Explore Hoi An Ancient Town: One-Day Guided Tour in Vietnam 🇻🇳

Planning to spend a weekend in Vietnam, I opted for the ancient town of Hoi An, nestled beside Da Nang. Many compare it to the Chinese water town of Wuzhen, but after my visit, I found it to be quite distinct. ⚠️ Consider this a heads-up ⚠️: if you’re planning to go, manage your expectations. Once you’ve been there, you might not feel the urge to return [Facepalm R].

🚗 Hoi An Ancient Town is approximately 40 kilometers from Da Nang. You can easily arrange a Grab for a round trip by searching for “Hoi An Old Town.” There’s no need to worry about getting a ride back; the entire journey takes about an hour, with one way costing around 100 RMB.

💰 The entrance fee is 120,000 VND per person, and tickets are available at the town’s entrance. Cash is required, so be sure to have some on hand.

⏰ Three hours is more than enough to explore the entire area. Wait until nightfall to experience the enchanting night view before heading back.

⛩️ A Fusion of Japanese, French, and Chinese Cultures

[Sticker R] At the entrance, a large model of a Japanese sailing ship stands as a tribute to the historical presence of Japanese fleets. Further in, you’ll find the iconic Japanese bridge, which is also featured on the 20,000 VND banknote, highlighting the significant influence of Japanese culture. In the 17th century, Hoi An was a bustling port where many Japanese merchants gathered.

The city often hosts performances of traditional Japanese tea ceremonies and flower arrangements, adding to its cultural richness.

[Sticker R] The old houses in the town blend French and Chinese architectural styles. You’ll see classic French wooden shutters and carved railings, along with the black tiles and lanterns typical of Chinese ancient homes. The vibrant colors of the exterior walls give the town a lively, almost Penang-like feel.

[Check-in R] The only similarity to Wuzhen is the presence of water.

[Sticker R] After crossing the Japanese bridge, you enter the heart of the ancient town, where a river winds through, dotted with small wooden boats. Old houses line both sides, perhaps inspiring the comparison to Wuzhen. However, the two are worlds apart! On weekends, the area becomes incredibly crowded, losing the tranquil charm of a water town.

[Sticker R] As the evening draws near, people release floating lanterns into the river, and the passing boats light up their lanterns. While picturesque, it doesn’t quite live up to the promotional images [Sweat R]. A boat ride costs between 80-150 RMB, accommodating 2-3 people. It’s not highly recommended due to the congestion, which makes it difficult to fully appreciate the scenery.

[Instant Camera R] What interesting spots can you find in the town?

[Sticker R] 92 Station Restaurant & Cafe: This is a must-visit highlight. The fourth floor offers the highest vantage point in the ancient town. Enjoy a drink on the rooftop, taking in the panoramic views of Hoi An.

[Sticker R] Daisu Silk: This charming silk shop offers a unique glimpse into the world of traditional craftsmanship. Visitors can observe the entire manual production process, from the delicate extraction of silk from cocoons to the intricate weaving on vintage looms, all performed right before your eyes.

[Sticker R] Ballon Spa: Nestled on the south bank of the river, this street-side spa provides a truly unique and relaxing experience. As you enjoy a soothing foot massage, you can take in the vibrant scenes of the bustling road and the serene river. The combination of the tranquil setting and the affordable prices—less than 60 RMB for an hour—makes it a must-try for both locals and tourists alike.