Hoi An Ancient Town: UNESCO World Heritage in the Heart of Quang Nam
Da Nang Travel Blog

Hoi An Ancient Town: UNESCO World Heritage in the Heart of Quang Nam

9 min 25003

Hoi An — a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999 — is Central Vietnam's crown jewel. The ancient town features hundreds of unique Vietnamese-Chinese-Japanese houses, a 400-year-old covered bridge, and vibrant Chinese assembly halls.

Unique Architecture — Three Cultures Converge

Hoi An was a thriving international trading port from the 15th-19th centuries. Its architecture reflects this beautiful convergence: Vietnamese tube houses, yin-yang tiled Chinese roofs, and sturdy Japanese foundations. The Japanese Covered Bridge (built 1593) is the most iconic — Southeast Asia's only remaining covered wooden bridge.

Hoi An Ancient Town with centuries-old moss-covered tile roofs
Hoi An Ancient Town with centuries-old moss-covered tile roofs

Must-Do Experiences

Entry tickets cost 120,000 VND per person, covering 5 attractions of your choice. Best visited in late afternoon when golden light filters through ancient roofs, or at night when thousands of lanterns illuminate the streets. Allow at least half a day (4-5 hours) to explore fully.

Lantern boats on the Hoai River — Hoi An's romantic symbol
Lantern boats on the Hoai River — Hoi An's romantic symbol

Getting There from Da Nang

Hoi An is 30km from Da Nang (30-40 min drive). Hire a car with driver since cars are banned in the old town 8 AM-11 PM. Combine Hoi An with the Marble Mountains (halfway) for an optimal day trip itinerary.

💡 Mẹo: Visit Hoi An on the 14th lunar day each month for the Lantern Festival — all electric lights are turned off, leaving only glowing lanterns.

Ready for your journey?

Book Now