Hoi An Ancient Town: Ultimate Guide – Attractions, Lantern Festivals, Culture, Walking Tours & Map

Ultimate Guide to Exploring Hoi An Ancient Town by Ovuigo

Hoi An Ancient Town with Ovuigo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands proudly in Central Vietnam’s Quang Nam Province. Renowned for its beautifully preserved streets, lantern-lit evenings, and riverside charm, Hoi An is not just a destination but a journey through time. As you trace the pathways once walked by traders from China, Japan, and Europe, you’ll witness a blend of heritage unmatched elsewhere in Southeast Asia.

View on Google Maps

This old town is a living museum of Vietnam’s heritage region, featuring weathered yellow-walled houses, iconic temples, lively markets, and softly glowing lanterns strung above bike-friendly alleys. Entry to Hoi An Ancient Town requires a ticket (approx. 120,000 VND), which grants access to several main attractions and supports ongoing restoration efforts. Your visit here supports centuries of preservation.

Top Attractions: Japanese Covered Bridge, Ancient Houses, and Assembly Halls

Hoi An’s top attractions reveal its multicultural roots witth Ovuigo. Start your Hoi An ancient town walking tour with the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge (Chùa Cầu) — an emblem of the city, built over 400 years ago. This wooden structure features carved details and a small temple inside. The bridge is accessible with a city ticket package and is open daily, 9 AM–10 PM.

Japanese Covered Bridge on Google Maps

Don’t miss the Tan Ky Old House, a 200-year-old heritage building that has sheltered generations of merchants. Guided tours display antiques-filled rooms and unique flood markers.

Tan Ky Old House on Google Maps

Fujian Assembly Hall thrills with its ornate gates, dragon-topped roofs, and dazzling shrines dedicated to the sea goddess. Entrance to main sites is included in your Hoi An ticket. Each visit is a window into Hoi An’s blend of architecture and history.

Fujian Assembly Hall on Google Maps

Experiencing Hoi An Lantern Festivals and Night Markets by Ovuigo

If you want to see Hoi An at its most magical, time your visit for the Lantern Festival. Held on the full moon each month, this festival plunges the Old Town into the soft glow of thousands of handmade silk lanterns. Streets are closed to motorbikes, turning the historic core into a pedestrian paradise of music, prayers, and floating lanterns set adrift on the Thu Bon River.

Every night, Hoi An Night Market comes alive along Nguyễn Hoàng Street. Open 6–10 PM, the market brims with stalls selling local street food, handicrafts, and traditional souvenirs. The lantern vendors here offer the perfect photo backdrop after dark.

Hoi An Night Market on Google Maps

For riverside romance and photography, join the crowds along the old town’s waterfront during festival nights or stroll the calm banks of the Thu Bon River at sunrise.

Thu Bon River on Google Maps

Cultural Activities and Workshops: Lantern Making & Traditional Crafts

Immerse yourself in centuries-old crafts by signing up for a lantern-making workshop, a must-do activity for anyone interested in both hands-on fun and cultural understanding. Workshops are usually hosted by local families or artisan shops and cost around 150,000–250,000 VND per person. You’ll learn step-by-step how to form bamboo frames, stretch vibrant silk, and decorate your own souvenir to take home. Ask at your hotel or trusted local guides for the best providers.

Cultural activities abound. Visit tailor shops in the Old Town for a custom clothing experience — Hoi An is Vietnam’s tailoring capital. Stop by the bustling Hoi An Market for basketry, wood carving, hand-embroidered textiles and street food:

Hoi An Market on Google Maps

Even beginners will find it easy to participate, with classes running 1–2 hours. Bring cash, a smile, and a willingness to craft memories.

Best Ways to Explore: Walking Tours, Bicycle Routes, and Riverboat Cruises

Hoi An is designed for slow, mindful exploration. A guided Hoi An walking tour lasts 2–4 hours, hitting highlights like the Ancient Houses, Assembly Halls, and Japanese Bridge. Many guides speak English and can share hidden details behind the weathered facades.

For active travelers, rent a bicycle for about 40,000–50,000 VND per day. Cycle through rice paddies, past water buffalo, and along riverside lanes — the best Hoi An cycling tour routes take you to outskirts like Tra Que Vegetable Village.

Boat rides on the Thu Bon River are another highlight. A one-hour sunset cruise (about 100,000–150,000 VND) reveals old Hoi An from a new angle, passing glowing lanterns, wooden docks, and bustling local life.

Family-Friendly Experiences and Day Trips near Hoi An

Bring your family — there’s plenty for all ages. Tailored Hoi An city tours for families with kids often blend walking, cycling, and food tastings. Join a lantern workshop or check out street performances in the pedestrian zones.

For day trips, head to nearby Da Nang (30 minutes away) with its modern city amenities and long beaches. Marvel at the mystical Marble Mountains (entrance ~40,000 VND):

Marble Mountains on Google Maps

Venture to My Son Sanctuary (entrance ~150,000 VND), a cluster of ancient Hindu temples in the jungle:

My Son Sanctuary on Google Maps

Laze at An Bang Beach or boat to the Cham Islands for snorkeling:

An Bang Beach on Google Maps

Cham Islands on Google Maps

Hoi An Cuisine: Where to Eat and What to Try

Taste the local side of Hoi An through its cuisine. Try “cao lầu” noodles, “white rose” shrimp dumplings, and “banh mi Hoi An” at small eateries or the bustling central market. Don’t miss a Hoi An food tour for the best variety. Cooking classes (from 300,000–600,000 VND) at family-run restaurants guide you from market shopping to making Vietnam’s iconic dishes.

Many restaurants and cafes overlook the Thu Bon River, offering scenic views with your meal. Try signature spots on the riverfront or quiet courtyards for a taste of authentic Vietnamese flavors.

We don’t run tours — we craft experiences. Each journey is a story written just for you, designed for those who wish to explore Vietnam slowly, deeply, and meaningfully. No fixed itineraries. No crowds. Just you — and the moments that truly matter. Contact us on Whatsapp at +84868319161

For further trip planning in Hoi An and nearby wonders, let ovuigo tailor your journey: ovuigo

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