Coming to Hoi An, you will not only discover ancient houses, with dishes rich in culture and national traditions, but Hoi An also has many attractive tourist destinations that you may not know. In today’s article, we would like to share 10 tourist destinations in Hoi An that you must visit.
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10 Must-see tourist attractions around Hoi An
1. Japanese Covered Bridge
The Japanese Covered Bridge is one of the attractive tourist destinations in Hoi An that many tourists often visit. Thanks to its unique architecture, the roof is made of wood with decorative motifs imbued with Japanese architecture. Therefore, the Japanese Covered Bridge is also known as the Japanese Bridge. This is also considered a symbol of Hoi An tourism.
The “House-over-Bridge” Architecture and Spiritual Mysteries
“House-over-Bridge” Architecture: This term literally means “a house above, a bridge below.” It is a rare structural design featuring a bridge supported by stone pillars at the base and a wooden house with graceful yin-yang tiled roofing above. The structure includes a system of hanging screens and a wooden framework adorned with intricate carvings.
A Pagoda Without a Buddha: Although known as the “Bridge Pagoda” (Chùa Cầu), the sanctuary located in the side chamber does not enshrine the Buddha. Instead, it honors Bac De Tran Vu (Northern Emperor Tran Vu)—a Taoist deity believed to subdue storms and floods while bestowing joy and happiness—to ensure the safety of merchant vessels.
The Legend of Subduing the Mamazu Monster: According to legend, a sea monster named Mamazu (or *Cù*) had its head in Japan, its tail in India, and its back arching over Hoi An. Whenever it stirred, earthquakes and floods would occur. The Japanese built the bridge to resemble a sword piercing the monster’s back, pinning it down to maintain peace across the three nations.
Guardian Animal Statues: Pairs of expressive wooden animal statues stand at both ends of the bridge: one side features dogs (*Thiên Cẩu* or Celestial Dogs), while the other features monkeys (*Thần Hầu* or Divine Monkeys). Many believe these serve as guardian spirits or mark the fact that construction began in the Year of the Monkey and was completed in the Year of the Dog.
Tips for Visitors
Best Times to Visit the Bridge Pagoda: Early morning (6:00 AM – 7:30 AM) is ideal for enjoying a quiet, peaceful atmosphere while the morning mist still lingers over the river. Another great time is in the evening (after 6:30 PM); when the Ancient Town lights up, the Bridge Pagoda is illuminated with a shimmering golden glow that reflects romantically on the water. Classic photo angle: To capture the full, graceful curve of the Bridge Pagoda’s tiled roof, stand on the opposite bank along Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street or head to the middle of the nearby An Hoi Bridge.
Cultural note: When entering the Bac De Tran Vu shrine area inside the bridge, please remove your hat, speak softly and move quietly, and avoid posing inappropriately for photos in front of the altar.
2. What is Hoi An Impression Theme Park?
Hoi An Impression Theme Park is located in the heart of Hoi An ancient town called Con Hen. This place has long been considered a “miniature Hoi An”. Coming here, you can enjoy a series of Mini Shows on campus during opening hours, delicious dishes at Non La Restaurant or the surrounding culinary areas. But the most important thing you cannot miss when coming here is the Hoi An Memories Show, which is the world’s largest live performance telling the memories of a prosperous port, about the development of Hoi An from the past to the present. The scenery, sound, and light will definitely attract you because they are very sparkling and lively. In addition, there is also the Hoi An Memories & Spa resort service, the most luxurious in Hoi An, bringing you moments of complete relaxation. If you travel to Hoi An, you must definitely come here to experience it once.
3. Thanh Ha Pottery Village
Hanoi is famous for Bat Trang pottery village, Hoi An is famous for Thanh Ha pottery village. Coming here, you will admire the extremely sophisticated ceramic products made by the hands of artisans. In addition, coming to Thanh Ha pottery village, you can also make your own products to bring back as gifts for relatives, friends or as souvenirs.
Unmissable, distinctive experiences
**Hands-on pottery making:** The village’s most enjoyable signature experience. You will sit alongside skilled artisans, learning to use your foot to maintain the rhythm of the potter’s wheel while shaping brown clay into charming small bowls or vases with your hands.
**Explore Vietnam’s largest terracotta park:** Spanning over 6,000m², the park features unique exposed-brick architecture modeled after traditional updraft and downdraft kilns. It houses a miniature terracotta world that meticulously recreates iconic landmarks—such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Pyramids, and the Sydney Opera House—alongside architectural marvels from Vietnam, including the Imperial City of Hue and the One Pillar Pagoda.
**Visit ancient kilns and the craft founder’s shrine:** Stroll through shady lanes, snap photos by fences lined with pottery, visit the Nam Dieu Shrine dedicated to the pottery craft’s founder, and witness firsthand the fiery process of stoking traditional wood-fired kilns.
