Hoian Old Town - the must-see destination in Vietnam
Hoi An Town is an exceptionally well-preserved trading port from the 15th to the 19th centuries. It is also known for the most atmospheric city in Vietnam, or perhaps even in the whole of Southeast Asia.
The city is full of picturesque historic houses, pagodas, assembly halls, shops and cafes... It is extremely popular to buy handmade clothing. But even if you do not want to shop, Hoi An provides a relaxing destination in an otherwise hectic country. After all, a day at the beach is just a 20-minute bike ride from the city.
The town reflects a fusion of indigenous and foreign cultures (principally Chinese and Japanese with later European influences) that combined to produce this unique survival.
5 reasons to visit Hoi An
- - Visit the most atmospheric old town of Vietnam.
- - Cycle through green rice fields through the countryside.
- - Relax on one of the beaches.
- - Explore the city in the evening with lanterns illuminating the street.
- - Take a day trip to My Son or Cham island.
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Introduction of Hoi An Ancient Town
Just downstream from Thu Bon River, Hoi An Ancient Town is located in the heart of Quang Nam Province, about 30 kilometers to the south of Da Nang City. Hoi An, Vietnam is a famous tourist attraction and an architectural relic complex.
The town's historical significance is deeply rooted in its role as a thriving trading port from the 15th to the 20th century. During this period, Hoi An Ancient Town served as a vital hub for commerce, connecting European merchants with their Asian counterparts. Traders from China, Japan, and Portugal left their indelible marks on the town through a diverse array of architectural patterns. Recognizing the exceptional value of Hoi An Old Town, UNESCO designated it as a World Cultural Heritage site in 1999. This recognition underscores the town's status as a living museum, showcasing a wide range of construction designs and urban lifestyles from around the world.
Today, Hoi An Old Town has managed to retain its original charm and character, thanks to dedicated conservation efforts. Strict regulations and guidelines have been implemented to ensure that any restoration work or new constructions maintain the town's pure and oriental medieval style. This commitment to preservation has allowed visitors to experience the ambiance of a bygone era and gain insight into the historical significance of the town. Wandering through Hoi An Old Town, visitors will encounter an array of well-preserved structures, including ancient houses, assembly halls, pagodas, and temples.
Location, opening hours, and entrance fees in Hoi An Ancient Town
If you just want to take a chill walk around the old town, enjoy Hoi An’s specialties or take beautiful pictures, there is no entrance fee. However, there are several cultural monuments that require entry tickets:
- Cultural constructions: Quan Cong Temple, Cau Bridge, etc...
- Ancient houses: Phung Hung Ancient House, Duc An Ancient House, etc...
- Church: Church of the Tran family, Church of the Nguyen family.
- Historical and Cultural Museums
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In addition, tickets also include a wide range of activities, namely folk games, street performances (every day from 7 pm to 8.30 pm), art shows (at 10.15 am and 3.15 pm daily). The ticket prices for Vietnamese and foreigners differ, which are 80,000 VND/person and 120,000 VND/person respectively.
Don’t hesitate to buy tickets as the experience will provide deep insights of the town’s history. Moreover, the money contributes to the repair and preservation of the old town for future generations.
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Japanese Covered Bridge (Chua Cau)
Your trip to Hoi An Ancient Town will be incomplete if you miss out on the Japanese Covered Bridge, one of the most alluring attractions in Hoi An. Also known as Japanese Temple, the Covered Bridge is located adjacent to Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street and Tran Phu Street. The bridge is an excellent example of traditional Eastern architecture. Despite being built by Japanese merchants around the middle of the 16th century, through restoration, the Japanese Covered Bridge has become a harmonic architectural combination between Vietnamese, Japanese and Chinese cultures.
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From the distance, the Covered Bridge stands out with a rainbow-like softly curved roof brightening up a corner of the ancient yet modern, quiet yet vibrant old town. The entire pagoda and bridge are made of vermilion wood, carved with many meticulous Japan-infused details. In the evening, when the lanterns are lit up, the bridge’s shadow is imprinted on the water surface, shimmering in the midst of the hustle and bustle of Hoi An.
Assembly Halls
1. Cantonese Assembly HallBuilt in 1885, the Cantonese Assembly Hall is located in the center of old town Hoi An. This assembly hall is a harmonious blend of materials of wood and stone. This place conserves many ceramic artifacts, which simulate and document the cultural life of the Cantonese community in Hoi An.
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2. Trieu Chau Assembly HallTrieu Chau Assembly Hall was built by the Chaozhou community in 1845 to worship the god Phuc Ba for safe voyage and smooth sailing. Architectural motifs are decorated according to the folk legends, many of which are embossed with porcelain.
Among the 5 ancient assembly halls, Fujian, located at 46 Tran Phu, is the largest and most well-known. Visitors tend to light large incense rings and often hang wishing paper sheets to pray for health and fortune. The Hall was granted a national historical - cultural relic certification (February 17, 1990), adorning Hoi An ancient urban architecture.
Hoian Ancient houses
1. Tan Ky Old HouseThis was the first house to be honored as a national heritage site and is also frequently visited by various governors. Over centuries, even after the historic flood of 1964, the ancient house remains miraculously intact. The wooden East Asian-inspired decorative patterns in the house are delicately carved, indicating the exchange between different architectural styles.
