From the 16th to the 18th century, Hoi An was Vietnam's most important port and trading post, especially in ceramics. Today, it is a quaint old town (844 structures have been designated as historical landmarks) still showing the influences of the Chinese and Japanese traders who passed through and settled here. Moreover, it's small enough to cover easily on foot. Wander through the historic homes and temples on a quiet Saturday afternoon, stop to lounge in an open-air cafe, gaze at the endless oddities and exotic foods in the market or take a sampan ride down the lazy river. In the afternoons when school is out, the streets throng with skipping children in spotless white shirts.

Hoi An is indeed a surprise package in Vietnam. Be it historical monuments, vintage sites, culturally vibrant squares or quaint little shops, Hoi An packs in quite a punch.

While the city is eagerly courting tourism and your tourist dollars - meaning there's plenty of pesky vendors and hawkers - it's still relatively low-key and genuinely friendly. Visit our Vietnam Country Guide for more general country information, or our Hoi An Tour page to see what tour options are available. This Hoi An Destination Guide lists some of the main attractions worth checking out during your stay. For more information on things to do in Vietnam, take a look at our Vietnam Destination Guide.

Things to See & Do in Hoi An

The Thu Bon River is a very picturesque river with verdant banks on both sides. You can take a boat and go up to the woodworking village for a quiet, serene outing amidst nature. The Japanese covered bridge is an exquisite piece of art with intricate detailing and filigree work. It definitely makes a great photo op. If you happen to visit the old town area, do drop in to one of the fusion shops that house Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese products. Intriguing and eclectic, they give a new meaning to shopping.

Four must-visit places in and around Hoi An:

- Thu Bon River
- Woodworking village
- Japanese covered bridge
- Vietnamese shops with Chinese and Japanese influences

Quang Trieu Assembly Hall
Phuc Kien Assembly Hall
Trieu Chau Assembly Hall
Phung Hung Old House
Tan Ky Old House
Quan Thang Old House
Tran Family Worship House
Cham Island
Cua Dai Beach
My Son Holy Land

Quang Trieu Assembly Hall

This is a creation of the Cantonese traders from China who inhabited Vietnam in the 19th century. Originally built to conduct religious ceremonies, it is also used as a meeting place.

Phuc Kien Assembly Hall

This handsome structure built in the middle of the 18th century has been restored painstakingly over the years. It is used by a particular Phuc Kien community of Chinese origin for their meetings and events. It also hosts various religious functions.

Trieu Chau Assembly Hall

This is yet another edifice built by 19th century settlers from China. It served the purpose of venerating the sea gods before a voyage so that the sailors were protected from any mishaps.

Phung Hung Old House

This is another intriguing structure that epitomizes a bygone era and way of life. The Phung Hung Old House was actually a place where merchants got together and carried out their business. It dates back to mid 19th century and had distinct sections meant for various activities pertaining to trade - while three of them were dedicated to storing and sorting goods, selling, and book keeping, the fourth part was meant for leisure activities such as rest and recuperation, socializing and religious rituals.

Tan Ky Old House

This is another example of typical shop houses that existed in the 19th century. These were used to conduct business transactions, for meeting and appeasing potential clients and various other activities. Located in the Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, this house has four different sections pertaining to welcoming guests, trading, sleeping and worshipping deities. Each section has a separate entrance opening into a street so that no disturbance was caused to the others in the house.

Quan Thang Old House

This is a private house originally owned by a prosperous Captain called Quang Thang. It is a stunning piece of oriental architecture in all its glory. The Quang Thang family has maintained the house diligently and the results show. Browsing through its fine verandahs, observing its arched roof and intricate details, one is transported to a bygone era. This 18th century house is sure to evoke a sense of awe and admiration in anyone who appreciates beauty and harmony.

Tran Family Worship House

Built by Tran Tu Nhac who was a mandarin in the early 19th century, this house showcases contemporary architecture and art to perfection. Like most houses of that era, a part of the house was dedicated solely to worship. The worship section in this house has separate doors for men, women and the older members of the household, to sit in different parts and worship simultaneously. The residence is exquisitely crafted and has Chinese influences with Japanese overtones. The lush garden outside complements the imposing structure.

Cham Island

At a distance of about 15 kilometres from Cua Dai beach lies the Cham Island. It actually comprises of one main island, the Lao (meaning pear), surrounded by seven satellite-like islands that have very interesting names based on some unique feature of that particular island. The Lao enjoys great climate all year round.

The wholesome environs make it a rich habitat for plants, birds, animals and trees. Even the marine life here is abundant, including beautiful corals in the sea that surrounds the islands.The names of the seven small islands are Dai (meaning long), Kho (dry), Tai (ear), Nom (east wind), Mo (tomb) and La (leaf).

Cua Dai Beach

If your idea of a tropical holiday is sunbathing and basking in the golden hues of a tropical sun, head for the Cua Dai beach which is located just a stone's throw away from Hoi An. Do not forget to take your suntan lotion and a nice book to read. Sip a luscious cocktail and savour absolutely fresh seafood later. If that isn't bliss, don't know what is!

My Son Holy Land

My Son Holy Land is about an hour's drive from Hoi An and is one of its unique tourist spots. It is a complex of towers and almost 17 temples built by the Champa people. Champa was a dynasty that ruled here from the 2nd century to the 15th century AD. It had predominantly Indian influences, which explains the temples. The place has a divine aura about it and has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

Local time: 09:35:17 AM

+84 511 3936741

We'd love to get your feedback!

Your Local Connection

Welcome to Hoi An!

Meet An Nguyen and his team from Nam Phuong Travel! We are your local connection in Hoi An! We have a passion for our local community and a commitment to developing tourism, whilst still conserving the environment and culture. We try to educate and promote sustainable tourism initiatives to locals as well as tourists.

We aim to use our local knowledge and friendliness to make your trip a memorable one! Let us show you the Chinese Assembly Halls, Japanese Covered Bridge, the ancient houses, and My Son Holy Land!

[more about us]

Visit sister sites of Hoi An hotels and tours

Special Offers

Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa
Valid: 05/05/2010 to 30/09/2010 Summer Promotion 2010- Every consecutive stay of 3 nights will receive additional 1 night free in one single booking
Hoi An Trails Resort
Valid: 01/05/2010 to 30/09/2010 Summer Special Promotion 2010 - Stay 4 nights/ Pay 3 nights only

[more offers]

Hoi An Destination Guide