Hoi An: The Complete Guide

Visiting Hoi An in Vietnam is like stepping back in time. This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its well-preserved Ancient Town, where traditional wooden houses, lantern-lit streets, and historic temples create a picturesque and enchanting atmosphere. Walking through the narrow lanes, you can explore bustling markets, charming cafes, and artisanal shops selling everything from tailor-made clothing to intricate lanterns. The Japanese Covered Bridge, a symbol of Hoi An, is a must-see, showcasing the town’s rich cultural heritage. The blend of Chinese, Japanese, and French architectural influences reflects Hoi An’s historical significance as a major trading port from the 15th to the 19th century.

Beyond its historical allure, Hoi An offers a vibrant culinary scene that is not to be missed. The town is famous for its local delicacies such as cao lầu, a savory noodle dish, and bánh mì, a Vietnamese baguette sandwich. Cooking classes are popular among visitors, providing an opportunity to learn how to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes using fresh ingredients from the local markets. In the evenings, the town comes alive with colorful lanterns illuminating the streets and the Thu Bon River, creating a magical ambiance. Whether you’re exploring the ancient architecture, enjoying the local cuisine, or simply soaking in the serene beauty of the lantern-lit streets, Hoi An offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience.

History of Hoi An

Early History of Hoi An

Hoi An’s history dates back to the 2nd century BC when it was part of the ancient Champa Kingdom. This kingdom was a major player in the spice trade, and Hoi An, then known as Lam Ap Pho, was a bustling port city. The town’s strategic location along the Thu Bon River made it an ideal spot for maritime trade.

Hoi An During the Dai Viet Period

In the 15th century, Hoi An came under the control of the Dai Viet, the predecessor state of modern Vietnam. The town flourished as a commercial hub under the Nguyen Lords, who governed the region from the late 16th to the early 19th centuries. Hoi An became one of Southeast Asia’s most important trading ports, attracting merchants from China, Japan, India, and Europe.

The Golden Age of Hoi An

The 16th to the 18th centuries marked the golden age of Hoi An. During this period, the town was a melting pot of cultures, with a significant presence of Japanese, Chinese, and European traders. The Japanese Covered Bridge, built in the 1590s, and the Chinese Assembly Halls are remnants of this diverse and prosperous era. Hoi An’s architecture reflects this cultural blend, with a mix of wooden houses, French colonial buildings, and Chinese temples.

Decline and Preservation of Hoi An

Hoi An’s decline began in the late 18th century when the Thu Bon River silted up, making it difficult for large ships to navigate. The rise of nearby Da Nang as a major port further contributed to Hoi An’s economic downturn. However, this decline helped preserve the town’s historical architecture and charm. In the 20th century, efforts to preserve Hoi An’s unique heritage intensified, leading to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999.

Hoi An Today

Today, Hoi An is a popular tourist destination, known for its well-preserved Ancient Town, vibrant cultural scene, and culinary delights. The town’s historical significance and architectural beauty attract visitors from around the world. Hoi An continues to celebrate its rich heritage through festivals, traditional crafts, and cultural performances, making it a living museum of Vietnam’s past.

Visiting Hoi An for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Hoi An on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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This complete guide to Hoi An not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Hoi An and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Trieu Chau Assembly Hall (Chaozhou Assembly Hall)

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Steffen Schmitz

Constructed in 1845, the Trieu Chau Assembly Hall is a cornerstone of Hoi An’s rich cultural tapestry. It serves as a community hub for the overseas Chinese from Trieu Chau or Chaozhou Region of China’s southern Guangdong Province, embodying significant religious and communal roles. This assembly hall is devoted to deities revered by fishermen and […]

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Location: Trieu Chau Assembly Hall, 157 Nguyen Huy Lieu Street ,Hoi An | Hours: 7 AM to 5 PM | Distance: 0.6km

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Visiting Trieu Chau Assembly Hall (Chaozhou Assembly Hall)

Explore Hoi An yourself with our self-guided walking tour!

