Exploring the charm of renowned heritage sites: Is it reasonable to charge or not?

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Ngày cập nhật gần nhất: 15/4/2026

The decision of Hoi An to impose an entrance fee to the ancient town has sparked intense reactions from disgruntled tourists, significantly tarnishing the image of Hoi An's historic quarter.

A question lingers for everyone involved, from the Management Board to travel businesses and international tourists alike: Is it necessary to charge visitors at scenic spots, including Hoi An's ancient town?

It is noted that apart from Hoi An, many domestic attractions currently implement entrance fees, such as the Imperial City in Hue, scenic sites in Ninh Binh, and Ha Long Bay. Furthermore, in many other countries, fees are commonplace, with clear charges for each specific category. The decision to tighten the entrance fees for Hoi An's ancient town has garnered attention, drawing both supporters and dissenters.

A Facebook user with the nickname S.T fully supports this fee. He believes that the fee does not negatively impact tourism in Hoi An; the key lies in managing finances for a balanced outcome.

Elaborating on this opinion, he also adds that currently, many places worldwide charge fees for tourism visits. An exemplary case is Angkor Wat, which charges $20/day (excluding those who enjoy wandering and taking photos, as they need to purchase a 3-day pass for $40!). Below is a fee chart for some of the world's famous heritage sites and scenic landscapes:

– Fenghuang Ancient Town, China: Admission fee 150 Chinese Yuan = 25 USD.
– Zhangjiajie, China: 250 Chinese Yuan = 40 USD (Excluding elevator and cable car fees, approximately 100 USD separately).
– Forbidden City, China: 50 Chinese Yuan = 8 USD.
– The Great Wall, China: 40 Chinese Yuan = 6 USD.
– Cape of Good Hope, South Africa: 105 ZAR (South African Rand) = 10 USD (Separate ticket to take photos with a rock is about 200,000 VND).
– Acropolis, Greece: 12 Euro = 18 USD (If visiting all points in Athens, it can cost over a hundred Euros).
– Hagia Sophia, Turkey: 30 Turkish Lira = 15 USD (If visiting all points in Istanbul, it can cost over a hundred Euros).
– Louvre Museum, France: 16 Euro.
– Statue of Liberty, USA: 18 USD (Excluding ferry fee).
– CN Tower, Canada: 32 USD…

This doesn't even include places like Bhutan, where their policy focuses on quality rather than quantity.

In addition, a Facebook user with the nickname C.P also shared thoughts on this issue: 'Charging fees at tourist attractions like Hoi An is necessary and should be supported. Siem Reap does this very well, and there are no complaints. They only charge foreigners and issue cards with photos at the site entrance.

Overall, considering various opinions on the issue of Hoi An's entrance fees, perhaps a more objective view is needed, especially given the relatively small amount of 6 USD. Not to mention that many attractions worldwide charge tens of USD, and people willingly pay, feeling it's worth the money.

Furthermore, a more accurate perspective on the entrance fees for Hoi An's ancient town is essential. Since 1995, the Hoi An authorities have been selling tickets to tourists entering the ancient town.

www.Mytour Compilation

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Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour

MytourApril 24, 2014

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the reasons for implementing entrance fees in Hoi An's ancient town?

The entrance fees in Hoi An's ancient town aim to manage tourist influx and maintain the site's historical integrity. Charging a nominal fee helps fund conservation efforts while ensuring a balanced tourist experience, which is essential for preserving the charm of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

How do the entrance fees in Hoi An compare to other global tourist attractions?

Entrance fees in Hoi An, set at around 6 USD, are relatively low compared to global tourist sites, which often charge significantly more. For example, places like Angkor Wat charge 20 USD, while the Great Wall of China charges 6 USD. This context helps visitors understand the value of their experience.

Is it common for tourist attractions worldwide to charge entrance fees?

Yes, it is common for tourist attractions worldwide to charge entrance fees. Many popular sites implement fees to manage tourism sustainably, such as the Louvre Museum and the Statue of Liberty. This practice helps support maintenance and preservation efforts, ensuring that these sites remain accessible and enjoyable.

What is the public opinion on the entrance fee for Hoi An's ancient town?

Public opinion on the entrance fee for Hoi An's ancient town is divided. While some tourists support the fee as a necessary measure for preservation, others express dissatisfaction. However, many agree that the fee is modest compared to charges at other global destinations, making it a reasonable trade-off for the experience.

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