Hoi An Ancient Town Attractions

A General View of Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An Ancient Town is a world heritage site where visitors can see the best-preserved trading town dating back from 15^th century. Ever drawn merchants from all over the world, now traces of Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese are most numerous. There are old bridges, houses, temples, pagodas, assembly halls, markets, family chapels, memorials and wells. More than any others, the town has over 1,100 houses built by bricks, tiles and timber. Much of which become shophouses, eating and drinking venues to serve millions of tourists yearly. The most sophisticated architecture is in five assembly halls which rich Chinese merchants used their money to build.

Generally, a visitor experience is around 5 major streets, namely Tran Phu, Nguyen Thai Hoc, Bach Dang, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai and Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa. On the opposite riverbank, Nguyen Hoang has a vibrant night market and Nguyen Phuc Chu is lined by pubs and bars. See all sightseers need to know about Hoi An’s Old Town in our comprehensive guide, via centralvietnamguide.com/hoi-an-old-town.

Hoi An Ancient Town Attractions – Our Top Ten

Japanese Covered Bridge – The Emblem

This wooden bridge was built by the Japanese and rebuilt by the Chinese in 17^th century, to connect the towns of each nationality. Behind the road passage, a Taoist temple is also added, to pray for good weather and richness. During 2-years construction, artisans from Kim Bong carpentry village are responsible for the works. Because of being unique and old, it became the emblem of the Hoi An Ancient Town world heritage. On the 20,000 VND, visitors can see it. Read full information in our article via centralvietnamguide.com/japanese-bridge-hoi-an.

Fujian Assembly Hall – Best Assembly Hall

Built in 17^th century by the Chinese community from Fujian province, this is the largest among 5 assembly halls in Hoi An. Its beautifully-decorated main gate (three-arched) is one of the most photographed spots. In the central shrine, Mazu or Goddess of the Sea is worshipped. Community members believe that she patronizes their long boat journey and advantages in business. See everything about Fukian temple in our separate guide via centralvietnamguide.com/fujian-assembly-hall-hoi-an.

Precious Heritage By Réhann – Best Art Gallery

Opened without an entrance fee, this art gallery is founded by Rehann, a French photographer living in Hoi An. He travels around the city and country, to capture the most beautiful moments as he can. His amazing albums and individual photos are exhibited in its first space. The rest of the house is dedicated to showcase traditional costumes of nearly all ethnicities, some have a population of a few hundred people. Description of each costume is written on a board, and how the French photographer sees it is also told. Folk songs are always around. Thanks to its unique collection and perfect exhibition, the Precious Heritage is a top choice to see in town.

The Central Market – Lively Scene of Locals

From early morning to the evening, spaces inside and outside of the Central market provide lively scenes of local life. By the river, fishers load their seafood in the first lights of the day. In later hours, female sellers come with such a diverse and colorful collection of fresh foods, from meats, vegetables, spices, fruits and more. They wear a conical hat on the head and a carrying pole on the shoulders. Under the tiled roof, food courts are busy with makers and goers who are seeking for delicious dishes. In the evening, the surrounding of the market is filled by street food and souvenir stalls, keeping the atmosphere lively. No matter which aims, visitting, eating or shopping, this attraction is worth it to go to. Read further information in our guide to Hoi An’s markets.

Old House of Tan Ky – Best Preserved Heritage House

Built in the end of 18^th century, this ancient Tan Ky’s house looks Nguyen Thai Hoc St and its back gate opens to the quay. It is so convenient for loading and off-loading of the goods, and selling them. The architecture of the house is influenced by three cultures: Vietnamese, Japanese and Chinese. In the living room, expensive mother-of-pearl furniture and rich objects are equipped. Here, one of the family members introduces to the guests who are having a cup of hot tea on their hands. In the back, the level of the flood in years is seen. We recommend reading our own article for the Old House of Tan Ky to know more details.