Hainan Assembly Hall (Quynh Phu Assembly Hall)

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Christophe95

The Hainan Assembly Hall, also known as Quynh Phu Assembly Hall, was constructed in 1883 by Chinese immigrants from Hainan. Although Hoi An was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, the Hainan Assembly Hall only opened to the public in 2016, following a period of restoration. The History of the Hainan Assembly Hall […]

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Location: Hainan Assembly Hall, 10 Trần Phú, Old Town, Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam | Price: Hoi An Old Town ticket | Distance: 0.7km

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Visiting Hainan Assembly Hall (Quynh Phu Assembly Hall)

Quan Cong Temple

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Christophe95

Built in 1653, Quan Cong Temple is dedicated to the venerated General Quan Van Truong, who is celebrated for his remarkable talent, valor, and unyielding integrity during the turbulent era of the “Three Warring Kingdoms” in China’s Han Dynasty. The temple is the product of a collaboration between skilled Chinese artisans and local Vietnamese craftsmen, […]

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Location: Quan Cong Temple, Trần Phú, Old Town, Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam | Distance: 0.8km

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Visiting Quan Cong Temple

Fujian Assembly Hall (Hoi Quan Phuc Kien)

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Chainwit

The Fujian Assembly Hall, constructed in 1692 rebuilt in 1759, is one of the five renowned Assembly Halls in Hoi An. Originally established as a social gathering place for the Chinese community from Fujian, China, it later transformed into a temple dedicated to Thien Hau, the sea goddess revered for her protection of sailors. According to […]

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Location: Assembly Hall Of Fujian Chinese, 46 Trần Phú, Old Town, Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam | Hours: 08.00AM - 05.00 PM | Price: Free | Distance: 0.8km

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Visiting Fujian Assembly Hall (Hoi Quan Phuc Kien)

Trung Hoa Assembly Hall (Hoi Quan Ngu Bang)

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Chainwit.

Established in 1741 through the collaborative efforts of five groups—Fujian, Chaozhou, Guangzhou, Hainan, and Hakka—the Trung Hoa Assembly Hall, also referred to as Duong Thuong Assembly Hall, serves as a cultural and spiritual gathering place. The hall is dedicated to the worship of Mazu, Thien Ly Nhan, and Thuan Phong Nhi, revered figures in Chinese […]

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Location: Chinese Assembly Hall of Hoi An 64 Trần Phú Phường Minh An Hội An Quảng Nam, Vietnam | Price: Free | Distance: 0.9km

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Visiting Trung Hoa Assembly Hall (Hoi Quan Ngu Bang)

Hoi An Museum of History and Culture

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Mztourist

Covering a substantial area of around 800 square meters, the Hoi An Museum of History and Culture is dedicated to preserving the town’s extensive heritage, chronicling its journey from an ancient trading port to a celebrated cultural center. The museum houses an extensive collection that spans 335 exhibits, offering visitors a deep dive into the […]

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Location: Hoi An Museum, Trần Hưng Đạo, Sơn Phong, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam | Distance: 0.9km

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Visiting Hoi An Museum of History and Culture

Tran Family Chapel

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Over two centuries ago, during the reign of Emperor Gia Long, Tran Tu Nhac, a cultural official from the Tran clan, was appointed as an envoy to China in 1802. Prior to his diplomatic mission, he established a chapel for the Tran clan, intending it to serve as a communal place for future generations to […]

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Location: Tran Family Chapel, Le Loi, Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam | Distance: 1.0km

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Visiting Tran Family Chapel

Museum of Trade Ceramics

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Steffen Schmitz

Functioning as a gallery that displays the historical narratives centered on Hoi An Port, the Museum of Trade Ceramics provides an enthralling look into the city’s rich trading past. It houses a vast array of ceramic artifacts that illustrate the lengthy history of maritime commerce and cultural exchanges. The building, originally erected in the 19th […]

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Location: Museum of Trade Ceramics, Trần Phú, Old Town, Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam | Distance: 1.0km

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Visiting Museum of Trade Ceramics

Duc An Ancient House

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Duc An Ancient House, regarded as the most beautiful in Hoi An, enchants visitors with its stunning architecture, historical significance, and charming atmosphere, offering a window into Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage. Nestled among the winding streets of Hoi An, this historic residence, built in 1653 by a wealthy merchant family, reflects the city’s prosperous past […]

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Location: 129 Trần Phú, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam | Distance: 1.2km

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Visiting Duc An Ancient House

Ancient House of Tan Ky

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Constructed in 1741, Tan Ky Old House has been home to seven generations of the Le family. The name “Tan Ky” was adopted by Mr. Le Tan Ky from the second generation, who used the house for trading agricultural products. Ideally located between Nguyen Thai Hoc street at the front and Bach Dang street at […]

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Location: Old House of Tan Ky, Nguyễn Thái Học, Old Town, Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam | Distance: 1.2km

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Visiting Ancient House of Tan Ky

Ba Mu Temple

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Chainwit.

