Tucked along the peaceful Hoai River, Bach Dang Wharf Hoi An is an ideal stop for anyone visiting the historic town. With its tranquil atmosphere, drifting wooden boats, and glowing lanterns that light up the night, this riverside destination captures both the nostalgic and romantic charm of Hoi An. Join Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery in exploring the beauty and cultural highlights of this charming location.
Bach Dang Wharf – Preserving the soul of Hoi An by the river
Located at 52–40 Bach Dang Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An, Bach Dang Wharf stretches about 700 meters long and 5 meters wide, running parallel to the poetic Hoai River and close to the ancient town center.
Shaded by green trees and lined with stone benches, the wharf is a peaceful space for strolling and relaxation. It also features popular photo spots for visitors. In the late afternoon and evening, the area becomes lively with cultural activities such as floating paper lanterns, traditional performances, the night market, and souvenir stalls.
- Opening hours for pedestrians: 9:00–11:00 AM and 3:00–9:30 PM
Read more: What is the best season to visit Hoi An? Let’s explore it
Historical roots of Bach Dang Wharf Hoi An
Bach Dang Wharf Hoi An, built in 1872 during the French colonial period, was once one of the most important ports that contributed to the flourishing era of the Hoi An ancient town. At that time, it was a bustling trading hub, attracting a large number of merchants from China, Japan, Southeast Asian countries, and even the West. Goods such as ceramics, silk, wood, and handicrafts were actively exchanged at the wharf, helping to shape Hoi An’s status as an international trading port on the regional commerce map.
Lining the wharf were narrow tube houses built close together, with their front sides facing the main street for business and their back sides opening to the port, convenient for loading and unloading goods. Many riverside houses at that time were only one or two stories high, clearly bearing the mark of ancient urban architecture. During the French colonial era, the wharf was once called Fujian Quay or Rue de Fukien, while the Vietnamese referred to it as Duong Phuc Kien.
Compared to Tran Phu Street (Japanese Bridge Street) or Nguyen Thai Hoc Street (Cantonese Street), the street running along Bach Dang Wharf was considered the last to form within the structure of the Ancient Town. After 1975, when the country was unified, this road was officially named Bach Dang. Today, Bach Dang Wharf not only holds deep historical value but is also a favorite destination for tourists to stroll, admire the beauty of the Hoai River, and immerse themselves in the unique cultural atmosphere of Hoi An.
Unmissable experiences when visiting Bach Dang Wharf
Boat cruise on the Hoai River
If you want to experience a boat cruise on the Hoai River, start at Bach Dang Wharf Hoi An, located right in the center of the ancient town. In the evening, the area becomes brilliant with wooden boats decorated with colorful lanterns, creating a shimmering and magical scene in the heart of Hoi An.
Each trip usually lasts about 20 to 30 minutes, taking you along the river to admire the ancient town from a fresh, peaceful, and truly romantic perspective. The ticket price ranges from 30,000 to 50,000 VND per person, and the best time to go is from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Join the lantern festival
Bach Dang Wharf Hoi An is one of the most ideal places to immerse yourself in the lantern festival – a prominent traditional activity of the ancient town. On full-moon nights, especially the 14th night of each lunar month, the Hoai River area around Bach Dang Wharf glows with thousands of shimmering lanterns hanging along both banks and floating down the water.
Each lantern has a different color, symbolizing wishes for luck, health, and peace from locals and visitors. The atmosphere becomes extremely romantic and poetic, with soft light reflecting on the river surface, combined with the sound of traditional music echoing in the old-town space.
If you visit Hoi An at the right time, don’t forget to stop by Bach Dang Wharf to admire this dreamy scene and personally release a lantern, sending your own wish.
Read more: Hoi An Lantern Festival 2025: Best Dates, Activities & Travel Tips
Enjoy street food
Around Bach Dang Wharf, there are many eateries and street vendors selling Hoi An specialties such as cao lau, white rose dumplings, and corn sweet soup.
In the late afternoon and evening, the atmosphere is always bustling, with a cool river breeze and the scent of delicious food from roadside stalls. Visitors can stroll along the riverside while enjoying traditional dishes in the old-town ambiance.