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2. Phung Hung Old HouseThe house is completely built of expensive ironwood, bearing a traditional beauty and displaying the owner's well-off life. Phung Hung Old House is the guardian of the rich knowledge about the merchants’ lifestyle in Hoi An old trading port. This ancient house was granted the certificate of historical - cultural relic in June 1993.
3. Quang Thang HouseBuilt approximately around 300 years ago, Quang Thang House is definitely one of the oldest houses in Hoi An Ancient Town. Walking in, you can easily notice stunning wood carvings of peacocks and flowers on the walls. Those sculptures are the products of the Kim Bong carpentry village’s craftsmen, who are renowned for their sophisticated craftsmanship of the Hue garden houses.
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4. Tran Family ChapelThe Tran Family Chapel is one of the famous destinations of Hoi An with its well-preserved antiquated garden architecture, exquisite decoration, intricate details and numerous valuable antique artifacts. The Chapel is a harmonious and unique mix of 3 different architecture styles: Japanese - Chinese - Vietnamese. For history-enthusiast, a visit to the Tran Family Chapel will be absolutely remarkable as the atmosphere and tradition of history are imbued in the relics of the Tran Family.
Hoian Sacred temples
1. Quan Cong TempleQuan Cong Temple, also known as Kong Pagoda, is one of the biggest Hoi An tourist destinations with great spiritual and religious significance. Tourists are captivated by the extraordinary classical Chinese-influenced architecture of the temple. The ancient shrine with mossy tiled roof has vividly portrayed the traditional charm of cultural heritage in Hoi An.
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2. Ba Mu PagodaSince its renovation, Ba Mu Pagoda has become one of the most popular check-in locations. Situated right in the heart of Ancient Town Hoi An, the pagoda is endowed with exquisitely carved golden walls, bunches of flowers blooming with shimmering colors, a clear lake reflecting the aquarium-blue sky. Blessed with antique charm and an open space, the pagoda is the perfect background for visitors to take impressive photos.
3. Minh Huong PagodaMinh Huong Pagoda is a place of ancestor worship for Chinese people living in Hoi An. It is the only remaining Buddhist temple in the heart of Ancient Town Hoi An. It preserves substantially intact wooden sculptures carved by the artisans of Hoi An Kim Bong carpentry village.
Hoi An's Central Market
Unlike the calmness and tranquility of the old town, Hoi An's Central Market is a distinct highlight of the ancient town, attracting a large number of tourists thanks to its bustling and lively atmosphere. The Market itself is divided into several areas for fresh seafood, vegetables, fruits, souvenirs... but perhaps the most appealing place must be the food court. Here, visitors will have the chance to try various delicacies of Central Vietnam cuisine such as Cao lau, Quang noodles, etc.
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Hoian Museum of Culture
Hoi An Museum of Cultural History is the living proof of a once prosperous trading port. Built in 1989, the museum displays over 434 original artifacts and documents made of diverse materials like ceramics, bronze, iron, wood, paper, etc.
The museum is like a film carefully recording historical events of the heritage land. It continuously keeps track and witnesses the human, cultural and historical developments of Hoi An Ancient Town since its early days, from when it was a busy harbor to today - when it is a famous tourist destination.
So, after walking around Hoi An Ancient Town, you should visit the museum and immerse yourself in the flow of history to fully embrace Hoi An.
What to eat: Must-eat foods in Hoi An Old Town
1. Banh mi - The most famous Vietnamese street foodDespite being a common household dish, Hoi An's Banh Mi has a very distinct taste, so much that it is considered as "the best bread in the world". Among many, Banh Mi Phuong is the most popular food shop. The menu here is extremely diverse with more than 20 different fillings: burgers, spring rolls, pate, chicken with avocado and salad... However, the selling point of these small bread loaves is the special homemade sauce. Each loaf costs around 20,000 - 40,000 VND depending on the fillings.
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2. Quang noodles - A signature dish of Hoi An cuisineQuang noodles is believed to be the "soul" of Da Nang and Quang Nam cuisine. The perfect combination of soft rice flour noodles, delicious chicken with rich broth is what makes this dish irresistible. The price for each bowl is about 15,000 - 25,000 VND.
Cao Lau has a Chinese-influenced taste with golden noodles, topped with char siu, deep-fried pork skin, and bean sprouts, drizzled with a bit of gravy. Chilling on the balcony watching Hoi An streets with a bowl of Cao Lau in front of you is truly an unforgettable culinary experience that only Hoi An can bring to visitors. Relatively more expensive compared to other dishes, a bowl of Cao Lau costs about 30,000 - 60,000 VND.
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4. Chicken rice - A tasty Vietnamese food in Hoi An styleThe taste of Hoi An chicken rice is one-of-a kind thanks to its special sauce. The light yellow sticky rice grains, delicious chicken with sweet and sour pickled salads never fail to amaze diners. With only 20,000 VND, you can order a delicious Hoi An shredded chicken rice dish.
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5. Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese Pancake)Tourists are captivated by the crispy golden pancake and the savory flavour of fresh shrimp and meat filling. The sauce is a mixture of rich soy sauce and fragrant peanuts, which can please even the most demanding customers. It will usually cost you 10,000 - 20,000 VND/serving.
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Source: from vinpearl.com
