If you’re coming to Hoi An, you simply can’t miss the ancient town. It’s clearly the most famous part of the city and for good reason. Between the timeworn yellow wooden houses, the lanterns hanging over every street, and the hidden temples tucked behind unassuming facades, it’s easy to get lost here and that’s honestly part of the charm.

But the ancient town isn’t just a postcard. It can also be very touristy, very hot, and sometimes a bit overwhelming if you don’t know where to go. That’s why I’ve put together this practical guide to help you make the most of your visit, avoid the usual tourist traps, and discover the truly worthwhile spots.

Hoi An Ancient Town at a Glance

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, Hoi An’s ancient town is a former trading port that reached its peak between the 15th and 19th centuries. Back then, Hoi An was a major hub for maritime trade between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Japanese, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese merchants all left their mark – both in the architecture and in the local culture.

You can still see this mix of influences today: Chinese shophouses, the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, community temples, and old colonial mansions – all remarkably well preserved by Vietnamese standards.

It’s not a frozen museum, though. The ancient town is very much alive, even if a good part of it now caters to tourists. You’ll find lantern vendors, tailors, souvenir shops, and also families who’ve lived there for generations.

In short, it’s a condensed slice of Vietnamese history with a unique atmosphere – as long as you know when and how to explore it. And that’s exactly what we’ll cover next.

Why Visit Hoi An’s Ancient Town?

Honestly, it would be a real shame to come to Hoi An and skip its ancient town. Even if you’re not particularly into history or architecture, the place is absolutely worth a visit. It’s one of the few historical centers in Vietnam that has been so well preserved.

The ancient town is also one of the rare places where everything is done on foot or by bicycle. No honking scooters everywhere – it’s a pedestrian-only zone for most of the day, which makes it perfect for a peaceful stroll.

Here’s what you’ll find:

Beautifully preserved old buildings, some still inhabited, others turned into museums or shops
Chinese assembly halls and temples, with dim lighting and the smell of incense in the air
The iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks
Lively alleyways in the evening, lit by hundreds of lanterns
Local specialties to try, whether as quick bites or in a more relaxed setting

And then there’s the pace – something different. You’re in Vietnam, but it’s a slower, quieter, softer version. Especially if you visit early in the morning or in the evening.

Tickets, Prices & Access to Hoi An’s Ancient Town

How much does it cost to visit the ancient town of Hoi An?

To access certain heritage sites within the old town, you’ll need an official entry ticket. It costs 120,000 VND per person (around €4.50) and includes 5 visits to historical houses, assembly halls, temples, or museums.

You can walk around the streets freely, but if you want to enter specific sites, you’ll be asked to tear off one of the coupons from your ticket.

Where to buy your ticket?

Tickets are available at several booths near the main entrances of the ancient town, including:

Tran Phu Street (near the Japanese Bridge)
Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street
Bach Dang Street

You can usually pay with cash or card, but it’s best to have cash just in case.

Opening Hours & Traffic Restrictions

The ancient town is open to pedestrians all day, but motorized vehicles are restricted during certain hours to help preserve the calm atmosphere of the historic district.

Scooters are not allowed during the following times:

From 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
From 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM (winter)
From 3:00 PM to 9:30 PM (summer)

This makes it much more pleasant to explore the area on foot without noise or traffic.

Historic sites (old houses, temples, museums, etc.) are open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with your entry ticket.

Map of the Old Town

In yellow: pedestrian-only streets with specific hours, accessible by foot or bicycle from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. and from 3:00 to 9:30 p.m. Scooters are prohibited during these time slots. This is where most of the temples, museums, boutiques, tailors, and historic cafés are concentrated.
In light yellow: Phan Chau Trinh Street, a lively street that becomes pedestrian-only every evening from 6:30 p.m. Perfect for a relaxing walk in the evening, away from scooters.
JAPANESE BRIDGE: connects Tran Phu Street to Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street. It is one of Hoi An’s most iconic landmarks.
HOI AN CENTRAL MARKET: the town’s main market, at the heart of local commerce. Here you’ll find fresh produce, souvenirs, street food, and a truly local atmosphere.
Bridges in orange: connect to Cam Nam, Cam Kim, and An Hoi Island, where you’ll also find the popular Night Market.
Brown square: Hoi An Lune Center, home to the Teh Dar show by Lune Production — a mix of contemporary circus, dance, and ethnic culture.

When is the Best Time to Visit Hoi An’s Ancient Town?

Avoid the hottest hours and peak crowds if you really want to soak in the peaceful, photogenic vibe of the ancient town. Early morning between 6:00 and 9:30 AM is ideal – the streets are still quiet, shops are just starting to open, and the light is perfect for photography.