Read more: Top 10 Hoi An Street Food You Must-Try: Best Local Dishes & Where to Eat
Check-in at photogenic corners
Checking in at Bach Dang Wharf Hoi An is one of the most loved experiences by young travelers, thanks to its nostalgic and romantic space. With the background of the calm Hoai River, small wooden boats decorated with colorful lanterns, and rows of ancient moss-roof houses behind, just lift your camera and you’ll capture photos full of Hoi An charm.
The best time to take pictures is at sunset or in the evening, when golden lights reflect on the water, creating a shimmering, magical scene. Stone steps by the riverbank, small wooden bridges crossing canals, or vintage-style cafés around the wharf all make perfect backgrounds for Instagram-worthy photos.
Explore history through traces
Walking around the wharf area, you will come across old docks that were once anchoring points for merchant ships from China, Japan, the West… during Hoi An’s flourishing era. The stone steps leading down to the river, moss-covered walls, and timeworn wooden pillars all bear traces of a bustling trading past.
Near Bach Dang Wharf are ancient houses with architecture blending French, Chinese, and Vietnamese styles, clearly showing the cultural fusion of the old port town. Every step here feels like taking you back in time, allowing you to feel the slow rhythm of life and the deep appreciation that Hoi An people have for their heritage.
Read more: Hoi An Ancient Town: A Detailed Travel Guide
Attractions and activities near Bach Dang Wharf
Below is a list of popular attractions and entertainment spots near Bach Dang Wharf Hoi An, along with distances to help you plan your itinerary:
- Japanese Covered Bridge (~300 meters): A famous symbol of Hoi An, featuring a unique covered roof structure built by Japanese merchants in the 16th century.
- Fujian Assembly Hall (~500 meters): The largest and most beautiful assembly hall in Hoi An, dedicated to the sea goddess Thien Hau and widely revered by the Chinese community.
- Hoi An Market (~400 meters): A vibrant spot to experience local culture, enjoy traditional cuisine, and shop for souvenirs.
- Tan Ky Ancient House (~450 meters): A 200-year-old historic home that has hosted many heads of state and notable visitors.
- Museum of Trade Ceramics (~300 meters): Exhibits artifacts that illustrate Hoi An’s significance as a trading port during the 16th to 18th centuries.
- Hoai River – Lantern release area (~150 meters): A magical spot in the evening with hundreds of floating lanterns illuminating the river.
- Kazik Park (~100 meters): A small, peaceful park featuring a statue of sculptor Kazik—perfect for a quiet rest.
- Museum of Folk Culture (~600 meters): A cultural space preserving traditional heritage through clothing, instruments, and local crafts of old Hoi An.
Read more:
- 30+ Hoi An tourist destinations that you should not miss
- Explore Hoi An night market and its unique experience
- Explore Japanese Bridge in hoi an, a unique architectural heritage.
All these attractions are within easy walking distance from Bach Dang Wharf, making it very convenient for your journey through the ancient town.
5-Star Luxury Retreat at Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery in the Heart of the Ancient Town
Through the article about Bach Dang Wharf in Hoi An, you’ve likely gained a deeper understanding of the peaceful beauty and historical value of this area. To make your journey even more complete, take time to relax at Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery.
The hotel offers you a 5-star luxury experience, perfectly combining modern elegance with traditional cultural charm. With 187 meticulously designed rooms and suites, Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery draws inspiration from the legendary love story between Japanese merchant Sotaro and Vietnamese maiden Wakaku, creating a space that is both romantic and artistically rich.
In addition, the hotel boasts outstanding facilities including an infinity pool, outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, relaxing spa, and a variety of culinary options at its restaurants and bars on-site.
The convenient location of Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery allows guests to easily explore famous attractions such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, handicraft shops, and traditional tailor stores in Hoi An. With professional service and a friendly staff, the hotel promises to offer visitors a memorable experience in this heritage city.
Book your room today to enjoy an inspiring vacation in the ancient town!
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