Hoi An Ancient Town

Nestled along central Vietnam's Thu Bon River, Hoi An Ancient Town is a perfectly preserved slice of history that has dazzled visitors since the 1980s. Just 30 km south of Da Nang and part of Quang Nam province, Hoi An was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 due to its incredibly well-maintained architecture, vibrant scenery, and unique multicultural flair.

Once an exclusive 16th-20th century trading port between European and Asian merchants, Hoi An today retains the old-world oriental beauty of past centuries. The town boasts over 2,000 historic sites, with buildings, streets, rooftops and alleyways exhibiting a fusion of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and Portuguese styles.

Price

1,500,000 VND - 2,000,000 VND

Budget 64 $ - 85 $

Address located in the heart of Quang Nam province, about 30 kilometers to the south of Da Nang city

Hours and Fees

Architectural Attractions

Every street corner, temple, community hall and bridge in Hoi An Old Town exemplifies over two centuries of Southeast Asian trading and foreign interactions.

At the peak of its trading history from the 16th to 18th centuries, Hoi An attracted merchant ships from China, Japan, Portugal and beyond. This fostered unusually diverse settlers and visitors compared to other Vietnamese regions.

The Chinese built grand meeting halls for networking and prayer. Japanese traders focused more on the economic than spiritual, introducing innovations like the Covered Bridge with its unique pagoda-style look. Portuguese missionary architecture fused European baroque with Vietnamese elements as both cultures learned from each other.

This blend survived eras of power struggles between groups and remains evident today in everything from temple motifs to cuisine traces of foreign spices and cooking methods. By the 19th century, the Vietnamese culture absorbed the varied highlights into a cohesive local style and identity - an architectural fusion still unique in the region.

Chinese Assembly Halls

Among the most visually striking heritage sites are the ornate Chinese Assembly Halls scattered throughout Hoi An's Old Town. These vibrant temples served as gathering places, houses of worship and displays of wealth for the Cantonese, Fujianese and other Chinese trade groups active in Hoi An over the centuries.

The Cantonese Assembly Hall dates back to 1785 with much of its structure remarkably intact. Visitors enter under a grand triple-arched portal painted in gold leaf and red lacquer. Beyond lies an open courtyard centered around an immense ironwood statue of Quan Cong - a Chinese general revered for loyalty and integrity. His red face conveys a sense of divine presence. Surrounding aisles showcase delicate Cantonese crafts of carved camphor wood cabinets, porcelain vases painted with botanical motifs, and artistic black and white photographs of generations that passed through these hall.

In contrast, the understated yet lovely Fujian Assembly Hall emphasizes harmony through simple refined design. Built in 1697, its highlights include unique round windows framing views of bonsai gardens representing longevity and wisdom gained over time. The inner sanctum features an altar to Thien Hau, Goddess of the Sea and patron of Fujian sailors abroad. Intricate wood carvings depict her mythic origins alongside smaller alcoves with gilded Buddhist iconography. At night, the hall frequently hosts traditional musical concerts or martial arts presentations by the local Chinese community.

The iconic Japanese Covered Bridge

Ho An's iconic bridge dates back to the early 18th century, built by the town's prosperous Japanese community. The structure impressively fuses European and Asian aesthetics. Its covered walkway takes inspiration from Japanese curved temple rooflines while the railings have an almost Venetian arched style. Yet it remains uniquely Vietnamese in construction, made of sturdy indigenous wood enhanced by moss growth over time.

Elaborate carvings decorate the wooden frames, with playful village scenes on one side counterbalanced by four mythic creatures on the other representing seasons and inner harmony between one's environment and emotions. As both sculpture and enduring landmark, the bridge perfectly captures Hoi An's diverse cultural blending.

Precious Heritage Museum

This lovingly preserved 200-year old house offers a glimpse into traditional Vietnamese lifestyles. Built around 1810, the home typifies Hoi An's old shop-houses with living quarters upstairs and a compact sales floor below. The dark wooden exterior features shuttered windows, moss growth, and an aged patina that transports visitors back through time.

Inside, displays realistically recreate the family and business activity that once filled these walls. Curved rafters slope overhead in the welcoming shop stocked with clay pots, medicinal herbs and woven grass wares. The kitchen holds cooking utensils over a hearthfire with dangling spices, grains and dried peppers that almost perfume the air. Up the creaking staircase, mats and low beds fill small sleeping rooms while the ancestral shrine remains draped in offerings left that morning.

