Museum of Local Products – Things to See in Hoi An Old Town

Museum of Local Products is one of the most interesting sightseeing places in Hoi An Old Town, Vietnam. Its exhibitions introduce the most typical products in the Quang Region where the town is the center as well as the role of the town as an international trading port in the history. This place is converted from a wooden house with two stories and the front on the most beautiful roads of the town. Now let’s HoiAn Day Trip Company tell everything which visitors need to know about the Museum of Local Products in Hoi An.

You may also like: Museums in Hoi An, Vietnam

• Content by Tam Le, founder of HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD

• Designed by Giang Cong Minh, co-founder of LS E&C LTD and his team

• Photo by Dang Cong Loi, Dao Xuan Son, Tam Le & others

Table of Contents

Must Knows about Museum of Local Products (Hoi An)

– Location/address: 57 Tran Phu Street, Minh An ward, Hoi An city, Quang Nam province, Vietnam

– Other name(s): Local Products Museum

– Opening hours: 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 1:30 to 5 PM daily

– Opening year: 2024

– Ticket price: 120,000 VND for foreign adult & children above 15 years old (Hoi An Old Town ticket)

– Best time to visit: anytime

– Time to spend: 15-30 mins

– Reason(s) to visit: the museum which provides the information about all local products of Hoi An and the greater province Quang Nam

– Travel blog: https://hoiandaytrip.com/museum-of-local-products-hoi-an

– Recognition(s):

– Food & drink: not available

– Shopping: not available

– Tour guide: contact +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo)

– Fact: Museum of Local Products is the newest museum in Hoi An

Museum of Local Products (Hoi An) on Map

History & Exhibitions in Museum of Local Products in Hoi An

The Museum of Local Products in Hoi An (Bao tang Tho san) was opened on 3rd December 2024, to celebrate the anniversary of 25-years Hoi An inscribed as a Unesco world heritage site. This museum was converted from a wooden house with two stories and multiple compartments. Its façade has the influence of French architecture.

With a total area of 240 m2, the Museum of Local Products in Hoi An exhibits more than 180 artifacts and 130 pictures that are arranged in 4 themes. After walking it, the first exhibition provides information about the physical geography and natural resources of the Quang Region where Hoi An is the center. This town is located on the bank of the largest river of the region – Thu Bon River, near its confluence with two other rivers, and near its estuary. It’s also not far from the North-South trail of Vietnam (today the North-South highway). On the map, Hoi An is exactly right in the middle of the country. Off the coast, there is the Cham Islands which has a diversity of marine resources.

On the ground floor, in the second exhibition, the role of Hoi An as a trading center of local products and spices is informed. From the 15th to 19th centuries, local people transported different goods from the mountains of the Quang Region down to the town via the Thu Bon River and its tributaries. From other places in Vietnam, people would use the boat and access the town by the mouth of Thu Bon River, or use road vehicles. Here, they collected, preserved, introduced and sold for foreigners who came from China, Japan and Europe. During this period, Hoi An was one of the most bustling and prosperous ports in Southeast Asia.

On the upper floor, visitors will see the introduction and related artifacts about these local products that are traded in Hoi An:

– Black pepper: this product is grown in the mountains and forests of Tien Phuoc area, 80 kilometers away from Hoi An today. It’s one of the major spices that local people sell for European merchants and companies. In the past, many Chinese traders came to the area to collect from local farmers and then brought their peppers down to the town for sale, by roads or by boat along the Thu Bon River. Today, the black pepper still has been grown in the Tien Phuoc area.

– Betel nut (Areca palm nut): this product is grown in the gardens and farms around Quang Nam province. It’s popularly used in Vietnam and Asian countries because of culture (for example, betel leaves and areca nuts are must-have presents in Vietnamese wedding or funeral ceremonies) and its medical benefits. That’s why Chinese and Japanese merchants bought it in Hoi An during the past centuries.

– Swiftlet bird’s nest: this product is collected in vertical coastal cliffs of the Cham Islands, an offshore archipelago of Hoi An. It’s the hardened saliva of the swiftlet birds which have a lifespan of 10-13 years and lay eggs two times a year. Tradition of bird nest collection in the area started from the 17th century and was practiced by families in Thanh Chau village (including present-day Cam Chau and Cam Thanh). According to the villagers, Tran Tien and his wife found the swiftlet’s caves by mistake, while they went fishing. Other people still believe that Cham people who lived in Hoi An before Vietnamese arrivals, were the first bird nest collectors and users. From the 19th century to 1974, inhabitants of Thanh Chau village protected and took the bird nests in the Cham Islands and then sold them to merchants in the town. After that, the merchants sold them for foreign traders. Since 1974, the city has managed all activities.