Ba Mu Temple, is a captivating historical site deeply ingrained in the spiritual fabric of the local community. Initially known as Cam Ha Palace and Hai Binh Palace, the temple has undergone several name changes and retains only a fraction of its original architecture, with the temple gate being the most prominent relic. Constructed in […]

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Location: 675 Đường Hai Bà Trưng, Old Town, Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam | Distance: 1.2km

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Visiting Ba Mu Temple

Phac Hat Pagoda

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Christophe95

Phap Bao Temple, also recognized as Phac Hat Pagoda, is a Buddhist sanctuary nestled at the intersection of Hai Ba Trung and Phan Chau Trinh Street, merely a block away from the Tran Family Chapel. As an active place of worship, Phap Bao does not require visitors to present a ticket, though modest attire and […]

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Location: Phac Hat Pagoda, Đường Hai Bà Trưng, Sơn Phong, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam | Distance: 1.2km

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Visiting Phac Hat Pagoda

Museum of Sa Huỳnh Culture

CC BY-SA 3.0 / librarianidol

The museum is dedicated to showcasing the prehistoric Sa Huỳnh culture, featuring terracotta artifacts discovered in the region. Established in 1994, the museum houses a unique collection of artifacts from the Sa Huynh culture, believed to be the earliest settlers of the port town. These early inhabitants engaged in trade and cooperation with countries in […]

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Location: Museum of Sa Huynh Culture, Trần Phú, Old Town, Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam | Distance: 1.3km

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Visiting Museum of Sa Huỳnh Culture

Phung Hung Ancient House

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Tracey Hind

Built in 1780 during the thriving urban phase of Hoi An, the Old House of Phung Hung was initially established as a trading shop dealing in various forest products including cinnamon, pepper, salt, silk, chinaware, and glassware. The name “Phung Hung” translates to prosperity and success, mirroring the original owner’s hopes for the business. The […]

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Location: Phung Hung Old House, Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Cẩm Phô, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam | Distance: 1.3km

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Visiting Phung Hung Ancient House

Cantonese Assembly Hall (Hoi Quan Quang Dong)

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Christophe95

Located on Tran Phu “heritage road” in the center of Hoi An’s ancient town, the Cantonese Assembly Hall is a site of profound historical importance. Constructed in 1885 by a Chinese merchant in the 18th century, it initially served as a sanctuary for the worship of Confucius and Thien Hau Thanh Mau. In 1911, it […]

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Location: Hội quán Quảng Đông (Cantonese Assembly Hall), 176 Trần Phú, Old Town, Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam | Hours: 6 AM to 4 PM | Distance: 1.3km

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Visiting Cantonese Assembly Hall (Hoi Quan Quang Dong)

Chua Cau (Japanese Covered Bridge)

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Chainwit.

The Japanese Covered Bridge, a lasting symbol of the influence of Japanese merchants from the late 16th century, stands as an architectural marvel that has seen numerous renovations and restorations to preserve its cultural relevance and structural integrity over the years. Spanning 18 meters long and 3 meters wide, this charming footbridge serves as a […]

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Location: Chùa Cầu, Trần Phú, Cẩm Phô, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam | Distance: 1.3km

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Visiting Chua Cau (Japanese Covered Bridge)

Cam Pho Temple

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Mig Gilbert

Cam Pho Temple, dedicated to Thien Hau, the goddess of the sea, holds a special place in the hearts of Hoi An’s residents and visitors alike. Thien Hau, also widely known as Mazu in Chinese culture, is a revered figure among many coastal communities across East Asia, celebrated for her role as a protector of […]

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Location: Cẩm Phô Communal House / Cẩm Phô Temple, Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Cẩm Phô, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam | Distance: 1.5km

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Visiting Cam Pho Temple

Confucian Temple, Hoi An

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Christophe95

Located at the intersection of Trần Hưng Đạo and Lê Quý Đôn streets on the northwest fringe of the old city, Hoi An’s Confucian temple garners less attention in guidebooks and architectural discussions, likely due to its peripheral position. According to the “Ancient Town of Hoi An,” the temple was initially constructed in the mid-19th […]

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Location: Confucius Temple, Trần Hưng Đạo, Cẩm Phô, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam | Distance: 1.6km

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Visiting Confucian Temple, Hoi An

An Bang Beach

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Dr. Matthias Ripp

Situated just 4 kilometers from the quaint town of Hoi An, An Bang Beach is a serene haven on Vietnam’s central coast. This picturesque beach is celebrated for its unspoiled white sands, clear blue waters, and lush surrounding greenery, located along the beautiful East Sea. It serves as an ideal spot for those seeking relaxation […]

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Location: An Bang Beach, Đường Hai Bà Trưng, Cẩm An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam | Distance: 3.7km

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Visiting An Bang Beach