Hoi An, Vietnam, is a tourist hotspot and a must-stop for foodies and history buffs alike. Strolling through Hoi An is like stepping back in time with its perfectly colorful, well-preserved, UNESCO World Heritage Site old city. The hustle and bustle of the streets, combined with the smells of street food and fragrant honeysuckle, create an immersive travel experience. Hoi An indeed has something for everyone who visits. The charm of the Vietnamese, coupled with thousands of years of history, makes Hoi An a historical and cultural must-stop that lights up the life of any passerby.
1. The Japanese Bridge
A small overpass leading to a historic temple in the heart of Hoi An’s Old Town symbolizes the former port city’s unique exchange history. The Japanese bridge, the most famous of its kind in Vietnam and arguably all of Southeast Asia, stands as an emblem of the cultural melting pot that makes up the city’s vibrant trading history. Historically, Hoi An served as a trading center as early as the 2nd century BCE and reached its peak for commerce from the 16th to the 18th centuries.
The Japanese community built the bridge in the 16th century to link it to the Chinese quarter. Its architecture reflects the merging of the two cultures and the geographical influences on Vietnamese culture. The curved roof shows the Japanese influence, while its decorations of yin and yang patterns display connections to Vietnamese culture. History cannot agree on why one side of the bridge has a dog statue, and the other has a monkey statue, but some believe it might be because the bridge began construction in one year and finished in another.
Now, the bridge beckons visitors worldwide as a historical photo op and a perfect introduction to the city’s extraordinary history.
2. Fujian Assembly Hall (Phuc Kien)
Only a six-minute walk from the Japanese Bridge in Hoi An’s Old Town lands visitors at another architectural treasure: The Fujian Assembly Hall (Hoi Quan Phuoc Kien). Initially built by Hoi An residents around 1690, the hall is a historical highlight of Hoi An’s ancient town. Although first built as a Buddhist temple, the property became run down and desperately needed repair by the 18th century.
Due to its state, it was put up for sale in the mid-18th century and purchased by Chinese immigrants from the Fujian province for renovation. During this time, the Fujian Chinese population in Hoi An rapidly expanded due to the aftermath of the fall of the Ming Dynasty, and of course, all of these new people needed somewhere to come together.
After its complete renovation, the space began serving as a gathering place, a community space, and an essential place of worship for the city’s Fujian Chinese community. The site showcases the breathtaking structural style of the Fujian people. More commonly referred to as Hokkien architecture, their designs are known for colorful and elaborate carvings.
While the structure has continually been updated and expanded, it remains an active worship site. Tourists can witness the long history of the city’s Chinese community by visiting this one structure.
3. Thu Bon River
Without the Thu Bon River, Hoi An would not be the city it is today. What makes it a compelling addition to any list of top historical sites is its importance in connecting East and West. Hoi An sits on the north bank of the Thu Bon River, putting it in a prime location to become an important trade route. Whether admiring the river from inside a lantern boat or from its banks, being near the waterway gives onlookers a sense of its historical magnitude, unlike any other place in the city.
The Vietnamese conquered the area of what is now Hoi An from the Champa people in the late 1400s. Before that, the area had served as the hub of the seafaring Champa from 700 CE.
The Thu Bon River began solidifying its place as a significant trade route in the 1600s under the rule of the Nguyen lords, who encouraged Vietnamese expansion. The river’s strategic location, coupled with the exchange arising from the silk trade, turned it into a critical passing place on what is now referred to as the Maritime Silk Road. However, by the end of the 18th century, Hoi An became obsolete for trade due to nearby Da Nang’s capacity for larger vessels.
The resurgence of Hoi An as a tourist haven in the 20th century has created a new kind of commerce for the Thu Bon River and it is arguably still a hub for trade to this day, just of a new type.
4. Nguyen Hoang Night Market
Hoi An comes to life at night due to the high temperatures and humidity during the day. The city is home to several night markets, inviting swarms of people to a reprieve from the heat and a lively shopping and eating experience. The most popular night market is the Nguyen Hoang Night Market, located in the center of the Old Town adjacent to the Thu Bon River. It is perfect for after a stroll along the river or an evening lantern boat cruise.
The market operates daily from 5 to 11 p.m. and features shopping opportunities for local handicrafts. This night market is the best place to buy the colorful, vibrant lanterns Hoi An is famous for.
Stepping into this market, which covers 300 m (984 feet) along the river with over 50 stalls and various goods on offer, harkens back to Hoi An’s deep trading routes. Although there is no official known origin for this particular market, domestic and foreign tourists alike flock to this stretch due to its proximity to other historical attractions, such as the Japanese bridge. With sites, sounds, and smells having remained largely unchanged for centuries, the market is a must-visit for those interested in history as well as local delights.
5. Tan Ky Old House
The Tan Ky Old House is another well-preserved piece of architecture in Hoi An’s historic old town. Built by a Chinese Vietnamese family over 200 years ago, walking through a living history museum is a can’t-miss opportunity.
In Hoi An’s golden age of trade and commerce, the home was built to house seven generations of a prominent merchant family. Merchants used the house’s two doors to facilitate agriculture trade until the 19th century.
What makes the Tan Ky Old House especially significant is its collection of antiques, which are available for viewing. The home acts as a time capsule of Hoi An through its objects and architecture. The house also showcases Hoi An’s melting pot of architectural influences. The elaborate carvings showcase Chinese influences, while the roof shows a mash-up of Japanese and Vietnamese techniques.
Tan Ky Old House is still inhabited on its top floor by descendants of its original owner. Visitors can learn about the home’s history by purchasing a ticket to view the rare artifacts on the lower floor.
6. Tra Que Vegetable Village
Only three kilometers (1.8 miles) outside the historic center of Hoi An visitors can step back in time with a visit to Tra Que Vegetable Village. The village, which has been growing vegetables for over 400 years, sits on 40 hectares and grows over 20 different vegetables and herbs.
The vegetable village gives visitors a peek into traditional Vietnamese farming techniques and organically grows its produce. The lush green setting invites everyone to bask in the centuries-old rural scene, essentially unchanged since its inception in the region.
Another reason the area is so special is the rare soil, thanks to its location between the De Vong River and Tra Que algae pond, which results in natural fertilizer for the crops.
Guests can see farmers in action, take a cooking class, or even indulge in an herbal footbath. Without this farming village, the delectable cuisine of Hoi An would not have the same deliciously fragrant flavors.
7. Strolling the Lantern-Lit Streets
The most famous emblem of Hoi An is its magical street lanterns. The final historic site is not any one particular place but all around the city, making it the most effortless piece of Hoi An history to witness firsthand.
In the 17th century, Chinese and Japanese merchants first brought lanterns to the city while passing through and lit them up in front of their homes. The locals started noticing them and crafting their own, creating a new business opportunity. When first used, they were only seen outside wealthy homes during particular times of the year. The lanterns became a Vietnamese craft and are still traditionally crafted from twelve bamboo stakes.
Although they appear simple, lanterns require a steady hand and meticulous craftsmanship. Each lantern color has a specific meaning, such as red, which means luck, or yellow, which signifies wealth.
Some fortunate visitors may encounter the Hoi An Lantern Festival. This yearly festival takes place on the 14th day of the lunar month. The festival is especially significant for locals who use the lanterns to signify those who have passed on. Pick up one (or many!) of these magical pieces at the night market mentioned above.