– Cinnamon: this product is grown and collected in the mountains upstream of the Thu Bon River, including the bark and the leaves. It’s one of the favourite things to buy for Chinese and Japanese merchants due to its good quality. It could be great to use for medicine or spices for cooking. Today, Quang Nam’s cinnamon is still well known across the country and exported to the rest of the world.

– Tea: this product is grown and collected in the mountains upstream of the Thu Bon River, including both fresh and dried types. It’s used for drinking for the locals everyday and a good quality goods to sell for foreign merchants. During the past centuries, Chinese traders bought the tea from the farmers in the tea hills and then brought it down to the town. In the 1930s, a French factory to process the tea existed in Hoi An. In 1935, 1936, 1937 and 1939, French people organized the fairs to introduce the local tea and other products as well.

– Agarwood: this product is collected in the high and far mountains in the upstream of Thu Bon River. It’s one of the most precious and expensive goods in Hoi An. In the 15th century, European missionaries mentioned the agarwood in their dairy. It’s used to make medecine, accessories, furniture, perfume, spa ingredients, etc.

– Forest leaves from Cham Islands: these products are naturally grown and collected by the locals in the forests of the archipelago. Until today, there are about 70 kinds of plants that people use to make tea for refreshment or for medicine. 40 of which are popularly used. During the Doan Ngo Festival (Dragon Boat Festival) on the 5th day of the fifth lunar month which marks the hottest time of the year, they sell different plants, both fresh and dried, in the Hoi An Central Market. People in the town will use them to make a herbal tea to detox.

From the balcony of the Museum of Local Products, visitors will have a good view of the road below Tran Phu, the most beautiful road of the town.

In the back of the Museum of Local Products, it’s possible to enter the Museum of Traditional Medicine and even the Museum of Folklore, two other stunning attractions in the Hoi An Old Town.

Tips to Visit Museum of Local Products in Hoi An

– Visitors must buy a ‘Hoi An Old Town ticket’ to enter the Museum of Local Products. It costs 120,000 VND for foreign adults and children above 15 years old, and free for smaller kids. Besides this museum, ticket holders can go to 4 other places (such as old bridge, houses, temples, assembly halls). See more information and details

– Introductions and explanations are available in either Vietnamese or English. Other languages are not available yet.

– Visitors must turn off flashlights when taking photos by phone or camera while visiting Hoi An’s Museum of Local Products.

– Visitors should be careful when walking upstairs to the 2nd floor of the Museum of Local Products because it’s steep. Senior visitors and wheelchair users can see round the first floor, and not see the upper floor.

– Toilets in the back of the first floor, to use for free.

– Visitors can not touch on artifacts.

– Don’t bring weapons, explosives, flammable substances, toxic and polluting substances, pets into the Museum of Local Products.

– No dress code is required at this museum, so visitors just wear comfortable clothes.

– No locker for personal belongings, so visitors should keep it on their own.

– No smoking, no eating and no drinking in the museum.

– In the dry season, don’t forget to bring sun cream, sun glasses, hat/cap or umbrella, and bottles of water for drinking once go to the Ancient Town.

– In the wet season, don’t forget to bring a rain poncho/jacket, umbrella, sandals or waterproof shoes. Before going to the museum, please remove rain poncho/jacket or umbrella, to keep the floor dry.

– The museum has a balcony where visitors can see the town and streets from above.

How to Get to Museum of Local Products in Hoi An

The Museum of Local Products is at 57 Tran Phu Street, in the Hoi An Old Town, Hoi An city, Quang Nam, Vietnam.

To get to this museum, visitors need to go to Hoi An Ancient Town first. It’s right in the heart of Hoi An city (Minh An ward), and 6-7 km away from other areas of Hoi An. Visitors can walk, ride the bicycle or motorcycle, or use a taxi, electric car, or hotel’s shuttle bus. From the hotels and places within Cam Pho, Minh An, and Son Phong areas, walking is possible and easy. Cycling is faster, but make sure that you are confident and safe when joining the traffic. As a bicycle-friendly town, Hoi An doesn’t ban bicycles anywhere, and parking at sightseeing places is totally free. Taxi fare is approx 20,000 VND per kilometer, and it’s kind of the same as electric car/buggy price.