In the late afternoon, around 4:30 to 5:00 PM, the town slowly comes back to life. It’s a great time to enjoy sunset by the Thu Bon River, take a lantern boat ride, or have a relaxed dinner. But after 6:30 PM, it can get quite crowded – especially near the Japanese Bridge.

My advice: visit the old town once during the day for the cultural sites, and then come back another evening just to wander and enjoy the lanterns.

What to See in Hoi An’s Ancient Town

There are quite a few places to visit in Hoi An’s ancient town. Here are the ones I truly recommend if you want to see the best without wasting time on tourist traps.

The Japanese Covered Bridge

You can’t miss it. Built in the late 16th century, it once connected the Japanese and Chinese quarters. There’s a small shrine in the middle of the bridge. With its Yin-Yang roof tiles and unique architecture, it has become the symbol of the city. It’s beautiful both day and night – though be prepared for more crowds in the evening.

Hoi An Central Market

Located right by the river, the Central Market is a great place to soak up the local vibe. You’ll find a bit of everything here: tropical fruits, spices, and plenty of street food stalls loved by both locals and travelers.

It’s lively, sometimes noisy, but always worth a visit. If you enjoy authentic markets, don’t skip this one. Come early in the morning (before 9 AM) to avoid the crowds and catch the freshest produce.

The Ancient Houses

In the old town, you’ll find several historic houses open to visitors… but not all of them are worth your time. If you’d rather skip repetitive dark rooms filled with dusty furniture, here are the ones I truly recommend:

Duc An House (129 Tran Phu) This is my favorite. It’s stayed authentic – no souvenir shop inside, just a peaceful vibe, aged wood, and a real story. You can feel that the family still lives there, and you can even chat with the owners.
Tan Ky House (101 Nguyen Thai Hoc) Probably the most famous one. Nicely restored, with a blend of architectural influences. It feels more like a museum than the others, but it’s still worth a visit.
Phung Hung House (4 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai) Worth it mainly for the second floor, still used as an ancestral altar. The setting is pleasant and the visit is quick.
Quan Thang House (77 Tran Phu) Less well-known, but architecturally stunning. The interior features beautifully preserved woodwork and detailed carvings. A great stop if you appreciate craftsmanship and traditional wooden design.

The Communal Houses

If you’ve never heard of them, communal houses – or đình in Vietnamese – were historically used as places of worship, local administration, and village meetings. A few still remain in Hoi An’s old town and are included with your entry ticket.

Cam Pho Communal House (52 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai) A fairly quiet and low-key spot, but charming. Originally restored in 1817, it has a large courtyard and an impressive banyan tree. There are also a few antique objects inside. Not spectacular, but a peaceful stop for those who enjoy calm, less touristy places.
Minh Huong Communal House (14 Tran Phu) Built in the late 18th century by Chinese immigrants who became Vietnamese citizens, to honor their ancestors. It’s a site full of history, with a beautiful structure and a truly local feel. It’s much less crowded than the Chinese assembly halls, making it a great option if you want to avoid the crowds.

Chinese Assembly Halls

The Chinese assembly halls (also called community temples) are some of the most impressive sites to visit in Hoi An. There are several of them, mostly located along Tran Phu Street, and they share a similar layout: a large courtyard, altar, statues, lanterns, dragons, golden calligraphy… but not all are equally interesting.

Here are the most worthwhile ones to visit:

Fujian / Phuc Kien Assembly Hall (No. 46 Tran Phu) This is the largest and most visited. It features a spacious central courtyard, vibrant colors, and many statues. It’s dedicated to Thien Hau, the goddess who protects sailors. If you only visit one, make it this one.
Trieu Chau / Chaozhou Assembly Hall (No. 157 Tran Phu) Smaller, but the woodwork inside is outstanding. If you’re into craftsmanship, it’s definitely worth a look. There’s also a small peaceful garden in the back.
Quang Trieu Assembly Hall (No. 176 Tran Phu) Less crowded than the others, with a charming atmosphere, detailed dragon sculptures, and beautiful murals. The courtyard is pleasant and feels more removed from the hustle and bustle.
Hai Nam Assembly Hall (No. 10 Tran Phu) Interesting mainly for its historical background – it was built in memory of 108 Chinese merchants who were mistakenly executed. The site is well maintained, though less striking than the first three.

