Discover Hoi An: Ancient Streets, Pottery Villages & Basket Boats

Hoi An | Introduction

Hoi An is one of the most beautiful ancient towns in Vietnam, located in central Vietnam. Between the 15th and 19th centuries, thanks to its location at the mouth of the Thu Bon River—the largest river in Quang Nam Province—international maritime trade flourished starting in the 16th century. Traders from Japan, China, Thailand, India, and the Netherlands came to Hoi An for commerce, making it once the most prosperous port in Southeast Asia.

If you plan to stay in Hoi An for several days, buses are available from Da Nang. The yellow Bus Line No.1 (Da Nang – Hoi An) costs around 30,000 VND. Note that the drop-off point is a bit far from the city center, so you’ll still need to arrange local transport. If you're carrying luggage, I recommend taking a minivan or booking a private car. Many local companies offer these services at reasonable prices despite being more expensive than the bus. Taking a Grab ride from Da Nang (30 km away) is also a feasible option. There are plenty of Grab vehicles available in Hoi An, and we mostly used Grab to travel between city attractions.

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Hoi An | Transportation

Hoi An is about 30 kilometers from Da Nang, a major city in central Vietnam. You can arrange a day trip or multi-day itinerary from Da Nang. If time is limited, it’s recommended to join a one-day tour of Hoi An offered by local tour operators in Da Nang.

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Hoi An | Where to Stay

Hoi An offers a wide variety of accommodations. Tourists mainly choose between staying in Hoi An Ancient Town or near An Bang Beach. Since there’s no public transport in Hoi An, the two areas are about 10 minutes apart by car. Using Grab is convenient, and most hotels provide shuttle services and free bicycles. I chose to stay near the ancient town because it’s perfect for strolling. Being able to walk out of the hotel straight into the old town feels relaxing and comfortable.

Accommodation Recommendation | RiverTown Hoi An Resort & Spa

Room: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Facility: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Location: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Price: $$$
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

RiverTown Hoi An Resort & Spa Booking Comparison

We stayed in Hoi An for several days and spent three nights at this hotel, located by the Thu Bon River and a 10-minute walk to the ancient town. The service was great, the rooms were clean, and the staff were very friendly, always asking about our plans with enthusiasm. The facilities were excellent as well.

Breakfast was included and served buffet-style, offering both Vietnamese and Western dishes. Every day, the menu featured various famous Vietnamese snacks. It was the most diverse breakfast spread of our entire Vietnam trip.

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Hoi An | Attractions & Experiences

Attraction | Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An Ancient Town, located along the banks of the Thu Bon River, is the town’s most iconic attraction. Strolling through the ancient town, you’ll encounter a blend of Chinese, Japanese, and French architectural styles in a charming setting. The Thu Bon River is crossed by the Hoi An Bridge, connecting two sides: one with old Chinese assembly halls, the Japanese Covered Bridge, and various shops, and the other leading to the bustling Hoi An Night Market filled with restaurants and street food. Many tourists dress in traditional Vietnamese costumes while exploring the old streets.

The ancient town is home to many historical buildings, including old Chinese guild halls, heritage homes, and museums. If you explore thoroughly, it can easily take a full day. Most sites require a ticket, sold in bundles for 120,000 VND. With one ticket, you can choose to visit 5 of the 21 available attractions. Tickets can be purchased at booths along the street. Sometimes during non-peak hours, tickets aren’t checked, but usually, staff will be present.

Hoi An Ancient Town is most beautiful after sunset, when lanterns light up the streets and transform the scenery from day to night. If you only have a half-day to visit, it’s best to arrive in the afternoon, explore the key spots around Tran Phu Street, and then enjoy the magical night scene.

Experience | Cyclo Ride

The ancient town covers about 2 square kilometers. Riding a cyclo (three-wheeled pedicab) is a favorite activity for visitors, offering both convenience and fun. You’ll see rows of cyclos lined up along the Thu Bon River. At night, the old town becomes a pedestrian-only zone, free from the typical horn sounds of Vietnamese streets—replaced instead by cyclo drivers calling out with cheerful “beep beep” sounds.

Must-See | Thu Bon Riverside

Walking around the ancient town may only take 2 hours, but many foreign visitors love to sit for hours at a riverside café enjoying the view. The riverside is one of Hoi An’s classic scenes—once bustling with merchant ships, it is now quieter during the day but livelier in the evening.

At night, boats decorated with colorful lanterns carry tourists along the river while vendors promote rides. A night cruise on the Thu Bon River lasts about 30 minutes. We heard some tourists negotiating prices—200,000 VND for four people. You can also buy floating lanterns for wishes from riverside vendors.

Must-See | Japanese Covered Bridge

Located in the center of the old town, the Japanese Covered Bridge—also known as Lai Vien Kieu—is a key landmark. It spans a branch of the Thu Bon River, connecting the Chinese and Japanese quarters. Built with concrete and topped with a wooden traditional Japanese-style structure, it exudes a unique Eastern charm.