Everyday, from 9 to 11:30 AM and from 3 to 9:30 PM, motorbikes and cars are banned in the Hoi An Ancient Town (where the museum is located). Getting there by walking or bicycle for sure is easy. If choose a car/taxi, please request to drop off in the parking lot at the crossroad of Hoang Dieu Street and Phan Chu Trinh Street, and after that, let’s walk. If like riding the motorcycle, please go to the Hoi An Central Market, and park it there, with a fee of 5,000-10,000 VND. Remember that service time is up to 9-9:30 PM only.

From Da Nang, visitors can use a taxi/car/van/bus, or ride the motorbike. A roundtrip transfer from Da Nang city centre or My Khe beach, costs from 700,000 VND. If like riding the motorbike, one day rental is from 100,000 to 250,000 VND/day (without gasoline, insurance), and it’s often available in the hotel. The best route now is the coastal road (Vo Nguyen Giap/Truong Sa Rd). It’s just needed to go along it until the traffic light at An Bang Beach, and then turn right, keep going on Hai Ba Trung Street. Following Ly Thuong Kiet Street and then Nguyen Hue Street to see the Hoi An Central Market. At the market’s entrance, a parking lot is available with a fee of 5,000-10,000 VND/bike/time. From here, walk along Tran Phu Street (westwards) to see the Museum of Local Products.

HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD daily organizes tours and transfers to Hoi An. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) or browse www.hoiandaytrip.com to see tours and make a reservation. Thank you very much!

Itinerary to Visit Hoi An Old Town for First Timer

First of all, to enter and visit the Hoi An Old Town (the part inscribed by Unesco), visitors need to buy an entry ticket. Its price is 120,000 VND per adult and children above 15 years old and free of charge for smaller kids. Entry to 5 attractions is also included for free. See more information & details

If possible, first time visitors should go with a local guide, to know better about history and culture. Contact us by +84968009827 (call/whatsapp) to book a private English-speaking guide.

We suggest this itinerary for first timers:

Total distance: 1,65 kilometers

Starting point: the Japanese style gate (the west end of Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street). A model of the Red Seal Ship (Japanese merchant’s ship) and a ticket office are in a close distance.

Walk along Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street. On this road, visitors will have the chance to sightsee Cam Pho Communal House (ticket required), Japanese Culture Gallery (ticket required), Phung Hung Old House (one of the best heritage houses, ticket required), Nguyen Tuong Family Chapel (in the alleyway, ticket required).

Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, the symbol of Hoi An. This place definitely is a must see attraction.

Walk along Tran Phu Street, the most beautiful road in Hoi An, until Hoi An Central Market. On this road, visitors will have the chance to sightsee so many historical attractions. From the bridge to the market, there are Cantonese Assembly Hall (ticket required), Museum of Sa Huynh Culture (ticket required), Duc An Old House (ticket required), Kazik Park (free), Quan Thang Old House (ticket required), Museum of Trade Ceramics (ticket required), Trung Hoa Assembly Hall (ticket required), Fujian Assembly Hall (ticket required), Quan Cong Temple (ticket required), Quan Am Pagoda (ticket required), Hoi An Central Market (free to enter), a couple of rooftop coffee shops, Instagrammable spots, shophouses selling lanterns, food, souvenirs and fashion items.

Walk southwards and along Tieu La Street (east side of Hoi An Central Market). On this road, there are many vendors and stalls selling a diversity of local products, giving a good chance to know about local life and photograph.

Walk westwards and along Bach Dang Street (the riverside street). On this road, visitors will see Hoi An Traditional Performance House (ticket required if want to watch shows) and Museum of Folklore (ticket required).

Turn into Le Loi Street and then turn left, walking along Nguyen Thai Hoc Street. On this road, visitors will see Tan Ky Old House (one of the best heritage houses, ticket required) and Diep Dong Nguyen Old House (not yet opened to visitors, see from outside).

The ending point: the crossroad near the north end of An Hoi Bridge or the west end of Nguyen Thai Hoc Street. In the evening, from here, visitors can walk cross the bridge and then turn right to see the entrance of the Hoi An Night Market, the biggest night market in Hoi An.

