Buzz
When visiting Hoi An, travelers should choose a time around February to April each year as it is when Hoi An welcomes tourists the most. The weather is less rainy, not as scorching as in summer, the climate is pleasant, and the space is airy. During this time, tourists can comfortably visit beautiful sights in Hoi An or explore new activities and places to fully experience the beauty of this place. Remember to book a hotel in Hoi An early to avoid room shortages.
Traditional architecture
Hoi An is famous for its traditional architecture, the harmony of houses, walls, and streets. Despite the ups and downs of history, Hoi An's ancient town still retains its old beauty, moss-covered roofs, bricks, and trees... just like the simple charm, pure soul, and genuine nature of the local people.
The ancient architectural features seem to remain intact in every house, on every street in Hoi An
The most common type of housing here is narrow tube-shaped houses, one or two stories tall with a narrow width and a long depth. These houses are made from materials with high load-bearing capacity and durability due to the harsh climate conditions here. The sides are divided by brick walls and wooden frames, divided into three sections with a walkway in the middle. Each house in Hoi An ensures harmony between living space and nature. Each house has a courtyard paved with stone and decorated with water features, miniature landscapes, and plants, creating an overall beautiful scenery.
The rows of houses lined up closely together within the ancient town
With unique architecture, the space of houses in Hoi An is always spacious, filled with sunlight, people, and nature blending together. These aspects bring a sense of freedom and comfort to the local residents and excitement for tourists on their visit to Hoi An.
The streets in the old town are arranged in a chessboard pattern with beautiful, winding, embracing streets. Walking through these small, peaceful streets, tourists not only enjoy delicious food but also witness a part of the daily life of Hoi An residents, a peaceful, simple life.
Hoi An's ancient town is rustic, peaceful in every corner of the street
The architectural heritage of Hoi An is extremely rich and magnificent, so it has been, is, and will always be a destination attracting tourists from both domestic and international to come and explore, and fully enjoy their vacation when booking a hotel right in the ancient town of Hoi An. When traveling to Hoi An, tourists will realize that time seems to have stopped here in every tile-roofed house covered with moss, the old gray walls, preserving from ancient times and still existing until today.
Representative heritage
It would be a miss if you visit Quang Nam without seeing the “icon of Hoi An” – Japanese Covered Bridge. This place also has another name, the Japanese Pagoda, located at the junction of Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street and Tran Phu Street. This unique architectural work is even printed on our country's 20,000đ polymer banknote!
Japanese Covered Bridge, the symbol of Hoi An, is printed on the 20,000 VND Polymer note
Japanese Covered Bridge gracefully arches, made of wooden planks spanning across the stream leading to the Hoai River. The 18m-long bridge is roofed with yin-yang tiles, facing towards the Thu Bon River. What's special is that despite being built by the Japanese, the bridge carries a distinct Vietnamese architectural style.
Japanese Covered Bridge carries a distinct Vietnamese architectural style
Above the main entrance are three raised Han characters, meaning Bridge for Distant Friends. This place was often visited by Japanese merchants for trading around the mid-16th century. Above the bridge is a small temple dedicated to the Northern Deity Tran Vu, specialized in warding off disasters, floods, bringing joy and happiness to everyone. At both ends of the bridge are groups of monkey and dog statues sitting in reverence.
Through the years and renovations, Japanese Covered Bridge remains a unique architectural marvel, a quintessential Vietnamese-style beauty. It is an invaluable asset and officially chosen as the symbol of Hoi An.
Japanese Covered Bridge sparkling and mystical in the evening
Besides, to understand more about the life and culture of Hoi An people, tourists should visit some famous ancient houses and spiritual and social structures such as Quan Thang, Duc An, Tan Ky ancient houses, or some assembly halls like Phuc Kien, Trieu Chau, Quang Dong... These are the beautiful spots in Hoi An that help tourists experience the distinctive cultural space of Hoi An streets.
Inside Tan Ky ancient house.
Tan Ky ancient house is the proud ancient house honored as a National Heritage and the only place to welcome national leaders and politicians from both domestic and international. The ancient house combines the architectural styles of China, Japan, and Vietnam. With the characteristic tube-shaped architecture of the ancient town, this location consists of two horizontal bars stacked on top of each other, symbolizing heaven and earth, and 5 vertical bars representing the five elements. The harmonious architecture of the house reflects the desire for harmony between humans and nature in Hoi An. Additionally, you can choose hotels near Hoi An's ancient town for easier and more convenient transportation.
Quan Thang ancient house Hoi An.
Quan Thang ancient house is also one of the most beautiful ancient houses in Hoi An today. The exquisite architectural features and lively carvings here are executed by the carpenters of Kim Bong carpentry village in the style of the Lower Yangtze region, China. Over time, the ancient house still stands as a challenge to time, helping today's generation imagine the life of the merchant class in ancient Hoi An.
Hoi An specialties
During the trip to Hoi An, tourists can comfortably choose snacks from countless stalls and street vendors on the streets. If you want to enjoy the best corn sweet soup, smashed rice cakes, delicious stir-fried clams in Hoi An, you should visit Bà Già smashed rice cake stall, on the sidewalk of Trần Phú street...
Hoi An's well water is very good for the body
Tourists can also try delicious dishes in Hoi An famous such as Quang noodles at many places along the ancient town streets like Mrs. Minh's stall, in Hoi An market or at the beginning of Trần Phú street. In addition, Cao Lau is also considered a dish worth trying when traveling to Hoi An. Its shiny yellow color, chewy texture with delicious broth, fragrant herbs, crispy pork skin will satisfy many diners.
Hoi An Quang noodles
Main dishes like Bà Buội's chicken rice, Aunt Nga's, Phượng or Madame Khánh's bread with plenty of meat, sausage, pate, fresh vegetables, and fragrant sauce will make you 'nod' with Hoi An cuisine warmth.
Phượng bread famous in Hoi An
Lanterns are also considered a 'specialty' not to be missed when traveling to Hoi An. Tourists can easily spot colorful lanterns in various shapes around the streets, houses. On the Full Moon day every month, there is a different Hoi An in the eyes of tourists - a magnificent Hoi An with the light of lanterns, flower lanterns.
Walking along the Hoai River or sitting in the middle of a small boat, paddling out into the river, gently releasing each flower lantern, admiring the shimmering rows of lanterns on both sides of the river, and praying for peace is an experience travelers should do during their trip to Hoi An. The magical light of lanterns, flower lanterns adds to the beauty of Hoi An in the eyes of tourists, becoming a characteristic feature, a spiritual dish for travelers when they come here.
Hoi An shines brightly at night under the light of hundreds of lanterns hanging throughout the streets
Great value hotels in Hoi An
If you need to book a hotel in Hoi An, you can check out these great deals from Vntrip below:
Hoi An ancient town always retains its unique charm in every corner, every house, and on every small street. Here, tourists can feel the warmth in every dish, from the friendly, intimate smiles of the locals. Even the trees, the space here also attract tourists. Walking on each small street, you feel like finding yourself in the old days, the beautiful memories of childhood on this strange and beloved land.
