Buzz
Hoi An, a small and beautiful ancient town in Vietnam, recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site, is a budget-friendly, captivating destination always bustling with visitors. Despite its popularity, Hoi An has managed to retain the tranquil and serene charm that defines the town, with the essence of its old quarter deeply embedded in the lifestyle and scenery of the place.
Top tourist attractions in Hoi An
Hoi An's tourist attractions are primarily divided into two main areas: the Ancient Town and its surrounding districts. If you find yourself in Hoi An, don't miss out on the places that showcase the rich history and local life, such as:
Bridge Pagoda
The Bridge Pagoda, also known as the Japanese Bridge, is a famous landmark built in the late 16th century. During this period, the construction of the Bridge Pagoda not only facilitated the movement of the people but also held significant historical meaning.
The Bridge Pagoda, a symbol of Hoi An - Image courtesy of the Internet
The Bridge Pagoda, the only bridge in the world with a pagoda inside, is a unique architectural structure with a distinct roof design. Supported by a wooden framework, it features intricate wood carvings that exemplify the harmonious blend of Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese architectural styles. Having undergone several restorations due to historical events, the pagoda has been altered from its original 18th and 19th-century form during the Nguyễn Dynasty. Today, the Bridge Pagoda stands as one of the most iconic symbols of Vietnam's feudal architecture.
The Bridge Pagoda spans across a creek flowing into the Thu Bon River, connecting Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai Street with Trần Phú Street. It symbolizes the desire for peace between the Chinese and Japanese communities that once lived in Hoi An. Today, the Bridge Pagoda remains a notable domestic tourist landmark in Hoi An, attracting visitors who seek to explore its historic significance.
Architectural Complex of the Chinese Assembly Halls
Hoi An, once a bustling international trading port, stands apart from other ancient streets in Vietnam due to its unique cultural blend. Among its many cultural influences, the Chinese community's culture is most evident, particularly in the distinctive architectural complexes of the Chinese assembly halls.
The Chinese assembly halls in Hoi An - Illustrative image
Some of the assembly halls within this complex have become famous tourist destinations in Hoi An, such as the Phuc Kien, Chaozhou, and Cantonese assembly halls. These large halls are located along main streets, such as Trần Phú Street, which leads to the Thu Bon River.
These buildings are representative examples of the architectural heritage of the Chinese community in Hoi An. For travelers interested in learning about the culture, customs, and beliefs of the Chinese community, the assembly halls in Hoi An are some of the best places to visit among the town's attractions.
Cua Dai Beach
Located about 5 kilometers east of the ancient town of Hoi An, Cua Dai Beach stretches for approximately 3 kilometers and is one of the most beautiful and romantic beaches in central Vietnam. The beach has a pristine, natural charm, unlike the bustling atmosphere of some other beaches in the region. It offers a peaceful and relaxing space, perfect for travelers looking for a domestic getaway with family, friends, or for team-building retreats.
Cù Lao Chàm
Cù Lao Chàm is an archipelago consisting of 8 small islands, featuring pristine white sandy beaches and a cool climate year-round. When visiting Hoi An's Cù Lao Chàm, travelers will have the opportunity to experience a unique coral ecosystem with many fascinating and distinctive shapes. The rich vegetation covering the islands creates a vibrant and enchanting natural landscape.
The beaches of Cù Lao Chàm in Hoi An - Image: Internet
What sets Cù Lao Chàm apart from other beaches in Central Vietnam is its rich historical and cultural value hidden within its natural beauty. This combination has transformed Cù Lao Chàm into one of Hoi An's most popular tourist destinations, a peaceful and idyllic spot offering tranquility for visitors.
Địa điểm các làng nghề truyền thống khi Hội An
Khi nhắc đến các địa điểm du lịch sinh thái Hội An thì chắc hẳn không thể bỏ qua các làng nghề truyền thống tại đây. Tuy nhiên, trong số đó, nổi tiếng nhất và được nhiều du khách biết đến nhất phải kể đến làng gốm Thanh Hà, làng mộc Kinh Bồng và làng rau Trà Quế vùng đất mang đậm dấu ấn cuộc sống của người Việt nhất.
Làng rau Trà Quế
Là một địa điểm du lịch làng nghề nằm cách khu phố cổ Hội An khoảng 2 km về phía Đông Bắc, làng rau Trà Quế là một làng nghề chuyên trồng rau có từ rất lâu ở Hội An và là điểm tham quan du lịch làng nghề lý tưởng của du khách trong và ngoài nước. Đến với Trà Quế, một làng rau có hơn 500 năm tuổi nổi tiếng với nhiều sản phẩm rau được trồng trên đất đai màu mỡ, du khách sẽ được chiêm ngưỡng một quy trình trồng rau đúng tiêu chuẩn “ xanh – sạch – đẹp”, đáp ứng được các nhu cầu về chất lượng cây trồng của người tiêu dùng.
At Tra Que Vegetable Village, visitors can experience firsthand how farmers grow, nurture, and harvest vegetables, and within a short period, you can become a true farmer yourself. In addition to learning about cultivation, visitors can also enjoy dishes made with Tra Que’s signature herbs such as mint, basil, and perilla, as well as take a buffalo ride around the village.