For more information and details, please browse https://hoiandaytrip.com/hoi-an-self-guided-walking-tour

Guided Tours to Hoi An Ancient Town Vietnam

From Hoi An

Hoi An Old Town Walking Tour – 2 Hour Express Tour with Local

Hoi An Half Day Walking Tour: Heritage Sites, Crafts & Show

Hoi An Early Morning Walking Tour with Local Pho & Coffee 

Hoi An Afternoon Walking Tour + Thu Bon River Sunset Cruise 

Hoi An Night Tour from Hoi An: Lantern Boat, Markets & Food 

Hoi An Walking Tour with Sightseeing & Cooking Class

Hoi An Late Afternoon Walking Tour with Local Food Tastings 

Hoi An Walking Tour with Thanh Ha Pottery Village by Boat 

Hoi An Instagram Tour: Best Photo Spots & Rooftop Café

Hoi An Old Town Food Tour with Night Boat Ride

Hoi An Old Town Private Walking Tour with Local Expert (4 hours duration from departure time)

HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD daily organizes tours in Hoi An and Da Nang. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) or browse www.hoiandaytrip.com to see tours and make a reservation. Thank you very much!

From Da Nang

Hoi An Half Day Tour from Da Nang

Hoi An Night Tour from Da Nang

Marble Mountain & Hoi An Day Tour from Da Nang 

Marble Mountain & Hoi An Night Tour from Da Nang

Marble Mountain & Hoi An Highlights Tour

Marble Mountain, Lady Buddha & Hoi An Day Tour from Da Nang

Hoi An Day Tour from Da Nang with Chinese Speaking Guide

My Son Sanctuary & Hoi An Tour from Da Nang

Golden Bridge/Ba Na Hills Tour & Hoi An Tour from Da Nang

Marble Mountain & Hoi An Tour from Da Nang Cruise Port

Marble Mountain & Hoi An Tour from Chan May Cruise Port

HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD daily organizes tours in Hoi An and Da Nang. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) or browse www.hoiandaytrip.com to see tours and make a reservation. Thank you very much!

Places to Visit near Museum of Local Products in Hoi An

Bridges: Japanese Covered Bridge (Pagoda Bridge), Moonlight Bridge, An Hoi Bridge (Bridge of Lights), Cam Nam Bridge, Cam Kim Metal Bridge

Museums: Museum of Sa Huynh Culture, Museum of Sa FolkloreMuseum of Trade Ceramics, Museum of Traditional Medicine, Hoi An Museum of History & Culture, Japanese Culture Gallery, Black Sesame Soup Demonstration

Chinese assembly halls: Cantonese Assembly Hall, Fujian Assembly Hall, Trung Hoa Assembly Hall, Hainan Assembly Hall, Teochew Assembly Hall

Heritage houses: Tan Ky Old House, Phung Hung Old House, Duc An Old House, Quan Thang Ancient House, Diep Dong Nguyen HouseThai Phien Ancient House

Temples & pagodas: Quan Cong Temple (Ong Pagoda), Ba Mu Temple, Phap Bao Pagoda, Quan Am Pagoda, Hoi An Confucius Temple, Cao Dai Temple of Hoi AnHoi An Ancestral Temple, Cam Pho Confucius Temple, Minh Huong Confucius Temple, Vien Giac Pagoda, Hy Hoa Temple

Family chapels: Tran Family Chapel, Nguyen Tuong Family Chapel

Communal houses: Cam Pho Communal House, Hoi An Communal House, Minh Huong Communal House, Tu Le Communal House, Xuan Lam Communal House, Son Phong Communal House

Markets: Hoi An Central Market, Hoi An Cloth/Fabric Market, Hoi An Night Market (Nguyen Hoang Night Market), Cam Pho Market

Theatres: Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House, Hoi An Lune Center for Performing Arts (now where Teh Dar Show takes place), Hoi An Memories Land Theme Park (now where Hoi An Memories Show takes place)

Famous streets: Tran Phu Street, Phan Chu Trinh Street, Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Bach Dang Street/Wharf, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa Street, Phan Boi Chau Street (Hoi An French Quarter), Hoi An Lantern Streets

Other points of interest: Red Seal Ship Model, Hoi An Evanlegical Church, Thong Dang Prison & Park, Kazik Park (Memory Statue of Kazimierz Kwiatkowski), Hoai River (Hoi An River), Song Hoai Square, An Hoi Sculpture ParkHoi An Catholic Church, Hoi An Prison, Hoi An Central Park, Ba Le Well, Hoi An Book Street, Hoi An Lantern Park, An Hoi IslandCam Nam Island, Thu Bon River, Da Ken Tree

Photos, Videos about Museum of Local Products in Hoi An

Here are beautiful photos and videos about Museum of Local Products in Hoi An:

Tours In/From Da Nang

Tours In/From Hoi An

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