Dec 09, 2023 By Juliana Daniel
Hoi An, a charming historical town tucked away alongside Vietnam’s Central Coast, takes visitors back in time easily. This small town has become one of the most famous tourist destinations in the country of Vietnam. It has been given the title of a “living museum,” which you come to know upon visiting this well-preserved place.
The streets of Hoi An are colorful and vibrant lantern-lit, with around 850 well-maintained traditional houses, Chinese Temples, rich cultural heritage, French colonial buildings, and the river that separates the Old Town from the New Town.
For more insights on this, keep reading our guide on Best Walking Tours in Hoi An, which will undoubtedly serve as a Hoi An walking tour map for you to plan your itinerary!
Hoi An has evolved from a trading port to a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its beautiful buildings and enchanting old-world atmosphere. Its ancient-style shophouses, art galleries, and food streets lining the town’s narrow streets are a true testament to Vietnam’s history and culture. This article will surely guide you in making the best travel itinerary to Hoi An.
A walking tour of Hoi An that takes you on a journey through the town's history and hidden treasures is one of the best ways to explore this wonderfully charming city. Your must-visit sites should include Cantonese Assembly Hall, the Tanky Ancient House, the famous Japanese Covered Bridge, the Pottery Museum, and the Silk Village. Plan a fantastic family trip with the help of this article and explore the must-see sights and things to do in Hoi An.
You can visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, also called Cau Temple, to view the iconic symbol of Hoi An Old Town. This bridge was built in the early 1600s. It has great historical significance in Hoi An, which, up until the 17th century, was a significant trading port for numerous traders from China, Japan, the Netherlands, and India. A small brook separated the Chinese and Japanese communities, but this bridge brought them together. The bridge has linked the past, present, and future for centuries.
The next place you should add to your itinerary is the Japanese merchant house, Tan Ky Old House, which is a national treasure. It has been around for almost 200 years and is known as Vietnam’s oldest merchant house. It complies with the three types of architecture and is constructed entirely of ironwood. Its idea of architecture was inspired and influenced by the famous architecture of several countries, including China, Japan, and Vietnam.
Furthermore, if you do not visit Fujian Assembly Hall, also referred to as Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, it will be a significant loss. The hall has all the characteristics of a typical Chinese assembly hall. People worship the sea mother Goddess Mazu in this Assembly Hall. Above all, Fujian Assembly Hall is an integral part of Chinese community business clubs.
The Hoi An Theater is where you can see the artistic performance. The Champa Kingdom in Vietnam, which dates back to the fourth century, is the subject of numerous local performances.
You can take a quick culinary tour of Hoi An to sample some of the best dishes, including Hoi An Chicken Rice, Banh Mi Phuong, and Quang Noodle Soup.
Furthermore, it is a good idea to visit Hoi An Market if you want to have a look around and purchase some traditional souvenirs to give as gifts to your loved ones back home. Being Hoi An’s biggest market, you’ll have the chance to learn new things.
The Thu Bồn River is one of the canals flowing through Hội An. You can get a traditional sampan boat ride there. In the evenings, you can observe the lanterns that adorn its surface, which are said to bring good fortune or tranquility.
Chinese temples are typically decorated in bright gold and red, as is the case with the Quan Cong Pagoda Temple. It is a prime illustration of cultural influences and sticks out against the yellow buildings. Savor the peace and quiet of the inner courtyard, but pay attention to the signs that indicate things like taking off your shoes when you’re in front of the holy statues.
We would suggest you think about taking one of Hoi An’s many free walking tours if you want to get the most out of your family vacation. There are a number of options available; some of them are listed below, and you can get an idea of how the tour will go.
A fantastic way to familiarize yourself with the city is to take the Essential Hoi An City Tour. During your guided tour of the Old Town, you will see some of its most famous locations and learn about its history and culture.
The Shopping in Hoi An Free Tour is ideal for individuals seeking to purchase custom suits, handcrafted clothing, souvenirs from artisans, or distinctive presents for their friends and relatives back home. You’ll also receive insider knowledge on how you can negotiate for a better price!
You can also choose the Street Food Free Tour if you are searching for something genuinely exceptional. This tour will allow you to have the most well-known street food items in Hoi An, with the local guides sharing the history and ingredients of each dish.
We would recommend our readers to book a Hoi An guided tour with a well-informed and friendly guide who will show you around this small town and point you to some of the must-see locations. Through these Best Walking Tours in Hoi An, you can find out about the long history of some of the well-known landmarks, visit the remarkably well-preserved buildings, and determine the ideal location for views, photos, and other activities, making a lifetime of memories for yourself.