The Hoi An ancient town: A Journey back in time to Vietnam’s traditional land

This article will provide you with interesting suggestions to experience the simple, rustic lifestyle of the people of Hoi An and explore its unique traditional cultural values!

1. For those who visit Hoi An Ancient Town for the first time

1.1. Introduction to Hoi An ancient town

Next to the Thu Bon River, Hoi An Ancient Town is an architectural masterpiece with its precious historical and cultural relics preserved for hundreds of years. This place was honored to be recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1999.

Hoi An ancient town is not only a living architectural museum but also a place of memories of the beauty of Vietnamese culture, the romantic beauty of daily life with customs and religious activities or a cultural festival that has been cultivated over generations.

In every street corner and alley, you can encounter traditional customs that have been maintained and developed over time. Hoi An is not only a tourist destination but also a place where you can find a connection between the past and present, between tradition and modernity.

Hoi An ancient town is an attractive tourist destination

See more: How was Hoi An Ancient Town formed? 

1.2. Tips for traveling to Hoi An

When preparing for your trip to Hoi An, remember to apply the following tips for a great experience:

• Build a plan: This helps you optimize your sightseeing time and avoid being confused when choosing activities.

• Enjoy local food: An important part of the travel experience is enjoying local cuisine. Dishes such as Cao Lau, Quang noodle, dumplings, etc., have created unforgettable impressions for domestic and foreign tourists when visiting Hoi An. Therefore, don't miss the opportunity to taste these flavors at local restaurants and eateries to further experience the culinary culture of Hoi An.

• Visit historical and cultural sites: Hoi An has many historical and cultural sites of interest such as Cau Pagoda, Tan Ky ancient house and more. These attractions not only provide historical knowledge but also help you understand more deeply about the culture and life of residents.
• Enjoy the peaceful space: Besides the exciting activities, take time to enjoy the peaceful space of Hoi An. Sit and sip a cup of coffee or walk on the small streets to feel the beauty of this ancient town.

See more: Essential Tips for Independent Travel to Hoi An

2. Experiences not to be missed when coming to Hoi An ancient town

2.1. Releasing lanterns on the Hoai River

One of the unmissable experiences when visiting Hoi An is participating in the lantern releasing activity on the Hoai River - a distinctive cultural activity deeply embedded in the heritage of this ancient town. Releasing lanterns on the Hoai River is not just a traditional ritual; it also carries profound meanings, symbolizing wishes for peace, luck and happiness. The lanterns are gently released into the river, creating a shimmering, magical scene on the water's surface, captivating tourists and creating unforgettable memories in the hearts of tourists.

To participate in this activity, you can refer to the following suggestions:

• After a few minutes of queuing, you can immediately rent a boat at Bach Dang dock (near the foot of Hoi An bridge). Boat rental costs range from 120,000 VND to 150,000 VND depending on the time.
• The cost of buying lanterns is less than 10,000 VND/piece (on holidays), you can own lanterns from boat rentals, boatmen or street vendors at the best prices.

Releasing lanterns in Hoi An

2.2. Visiting the Cau Pagoda - A place of cultural convergence

Chùa Cầu không chỉ là nơi linh thiêng để cầu nguyện mà còn là một điểm giao thoa văn hóa độc đáo. Điều này làm cho Chùa Cầu trở thành một điểm tham quan không thể bỏ qua cho bất kỳ ai đặt chân đến Hội An.

With its unique architecture blending harmoniously various cultural elements from Vietnam, China and Japan, the Cau Pagoda is not only a sacred place for prayers but also a unique cultural melting pot. This makes the Cau Pagoda a must-visit destination for anyone stepping foot in Hoi An.

