 historical structures, most of which are located in the Old Town, the core area of the heritage site. Architecture in Hoi An can be classified into three main types: Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese.
A typical house in Hoi An is a two-story house, with a wooden frame, brick walls, and tile roof. The house is usually narrow and long, with a front yard and a back yard. The front yard is used for business or social activities, the back yard is used for living. The house has a main hall, where the family altar and living room are located, and several smaller rooms, where the bedroom and kitchen are located. The house is decorated with lanterns, paintings, carvings, and furniture that reflect the homeowner’s taste and wealth.
4. How to get to Hoi An?
Traveling directly by air or train to Hoi An Ancient Town is not feasible; you must stop in Da Nang and book transportation to Hoi An.
4.1. Airplane
If you are in provinces quite far from Hoi An Ancient Town such as Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi City, traveling by air will be the most optimal method. You will stop at Da Nang Airport, then take a taxi to Hoi An about 30km, taking about 50 minutes.
4.2. Train
To travel by train, you can travel from cities located on the North-South railway line of Vietnam such as Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang City, Hanoi City, Hue City (etc.) to Da Nang Station. Then, from here you will have to catch a taxi to go to Hoi An Ancient Town.
4.3. Bus:
The most economical but longer option, buses run from Da Nang (50 minutes), Hue (3.5 hours), Hanoi (13 hours), and Ho Chi Minh City (25 hours), to North Bus Station or South Hue.
Or you can book a bus from Hue to Hoi An with sightseeing spots Hai Van and Marble Mountains.
4.4. Motorbike or Car:
If your choice is a Private Car, it will be better for the trip from Hue to Hoi An. It will be a trip with stops to visit such as Lap An Lagoon, Lang Co Beach, Hai Van Pass, and possibly other stops if you need.
5. What to explore Hoi An Ancient Town?
5.1. Chua Cau (Japanese Covered Bridge)
Chua Cau or Japanese Covered Bridge is One of Hoi An’s most iconic landmarks. This bridge was built in the late 16th century by Japanese merchants who settled in the town and it has been preserved and restored over the years. The bridge spans a small canal connecting the two sides of the old town, with a wooden roof, stone arches, and a small pagoda at one end.
- Address: 186 Tran Phu Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An Ancient Town
5.2. Quang Dong Assembly Hall
This is the most impressive and elaborate assembly hall in Hoi An, built by Cantonese merchants in 1885. The hall worships Quan Cong, a Chinese general and hero, and Thien. Hau, goddess of the sea. The palace has monumental gates, courtyards, fountains, and a main hall decorated with sculptures, paintings, and lanterns. The hall is also famous for its dragon statue made of ceramic pieces and can spray water.
- Address: 176 Tran Phu Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An Ancient Town
5.3. Phuc Kien Assembly Hall
This is another splendid assembly hall in Hoi An, built in 1697 by Fujian merchants. The main shrine worships Thien Hau, goddess of the sea, who blesses sea fishermen with peace. The main hall has beautiful gates and gardens, and the main hall is decorated with statues, carvings, and lanterns. In addition, the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall also displays many worship statues, bronze bells, bronze drums, incense burners, elaborate horizontal panels, and many other valuable artifacts.
- Address: 46 Tran Phu Street, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An Ancient Town
5.4. Tan Ky Ancient House
This is one of the oldest and most authentic houses in Hoi An, built in 1741 by a wealthy merchant family. The house is a perfect example of a combination of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architecture with wooden frames, brick walls, and tiled roofs. The most valuable artifact displayed in the ancient house is the “Confucius Cup”, dated 550-600 years ago, associated with ancient stories about Confucius.
- Address: 101 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An Ancient Town
5.5. Phung Hung Ancient House
This is another well-preserved ancient house in Hoi An, built in 1780 by a prosperous trading family. The house is a combination of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architecture with wooden frames, brick walls, and a yin-yang tile roof. The house has a front and back yard, a main hall, and several smaller rooms furnished with traditional furniture, utensils, and artwork. The house has many unique features such as balconies, skylights, and murals.