Hoi An Night Market – Street Food Mecca

This exciting nightlife spot is one of the best attractions in Hoi An Ancient Town. It includes over 150 stalls where street food, souvenirs, lanterns, handicraft products and more, are sold. Just about things to eat, there are so many options to sample, including local food specialties. Lantern shops here is another highlight, noted by most instagrammers because of its perfect background for social media pictures. Browse our article centralvietnamguide.com/hoi-an-night-market if you want to know more details.

Bach Dang Riverfront

No doors and fences, this “attraction” is among the best spots to see the sunset everyday. Venues lining its left side all can provide a seat with cold drinks. After the sun disappears, hundreds of lanterns are lit up and colorful lantern boats move around, giving the waterfront such a mesmerizing scene. That’s an epic postcard that all travelers are seeking to see.

One of Hoi An’s Museums

Most museums in Hoi An are located in the Old Town, so selecting one (or more) will help visitors understand more local history and culture. The largest is the Hoi An Museum, exhibiting over 800 artifacts and other themes in trade ceramics, traditional medicine, Sa Huynh culture and folklore. Up to what you are interested in, go and know better. To know details of every place, read our article about Hoi An’s Museums.

Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House

At 66 Bach Dang, visitors use their Hoi An Old Town ticket to watch Vietnamese folk performances here. There are several times in the day that artists are on the stage and entertain the audience sitting below. The highlight is Tuong, aka Vietnamese classic opera. During its own part, the performers step out with colorful costumes and each has a different make up (mask) with a specific attitude on the face. Stories they try to tell the viewers are mainly what happened in history. This attraction is the top choice, because more than anywhere else, a stunning culture show is cheap and featured equally.

Hoi An Lune Center – Best Host of Culture Shows

After gaining many international awards, the Lune Production came to Hoi An and its first show debuted in 2018. From the Old town, visitors can see the full-moon theatre on the opposite bank where performances occur. It’s possible to expect an experience that brings fabulous content, talented artists and great background music to the audience. The scenes depict different slices of Vietnamese life, no matter where.

Hoi An Old Town Ticket – Included Attractions

The Official List

Around the lantern streets, there are 21 places where a Hoi An Old Town ticket allows an entry to them. Name, address and opening hours are all shown in the table below. Don’t forget to see the map for a better visualization. Use it to explore the town when holding the ticket in your hands.

Note: The museums close one day a month for preservation of artifacts. The old house may not open their doors in the noon time, because the owner’s family wants to have lunch and rest. In the evening, if there are not many tourists, some attractions close earlier than official time, should visit before 7.  

Dress Code and Ticket Check

Visitors are advised to wear respectively if they would like to come in and visit religious buildings, like temples, pagodas and assembly halls. There are not many rules, just ensure that the shirt covers armpits, navel and is not made of see-through fabric, and the pants need to be longer than knees. In addition, it’s necessary to remove the sunglasses, hat or cap or umbrella, to express the veneration to the gods.

In the Hoi An Old Town ticket, the right-hand part includes 5 boxes of “sightseeing places” and in each attraction, the checkers will cut one by scissor. When all boxes are cut, still keep the ticket to avoid purchasing again to enter the town. The second ticket has the same price and policy.   

Places for the First Ticket – Our Choice

A Hoi An Old Town ticket covers the entry to 5 places and its validity expires when the holders leave the city. No matter planning to sightsee all in a trip or one by one in a couple of days, the best top five is always the find. Local guides recommend this quintet for the first ticket: (1) Japanese Covered Bridge (2) Fukian Assembly Hall (3) Old House of Tan Ky, (4) Traditional Art Performance House and (5) A Museum. Three first buildings are unique or best preserved of its kind, and a culture show definitely brings a different experience. If you don’t prefer museums, choose Cantonese Assembly Hall near the old bridge as a replacement.  