To visit this place, you can find the following information:

• Address: 186 Tran Phu Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City

The Cau Pagoda is open at two times:

• Morning: From 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
• Afternoon: From 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Ticket prices for tourists:

• Foreign tourists: 150,000 VND / Ticket
• Vietnamese tourists: 80,000 VND / Ticket

2.3. Checking in at ancient houses

With many unique ancient houses, Hoi An ancient town is not only a place to remember the past but also a vivid picture of traditional culture. Ancient houses such as Duc An, Tan Ky and Quan Thang all bear the mark of time and unique cultural values. Here are some ancient houses you can consider visiting:

• Duc An ancient house: 129 Tran Phu Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province
• Tan Ky ancient house: 101 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province
• Quan Thang ancient house: 77 Tran Phu Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province
• Phung Hung ancient house: 04 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province
• Thai Phien ancient house: 104 Thai Phien Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province

The entrance fee for these ancient houses ranges from under 100,000 VND per ticket.

Duc An ancient house

Discover more: 24 Coffee stops to ignite your hoi an adventure 

2.4. Walking on Hoi An central market

Walking around Hoi An central market to enjoy the unique culinary flavors of the town will become an unforgettable memory in the hearts of tourists, from Hoi An bread, Cao Lau, Quang noodles, Hoi An pancakes to stir-fried baby basket clam and many other dishes.

Hoi An Central Market is not only a place to freely explore local cuisine but also an ideal destination for virtual life enthusiasts. Each area of the market will bring you a unique beauty so you are always ready to keep beautiful photos in Hoi An city.

• Address of Hoi An Market: 19 Tran Phu Street, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province.
• Market Opening Hours: From 6 am to 10 pm.

>> Read more: 20+ must-try dishes in Hoi An

2.5. Explore Hoi An cultural history museum

Hoi An Cultural History Museum is designed with ancient architecture, consisting of three floors with an area of about 800m2. The museum was established in 1989 and currently displays hundreds of artifacts, including original artifacts and photographic materials.

Hoi An Cultural History Museum is not only a place to store precious heritage but also a vivid picture recreating the developments of people, culture and history of Hoi An ancient town. Visiting the museum not only provides visitors with a deeper understanding of the past and traditions of Hoi An but also brings an impressive and attractive exhibition space experience.

Visitor information for the museum:

• Address: 10B, Tran Hung Dao, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
• Opening hours: From 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ticket prices:

• Adults: 120,000 VND/Ticket
• Children: 60,000 VND/Ticket

3. Engrave memories when experiencing Hoi An Memories Land

Hoi An is already famous for its ancient streets and shimmering magical lanterns, now even more brilliant with the appearance of Hoi An Memories Land. This place promises to bring tourists unique and unforgettable experiences, leaving beautiful memories in everyone's heart. 

3.1 What is Hoi An Memories Land?

Hoi An Memories Land is an unmissable destination when visiting the ancient town of Hoi An. The island is divided into three main areas with all necessary services for tourists, including: Hoi An Impression Cultural Themed Park, Hoi An Memories Resort & Spa and the Hoi An Memories art scene show.

Hoi An Memories Resort & Spa

With more than 102 diverse rooms, from romantic couples' rooms to luxurious Hoai river - facing villas for families, tourists will easily find a place to stay that suits their needs at Hoi An Memories. Resort & Spa. Furthermore, Hoi An Memories Resort & Spa also provides a full range of high-end amenities to help guests fully enjoy their vacation, including: Infinity pool, An Bistro restaurant, bar. Moonshine, Zense Spa, Gym and more.

Hoi An Memories Resort & Spa on Hoi An Memories Land

Hoi An Memories Resort & Spa takes pride in offering a wide range of services, ensuring your resort travel experience is more fulfilling than ever.