Museums in Hoi An

entree musee precious heritage hoi an rehahn

Let’s be honest – museums aren’t the main reason people visit Hoi An. But if you enjoy history or already have the ancient town ticket (which includes access to several museums), some of them are worth a look. Here are the ones I recommend:

Precious Heritage Museum (26 Phan Boi Chau) This is the only free museum in Hoi An – and honestly, the most interesting one. Created by French photographer Réhahn, it showcases Vietnam’s ethnic minorities through stunning portraits, traditional clothing, and personal stories. It’s well-curated, visual, and accessible to everyone.
Folklore Museum (33 Nguyen Thai Hoc) The largest in size, housed in a former traditional home. You’ll find exhibits on local crafts, fishing, and folk traditions. There are also live shows (traditional music and dance) held a few times a day – included with your entry ticket. A good stop if you’ve got time.
Museum of Trade Ceramics (80 Tran Phu) Set in a beautiful old house, this museum features ceramics found in the region, especially from the 16th–19th century maritime trade. Not a must-see, but the building itself has a nice atmosphere.
Hoi An Museum (10B Tran Hung Dao) Covers 2,000 years of local history. The displays feel a bit dated and lack some energy, but it’s a decent addition if you want to understand the broader historical context.
Museum of Sa Huynh Culture (149 Tran Phu) A small museum dedicated to the ancient Sa Huynh civilization, which predates the Cham. Not very busy – good for those interested in archaeology or early Vietnamese history.

Temples and Pagodas

If you enjoy spiritual sites and peaceful atmospheres, you’ll find a few temples and pagodas worth visiting within Hoi An’s ancient town. They’re not as grand as the ones in Hue or northern Vietnam, but a few are still well worth a stop.

Quan Cong Temple (24 Tran Phu) This is the most well-known Chinese temple in town. It’s dedicated to Quan Cong, a general admired for his courage and integrity. The inside is small but very colorful, with a nice courtyard, fish pond, and decorative statues. I like its quiet feel – stop by if you’re nearby.
Phap Bao Temple (corner of Hai Ba Trung & Phan Chu Trinh) Less touristy, more local, and still an active Buddhist temple. It’s open to the public for free (no old town ticket needed), but please dress respectfully. The courtyard is peaceful, with Buddha statues, a fountain, and bonsai trees. It’s a perfect spot for a quiet break just steps from the center.

Traditional Theater of Hoi An

If you have a Hoi An Ancient Town ticket, I highly recommend using one of your five included entries to attend a short traditional performance.

The Hoi An Traditional Art Performance Theater (39 Nguyen Thai Hoc) offers several shows per day (around 10:15 AM, 3:15 PM, and 4:15 PM). These are short performances of Vietnamese folk music and dance, held in a small, intimate venue.

Expect traditional instruments, colorful costumes, masks, and live singing – a great way to experience a slice of authentic Vietnamese culture in just 20 to 30 minutes.

Hoi An Night Market

If you’re still around in the evening, don’t miss the night market. It takes place every night from 5:00 PM, just across the bridge on the An Hoi side. The vibe is completely different: lanterns lit up, souvenir stalls, and plenty of Vietnamese street food to snack on.

Honestly, it’s not the place to buy the best lanterns or high-quality items, but for the atmosphere alone, it’s a must-see. You can just walk around, snap a few photos, or sit down with a sugarcane juice while the town lights up around you.

It’s also one of the busiest spots in town, so if you’re looking for a calmer experience, try going early in the evening or later around 9:00–9:30 PM.

What to Do in Hoi An’s Ancient Town?

Beyond the historical sites, the old town is a lively and walkable area, perfect for exploring at your own pace. Here are a few fun activities to consider:

Local Shopping

Hoi An’s ancient town is full of artisan shops where you can buy lanterns, tailor-made clothing, leather shoes, or custom bags. It’s also a great place to find traditional ceramics and decorative fabrics.

Just be mindful of the typical mass-produced “Made in China” souvenirs, which you’ll find in every tourist area and which aren’t worth your money.

If you’re looking to get a custom-made outfit, Mr. Xe is a great tailor, well established in the old town. He works quickly and with care, and knows both classic cuts and modern styles. His workshop is located at 71 Nguyen Thai Hoc, just steps from the Japanese Bridge. Perfect if you’re short on time in Hoi An and want a suit, dress, or shirt made to fit.

For leather shoes and bags, Friendly Shoe Shop is a local favorite. They offer a wide range of models, but more importantly, you can show them a photo or a sketch and they’ll make it to order. The service is professional, the craftsmanship is solid, and the prices are reasonable. Their main store is at 15B Hoang Dieu, Hoi An.

And if you’re looking for ethical and high-end clothing, Metiseko is a safe bet. It’s a French-Vietnamese brand that uses organic fabrics with designs inspired by Vietnam. The cuts are elegant, and it’s a perfect place to find a chic souvenir or a meaningful gift. Their boutique is located at 140 Tran Phu, in a beautifully renovated old house.