Hoi An Ancient Town Attractions for Instagrammers

Ba Mu Temple Gate Hoi An

This antique remains were restored in 2019, and now is one of Instagramer’s hot spots in Hoi An Ancient Town. Thanks to being a part of the grandest temple, its architecture is a really nice backdrop of pictures. During the evening, lights turn on and the three-arched gate becomes impressive. In the front, there is a lovely water lily pond. Facing the Hai Ba Trung Rd, it’s convenient for visitors to get to.  

Hoi An Vibes Only

This is actually a pink wall with arty words “Hoi An Vibes Only”, with cactus in the front. The owner’s shop, the Sunday in Hoi An, allows visitors to visit and photograph for free. Its address is 76 Tran Phu.

Hoi An Lantern Shop

No instagrammers miss out lantern shops in Hoi An Ancient Town because the colorful lighting lanterns there, together create a perfect background for social media pictures. In addition, the lantern is the best reminder about the town, so a photo with it allows an easy memory. On ordinary days, visitors can come to the night market in Nguyen Hoang St. During the full moon, the Lantern festival is held, providing so many opportunities to photograph.

Mieu Ngu Hanh Thuong (Temple)

Facing the river, this is a sacred temple near An Hoi Bridge. Small but colorful, it becomes an attention for visitors who are seeking nice photos for social media.

Hoi An Ancient Town Attractions at Night

Nguyen Hoang Night Market

After the sun disappears, crowds of tourists move from lantern-lit quarters to this stunning place. It has over 150 stalls of food and souvenirs, stretching along a 300-meters-long street. Foodies love to come here because there are many yummy dishes to try, from local specialties to South-east Asian eats with a not expensive price. Not only a place to buy gifts, lantern shops are “attractions” where many pedestrians must have a picture at least. The colorful lanterns together are a delightful and lively backdrop, indeed. To continue the fun-filled experience, it’s easy to see a pub, bar or live music in the surroundings. Lantern boats are always ready to board in the nearby quays. Going to visit the Night market, read our travel guide to know everything about it, via centralvietnamguide.com/hoi-an-night-market.

The Pub Street

Riverside Nguyen Phuc Chu Rd has many pubs and bars, so it’s nicknamed “the Pub Street”. When walking across the Ancient town, staff from different venues give the pedestrians the promotion paper. Allowed to be open until midnight only, but that provides a fun nightlife, with affordably-priced drinks, trendy music, social atmosphere and games. If coming to unwind, the outside or balcony seatings are definitely good choices to get a cool beer and view the shimmering views down the river. Read more information in our article via centralvietnamguide.com/hoi-an-night-life.

Bai Choi Stage

Near the An Hoi bridge, this place provides open-air performances of Bai Choi, a game and folk tradition occuring every spring. It’s a form of entertainment for locals staying in the countryside. Players sit in the bamboo huts, and the host will sing, dance and tell who is the winner. Visitors can witness and photograph during the Unesco-listed intangible heritage occuring.

Hoi An Ancient Town Attractions for Family

Hoi An Impression Theme Park

Occupying an island on Thu Bon river, this amusement park opens from 5 to 9 p.m every except Tuesday. Nearly all visitors come to it because of the Hoi An Memories Show, the largest outdoor visual art show in Vietnam. If purchasing a show ticket, entry to the park is free. The families can expect stunning performances of artists like dancing or singing, and group of buildings theming in some famous cultures. Food, drink and souvenir shops are also seen. All are just to ensure members of the family keep entertained throughout the night. Read our article to know more information about the Hoi An Impression (and others), via centralvietnamguide.com/hoi-an-amusement-park.

Hai Cafe Hoi An

Hai Café is a restaurant and also cooking school where your family can book an experience in the evening. Now, it’s only. Lasting over an hour, all members will learn how to make several Hoi An local dishes, such as white rose dumplings or fried wonton. In addition to new recipes, little ones have a chance to learn cooking skills like chopping, grating, slicing, crushing and more. After the class, the family can sit together and taste the dishes just made, and share what each person thinks. More than a dinner, this activity gives a fun time and education.