- Address: 4 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Minh An Ward, Hoi An Ancient Town
5.6. The Hoi An Market
This is the liveliest and most colorful place in Hoi An, where you can find a variety of goods such as fruits, vegetables, spices, flowers, clothes, souvenirs, and crafts. Markets are also great places to experience local culture, as you can see vendors, buyers, and street food. The market is especially bustling and festive in the morning and evening when lanterns are lit and the atmosphere is magical.
- Address: The intersection of Tran Phu, Bach Dang, and Nguyen Thai Hoc streets
6. Top things to do in Hoi An Ancient Town
Hoi An is not only a place to see, but also a place to do. Hoi An offers many activities that will make your stay more enjoyable and memorable, such as:
1. Boat trip on Thu Bon River: This is one of the best ways to admire the beauty of Hoi An from a different perspective. You can see old houses, bridges, temples, and fishing boats along the riverbank. You can also enjoy the sunset, moonlight, and lanterns over the water. You can also experience floating flower lanterns and make a wish.
2. Participate in the folk game – Bai Choi:This is a fun traditional game originating from Hoi An, played during Lunar New Year and other festivals. Bai Choi is a combination of bingo and singing, in which players sit in a circle and listen to songs sung by an MC. The songs contain clues about the cards that players must mark on their board. The first player to mark a line of cards wins the prize.
3. Learn how to make lanterns: Hoi An is famous for its lanterns handmade by local artisans. The lanterns are made of bamboo frames and silk shells and come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors. Lanterns are used to decorate houses, streets, and boats, creating a romantic and festive atmosphere in the town. You can learn how to make your lanterns at one of the many workshops in Hoi An, where you can choose materials, design the lantern, and take it home as a souvenir.
7. Tips for sightseeing in Hoi An Ancient Town
7.1. Opening Hours
Hoi An Ancient Town is open to visitors all day, but the official opening hours for most of the heritage buildings and attractions are from 7 A.M to 5 P.M.
7.2. Entrance Ticket
You can buy a ticket for 120,000 VND (about 5 USD) that allows you to enter places of your choice, such as temples, assembly halls, museums, and old houses.
8. What to eat in Hoi An Ancient Town?
Hoi An is not only a historical and cultural treasure but also a paradise for food lovers, as it has a rich and diverse cuisine that reflects the town’s history and culture.
8.1. Cao Lầu: Traditional noodle dish
Cao Lầu is a distinctive noodle dish hailing from Hoi An, and features thick and chewy noodles adorned with sliced pork, bean sprouts, herbs, and crispy rice cakes. The charm of Cao Lầu lies in its harmonious blend of flavors, encompassing the sweet and salty essence of pork, the crispiness of rice cakes, the freshness of herbs, and the aromatic spiciness of the rice paper sauce. Unlike conventional noodle dishes, Cao Lầu is a unique preparation method where the soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, garlic, and chili-based sauce are poured over the noodles instead of serving as a broth.
8.2. Bánh Căn: Miniature Rice Pancakes
Bánh Căn is a delicious dish, featuring miniature rice cakes cooked in small clay molds over charcoal, often enjoyed as a snack or breakfast and often paired with a rich sauce of water. Fish sauce, sugar, lemon juice, garlic and chili. These small, round Bánh Căn have an interesting combination of textures—crispy on the outside and spongy on the inside. The dough is made from rice flour, water, coconut milk, and turmeric to create a bright yellow color, creating the perfect base for a variety of fillings such as shrimp, pork, and quail eggs.
8.3. Bánh Đập: Crispy Rice Paper
Bánh Đập is a delicious Vietnamese dish, with an interesting combination of crispy rice paper between two layers of moist rice paper, accompanied by a rich sauce made from fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and chili. To enjoy Bánh Đập, start by placing a piece of rice paper on a plate and using your palm or fist to apply light pressure, break it into smaller, easier-to-hold pieces and serve with sauce.
8.4. Tofu
Tofu is a simple but delicious dessert made from fresh soy milk, sugar, and ginger syrup, served in a small bowl with a wooden spoon. The tofu pudding is smooth and creamy, with a delicate soy flavor and spicy ginger kick. It’s a perfect way to cool off on a hot day or end a meal with Hoi An’s famous dishes.
Learn more about Hoi An food at: Hoi An Food
