Hoi An – one of the oldest cities in Vietnam, continuously attracts visitors with its nostalgic charm and unique allure. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, it stands out for its preservation of cultural and historical values over the centuries. So, what makes Hoi An so famous, drawing both domestic and international tourists? Join Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery as we explore the elements that make this city truly special in the following article!
1. A land of many prestigious awards
Hoi An has received numerous prestigious awards from globally recognized organizations, affirming its status as one of the top travel destinations. Here are some of the key accolades:
- Hoi An has received numerous prestigious awards from globally recognized organizations, affirming its status as one of the top travel destinations. Here are some of the key accolades:
- The live show “Memories of Hoi An” set a Guinness World Record as the largest outdoor historical performance in Vietnam, featuring nearly 500 performers. It also won the Leading Historical Spectacle Show 2019 and The Guide Awards 2019.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site (1999): Hoi An was officially recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for the well-preserved Ancient Town, featuring over 1,000 architectural landmarks, such as ancient houses, assembly halls, temples, and the Japanese Bridge.
- Five consecutive years as “Asia’s Leading Cultural City Destination” at the World Travel Awards.
- One of the 25 Best Travel Cities of 2020, according to Travel & Leisure.
- Ranked among the 15 Best Cities in Asia in 2021 by Travel & Leisure.
- Named one of the 10 Friendliest Cities in the World in 2022 by Booking.com.
- The Hoi An Lantern Festival was ranked among the Top 7 Most Beautiful Lantern Festivals in the World by AFAR Magazine.
2. Ancient architectural landmarks
Hoi An is one of the few ancient towns in Vietnam that has preserved its architectural beauty dating back hundreds of years. The buildings here represent a harmonious blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and Western cultures, creating a unique space rich in historical significance. Below are some famous landmarks you may want to explore:
- Chua Cau – The Symbol of Hoi An: Located peacefully on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai – Tran Phu Street, Chua Cau is not only a unique architectural structure but also a sacred symbol of Hội An. Built in the 17th century by Japanese merchants, this bridge is also known as Lai Vien Kieu, meaning “the bridge that welcomes visitors from afar.”
- Tan Ky Ancient House – A 200-year-old Home: Constructed in the late 18th century, Tan Ky Ancient House reflects a blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architecture. Its traditional tube house design features five vertical beams symbolizing the five elements, and two horizontal beams representing heaven and earth. The interior and furnishings are well-preserved, allowing visitors to experience the living space of a merchant family from centuries ago.
- Phung Hung Ancient House – A wooden masterpiece of Hoi An: Phung Hung Ancient House, also built in the late 18th century, boasts a similar architectural style that blends Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences. The traditional tube house structure, with five vertical beams and two horizontal beams, symbolizes harmony between the elements and the cosmos. The house’s well-preserved interior offers an authentic glimpse into the past life of a merchant family.
- Phuc Kien Assembly Hall – A religious center for the Chinese community: Built in 1690 by the Chinese community in Hoi An, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall is dedicated to Thien Hau Thanh Mau, the goddess who protects fishermen and merchants at sea. The building features traditional Chinese architecture, with a grand entrance gate, intricate dragon and phoenix carvings, and a curved roof that is characteristic of Chinese temples.
3. Hoi An – The City of Festivals and Lanterns
Hoi An, also known as the “City of Lanterns,” stands out for its enchanting beauty at night. Throughout its history, especially when it was a bustling trading port, lanterns have been an integral part of daily life. Today, the sight of lanterns hanging in front of ancient houses and along picturesque streets has become a distinctive feature of Hoi An.
In addition to its sparkling night-time atmosphere, Hoi An is renowned for its Lantern Festival, which takes place on the 14th day of each lunar month. During the festival, electric lights are turned off, giving way to thousands of glowing lanterns. Locals and visitors alike release floating lanterns on the Hoai River, making wishes for peace and good fortune. This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a vibrant cultural celebration, while preserving the traditional values of Hoi An.
Besides the Lantern Festival, Hoi An also hosts several other exciting cultural events, such as the Mid-Autumn Festival, Lunar New Year celebrations, Cam Nam Corn Festival, and various live arts performances. The blend of ancient charm with these lively festivals makes Hoi An a captivating destination, appealing to tourists from all over the world.
4. The city of unique experiences
Hoi An is not only attractive for its ancient beauty but also offers a variety of unique activities that allow visitors to explore its culture, nature, and people. Here are some experiences you shouldn’t miss when visiting Hội An:
- Basket boat ride at the Bay Mau Coconut Forest: Here, you’ll have the chance to paddle a traditional basket boat through lush green coconut groves, enjoying the fresh air and picturesque natural scenery. Visitors can also witness a skilled basket boat performance by local fishermen. Additionally, you can try your hand at making souvenir items from coconut leaves, such as grasshoppers, lotus flowers, or coconut leaf rings, which you can take home as mementos.
- Releasing floating lanterns on the Hoai River: One of the most memorable experiences in Hoi An is releasing floating lanterns on the Hoai River at night. Visitors can personally send small, glowing lanterns down the water, making wishes for peace and good fortune.
- Cycling through Hoi An’s Countryside: Cycling through the expansive rice fields, green bamboo groves, and peaceful village roads in the Cam Thanh, Cam Chau, and Cam Kim communes offers a relaxing and intimate connection with nature. To fully enjoy the experience, tourists can rent bikes from reputable shops such as Xe Dap Dinh Nguyen (Tan An Ward), Bee Bike (80 Ba Trieu), and Hoi An Cycling Tour (86/7 Nguyen Truong To).