• An Bistro Restaurant: With a menu combining local delicacies and international dishes, along with a panoramic view overlooking the infinity pool, you'll have a unique and upscale culinary experience.
• Moonshine Bar: Moonshine Bar is where you can enjoy light snacks and refreshing fresh fruit juices in a comfortable and luxurious setting. This bar is also the perfect spot for you to soak up the sunshine and admire the breathtaking sunset of Hoi An.
• Zense Spa: Zense Spa is a haven of relaxation and tranquility, where you can indulge in regenerating therapies for your body. With a harmonious combination of modern techniques and traditional methods, Zense Spa will bring you to a state of great mental and emotional well-being.  
• Gym: The Gym is fully equipped with modern facilities, helping you to maintain a regular workout routine and take care of your health every day during your vacation.
• Yoga Pavilion: The Yoga Pavilion is a peaceful oasis nestled amidst lotus ponds, specially designed for yoga and taichi enthusiasts. Here, you can enjoy a peaceful space and immerse yourself in yoga exercises to improve both your physical and mental health.

The natural space for tourists to comfortably relax at Zense Spa.

Hoi An Impressive Cultural Themed Park

The park was built with distinctive architecture to recreate the bustling international trading port. Coming to the park, you will be welcomed by mini shows taking place every day from 5:00 PM. to 7:00 PM. between sections in the park. This is an opportunity for tourists to learn more about the culture and unique stories of Hoi An through outstanding performances. In addition, at Hoi An Impression Cultural Themed Park, tourists can freely "pose" with 1001 extremely "virtual" check-in points, enjoy rich cuisine with bold Vietnamese flavors at the Vietnamese village area, along with countless other interesting activities,...

Opening Hours:

• Hoi An Impressive  Cultural Theme Park is open from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
• Entrance Fee: 50,000 VND (excluding the Hoi An Memories show).

The Hoi An Memories real scene show

Debuting in 2018, the Hoi An Memories show quickly gained popularity among both domestic and international tourists. It is not just a simple realistic artistic show but also a journey back in time, transporting visitors to the past to explore the diverse culture of Hoi An through its ups and downs.

Show Information:

• Performance Time: from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM daily (except Tuesdays)
• Ticket prices range from 350,000 VND to 1,200,000 VND for adults and from 120,000 VND to 600,000 VND for children.
• The show has approximately 3,300 seats in 3 categories: ECO, HIGH, and VIP, catering to the diverse needs of audiences.
• Tickets can be purchased through three channels: the official website of the show, ticket counters at the entrance of the Hoi An Impression Theme Park, and via hotline numbers 1900 63 66 00 - 0904 636 600 (press 1 to reach the ticketing department).

3.2 Where is Hoi An Memories Land and how far is it from the ancient town center?

Hoi An Memories Land is situated on Hen Islet, approximately a 2-3 minute drive from the Hoi An ancient town to reach the island, you can use various modes of transportation such as motorbikes, buses, bicycles and even boats.

3.3 What services are available at Hoi An Memories Land?

Hoi An Memories Land promises to satisfy tourists with a variety of services available on the island, ensuring your trip is more complete than ever. Here, tourists will experience:

• Complete relaxation at the Leading entertainment service resort of Asia - Hoi An Memories Resort & Spa;
• Checking in at 1001 "super chill" spots in the Hoi An Impressive Cultural Theme Park such as Vietnamese Village, Japanese Village, Chinese Village, etc.
• Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Hoi An Impressive Cultural Theme Park with various traditional folk games and interesting cultural activities.
• Enjoy mini-shows at the Hoi An Impressive Cultural Themed Park.
• Relax and immerse yourself in nature at Zense Spa.
• Enjoy buffet breakfast at An Bistro restaurant.
• Savor local cuisine at Non La restaurant.
• Cruise on the Hoai River - releasing lanterns to pray for peace.

See more: Budget traveler's guide to Hoi An: Enjoying luxury on a shoestring 

4. Conclusion

Hoi An not only keeps tourists with its ancient beauty but also with unique and unforgettable experiences. It is an ideal destination for those seeking peaceful space, wanting to explore traditional culture and wishing to cherish beautiful memories.  Come to Hoi An ancient town to feel the unique beauty of this place and leave yourself with unforgettable memories.