Read also: Ultimate guide to Hoi An’s cooking classes

Hoi An Ancient Town Attractions for Kids

The Timming Mask

Your beloved little ones can choose to learn all stages to make a mask, or paint one by their own way with favourite colors. Phong Bui, the owner and one of the last mask-making artisans, will give instruction. It takes about 1 to 1,5 hours to fully experience and the parents can book both options on all days of the week. 

Temples and Pagodas in Hoi An Ancient Town

Read also: Hoi An’s Temples and Pagodas

Quan Cong Temple Hoi An

Constructed in 17^th century, this temple is one of the most sacred edifices to Vietnamese Chinese people today. In the front of the Central market, it’s dedicated to worship of Quan Cong, a legendary military general living from 198 to 249. When Hoi An gets its golden age in international trading, merchants come here to pray because they think he will bless their business. Annually, they and locals hold a festival that is still seen today. In the back, there is a Vietnamese pagoda honouring the Lady Buddha.

Phap Bao Pagoda

This old pagoda is the largest of its kind in the heart of Hoi An Ancient Town. It’s newly renovated in 2000, and now plays the role of headquarter of the local Buddhist association. In the main hall, Sakyamuni, Gautama and Maitreya (three Buddhas) are worshipped, and altars of Bodhisattva and Mahasthamaprapta are on either side.

The Confucius Temple

Built in 1961 and 1962 in the northwest of the Japanese Covered Bridge, this construction is for worship of Confucius and veneration of education. Damaged several times in its lifetime, it’s largely renovated in 2005. Current architecture is grand, featuring beautifully-crafted mosaic works. On the other side of Tran Hung Dao Rd, a tower is placed in the middle of a pond.

Hoi An Old Town’s Attractions that Give Back

The Reaching Out

The Reaching Out is a social enterprise established in 2000, aiming to provide the opportunities for local disabilities to learn skills and have jobs. At this time, there are up to 70 staff working together in two venues: the Reaching Out Teahouse and Reaching Out Arts and Crafts. In the first place, the guests are required to not talk during the visit, making it become an extremely calm oasis. The shop sells beautifully-handcrafted jewelries, teas and coffees and living items from dining, bedding to home décor. Tours and workshops are available to book and experience here too.

Read also: Hoi An Old Town Souvenir, Handicraft Workshops in Hoi An 

Hoi An Ancient Town Tour and Tour Guide

Hoi An Tour Guide

Hoi An Ancient Town is a world heritage site inscribed by Unesco in 1999. Plenty of buildings are built throughout its long history, at least from 15^th century. So, traveling with a local guide is needed, of course, a knowledgeable and English-fluent guide. During the visit plan recommended by him/her, the visitors will share lots of stories and knowledge, in each attraction and while walking around. Not only things to see, stunning activities, events and experiences are also included. There is no other ways to save time and fully understand the town, as same as being accompanied with a guide. A half day is a common duration.

Looking for a good Hoi An tour guide? We may help to contact, but first of all, let us know your requirements via whatsapp +84968009827 and email centralvietnamguide@gmail.com.

Tours

A half-day or full-day tour to explore Hoi An Ancient Town is popular, easy to book now, in both Da Nang and Hoi An cities. If staying over in the City of Bridges, should choose a day trip because of the quite long distance. In which, it’s possible to trek the Marble Mountains, learn local farming skills in Tra Que vegetable village, get a basket boat ride in Cam Thanh coconut village, to fill the free time outside of the Unesco heritage. For Hoi An’s stayers, it is not difficult to include all of that. Some travelers like to discover My Son Sanctuary and Hoi An town on the same day.

Each traveler has his/her own requirements and liking, so Hoi An ancient town tour is diverse. You can read our article just for this topic here, to find out suitable ones. To save time, contact us via whatsapp number +84968009827 or email centralvietnamguide@gmail.com.