Thanh Ha Pottery Village
When visiting Hoi An's traditional villages, you can't miss Thanh Ha Pottery Village, a peaceful destination with the serene countryside atmosphere. The village is adorned with lush green rows of betel trees lining the paths, the golden hue of pottery products drying under the sun, and the red clay roofs of the traditional terracotta houses.
Thanh Ha Pottery Village, located 2 kilometers west of the ancient town along the Thu Bon River, was renowned in the 16th and 17th centuries for its exquisite, distinctive pottery and earthenware, making it famous throughout Central Vietnam.
The main products of Thanh Ha Pottery Village are everyday household items such as bowls, plates, jars, and flowerpots. These items come in a variety of shapes and colors, and notably, Thanh Ha pottery is lighter compared to products from other regions.
When visiting Thanh Ha Craft Village, guests not only get to witness the craftsmanship of local artisans but also receive detailed guidance to try their hand at creating traditional handmade products themselves.
Kim Bong Woodworking Village
Kim Bong Woodworking Village, a traditional craft village in Hoi An, has a history spanning over 600 years. It gained fame during the Nguyen dynasty for its exquisite wooden works, many of which are still preserved today. Notably, several temples and ancient houses in Hoi An feature wooden products crafted by Kim Bong artisans.
To reach the wood carving village, visitors only need to take a boat from the ancient town for about 10 minutes to arrive at this captivating domestic tourist destination. The handcrafted wooden products in the village are praised for their simplicity and rustic charm, yet they are also highly intricate. Here, visitors can find wooden statues, incense holders, chairs, and unique small toys that cannot be found anywhere else.
Sunrise at Tra Que Vegetable Village - Image sourced
Located about 2 km from the Ancient Town, Tra Que Vegetable Village is famous for producing crops like lettuce, Vietnamese mint, basil, and onions. These fresh vegetables often accompany signature dishes from Quảng Nam in Hoi An, such as Cao Lầu, Mì Quảng, and pork wrapped in rice paper.
Visiting the Tra Que Vegetable Village allows visitors not only to learn how to grow and harvest vegetables from the locals but also to experience cooking traditional dishes made with these vegetables, just like a true Hoi An farmer.
Attractive Ancient Architecture Spots in Hoi An
1. Phung Hung Ancient House
Over 100 years old, this historic house reflects the architectural beauty of Hoi An during its peak prosperity. The Phung Hung Ancient House was once owned by a 19th-century merchant. Its name symbolizes a wish for thriving and prosperous business. The house was built with the purpose of facilitating trade in items such as salt, rice, silk, porcelain, and glassware.
Phung Hung Ancient House in Hoi An - Image: Collected
The architecture of this ancient house blends the aesthetic standards of the Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese. Specifically, the system of doors and the balcony reflect Chinese style, while the roof is constructed in the Japanese manner. The house's framework, beams, and the clear division between the front and rear rooms are characteristic of traditional Vietnamese architecture.
2. Tan Ky Ancient House
This is considered an intriguing stop in Hoi An's ancient town. The house was built over 200 years ago and has managed to preserve the original charm of its unique structure, just as it was when first constructed.
Tan Ky Ancient House in Hoi An - Image: Collected
With its unique design style and the way its interior is arranged, this house fully embodies the beauty of ancient Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese architecture. This destination offers tourists many fascinating lessons as they explore the legendary ancient beauty of Hoi An from centuries ago.
3. Duc An Ancient House
Located at 129 Tran Phu Street, Hoi An, the Duc An Ancient House is over 180 years old. With its charming and solemn beauty, the house allows visitors to experience the simplicity of life through the humble decorations. Its traditional interior design highlights the rich Vietnamese heritage and provides a deeper understanding of the local culture.
Duc An Ancient House in Hoi An - Image: Collected
The ancient house of Đức An primarily uses kiềng kiềng wood – a rare, high-quality wood found only in the Quảng Nam region, known for its excellent resistance to heat and humidity. Despite enduring through various periods of time, the pure beauty of the house remains carefully preserved. The Đức An ancient house is often referred to as a 'living witness of history,' housing many unique cultural values passed down from our ancestors.
4. The Japanese Covered Bridge (Chùa Cầu)
The Japanese Covered Bridge – A remarkable ancient structure, both spiritual and architectural, is an invaluable asset of the Vietnamese nation. Officially recognized as a symbol for Hội An touristic routes, this distinctive building was constructed by Japanese merchants who settled in Hội An in the mid-16th century and engaged in trade.
Uniquely beautiful, the Japanese Covered Bridge of Hội An – image: Collected
After several restoration efforts, the Bridge Pagoda gradually lost its original Japanese architectural style. However, it gained a new allure, now showcasing a distinctive blend of Vietnamese and Chinese traditional beauty. Today, it stands not only as a remarkable ancient structure but also as a spiritual attraction in Hội An.
Through the shared article about tourist destinations in Hội An by Mytour, we hope you'll find helpful tips to choose the perfect hotel in Hội An for a complete travel experience, allowing you to fully explore its beauty.