4. Tra Que Vegetable Village
Tra Que Vegetable Village has existed for a long time but has only been known to tourists in recent years. This is a place for tourists who want to experience the real way of growing vegetables of the local people. You will be transformed into a real “Tra Que vegetable village farmer”. Coming here, you can also enjoy the traditional cuisine of Quang region and the indispensable dish is Tra Que vegetable specialty. You can also go into the kitchen to learn how to cook dishes and enjoy the finished products yourself.
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5.Hoi An Market
If you want to buy souvenirs or Hoi An specialties, you can go to this market. Hoi An market is a place that sells all the specialties of Hoi An, Quang Nam, handicrafts and enjoys the attractive dishes here. In addition, coming to Hoi An market, you have the opportunity to learn about the daily life of the people here.
- Central Indoor Hall (Food Court): A paradise for food lovers, featuring dozens of clean, side-by-side stalls with clearly listed prices.
- Seafood & Fresh Produce Area: Located right by the Bach Dang River, where boats dock to unload fresh seafood every morning.
- Souvenirs & Apparel Area: Offers silk fabrics, brocade clothing, signature Hoi An lanterns, and various handicrafts.
6. Hoi An Museum of History and Culture
If you want to understand more about this land, Hoi An Museum of History and Culture is a place not to be missed. Located on Nguyen Hue Street, the museum currently displays more than 400 artifacts and is arranged according to different themes. Coming here, you will learn more about each period of development of Hoi An ancient town.
Exhibition space covering three core historical periods
The museum currently houses and preserves over 3,400 original artifacts alongside a wealth of valuable photographic records. The exhibition space is organized across three main floors, following a clear linear chronology:
Floor 1 – Prehistoric and Proto-historic Period (Sa Huynh Culture): Discover the earliest traces of human habitation in the region through a collection that includes massive ceramic burial jars, stone and bronze tools, and glass and agate jewelry dating back 2,000 to 3,000 years.
Floor 2 – Trading Port Era (Champa & Dai Viet Cultures): Recreates the golden age when Hoi An was a bustling maritime trading hub—one of the most prominent in Southeast Asia. Exhibits feature exquisite Cham stone sculptures and unique trade ceramics (such as Chu Dau and Bat Trang wares) salvaged from shipwrecks near Cu Lao Cham, as well as materials documenting cultural exchanges with France, Japan, and China.
Floor 3 – Revolutionary and Modern History: Preserves historical records reflecting the resilient struggle waged by the people and armed forces of Hoi An against French colonialism and American imperialism. A highlight of this floor is the display of rudimentary weapons, military gear, and artifacts associated with the Hoi An Prison.
7. Tan Ky ancient house
Tan Ky ancient house is one of the oldest buildings in Hoi An. Although it is more than 200 years old, the architecture of Tan Ky ancient house is still preserved intact. This place used to be the residence and business place of the Le family. The front of the house is a trading place, the back is the river, convenient for importing goods. The impression of visitors when coming to Tan Ky ancient house is the unique architectural style with a harmonious combination of 3 cultures: China – Japan – Vietnam. Tan Ky ancient house is honored as a national cultural heritage. In particular, this is also the place to welcome domestic and foreign heads of state to visit.
8. Bay Mau Coconut Forest
Joining Bay Mau Coconut Forest on Cam Thanh Street, Hoi An, you will have the opportunity to experience activities such as watching people cast nets to catch fish, enjoying the basket boat shaking performance, etc., bringing peaceful and intimate moments.
9. Cantonese Assembly Hall
Built in the mid-late 19th century, the Cantonese Assembly Hall impresses visitors with its unique architecture. The harmonious combination of stone and wood, decorated with unique motifs and patterns, also enhances the majesty and grandeur of the house.
10. Fujian Assembly Hall
Phuc Kien Assembly Hall is one of the attractive tourist destinations in Hoi An. Built in the 17th century, after many restorations, it has now become more spacious and splendid. Coming to Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, you will admire the works with unique architecture, bearing the artistic features of Chinese architecture.
11. Hoi An Memories Live Show
Hoi An Memories Show is an art performance in Hoi An that is loved by domestic and foreign tourists. Honored to be shown at Times Square in New York and praised by the famous news agency Reuters with many beautiful words such as “most eye-catching”, “most beautiful” in the world, Hoi An Memories Show has gradually become an extremely “hot” tourist destination in Hoi An that tourists should not miss. Below is some basic information about the live performance – Hoi An Memories:
- Location: Hoi An Memory Island, 200 Nguyen Tri Phuong Street, Hoi An City
- Duration: 60 minutes, from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Hoi An Memories Show schedule: All days of the week, except Tuesday
- Content: Tells about Hoi An 400 years ago, from the time of land reclamation and settlement to a modern, dynamic but equally peaceful and quiet Hoi An. The show consists of 5 main acts: Life, