Review of Hoi An Ancient Town: A Comprehensive Travel Guide [2025]

The Hoai River meanders lazily, lantern lights reflecting brilliantly on the water, interspersed with ancient houses with moss-covered tiled roofs – this is the ancient town of Hoi An, a living heritage where history, culture, and modern life blend together. More than just a tourist destination, Hoi An is a place to slow down, savor, and explore every moment, from its golden alleys to its exquisite cuisine. This guidebook is your all-in-one resource, helping you plan, navigate, experience the architecture, cuisine, and explore the ancient town to the fullest.

1. General Introduction to Hoi An Ancient Town (Latest)

1.1. Where is Hoi An Ancient Town? (Exact location & Map)

• Geographical location: Located downstream of the Thu Bon River in Hoi An Ward, Da Nang City – about 30 km southwest of downtown Da Nang
• Area of Hoi An Ancient Town: approximately 3.6 km², including many small neighborhoods with alleys, temples, ancient houses, and markets.

1.2. History of Hoi An Ancient Town

The story of the formation of the ancient town of Hoi An began in the 16th–17th centuries, when it was a bustling international trading port, attracting merchants from Japan, China, the West, and of course, Vietnam.

It is the convergence of cultures that has shaped the unique architecture of Hoi An's ancient town: moss-covered tiled-roof wooden houses, Chinese assembly halls, Japanese bridges spanning canals, and structures blending Asian and European influences.

This also explains why the cuisine of Hoi An's ancient town bears a diverse and distinctive character: from cao lau, Quang noodles, and banh vac to local street food that blends local flavors with subtle foreign influences.

A significant milestone marking the heritage value of the ancient town was in 1999, when UNESCO recognized Hoi An Ancient Town as a World Cultural Heritage Site – a "seal" guaranteeing the rich history, architecture, and culture here.

2. Planning a trip to Hoi An: When is the best time to visit?

2.1. Dry season (February – August)

The dry season in Hoi An usually has golden sunshineThe clear blue sky is perfect for strolling along the small streets, taking photos, and enjoying the peaceful beauty of the old town. This is also when the ancient architecture stands out most clearly, with moss-covered tiled roofs, old houses, and Japanese bridges bearing the marks of time.

The dry, pleasant air is ideal for walking tours and enjoying local cuisine. If you want to fully explore Hoi An and savor the local delicacies, the dry season is the most ideal and comfortable choice.

2.2. Rainy season (September – January)

The rainy season in Hoi An usually lasts from September to December, occasionally experiencing high tides or minor flooding around the Hoài River area. Despite this, the ancient town retains its unique charm—quiet, serene, and nostalgic. On days when the water rises, visitors can also Experience "walking through the streets" or sitting on a boat to admire the ancient town – a feeling that is both strange and memorable..

Note: You should bring a raincoat and appropriate footwear for walking and exploring the ancient town of Hoi An at night or during the day.

2.3. The "golden" time: The 14th and 15th days of the lunar calendar (Old Town Night)

If you have the chance, visit Hoi An Ancient Town at night on the full moon night – the 14th or 15th day of the lunar month. This is when the ancient town turns off its lights, hangs lanterns throughout the streets, and the sparkling lights reflect on the Hoai River, creating mystical space.

• You can attend the lantern festival, release lanterns on the Hoai River, and enjoy unforgettable tranquility.
• This is also when the ancient town of Hoi An becomes poetic, quite different from its daytime appearance.

3. Travel Guide TO Hoi An Ancient Town (From Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang)

3.1. Common means of transportation to Hoi An Ancient Town

• Airplane

• • • Fly directly to Da Nang International Airport from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
    • From Da Nang, you can go to Hoi An by taxi, airport bus, or hotel shuttle.
    • Advantages: fast, convenient, time-saving for short trips.
    • Disadvantages: high ticket prices, especially during peak season, and frequent flight delays.

• Train

• • Visitors can choose a boat to Da Nang Station.
  • From the station, continue your journey by taxi, bus, or rented motorbike to the center of Hoi An's old town.
  • Advantages: scenic views along the way, reasonable cost.
  • Disadvantages: longer travel time (approximately 14–16 hours from Hanoi), followed by further travel from the station to the old town center.

• Motorcycles, cars

• • Suitable for travelers departing from nearby cities such as: Da Nang, Hue
  • Advantages: flexible, easy to combine visits to tourist attractions along the route.
  • Disadvantages: Long distances can be tiring, risk of traffic jams or inclement weather, requires experience in long-distance driving.

3.2. [Suggestion] Travel by Queen Cafe Bus sleeper bus

If you want a comfortable, economical, and convenient journey, Queen Cafe Bus is the ideal choice:

• Luxury sleeper bus with air conditioning, spacious seating, and free Wi-Fi. Features a clean restroom on board.
• Convenient for travelers who don't want to drive themselves or travel by taxi.
• The route from the northern provinces to Da Nang is served regularly.

Benefits: Safe, time-saving, suitable for tour groups, families, or backpackers who want to fully experience Hoi An's ancient town without the hassle of finding their way or worrying about missing their trip.

Check out the price list now Queen Cafe Bus for major routes, making planning your trip to Da Nang simple.

JOURNEY	PRICE	BOOK TICKETS
Hanoi ⇔ Hoi An	$250 – $400	Place it here
Da Nang ⇔ Hoi An	150.000 VND/pax	Place it here
Hue ⇔ Hoi An	150.000 VND/pax	Place it here

📞 For attentive consultation and the fastest ticket booking, you can contact:

• Hotline: 0906.413.468 – 0914.215.809
• Zalo: 0905.746.884 – 0914.215.809
• Website: https://queenbus.com.vn/
• Fanpage: Queen Cafe Open Bus

4. Hoi An Old Town Ticket Prices & Travel Guide

4.1. Admission fees for Hoi An Ancient Town & Visitor regulations

• Admission fee to Hoi An Ancient Town:
  • Vietnamese guests: 80,000 VND
  • International visitors: 120,000 VND
• Explanation of ticket prices:
  • Take a walk, take pictures outside, eat and drink: Completely FREE.
  • Admission ticket: used to enter 5 of the main historical sites such as ancient houses, assembly halls, Chua Cau Bridge, museums, etc.
  • Motorcycle ban hours: The Old Quarter typically bans motorcycles from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, allowing visitors to walk and enjoy a safer experience.

4.2. Transportation in Hoi An Ancient Town

• Walking: the best way to slow livingExplore every alleyway, enjoy the architecture and atmosphere of the old town.

• Bicycle: A distinctive mode of transportation in Hoi An, easily rented at hotels or homestays, suitable for longer distances and capturing photos in the "Hoi An style."

• Cycle rickshaw: Experience nostalgia as you travel through beautiful streets at night. However, ask for a clear price before getting on the vehicle to avoid surprises.

5. Top 4 famous architectural works in Hoi An Ancient Town

Exploring the architecture of Hoi An's ancient town is not just about seeing old houses or bridges, but about feeling the spirit of Vietnamese-Chinese-Japanese cultural fusion imprinted on every wall, roof tile, and paper flower trellis, reflecting both the history and daily life of the people here.

5.1. Chua Cau Temple, Hoi An

Bridge Temple is an unmissable symbol that appears on the 20,000 VND banknote. The bridge has a Japanese-style roof, with statues of a Dog and a Monkey at both ends, dedicated to worship. Northern Emperor's Fortress, the god of water according to Japanese mythology.

Not only a bridge connecting the two banks of the river, Chua Cau also embodies cultural beliefs and legends, creating harmony between nature and humanity. It is also a must-visit spot for every tourist, especially when exploring. Hoi An Ancient Town at night.

5.2. Explore Representative Ancient Houses (Tan Ky, Phung Hung, Quan Thang)

• Tan Ky Ancient House

The over 200-year-old Tan Ky Ancient House stands out with its exquisite blend of Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese architecture. Every corner, every piece of furniture, and every plaque bears the imprint of seven generations of owners, telling the story of Hoi An's bustling trade in the past.

• Phung Hung Ancient House

The Phung Hung ancient house is considered one of the largest ancient houses in Hoi An. Phung Hung impresses with its flexible shutter system – a design that helps cope with the region's characteristic flood season. The exquisite wooden architecture and cozy space clearly reflect the life of the merchants of yesteryear.

• Tran Family Chapel

This is a symbol of family spirit. The Tran family temple has an ancient and solemn appearance. The building harmoniously combines Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese styles, expressing respect for ancestors and traditional cultural values that have been preserved for generations.

5.3. Famous Clubs

The association hall is a place for community activities of Chinese merchant guilds.

• Fujian Association

Considered the largest and most prominent assembly hall, the Fujian Assembly Hall impresses with its bright red color and sacred space dedicated to the worship of the Heavenly Queen. Every decorative detail carries the meaning of wishing for peace and prosperity for fishermen and merchants trading on the sea.

• Guangdong Association

Unlike the softness of Fujian, the Guangdong Hall captivates visitors with its exquisite ceramic dragon and lion carvings. The structure is both majestic and a testament to the craftsmanship of ancient artisans.

• Chiu Chow Association

Not overly grand but refined in every detail, the Chiu Chow Association stands out with its meticulously carved wooden structure and distinctive curved tile roof. This is an ideal stop for anyone who wants to experience the depth of Chinese culture and beliefs in the heart of Hoi An.

5.4. The distinctive architecture of Hoi An Ancient Town

What makes Hoi An's ancient town so distinctive is its overall architecture, which every visitor recognizes. The yellow walls are not only beautiful but also symbolize royalty and good fortune, and help keep the houses cooler in the tropical climate.

The yin-yang tiled roof helps drain water quickly and creates a quaint, mossy look. Paper flower trellises appear in almost every house, blooming most profusely in summer, bringing a poetic and vibrant scene that is a familiar symbol of the old town.

6. What is there to do in Hoi An Old Town?

6.1. Hoi An Ancient Town during the day

During the day, Hoi An Ancient Town boasts a peaceful beauty and perfect natural light for photography. Highlights include:

• Photographing sunrises/sunsetsLight filters through the narrow alleys, creating a vibrant and poetic scene.

• Check in the golden alleysFor example, the alley across the street Faifo Coffeewhere every wall is a perfect backdrop for your social media photos.

• Sitting at a rooftop cafeRelax and admire the ancient town from above, feeling the slow pace of life.

• Experience tailoring ao dai/traditional clothing "on-site"Get it in just a few hours, check in and preserve your memories.

6.2. Hoi An Ancient Town at Night

At night, Hoi An Ancient Town become magical and sparkling with lanterns, is the soul of the old town. Must-try experiences include:

• Boating on the Hoai River and releasing floating lanternsEach lantern carries its own wish.

• Strolling down Lantern StreetNguyen Phuc Chu Street (across An Hoi Bridge), enjoy the ancient and romantic scenery.

• Listen and play Hat Bai Choi: UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, often takes place near An Hoi Bridge.

• Enjoy street music and folk gamesFor example, blindfolded pot-breaking.

• Explore Nguyen Hoang Night MarketShop for souvenirs, local specialties of Hoi An, and enjoy street food.

7. Hoi An Ancient Town Cuisine: Top 10+ Specialties & Must-Try Restaurants

7.1. Top 3 Specialty Dishes in Hoi An Ancient Town

• Cao LauThis is a dish unique to Hoi An, with noodles made from tamarind wood ash and water from the ancient Ba Le well, giving them a distinctive chewiness and unforgettable flavor.

• Hoi An Chicken RiceSticky rice, fragrant and cooked in chicken broth, shredded chicken mixed with fresh salad, rich and light.

• Phoenix BreadOften praised by the international press as "the world's best bread," with its generous filling, crispy texture, and unique flavor.

Additionally, you can try adding Quang noodles, a popular Central Vietnamese dish, is also well worth trying when visiting Hoi An.

7.2. Famous snacks in Hoi An Ancient Town

• Pounded cake – Stir-fried clamsA simple dish commonly found in the Cam Nam area, across the bridge, appealing for its savory and crispy texture combined with the rich aroma of stir-fried clams.

• White Rose BunsThe transparent pastry shell and delicate fresh shrimp filling make this a favorite dish among many tourists.

• Bánh bèo chénCentral Vietnamese-style bánh bèo, small and delicate, fragrant with shrimp and pork.

• Mót WaterThe famous cooling herbal drink at 150 Tran Phu is a popular "check-in" spot for tourists.

You can also explore more Hoi An tea, fruit ice cream, or nam cake to fully experience street food.

7.3. Recommended restaurants in Hoi An's Old Town (Reputable, popular)

• Cao LauQuán Thanh (26 Thai Phien) or Cao Lau Trung Bac (87 Tran Phu).
• Chicken rice: Bà Buội Chicken Rice (22 Phan Chau Trinh) or Bà Nga Chicken Rice.
• BreadPhoenix Bread (2B Phan Chau Trinh) or Madam Khanh (115 Tran Cao Van).
• Pounded cake – Stir-fried clams: Old Lady's Restaurant (Cam Nam area).

8. Itinerary & Travel Experience in Hoi An Ancient Town (Gift Suggestions)

8.1. One-day, one-night Hoi An itinerary

• Noon (12:00): Arrive in Hoi An after a comfortable journey on the Queen Cafe Bus sleeper bus. Check in, take a short rest, and enjoy lunch with Bà Buội Chicken Rice – a specialty dish of Hoi An.
• Afternoon (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM): Rent a bike to explore the area Hoi An Ancient Town, stop at Tan Ky Ancient House, Phung Hung House send the image of Fujian Association. Along the way, stop by Hoi An Festival Sip a refreshing herbal tea and feel the peaceful rhythm of life in the old town.
• Evening (5:30 PM – 9:00 PM): Stroll through the streets when the lanterns light up brightly, savor Cao Lau for dinner, let go lanterns on the Hoai River, listen Singing Chòi Songs and participate in folk games – authentic Hoi An experiences at night.
• Late at night: Take a stroll through the quiet old town or get back in the car. Queen Cafe Bus to continue the journey to the next destination, or depart for Da Nang.

8.2. Other tourist attractions near Hoi An Ancient Town

If you have more time, you can explore places near Hoi An Ancient Town, offering a diverse experience:

• Thanh Ha Pottery VillageDiscover traditional handicrafts and time-honored pottery-making processes.

• Seven-Acre Coconut GroveExperience a unique boat ride through the cool, green coconut groves.

• An Bang Beach & Cua Dai BeachAbout 5-7 km from Hoi An Ancient Town, ideal for swimming, enjoying seafood, and relaxing on the white sand.

8.3. What to buy as souvenirs in Hoi An Ancient Town?

Souvenirs reminiscent of Hoi An are always an ideal choice:

• Hoi An lanternsThe distinctive symbol of the old town, available in various styles and colors.

• SilkSoft, luxurious, suitable as a gift or for clothing.

• Hoi An mung bean cake (bánh in): Traditional flavor, easy to take home.

• Triều Phát Chili Sauce: Unique spices, perfect as gifts or for enjoying at home.

9. Conclusion

The ancient town of Hoi An is a place where every alleyway, tiled roof, and paper flower trellis tells a story of times gone by. It is a place you must visit at least once in your lifetime, to listen to the slow pace of life, to savor the exquisite cuisine, and to let your soul be "healed" amidst the ancient, lantern-lit space.

Hoi An is not just a destination, but a journey back in time. Don't let tiring travel get in your way. Let Queen Cafe Bus Enjoy a smooth, comfortable, and safe journey. Book your ticket today to get ready to "slow down" in Hoi An!