Interesting places to visit inside Hoi An Old 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
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.
Update your Instagram feed with pictures taken at the Japanese Covered Bridge (Source: Collected)
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.
Update your Instagram feed with pictures taken at the Japanese Covered Bridge (Source: Collected)
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.
Update your Instagram feed with pictures taken at the Japanese Covered Bridge (Source: Collected)
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.
Update your Instagram feed with pictures taken at the Japanese Covered Bridge (Source: Collected)
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.
