If you’re looking to dive deep into the heart of one of Vietnam's top tourist attractions, you've come to the right place! Hoi An’s ancient streets, lantern-lit corners, and riverside views make walking the best way to experience the town’s magic. During designated pedestrian hours, the old quarter comes alive with the sights and sounds of Hoi An Ancient Town allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in this UNESCO World Heritage Site without the distraction of motorbikes and cars. Grab your Hoi An Old Town ticket and let's start walking!
Here comes our Hoi An Ancient Town Walking Map, just perfect to take you through this whole UNESCO World Heritage Site. Customize the layers to show just what you want to see the ancient assembly halls, bustling street food markets, or serene riverside photo spots.
Every POI on the map has a small description and picture, so you will surely know what to expect.
Map Features:
If you are into centuries-old history, Hoi An Ancient Town has an array of treasures to tour. You may visit the historic Japanese Covered Bridge outstandingly beautiful piece of 17th-century architecture that once connected the Japanese and the Chinese trading communities. Just around the corner, a stroll along Tran Phu Street reveals Chinese assembly halls, such as the Cantonese Assembly Hall and the Fukian Assembly Hall. These halls are tributes to the rich cultural exchanges that made Hoi An a thriving trading port from the 15th through the 19th centuries.
Don't miss the merchant's house well preserved and richly representing the fusion between Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese influences: Tan Ky Ancient House. On the way there, make sure to pop into the Hoi An Museum to delve a little deeper into the charm of the town's history.
Family chapels scattered all over complete a perfect historical tour of Hoi An Ancient Town. These were built by the big names of merchant families, building their legacies, and preserving their ancestral ties.
For foodies, Hoi An Ancient Town is a heaven of flavors. With your ticket to Hoi An Old Town in hand, you can take a leisurely walk through bustling markets and street food offering local delicacies: Cao lau - a type of noodle that is nowhere else to be found-and white rose dumplings, a slender, delicate porn comma that is delicious.
Start your walking tour from the central market, where scents of grilled pork in rice paper will fill your nostrils. For dessert, try Mot iced herbal tea at 150 Tran Phu for an herbal drink in an eco-friendly straw. Later in the evening, head toward the night market near the river, where street foods and colorful lantern-lit ambiance will greet you. Combine everything with street food and local specialties walking tour for a complete experience.
Picture postcard settings are literally around every corner, and Hoi An should be the dream of any photographer. Start your early morning photography tour when the Thu Bon River looks set amidst a gold frame, with such quiet streets. Do not miss shooting the iconic 'lantern boats' floating onto the river.
Stroll along the narrow alleyways lined with flowers of the bougainvillea plant species and head toward Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, which is also somewhat better known as "lantern town," because of the interchange of brightly colored lanterns, which gives stunning photo images at any time of day or night. Bach Dang Street allows a walk with beautiful scenes of the riverfront, from which sunset photography will be great.
For those who desire to get off the beaten path, somewhat unknown to tourists, Hoi An Ancient Town has many hidden gems. Start by taking a walk along Hoang Dieu Street, far from touristy spots, and find quiet cafes with local life easily accessible. Head out to Phap Bao Pagoda, home to chanting monks before going off to sleep in the early morning hours.
Take a boat ride on the Thu Bon River or bike through the surrounding countryside to observe abundant rice paddies and traditional village life-passing by real-life rural experiences along the way, including local fishing communities in tranquil rural Vietnam.
Hoi An Ancient Town is also one of the shopping paradises, especially for those in search of bespoke clothing, handcrafted lanterns, or unique souvenirs. Begin your shopping walking tour at the famous tailor shops along Le Loi Street, where you can place orders for custom-made suits and dresses. From there, continue your shopping adventure to workshops and stores selling silk and handicrafts-where you can stock up on beautiful, well-made souvenirs.
The Reaching Out Arts & Crafts shop shouldn't be missed, where all products have been made by hand by the local artisans themselves, and the profits support disabled workers. It is a perfect stop for ethical and sustainable shopping.
To ensure you have the best experience during your Hoi An ancient town tour, here are some practical tips to keep in mind:
Beat the crowds and heat with the early morning or late afternoon explorations of Hoi An ancient town. The actual time of day, when there are only pedestrians in the town, ranges from 9 am-11:30 am and 3 pm-9:30 pm. This is a perfect time to walk freely along the streets with no motorbikes or cars that will disturb one.
You will surely want to wear comfortable shoes, as after some time, walking on cobblestone streets can get a bit fatiguing. Remember that, in cases of visits to religious sites-for example, the Fujian Assembly Hall or Phap Bao Pagoda - dressing modestly means showing covered shoulders and knees.
While the best way to get to Hoi An ancient town is by walking, bicycles are very good for longer circuits. Most hotels will offer free bikes to their guests. If you're driving from Da Nang, then taxis or shuttle services would be the easy option, or drive yourself if you can. For a combined day trip to Hoi An and My Son Sanctuary, also check out Day Trips below!
Most of the sights, such as the Japanese Covered Bridge and some assembly halls, require a ticket to Hoi An old town, which costs about 120,000 VND ($5) per ticket. A ticket is permitted for five sites, so use your discretion on which one you will enter. Opening hours: The opening hours are usually between 8 AM and 5 PM for the museums, ancient houses, and traditional art performance shows.
Naturally, there is bargaining when doing markets or having an outfit tailored, but do it politely and graciously. People are very amiable, and a smile can just make a difference. Don't be afraid to chat with street sellers, ask for recommendations, or simply admire the handicrafts in the lantern shops.
Many of the temples and religious sites in Hoi An ancient town are active places of worship. Be respectful by keeping noise to a minimum, not taking photos where it's prohibited, and offering a small donation, if appropriate.
Walk down the historic streets and take in the unique combination of architectural styles, born from mysterious cultures combined to build Hoi An Ancient Town. The atmosphere in those streets is just unique, with their charming mixture of ancient history and modern vibrancy, while the colors of lanterns brighten up the night sky, and the river reflects the beauty of Vietnam's old trading port.
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your dream Hoi An walking tour today, and embrace the timeless charm of one of Vietnam's top tourist attractions!