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Hoi An Travel Guide
Hoi An Prison – Things to See in Hoi An Old Town, Vietnam
Hoi An Prison is one of the interesting things to see in Hoi An Old Town, Vietnam. It’s the largest prison in the province of Quang Nam during the Vietnam war, where some thousands of Vietnamese people were jailed. After
Thong Dang Prison & Park – Things to See in Hoi An Old Town, Vietnam
Thong Dang Prison & Park is one of the interesting attractions in Hoi An Old Town, Vietnam. During the French colonial period and the latest wars, it’s the largest prison in the town. Thousands of Vietnamese people who fighted for
Hoi An Lantern Park – Things to See in Hoi An Old Town, Vietnam
The Hoi An Lantern Park is one of the interesting attractions in Hoi An Old Town, Vietnam. It’s a public park with outdoor seating, stone sculptures depicting the local industry of lantern making and provides a view to the Thu
Hoi An Evangelical Church – Things to See in Hoi An Old Town
Hoi An Evangelical Church is one of the interesting attractions in Hoi An Old Town, Vietnam. Its existence shows the diversity of religions and beliefs in the town where local and foreign communities live together for a long period. During
Da Ken Tree – Things to See in Hoi An Old Town, Vietnam
Da Ken Tree is an old banyan tree in the Hoi An Old Town world heritage area. It’s hundreds of years old, and has lived here before local people came to settle down. This tree is more special than others
Ba Le Well – Things to See in Hoi An Old Town, Vietnam
Tucked away in an alleyway within the Hoi An Old Town, Ba Le Well is one of the oldest wells of the city. It’s known for fresh and clear water that is a must-have ingredient to make local dishes, such
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Hoi An Basket Boat Ride: Location, Time, Cost, Tours & More
[Updated in November 2024] ‘Basket boat’ is a small round bamboo boat used by fishermen in central Vietnam, including Hoi An. Here, locals use it to carry visitors to explore the water coconut forests and participate in fascinating activities on
Hoi An Self Guided Walking Tour: The Best Old Town Itinerary
The Hoi An Old Town is a Unesco heritage site in Vietnam. The best way to explore it is walking and in many hours of the day, its main streets are just for pedestrians. The best attractions and historical sites
Hoi An’s Countryside – Non-Touristy Things to Do in Hoi An
Hoi An’s countryside is as stunning as Hoi An’s Old Town. It’s part of the Thu Bon River Delta that stretches around an area of 450,000 km2. Here, visitors can see peaceful villages, vast green or yellow rice fields, calm
Hoi An Lantern Boat Ride: Location, Timing, Prices, Tours & More
[Updated in November 2024] When the sun goes down, the boat ride on the Hoai River is one of things not to miss in Hoi An. It’s popularly known as ‘Hoi An lantern boat ride’ because people will release paper
My Son Sanctuary Travel Guide – World Heritage Site in Vietnam
My Son Sanctuary is a complex of ancient Hindu temples and ruins, a Unesco world heritage site, and a popular tourist attraction in Da Nang/Hoi An. It served as the holy land for Cham kings to worship Shiva God, from
Hoi An Old Town Travel Guide – World Heritage Site in Vietnam
[Updated in November 2024] The Hoi An Old Town (or Hoi An Ancient Town) is the most famous tourist attraction in Hoi An city, Vietnam. It’s a well-preserved trading port dating back from the 15th to 19th centuries, with yellow
Quick facts about Hoi An
Area | Population | Time zone | Currency |
60 km2 | 152,160 | GMT +07:00 | Vietnam dong (VND) |
Official languages | Best time to visit | Days to stay | Tour operator |
Vietnamese | March-August | 3 | HOIAN DAY TRIP Limited Company |
Hoi An on Map
JAPANESE BRIDGE - SYMBOL OF HOI AN
The Japanese Covered Bridge stands as the definitive architectural and historical symbol of Hoi An. Originally constructed in the early 17th century by Japanese merchants, this iconic stone and wooden structure gracefully spans a small canal in the heart of the Ancient Town. It features a unique integration of a functional bridge and a Buddhist temple, adorned with elaborate carvings and protective animal statues. Reflecting a beautiful blend of Japanese, Vietnamese, and Chinese craftsmanship, the bridge serves as a timeless monument to Hoi An’s rich heritage as a peaceful, multicultural trading port.
CHAM ISLANDS - WORLD BIOSPHERE RESERVE
The Cham Islands (Cù Lao Chàm) constitute a stunning archipelago recognized as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Located just 15 kilometers off the coast of Hoi An, this cluster of eight pristine islands is celebrated for its exceptional marine biodiversity and lush tropical landscapes. The surrounding waters protect thriving coral reefs, extensive seagrass beds, and hundreds of marine species, making it a premier sanctuary for eco-tourism, snorkeling, and scuba diving. The islands perfectly illustrate a successful balance between environmental conservation and traditional fishing community life, offering an idyllic, protected escape into nature’s raw beauty.
CAO LAU - CULINARY SYMBOL OF HOI AN
Cao Lau reigns as the ultimate culinary symbol of Hoi An, a legendary noodle dish woven into the town’s history. True authenticity relies on strict local secrets: the thick, chewy rice noodles must be mixed with ash from trees on the nearby Cham Islands and cooked using water drawn exclusively from the ancient Ba Le Well. This labor-intensive process gives the noodles their signature texture and smoky, yellowish hue. Topped with tender slices of barbecue pork (xa xiu), crisp local greens, fresh herbs, and crunchy rice crackers, Cao Lau delivers an irreplaceable taste of local heritage.