Chua Ong Pagoda

One of Hoi An's most sacred sites is this candlelit Chinese temple first erected in 1653 by the Fujian congregation. Tucked away from bustling streets by a willow-shaded canal, the unassuming pagoda entrance belies stunning artistry inside.

Cool dark-tiled rooms open onto a central courtyard intricately carved and painted with figures from Taoist and Buddhist lore. Winged angels swirl through the rafters while epic parables depicting warriors of virtue play out in bright colors on the panels lining each hall. In the farthest sanctum draped with holy cloth and smoke sits an elaborate altar to Thien Hau, Goddess of the Sea and protector of sailors. Towering polychrome statues portray her mythic origins alongside lesser known ocean spirits and agricultural guardians.

It remains an active place of worship for the local Chinese community. Yet the incredible folkart makes the pagoda equal parts museum showcasing treasured spiritual iconography through Vietnam's history.

Tran Family Chapel

This 19th century national heritage site exemplifies how prominent merchant families incorporated both Vietnamese and Chinese artistic elements into their homes. Built in 1802, the wooden facade's curved roof, red lacquered pillars, and engraved poetry frames follow Vietnamese imperial style. Meanwhile lively porcelain figures, calligraphy scrolls, and paintings of Chinese floral motifs reflect the owners’ ancestral culture.

The bright crimson chapel stands out boldly from narrow alley houses. Inside, original artifacts remain remarkably preserved due to respectful generations of descendants. Most eye-catching is an intricately carved gilded pulpit used by the Tran family matriarch during lunar new year rites and ancestor prayers. Surrounding the central altar, the main hall’s columns feature inscribed welcome poems from international merchants and diplomats that once gathered here to broker peppercorn deals and discuss philosophy late into the night.

Nguyen Tieu Festival House

Known as Nguyen Tieu Assembly Hall, the spacious structure traditionally hosted weddings, lunar new year celebrations, and premier music performances for locals over generations.

The mustard-bright exterior hints at festivities to come, with vibrant red and gold accents around the entrance and windows. Inside, sunlight filters through into a grand hall flanked with flowering plants, handwoven tapestries, and display cases of musical instruments awaiting their next folk orchestra. At the center soars a broad stage framed by wave-edged woodtone walls and a gently curving roof - elegant yet intimate.

In the evenings when lanterns glow and benches fill with multigenerational families, this is Hoi An’s living room. Songs passed down through centuries resound as singers perform tales of ancient kings, mythical rivers, and Vietnam's resilient spirit. The house exemplifies how communal sites anchor cultural heritage within neighborhoods across the old town. By fostering community bonds and artistic traditions, structures like this festival hall give the past presence in the present long after their initial builders are gone.

Cultural Highlights

Visitors can immerse themselves in Hoi An's multicultural heritage:

• Lantern-Making Workshops - Take a 90-minute lantern-making class at Reaching Out Viet Nam craft workshop on Nguyen Thai Hoc street. Learn how to create colorful silk lanterns engraved with poems or designs.

• Memories of Hoi An - Experiencing Quintessential Culture

To fully immerse yourself in Hoi An's blend of Vietnamese and Chinese cultural heritage, attend a performance of "Ký Ức Hội An" (The Quintessence of Hoi An).

This spectacular 90-minute show takes place every evening at 7PM and 9PM in the historic Hoi An Theater within Hoi An Ancient Town. Through colorful sets, period costumes, music and dance, talented performers recreate Hoi An's bustling past as a trading port.

Watch Chinese merchants bargain with Vietnamese traders and European visitors. Marvel at dramatic lion dances and lantern processions, as well as festive Vietnamese folk dances like the humorous hat a doi routine. Listen to musical instruments like the dan tranh zither as you are transported back through the centuries.

Visitors rave about the impressively choreographed routines, stunning visuals and lively music. Check the theater schedule at the official website as you plan an enchanting Hoi An cultural immersion.

• Morning Market - Visit Hoi An's bustling Central Market every day from 6AM-1PM. Food stalls serve up tasty local dishes like cao lầu noodles, Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches, Chinese dim sum and chè dessert.

• Folklore Shows - Attend the 50-minute cultural show at Vinh Hung Assembly Hall nightly at 7PM or 9PM. Performers in glittering costumes recreate festive Vietnamese and Chinese dances and songs.

