“UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999 Japanese Covered Bridge (Chùa Cầu) Lantern Festival on the Thu Bon River Unique architecture combining Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and European styles Traditional crafts and local cuisine”
Hoi An Ancient Town has a history dating back over 2,000 years, originally part of the ancient Champa Kingdom. From the 15th to 19th centuries, it flourished as a major Southeast Asian trading port, connecting merchants from China, Japan, India, Arabia, and Europe.
Its architecture reflects a unique cultural fusion, with two-story wooden houses, tiled roofs, and narrow streets decorated with traditional lanterns. Many of these structures have remained intact since the 17th and 18th centuries, offering a vivid glimpse into the town’s past.
Major landmarks include the Japanese Covered Bridge (Chùa Cầu), Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, and Tan Ky Ancient House, each representing different facets of Hoi An’s multicultural heritage. After the late 19th century, Hoi An’s importance declined as Da Nang became the main trading port, but this isolation helped preserve its old-world charm.
Today, Hoi An is a living heritage city, harmoniously blending tourism with daily local life. Visitors can explore the riverside market, taste local delicacies such as Cao Lau noodles and White Rose Dumplings, or cycle through nearby rice fields and villages.
At night, Hoi An transforms into a magical scene filled with colorful lanterns, traditional music, and boats floating with candle-lit wishes—creating one of Vietnam’s most romantic and culturally rich atmospheres.
How to Get There
- Fly to Da Nang International Airport (around 30 km away) and take a taxi or shuttle to Hoi An. Within the old town, walking and cycling are the best ways to explore.
Travel Tips
- Visit between March and May for pleasant weather.
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Don’t miss the monthly Lantern Festival.
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Avoid the rainy season (October–January).
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Join a lantern-making workshop or cooking class.
Admission Fee
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Vietnamese visitors: around 80,000 VND
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Foreign visitors: around 120,000 VND
(includes access to 5 heritage sites such as old houses, the Japanese Bridge, and museums)
Opening Hours
- Heritage attractions open daily 08:00 – 17:00.
Public areas are open 24 hours.