The bridge is lit with lanterns at night. Dog and monkey statues guard either end of the bridge, commemorating its construction in 1593 and completion in 1595—years of the dog and monkey in the lunar calendar. Inside the bridge is a temple dedicated to the northern deity Tran Vo. From the bridge, you can enjoy a lively view of the riverfront.

Must-See | Chinese Assembly Halls and Heritage Homes

One end of the Japanese Covered Bridge leads to the Chinese quarter—an important area of Hoi An Ancient Town. As Hoi An was once a major trading port, many Chinese merchants settled here. Unlike the Japanese, who left after Japan’s isolation policy, many Chinese remained. Some were Ming loyalists who fled during the fall of the Ming Dynasty. They called themselves "Minh Huong" and enjoyed high social status in Vietnam. Later Chinese immigrants also adopted the name "Minh Huong" due to its prestige, though over generations they eventually identified as Vietnamese.

This area is rich with Chinese assembly halls and heritage homes. These halls were formed by people from the same hometown, often serving religious functions as well. The largest is the Fujian Assembly Hall. Other well-known ones include the Cantonese, Chaozhou, Hainan, and Chinese Assembly Halls—all open for daytime visits with ticket checks required.

Fujian Assembly Hall

The largest of the five major halls, the Fujian Assembly Hall is impressive inside and out. Built relatively early, it features a traditional Minnan-style three-part layout. Inside, there's a temple to Mazu, the sea goddess, for blessings in maritime trade.

Chinese Assembly Hall

Built in 1741 by Cantonese merchants, it is the oldest and became the main hall for all Chinese communities, originally named the Foreign Merchants' Hall. It also houses a temple to the goddess of the sea.

In addition to commercial halls, Hoi An has many old houses. The Tan Ky Old House, built in the early 19th century by a merchant named Le, blends Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese architecture. The spacious home has areas open to tourists including a storefront, living room, and courtyard, while descendants still reside in other parts.

Folklore Museum

Besides the assembly halls and old houses, Hoi An also has museums. The Museum of Folklore offers great insight into Vietnamese culture and has clear English descriptions. It’s free to enter and well worth a visit. Exhibits include traditional tools, household items, and explanations of trades like pottery, weaving, and fishing. There are also cultural insights for foreigners, such as home altar placement and wedding customs. Even if you don’t read English, the similarities to Chinese culture make it feel familiar if you’ve watched historical dramas.

Traditional Art Center

If you’re interested in Vietnamese culture, the Traditional Art Center near the Thu Bon River is also worth a visit. It hosts live performances of Vietnamese opera and includes a raffle after the show.

Strolling | Japanese Quarter

On the other side of the Japanese Covered Bridge lies the Japanese Quarter, which has fewer attractions and is near the edge of the ancient town. Here you'll find the Annam-Giao Chi Matsumoto Shrine, which documents agreements between ancient Japan and Vietnam (Annam). Along the street, there are torii gates and replicas of Japanese merchant ships. After Japan adopted its isolationist policy in the 17th century, Japanese residents left Hoi An, and many of their settlements were destroyed during Vietnam’s 18th-century wars. If you look closely, you can still spot some Japanese architectural elements, though most of the shops today are Vietnamese-run.

Hoi An, Hoi An 90 — Matsumotoji Temple of Annam Kotsu

Hoi An, Hoi An 91 — Matsumotoji Temple of Annam Kotsu

Strolling | Hoi An Market

The ancient town has many shops and a lively night market that can keep you busy for hours. The local market offers both street food and fresh produce. A highlight here is the lantern shops, which are considered a signature of Hoi An. Some shops even offer lantern-making classes, which are popular among Western tourists.

Hoi An, Vietnam | Handmade Lantern Course

Attraction | Thanh Ha Pottery Village

Pottery is one of Hoi An’s renowned traditional crafts. About 25 minutes by car from the city center lies Thanh Ha Pottery Village, with a history of around 500 years. Pottery-making skills have been passed down through generations here. In the past, the village supplied bricks, tiles, and daily-use ceramics to Hoi An and surrounding areas. The entire village is devoted to pottery, and you’ll see elderly locals chatting while skillfully working on clay. Most visitors come for hands-on pottery experiences, with some tours arriving by boat from the ancient town.

Hoi An Half Day Tour | Tuo Qui Vegetable Village & Thanh Hoa Ceramic Village & Water Coconut Grove Bamboo Basket Boat Motorcycle Tour Private Tour (Ao Dai Guide)(kkday)

Experience | Cam Thanh Water Coconut Forest – Basket Boat Ride

Cam Thanh Island, also known as Coconut Island, is located along the Thu Bon River between Da Nang and Hoi An. It is a fishing village spanning over 75 hectares, including 7 hectares of water coconut forest. A ride through the forest in a traditional basket boat is a must-do in Hoi An. The round bamboo boat, resembling a giant bowl, was supposedly invented to avoid boat taxes in ancient times. The typical ride lasts about 45 minutes, and operators usually offer pickup services.

Bamboo Basket Boat Trip Comparison

Each basket boat is rowed by one boatman and carries two passengers through the forest. The villagers still live traditional river-based lifestyles, with houses built on stilts using bamboo and coconut leaves. The tour may include crab fishing, net casting, and exciting spinning boat performances.

