2 days
Photo: Steffen Schmitz, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsHoi An Ancient Town
Central Vietnam · UNESCO World Heritage
Hoi An was one of Southeast Asia's great trading ports from the 15th to the 19th centuries, visited by merchants from China, Japan and Europe. When the river silted up, trade moved on and the town was left almost untouched, which is why its old streets survive today as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
By day it is a pleasure to wander; in the evening, with lanterns glowing over the streets and the river, it is one of the most atmospheric places in Asia.
What to see
- The Japanese Covered Bridge. The town's symbol, a small roofed bridge with a temple inside.
- Assembly halls. Ornate halls built by Chinese merchant communities, such as the Fujian (Phuc Kien) hall.
- Old merchant houses. Wooden family homes that mix Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese styles.
- The riverside at night. Float a candle lantern on the Thu Bon River, especially on monthly lantern nights.
Tips
- You don't need a ticket to walk the streets, only to enter the heritage sites.
- Go early in the morning for quiet streets and soft light.
- See our Hoi An guide for lantern night dates, tailors and day trips.
Where it is
Multi-day tours that visit Hoi An Ancient Town
Every tour here includes Hoi An Ancient Town in its itinerary. Best rated first.
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5 daysDa Nang
5-Day Explore Central Vietnam | Da Nang Hoi An Hue and Phong Nha
5.0(5)Free cancellation
from$559
Combine it with
My Son Sanctuary
UNESCORuined brick temples of the Cham kingdom in a jungle valley, an easy trip from Hoi An.
Visitor guide →Hai Van Pass
A winding mountain road over the sea between Hue and Da Nang, with some of Vietnam's best coastal views.
Visitor guide →Hue Imperial City
UNESCOThe walled citadel and palaces of the Nguyen emperors, with royal tombs along the Perfume River.
Visitor guide →Helpful planning guides
- Typhoon and flood season in Vietnam: when, where and how to plan →Central Vietnam floods most years in October and November; storms can stop Ha Long Bay cruises from July to September. A month by month risk table and how to plan around it.
- Hoi An guide: lantern nights, tailors, beaches and when to go →Vietnam's most charming town: a lantern lit old port, tailors, beaches and countryside. Lantern night dates, what to do, when to go and how long to stay.
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Hoi An Ancient Town: questions
How much is the Hoi An Ancient Town ticket?
120,000 VND for foreign visitors, which gives entry to five heritage sites from a list of around twenty. Check the current price locally, as fees can change.
How long should I spend in Hoi An?
Three nights is ideal for the old town, a tailor, a cooking class, the beach and a trip to My Son.