Top 7 Must-See Attractions in Hoi An Ancient Town

Ong Temple (Quan Cong Temple) was built in 1653 and is dedicated to General Quan Van Truong (Quan Cong). It once served as a spiritual center for the region and remains a place of deep reverence. The temple houses an inscription by Duke Nguyen Nghiem (father of the great poet Nguyen Du), as well as two poems by Uong Si Cu and Nguyen Lenh Tan. Visitors often come here to pray for good fortune in business and blessings in life.

This is a must-see spot on your journey through the ancient town. The Tran Family Chapel is located at 21 Le Loi Street.

The chapel exudes a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere, blending Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese influences. In the center, the main altar features three large doors— the largest one is only opened on special occasions, while the two smaller doors are designated for male and female members of the family. The altar houses the ancestral tablet of the Tran family patriarch and his wife, while to the right, you’ll find the founder of the chapel, and to the left, the Buddha.

A visit here offers insight into the significance of family chapels that are 200-300 years old and the rich history of Hoi An's past.

Đình Cẩm Phô is the oldest temple in Hội An. It is located on Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai Street. The temple was built in the late 15th century, renovated in the 19th century, and has maintained its current appearance.

Like many other traditional temples in rural Vietnam, Đình Cẩm Phô follows the architectural style of: banyan tree - water well - temple yard. Whether you're interested in exploring the ancient temple architecture or simply seeking a peaceful spot to reminisce about your childhood, this temple is a great place to visit.

If you've ever tasted famous dishes from Quảng such as Cao Lầu, mì Quảng, or chè xí, have you ever wondered about the essential ingredient that makes them so special? Well, it's water from Giếng Bá Lễ, an ancient well over 200 years old, symbolizing the culinary artistry of Hội An's old town.

When you visit the well, you'll immediately notice its unique square-shaped mouth, a distinctive feature of Cham architecture. The water from this well is considered sacred, so it is used sparingly. You can come to Hội An to taste dishes made from this 'holy water', or even drink from the well itself – the sweet and refreshing water will surely win you over!

When you see this image, does it remind you of the 20,000 VND banknote from Vietnam? It certainly should, as this bridge is so iconic that it is a must-visit location when you're in Hội An.

Chùa Cầu was constructed around the 16th century, measuring approximately 18 meters long, and features a distinctively Vietnamese architectural style – soft, graceful, and built by the Japanese merchants of the time. In the past, Hội An was a bustling ancient town where merchants from various countries came to trade. This bridge was specifically built to facilitate trade between the Japanese and the Chinese.

When you visit, you'll discover why there is a temple on a bridge, what makes this architectural design so unique, why there are statues of a dog and a monkey at each end of the temple, and why there's an altar inside the bridge. Be sure to ask your guide about these intriguing details; the answers will surely fascinate you!

Another must-see in Hội An are the ancient houses that have been preserved for centuries, including the Tấn Ký Ancient House. This house, around 200 years old, showcases a blend of Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese architectural styles. Here, you’ll find well-preserved artifacts, such as the beautiful wooden plaques, including inscriptions like 'Tích đức lưu tôn' (Accumulate virtue to bring honor) and 'Tâm thường thái' (A calm heart). A highlight is the famous Confucius Cup, a treasured item believed to be around 600 years old.

After exploring the artifacts, you can relax in the courtyard, listen to local stories, or learn more about the history of the house and the significance of the Confucius Cup from the residents or tour guides.

This architectural gem is a striking example of Chinese culture, built by the Fujian people from China at the end of the 17th century.

The Hội quán is the largest and deepest in the ancient town. It houses statues of Thiên Hậu Thánh Mẫu, Quan Thế Âm Bồ Tát, and several other deities. Visitors can explore a rich collection of artifacts on display, including bronze bells, drums, incense burners, wooden plaques, and many other items from the prosperous era of the ancient town. This year marks the 17th anniversary of Hội An’s recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and there will be numerous meaningful activities for you to join during this special time.