The rowing style is unique—the boatman paddles from the front while standing. As we moved through the forest, we tried crab fishing in the mangroves. Despite the language barrier, our boatman cheerfully interacted with us using simple words and gestures. He was quite funny! Many locals still fish for a living. At one point, our boatman grabbed a basket of freshly caught fish from a neighbor.

As we exited the forest, we began to hear music and saw performances. Near the river mouth, boats gathered, and the atmosphere turned festive. Some boats had sound systems and featured live singing and dancing. The highlight, however, was the spinning basket boat shows. Skilled boatmen used their body movements to rapidly spin the boat—very impressive. Brave tourists could join in and experience what felt like a water version of a teacup ride—though it might make you dizzy!

Attraction | Hoi An Memories Land Theme Park

Located not far from the ancient town, Hoi An Memories Land has become a must-see attraction in recent years. Its main show, "Hoi An Memories," is a large-scale multimedia performance that showcases traditional Vietnamese culture. Admission includes entrance and show tickets. Seating is divided by price into VIP, High Section, and Eco Section. Some packages also include dinner.

Hoi An Impression Tickets

Vietnam] Hoi An｜Hoi An Impression Theme Park & Hoi An Memory Theater Ticket (kkday)

The park opens at 5 PM. If you arrive early, you can walk around the grounds. Though it’s not large and doesn’t feature thrilling rides, the themed decor resembles a cultural village with Hoi An-inspired settings. When shows begin, the whole park transforms into performance stages.

It takes about 20 minutes to walk around the park. At night, the lights and scenery become even more beautiful.

The main show begins at 8 PM, but from 5 PM onward there are a series of mini shows. A schedule and map are available at the entrance. The first performance starts outside the main gate, followed by traditional martial arts, folk shows, and skits.

After watching a round of shows, it’s a good time for dinner. We chose a reasonably priced restaurant next to the "Love Bridge," serving Chinese-style Vietnamese cuisine, since we had tickets without dinner included.

At 8 PM, we entered for the main performance. The seating is divided into VIP, High Section, and Eco Section. We chose VIP, which came with comfortable seats, complimentary fruit, drinks, and towels—excellent service.

The main show was a stunning multimedia experience. The visuals were outstanding, especially the synchronized appearance of performers in white ao dai—truly breathtaking. The story beautifully captured the spirit and memory of Hoi An. Even if you’re short on time, just watching the one-hour main show after dinner is well worth it for the stage design, lighting, and performance quality.

Attraction | An Bang Beach

While Hoi An is best known for its cultural attractions, it also has a beautiful beach—An Bang Beach. The beach shares the same stretch of coastline as Da Nang’s My Khe Beach and features soft white sand. Although less famous than My Khe, An Bang Beach had few visitors when we were there. The beachfront was clean and peaceful, with well-maintained areas by beachside cafés—making it a great place to relax and enjoy the sea view.

Hoi An | Nearby Attractions

My Son Sanctuary (Thánh địa Mỹ Sơn)

My Son Sanctuary is an ancient site of the Champa Kingdom in central Vietnam, located about 50 kilometers from Da Nang. The architecture and sculptures here represent the Champa culture, dating back to the 4th century. My Son is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Vietnam’s most important ancient ruins. Nestled in a valley, its buildings are made of red bricks and sandstone, consisting of temples and towers that showcase Champa’s artistic and architectural achievements. For detailed information, see this dedicated article.

Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary Travel Guide: A Half-Day Trip to Vietnam’s Mini Angkor Wat

Da Nang (Đà Nẵng)

Da Nang is a coastal city in central Vietnam and was once part of the ancient Maritime Silk Road. It replaced Hoi An as the region’s primary port. Today, it is a modern city with a rich history, cultural heritage, and natural attractions including Marble Mountains, Linh Ung Pagoda, and the stunning My Khe Beach. It’s often the starting point for travel in central Vietnam. You can easily spend a full day in Da Nang, and nearby areas also offer various attractions. See this dedicated article for details.

Ultimate Guide to Da Nang: Must-Visit Spots and Tips for a Perfect 3-Day Tour

Hoi An | Food

Hoi An is home to many local dishes such as chicken rice, white rose dumplings, and cao lầu noodles—a blend of Chinese and Vietnamese flavors. The ancient town is also filled with cozy cafés worth visiting. For food recommendations, see this dedicated article.

Hoi An Food Record | What to eat in Hoi An? | 5 Must-Eat Restaurants, Cafes and Snacks

Hoi An | Recommended Vietnamese Massages

There are plenty of Vietnamese massage parlors worth trying in Hoi An. One we recommend is Blue Gift Spa. When we visited, there was a 30% discount promotion. A 90-minute hot stone massage for two cost just $30 USD. The storefront is basic and the massage rooms had no air conditioning, but the therapist we had was the most skilled we encountered in Vietnam. Despite the language barrier, the therapist could pinpoint sore spots with great accuracy. It was so satisfying that we visited twice during our three-day stay.

Blue Gift Spa Spa Experience (TripAdvisor)

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