Why to visit Hoi An
Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a beautiful town located on the central coast of Vietnam. Hoi An is known for its charming mix of historical architecture, ancient temples, traditional wooden houses, and vibrant culture. Hoi An’s blend of Japanese, Chinese, and French influences makes it an exceptionally well-preserved example of an ancient Southeast Asian trading port. This city offers a perfect balance of cultural exploration, comfort, and delicious local food. Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s most popular destinations.
What’s special in Hoi An
- Ancient Town: Hoi An’s Ancient Town is a beautifully preserved area where streets are lined with lantern-lit buildings, which offers a glimpse of life from centuries ago.
- Hoi An Lantern Festival: This festival is held on the 14th day of each lunar month. It illuminates the town with colorful lanterns and creates a magical atmosphere that is worth watching.
- Tailoring Shops: Hoi An is popular for its custom-made clothing. You can have garments tailored there in as little as 24 hours.
- Delicious Cuisine: Hoi An is a paradise for foodies. It is extremely famous for local dishes such as Cao Lau, White Rose Dumplings, and Banh Mi.
- Beaches: The town also offers beautiful beaches, such as An Bang Beach, where visitors can relax and enjoy the coastal atmosphere.
Things to do in Hoi An
- Explore the Ancient Town: Walk through the narrow streets, enjoy the old architecture, and stop by the ancient temples and historical buildings.
- Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge: Japanese covered bridge is a historical landmark in Hoi An. It dates back to the 18th century and is a symbol of the town’s multicultural heritage.
- Lantern Festival: If you visit Hoi An during the full moon, make sure to witness the magic of the Lantern Festival. During this festival time, the whole town is beautifully illuminated by paper lanterns. This festival is a global attraction.
- Cooking Classes: Hoi An offers many cooking schools where you can learn to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes.
- Relax at An Bang Beach: A peaceful escape from the town center, An Bang Beach is ideal for swimming and enjoying the sun.
Unknown facts
- Hoi An’s Ancient Town has remained largely unchanged for over 400 years, which makes it one of the best-preserved historical sites in Southeast Asia.
- The Japanese Covered Bridge was built by the Japanese community in Hoi An in the 1590s, and the bridge is considered a symbol of peace and harmony.
- The Lantern Festival in Hoi An dates back to the 16th century, when merchants would light lanterns to honor their ancestors.
Entry fee
- Hoi An Ancient Town Entrance: 120,000 VND (Approx. $5) for access to 5 sites within the Ancient Town, including museums, temples, and historic buildings.
- Japanese Covered Bridge: 20,000 VND (Approx. $1)
- Hoi An Lantern Festival: Free to visit, but you can purchase lanterns or participate in activities for a fee.
Timings
- Ancient Town: Open all day, with some sites closing by 5:00 PM.
- Japanese Covered Bridge: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Lantern Festival: Held on the 14th day of each lunar month, from evening to night.
Average duration to explore
- Ancient Town: 3-4 hours to explore the main attractions
- Japanese Covered Bridge: 30 minutes
- Hoi An Lantern Festival: 2-3 hours (evening)
Distance from key locations
- Hoi An Ancient Town: Central location, all attractions are within walking distance.
- Da Nang: About 30 km from Da Nang, roughly 30 minutes by car.
- Da Nang Airport: 30 km (30-minute drive)
- My Son Sanctuary: 40 km (1-hour drive)
Nearby tourist spots
- An Bang Beach (4 km)
- Japanese Covered Bridge (0 km)
- My Son Sanctuary (40 km)
- Cua Dai Beach (5 km)
- Tra Que Village (3 km)
- Hoi An Night Market (0 km