• Fishing Village Tours - Join all-day tours to palm-shaded fishing communities located 5KM from Hoi An. Tour boats depart at 8AM daily. See locals catching fish, harvest water palmin fruit and weave baskets.

• Cookery Classes - Take Morning Glory's popular 4-hour cooking class starting at 10AM in their restaurant near Hoi An Market. Learn 5 recipes like fresh spring rolls, chicken curry and White Rose dumplings.

• Historic Homestays - For full cultural immersion, stay in 200-year old houses in Hoi An Old Town with period details. The Phuong Thao Homestay on Bach Dang street offers rooms from $35 per night.

• Night Markets - From 6PM-10PM every evening, browse souvenirs at the bustling Hoi An Artcraft Market across the river on Tran Phu St. Marvel at colorful crafts, paper lanterns, fabrics and artwork.

Savoring Iconic Cuisine

Hoi An offers a tantalizing blend of Vietnamese dishes infused with Chinese and Japanese elements. Make sure to savor these iconic local specialties:

• Cau Lau Noodles - A mouthwatering combination of thick noodles, roast pork, fresh herbs, lettuce, and crackers. This staple takes center stage at local restaurants and street food stalls across town.

  Legend traces cao lầu's origins to when the Japanese community introduced udon noodles that Vietnamese chefs adapted by hand-cutting thicker semiboiled strands. The secret ingredient remains the aromatic water drawn from one lone Cham well that gives the brothless noodles their addictive essence.

  ake the first satisfying bite of springy noodles contrasted by lettuce crunch and sweet barbecue pork slivers. Then alternately sprinkle on bean sprouts, mint, basil and a squeeze of lime as desired - cooling yet intensifying flavors in the brothless dish. Final drizzles of chili oil or hoisin sauce lend depth and spice.

• White Rose Dumplings - The bite-sized White Rose dumplings proudly live up to their graceful name at the eponymous White Rose Restaurant along Bach Dang street. Thin wheat flour skins encase a bountiful shrimp and pork filling, then get a quick deep fry resulting in crispy fritters uncannily shaped exactly like their white floral namesake.

  Dip one dumpling in the zesty dressing of garlic, sugar, lime and chili. Feel the wafer-thin wrap give way to a gush of rich minced shrimp, fatty pork and slivered black mushrooms - an umami seafood lushness in surprising contrast to the light appearance.

• Hoi An Fried Pancakes - Crispy perfumed pancakes stuffed with shrimp, pork and bean sprouts are a hit at streetfood stalls. Try them at Hoi An Night Market.

• Vietnamese Coffee - Sample the iconic dense ca phe sua da sweet milk coffee at trendy cafes like Cong Caphe on Nguyen Thai Hoc street.

• Silk Marinaded Lemongrass Skewers - Tangy, sweet and sour grilled lemongrass skewers wrapped in betel leaf make great beach snacks.

• Chicken Rice - Chicken is boiled gently in water infused with whole spices like lemongrass, ginger, star anise, and cassia bark. This keeps the flesh tender and permeates it with subtle herbal aroma - no aggressive seasonings or oiliness. Then, rice is simmered in the remaining chicken liquid so each grain absorbs depth of flavor.

  But it's the combination that sings - a plate or bowl of cơm gà holds delicate chicken either in slices or pulled into shreds lain over fragrant rice. Each bite layers spice-tinged meatiness with creamy starchy grains subtly perfumes by the chicken fat and broth.

• Thanh Ha Strawberry and Lotus Tea - The town's iconic drink combining emerald green tea, fragrant strawberries, and earthy lotus leaf into the perfect palate cleanser.

  Take your first sip and flavors bloom across the tongue - floral oolong notes swirling with strawberry nectar sweetness grounded by lotus’ herbal tone. Ice clinks gently with each drink revealing layers similar to a finessed wine. Yet the atmosphere stays quaint and cozy whether enjoying at a mosaic table indoors or amidst the streetside garden.

• Rice Wine and Liquor - Hoi An produces its own liqours like Tra Que grape wine and Vinh Tien cinnamon liquor perfect as after-dinner digestifs.

From street food bites to gourmet fare, Hoi An offers food lovers a vibrant culinary scene fused with centuries of Asian and European influences.

The balance between development and preservation is vital to maintaining the unique charm and historical significance of Hoi An Ancient City.