- Pottery making at Thanh Ha pottery village: Thanh Ha Pottery Village is a perfect destination for those who appreciate traditional ceramic art. Here, visitors can create their own unique pottery pieces on the spinning wheel, guided by the village artisans.
5. Famous traditional craft villages
Hoi An is renowned for its ancient town and is also the birthplace of many traditional craft villages that have been around for centuries. These villages preserve the essence of folk culture while offering unique experiences where visitors can try their hand at traditional handcrafted techniques.
- Thanh Ha Pottery Village – Preserving ancient pottery art: With a history spanning over 500 years, Thanh Ha Pottery Village is one of the oldest craft villages in Hoi An. Visitors here can experience the art of pottery-making by shaping clay on a spinning wheel, creating their own unique pieces, and learning about the traditional pottery-making process. In addition, the Thanh Ha Pottery Park is a popular tourist spot, showcasing miniature world wonders crafted from pottery, reflecting the creativity and skill of local artisans.
- Kim Bong woodworking village – The cradle of wood carving art: Established in the 16th century, Kim Bong Woodworking Village has long been a supplier of wood carvings, boat building materials, and furniture for Hoi An and surrounding areas. The artisans here continue to use traditional carving techniques to create intricate works such as wooden statues, bas-reliefs, furniture, and ancient wooden houses. Visitors can watch the woodworking process firsthand and even try carving simple patterns under the guidance of skilled craftsmen.
- Tra Que Vegetable Village – Famous Organic Gardens: Tra Que Vegetable Village is not only a source of fresh produce for Hoi An but also a captivating eco-tourism destination. Here, visitors can become farmers for a day, planting, watering, and fertilizing crops using organic methods. Afterward, they can enjoy dishes made from the fresh vegetables of Tra Que, especially specialties like tam huu (shrimp, meat, and vegetables wrapped in mustard leaves), banh xeo (Vietnamese pancakes), and mi Quang (Quang-style noodles).
6. Hoi An – A paradise of handicrafts
As you stroll through the ancient town, you’ll easily encounter vibrant lantern shops, woodworking workshops, pottery villages, silk weaving centers, traditional do paper production studios, and embroidered paintings – all showcasing the cultural essence and the skilled hands of artisans.
The hands-on experiences in Hoi An allow visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the traditional craft production process and tap into their own creativity alongside the artisans. Additionally, the art of portrait painting and folk paintings stands out, preserving the beauty of Hoi An through each delicate brushstroke.
Each handcrafted item not only holds aesthetic value but also embodies the dedication and skill passed down through generations of artisans who have devoted themselves to their craft.
7. Hoi An – Unmistakable flavors of cuisine
Hoi An’s cuisine features distinctive flavors, combining local ingredients with influences from various cultures. Some must-try dishes include Cao Lau, Mi Quang, Hoi An Chicken Rice, Banh Mi, crispy wontons, steamed buns, and Mot herbal sweet soup. Each dish has its own unique characteristics, leaving a lasting impression on visitors.
8. Vibrant nightlife
As the sun sets, Hoi An transforms into a magical, glowing city with bright lanterns illuminating the streets. The ancient town becomes livelier than ever, as people flock to the streets lit with colorful lights, creating a scene that is both romantic and dynamic.
One unmissable experience is walking through the night streets and releasing floating lanterns on the Hoai River. The small glowing lanterns float along the water, reflecting warm light and creating a peaceful yet captivating atmosphere. Additionally, Hoi An Night Market is a perfect place to enjoy local specialties, shop for souvenirs, or immerse yourself in the traditional folk music performances.
For those who enjoy a more vibrant atmosphere, Hoi An also has bars and cafes with lively music or intimate acoustic performances. Popular spots such as The Hoianian, The Shamrock Irish Pub, Hair Of The Dog, and Wanderlust Hoi An offer a lively atmosphere where visitors can enjoy cocktails, dance, and make the most of an unforgettable night out.
9. Tranquil beaches of Hoi An – Peaceful beauty amidst nature
In addition to the ancient beauty of the town, Hoi An boasts tranquil beaches offering a peaceful environment, perfect for those seeking relaxation. An Bang Beach is a popular destination due to its fine white sand, clear water, and relatively undeveloped natural landscape. It’s an ideal spot for walking, swimming, or enjoying fresh seafood at beachside restaurants.
In addition to An Bang, Cua Dai Beach is another excellent option for enjoying a serene environment, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors can relax on sunbeds, listen to the gentle sound of waves, or enjoy a romantic sunset over the sea. For nature enthusiasts, a boat trip to Cu Lao Cham offers the chance to explore the pristine beauty of marine ecosystems and vibrant coral reefs.
Unlike the more crowded famous beaches, Hoi An’s beaches offer tranquility, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the peaceful moments by the golden sands and gentle waves.
Through this article, we hope you now have a clearer view of what Hoi An has to offer – from its charming ancient beauty to unique handicraft experiences and captivating cultural festivals. If you are planning your trip, don’t forget to choose a hotel near the major attractions to fully enjoy the beauty and atmosphere of this ancient town. Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery is an ideal choice for those looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay, allowing you to fully experience the charm of Hoi An.
Contact us today to book your stay and enjoy an unforgettable vacation in Hoi An!
