Hoi An is a city in Central Vietnam, about 20km south of Da Nang city. Hoi An is also a coastal city, with the Thu Bon River flowing along the city center creating an ancient and charming urban area. And is where Hoi An Ancient Town was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage in 1999.
1. Chua Cau (Temple Bridge)
Chua Cau, also known as Temple Bridge, is one of Hoi An’s most iconic landmarks. It was built in the 16th century by Japanese merchants who settled in the town, as a way to connect their neighborhood with the Chinese neighborhood across the Thu Bon River. The bridge has a wooden structure, a tiled roof, and a special architectural style: above is the pagoda, and below is the bridge. Inside the pagoda worships Northern Emperor Tran Vo, the god who governs the country. On both sides of the bridge, there are statues of monkeys and dogs. The bridge is a symbol of cultural exchange and harmony between the Japanese-Vietnamese and Chinese communities in Hoi An.
Address: 186 Tran Phu Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An Ancient Town
2. Assembly Halls in Hoi An Ancient Town
Heritage buildings in Hoi An Ancient Town, open from 7 A.M to 5 P.M
Entrance ticket to Hoi An Ancient Town: 120,000 VND
Among the many attractions in the old town, Hoi An Assembly Hall is one of the most impressive and attractive. This is where the Chinese ethnic groups in Hoi An gather to worship ancestors, gods, and heroes as well as conduct social and cultural activities. There are five main assembly halls in Hoi An, each with its style and characteristics:
2.1 Quang Dong Assembly Hall: This hall was founded in 1885 by the Cantonese people and is dedicated to Guang Cong, a revered general in Chinese history. The main hall has a majestic gate, a spacious yard, and a colorful altar with statues of Guan Cong and his guardians. The hall also displays several antiques such as bronze bells, bronze, and stone steles.
Address: 176 Tran Phu Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An Ancient Town
2.2 Phuc Kien Assembly Hall: This hall was founded in 1697 by the Fujian Chinese and worshiped Thien Hau, the goddess of the sea. The main hall has a splendid facade, a peaceful garden, and a magnificent altar with a large statue of Thien Hau and her assistants. The hall also displays several artifacts such as boat models, ceramic dragons, and stone turtles.
Address: 46 Tran Phu Street, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An Ancient Town
2.3 Hai Nam Assembly Hall: This hall was built by Hainan Chinese in 1875 and dedicated to 108 Chinese merchants in Hoi An. The hall has a simple but elegant design, with stone stele, bronze bells, and an altar with portraits of martyrs.
Address: 10 Tran Phu Street, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An Ancient Town
2.4 Trieu Chau Assembly Hall: This hall was built by the Chinese in Chaozhou in 1845 and worships general Fubo, a legendary figure in Chaozhou folklore. The main hall has a prominent entrance, a fish pond, and a splendid altar with statues of Phuc Ba and a dragon-horse. The hall also exhibits several crafts such as wood carving, lacquer, and embroidery.
Address: 362 Nguyen Duy Hieu Street, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An Ancient Town
3. Ancient Houses in Hoi An Ancient Town
Heritage buildings in Hoi An Ancient Town, open from 7 A.M to 5 P.M
Entrance ticket to Hoi An Ancient Town: 120,000 VND
Another attraction of Hoi An Ancient Town is the ancient houses that reflect the diverse and sophisticated architectural styles of the old town. These houses were built by wealthy merchants and traders living and working in Hoi An, demonstrating the influence of Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese culture. Some of the most notable ancient houses in Hoi An are:
3.1 Phung Hung Ancient House: This house was built in 1780 by a Vietnamese merchant and is a fine example of a merchant house in Hoi An. The house has two floors, with a shop on the ground floor and living areas on the upper floor. The house has a wooden frame, a tiled roof, and a balcony with carved railings. The house also displays several furniture, utensils, and documents belonging to the original owner and his descendants.
Address: 4 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An Ancient Town
3.2 Tan Ky Ancient House: This house was built by a Vietnamese merchant in the early 19th century and is a typical example of a merchant house in Hoi An. The house has three parts, the front is the shop, the storage area is in the middle and the living area is in the back. The most valuable artifact displayed in the ancient house is the “Confucius Cup”, dated 550 to 600 years ago, associated with ancient stories about Confucius, and is a “unique” cup. In Vietnam, extremely rare.
Address: 101 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An Ancient Town
4. Thanh Ha Pottery Village
Thanh Ha Pottery Village is a traditional craft village that has been producing ceramics for more than 500 years. The village is located about 3 km from Hoi An and is a great place to learn about the history and culture of pottery making in Vietnam. You can visit Vietnam’s largest ceramic park, witness artisans at work, and try your hand at clay shaping. The village also has a ceramic museum displaying many types of ceramics from different periods and regions.
Address: Pham Phan Street, Thanh Ha Ward, Hoi An City
Opening hours: 8:30 A.M to 4:30 P.M
Entrance ticket: 35,000 VND
5. Tra Que Vegetable Village
Tra Que Vegetable Village specializes in growing organic vegetables and herbs for local markets and restaurants. The village is located about 2 km from Hoi An and is a great place to experience rural life and Vietnamese cuisine. You can join farmers in their daily activities such as tilling the soil, watering plants, and harvesting crops. You can also join a cooking class and enjoy a delicious meal with fresh ingredients from the village. Tra Que Vegetable Village is a relaxing and interesting place to visit in Hoi An. You can admire the village’s greenery and scenery, learn about the village’s farming and cooking methods, and sample its delicious and healthy dishes.
Address: Cam Ha Commune, Hoi An City
Opening hours: 8 A.M to 5 P.M
Entrance ticket: 20,000 VND
6. Hoi An Silk Village
Hoi An Silk Village is a cultural village that has existed for more than 300 years, a place to preserve and promote Hoi An silk industry. The village is located about 1 km from Hoi An Ancient Town and is an attractive place to explore the history and art of silk weaving in Vietnam. You can follow each development process of silkworms, mulberry trees, silk growing, weaving, and dyeing. You can learn the difference between Vietnamese and Champa silk weaving.
Address: 28 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, Cam Pho Ward, Hoi An,
Opening hours: 8 A.M to 9 P.M
Entrance ticket: 50,000 VND
7. Kim Bong Carpentry Village
Kim Bong Carpentry Village is a traditional craft village that has produced wooden furniture and handicrafts for many centuries. The village located across the Hoi An River is a great place to admire the skills and creativity of carpenters. You can see workshops, tools, and products such as tables, chairs, cabinets, and statues. You can also learn how to carpentry and have the people at the wood workshop test your ability to create wooden furniture. Kim Bong Carpentry Village is a smart and artistic tourist destination in Hoi An. You can admire the quality and diversity of wood, learn about its history and culture, and experience its design and innovation.
Address: Trung Ha Village, Cam Kim Commune, Hoi An City
Opening hours: Free
Entrance ticket: Free
8. Bay Mau Coconut Forest
Bay Mau Coconut Forest is a natural landscape that brings peaceful and quiet beauty. The forest is located about 5 km from Hoi An, with an area of about 7 hectares. You can explore the forest by basket boat, kayak or bicycle and admire the water, trees and sky. You can visit the Bay Mau Coconut Forest by riding a basket boat on the water, watching basket dances and even asking the basket driver to spin the basket boat for you. You can also visit the fishing village and coconut candy factory nearby.
Address: 2 Cluster, Can Nhan Village, Cam Thanh Commune, Hoi An City
Opening times: 7:00 A.M to 7:00 P.M
Experience Tickets: 100,000 VND – 150,000 VND
