Hoi An Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in central Vietnam. It is a well-preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port from the 15th to the 19th century, with buildings that reflect the influences of both indigenous and foreign cultures. The town is also famous for its lanterns, silk, pottery, and cuisine.
To visit Hoi An Ancient Town, you need to buy a ticket at one of the official ticket booths located around the town. The ticket costs 120,000 VND (about 5 USD) and is valid for 24 hours. You can use the ticket to enter five of the 22 attractions in the town, such as temples, museums, old houses, and assembly halls. The ticket also includes a map and a brochure with information about the history and culture of Hoi An.
The town is open for visitors every day from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm. However, some attractions may have different opening and closing hours, so check the signs or ask the staff before entering.
The best time to visit Hoi An Ancient Town is in the early morning or late afternoon, when the weather is cooler and the crowds are smaller.
There are many ways to get to Hoi An Ancient Town from other parts of Vietnam. You can take a bus, train, or plane to Da Nang, which is the nearest city to Hoi An. From Da Nang, you can take a taxi, shuttle bus, or motorbike to Hoi An. The distance is about 30 km and the travel time is about 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can rent a bicycle or a scooter in Hoi An and explore the town at your own pace.
Some tips for visiting Hoi An Ancient Town are:
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, as you will be walking a lot.
- Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water to protect yourself from the sun and heat.
- Respect the local customs and culture. Dress modestly when entering religious sites and do not touch or take photos of sacred objects.
- Bargain politely when shopping for souvenirs or services. You can usually get a lower price if you are friendly and patient.
- Try some of the local specialties, such as cao lau (noodles with pork and herbs), banh mi (sandwich with meat and vegetables), and com ga (chicken rice).
There are many tours available for visitors who want to learn more about Hoi An Ancient Town and its surroundings. You can join a walking tour, a cycling tour, a cooking class, a lantern making workshop, or a boat trip on the Thu Bon River. You can also visit nearby attractions such as My Son Sanctuary, Cham Island, Marble Mountain, or Ba Na Hills.
Some prohibitions for visiting Hoi An Ancient Town are:
- Do not litter or damage any of the buildings or monuments.
- Do not smoke or drink alcohol in public places.
- Do not make loud noises or disturb other visitors or residents.
- Do not enter any restricted areas or private properties without permission.
Some of the most popular attractions to see in Hoi An Ancient Town are:
- Japanese Covered Bridge: A symbol of Hoi An that was built by Japanese merchants in the 16th century. It connects two sides of the town across a small canal and has a small temple inside.
- Tan Ky Old House: A typical example of a merchant’s house in Hoi An that has been preserved for seven generations. It showcases the fusion of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architectural styles and decorations.
- Phuc Kien Assembly Hall: A place of worship and community for the Chinese Fujian people who settled in Hoi An. It features a colorful facade, a courtyard with a fountain, and a main hall with statues of gods and goddesses.
- Museum of Trade Ceramics: A museum that displays ceramic artifacts from various countries that traded with Hoi An in the past. It also exhibits the history and techniques of ceramic production in Vietnam.
- Hoi An Night Market: A lively market that opens every evening along Nguyen Hoang Street. It sells various items such as lanterns, souvenirs, clothes, accessories, and street food.