Join a Workshop

Hoi An’s old town offers a variety of hands-on workshops, great for solo travelers or families alike. It’s an original way to discover local craftsmanship – and go home with a personalized souvenir.

Here are a few workshops I personally recommend:

I’ve also written a full article featuring the best workshops in Hoi An – feel free to check it out if you want to get creative during your stay.

Try the Local Specialties

You simply can’t visit Hoi An’s ancient town without tasting its local specialties. The food here is authentic, affordable, and full of flavor.

Stop by a busy street food stall or a modern riverside café to discover some of the town’s most iconic dishes:

Cao Lau: A noodle dish unique to Hoi An, served with slices of pork, bean sprouts, fresh herbs, and crispy crackers. The special touch? The noodles are made using water from a specific local well, which gives them a unique texture. I personally recommend Cao Lau Khong Gian Xanh – they serve one of the best Cao Laus in town.
White Roses (Banh Bao Vac): Delicate steamed rice dumplings filled with shrimp or pork and shaped like flowers. Light, elegant, and usually served with a homemade nuoc cham dipping sauce.
Banh Mi: Vietnam’s famous baguette sandwich – crispy on the outside, filled with meat, crunchy veggies, coriander, and house-made sauces. In Hoi An, places like Banh Mi Phuong or Madam Khanh have become legendary.

Whether you choose a bustling street stall or a stylish café with river views, the options are endless. And the best part? You can try all these dishes for just a few tens of thousands of VND.

Capture the Sunset Magic

With its faded yellow walls, hanging lanterns, and the Hoai River, Hoi An is a paradise for photography lovers. Every street corner has charm, and every facade tells a story.

The perfect moment? Just before sunset. The light turns soft, golden, almost magical. It highlights the texture of old walls, makes the tiled rooftops glow, and gives the lanterns a warm, inviting shine.

If you’re active on Instagram or love making reels, this is the time to pull out your phone. Whether in video or photo, you’ll come away with images that look dreamy – no filter needed.

Take a Lantern Boat Ride

As night falls, the river fills with small traditional boats, ready to take you on a 20-minute ride. Many of them include the release of floating lanterns, a beloved local tradition in Hoi An.

Yes, it’s touristy but it’s also photogenic and quite magical, especially if you avoid peak days.

Prices are fixed:

1 to 3 people: 170,000 VND
4 to 5 people: 220,000 VND

Lantern boat rides run daily from 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM.

Book a lantern boat ticket here with GetYourGuide.

For a quieter experience, go on a weekday evening – it’s much more peaceful.

Play a Game of Bai Choi

If you’re walking through the old town in the early evening, take a moment to stop and watch or even join in a game of Bài Chòi, a traditional Vietnamese game recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage.

It’s a bit like open-air bingo, but here the cards are sung out loud by performers perched in colorful huts. It’s fun, lively, and uniquely Vietnamese. Even if you don’t understand the lyrics, the atmosphere is worth experiencing.

The games take place in the square right next to the An Hoi Bridge, from around 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Price: 25,000 VND per card (about €1)

It’s a fun, local experience worth trying – especially if you’re with family or curious to explore the festive side of Vietnamese culture.

Watch a Cultural Performance

Want to end the day on a high note? Head to a traditional performance. In Hoi An, I highly recommend:

Teh Dar – a show that blends acrobatics, live music, and ethnic traditions. [Buy tickets for Teh Dar]
Or Hoi An Memories, a spectacular historical outdoor show. [Get your tickets for Hoi An Memories here]

These are immersive experiences that go beyond temples and museums, giving you a different, visually stunning look into Vietnamese culture.

My Thoughts on Hoi An’s Ancient Town

Honestly, it’s a must-see if you’re passing through Hoi An. Yes, it’s touristy (let’s be real), but the charm still works. With the old houses, lanterns lighting up at dusk, and the narrow pedestrian streets full of cafés and shops, it’s easy to see why this place is so beloved.

My advice? Wander aimlessly. Step into a random old house, visit a small museum, talk with local artisans. Take your time – especially in the evening, when the atmosphere turns almost surreal under the lantern lights.

And if you’re looking for a great evening activity, Teh Dar is a solid choice: well produced, not too long, and a nice change from just strolling around.

Is it the most beautiful old town in Vietnam? Probably.

Hoi An Ancient Town | My Ultimate Guide 2025

Hoi An Ancient Town at a Glance

Why Visit Hoi An’s Ancient Town?

Tickets, Prices & Access to Hoi An’s Ancient Town