"A charming piece of History" Top 5 Page for this destination Hoi An by SirRichard

Hoi An Travel Guide: 797 reviews and 1,713 photos

A traditional port

Hoi An is one of the most charming towns in Vietnam, and probably the one that mantains untouched the feeling of "old times", as most of the cities in Vietnam have somehow been affected by recent wars...
It is located in the mid coast, 30 kms south of Danang.
There are many hotels and restaurants, and the old centre is am easily walkable area, closed to traffic and a very romantic place too ;-)

A bit of History

Tran Family Shrine

Hoi An was one of the main ports of SE Asia since the 17th century. At the same range as Macau, Melaka... this spot was a main stop for Dutch, Portuguese, Chines and Japanese vessels till the end of the 19th century.
It has been recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, so it is well preserved and restored.

A Museum-City

A yellow street

All the city old center is considered like a natural size museum. They have an original visiting system:
You can walk around the streets on your own, but if you want to visit any of the museums, private shrines, public buildings... you have to buy a ticket that allows you to visit 1 museum, 1 old house, 1 Assembly Hall and 1 traditional arts center.
If you wanna visit (let's say) 3 museums and nothing else you will have to buy anyway 3 tickets books!!!

Last visit to Hoi An: Aug 2003
Intro Written Sep 29, 2003
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Reviews (25)

Go to the beach Sports & Outdoors (1)

Hoi An is located very near to the Cua Dai fine sand palm lined beach. The beach is just 5 kms away from the center of... more travel advice

Local Boats Transportation (3)

If you want to have a boat ride in the Thu Bon River, you can hire a private rowing boat (with driver) for 2 USD/hour.... more travel advice

Bus Transportation (3)

I arrived and left the place on one of those "hop on- hop off" buses that go along the coast of Vietnam, from Saigon to... more travel advice

Yellow River Restaurant Restaurants (4)

This small traditional restaurant is located in the Tran Phu street, near the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, not far from the... more travel advice

Off The Beaten Path (3)
See All Gates & entrances
Hotels (5)
See All Khach San Phu Hotel
Favorites (1)
The Harbour

Comments (14)

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Jontxu Mar 4, 2008 at 10:13 AM

Muy buenos tips!! Se agradecen paginas asi! En octubre espero poder caminar por esas calles... :o)
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albaaust Jul 12, 2006 at 1:23 AM

Evocative pics and some great tips Joaquin. Did you get a suit made?I am thinking of getting one made in Hoi An.
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ellielou Feb 20, 2006 at 3:57 PM

lovely and helpful tips...second time to Vietnam, first time to Hoi An (had wondered if it was far too touristy...but didn't look that way from your photos & text...) thanks!
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Wild_Orchid Mar 7, 2005 at 2:56 AM

I'd love to visit Hoi An and taste the Cao Lau and the "White Rose" :-) great pics and tips, esp the cover shot!!
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aussiedoug Jul 7, 2004 at 5:54 AM

Vietnam is on my wish list & Hoi An is one of the many places I'd like to visit so thank you for the infornative & helpful tips. Cheers from downunder Joaquin!
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fittguy Jan 27, 2004 at 3:36 AM

I'm impressed! I'm off to Vietnam on Friday (taking the train from Beijing-Hanoi)_ and I must say that your pictures and stories have eradicated alot of the fairs I had about travelling alone to this country. thanks for the tips. Mr. A. Knowles .
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epicult Nov 9, 2003 at 4:26 PM

Sir-J... Thanks for the tips! I'm heading to VN in Feb and I'm sure I'll have a few questions for you in the meantime. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of your tips. Cheers!
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alza Oct 30, 2003 at 8:01 AM

Wonderful old style! I enjoyed this page, pics and text. You're right about the morning light, like specks of gold in the air.
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dr.firas Oct 23, 2003 at 8:12 AM

That's a great page Joaquin! is that you under the water? :-p
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Sharon Oct 11, 2003 at 2:43 PM

If i had any doubt its surely gone now ! Hoi An looks so charming and inviting. i just hope i'll be able to make it sooner then it looks like... Great Page Joaquin.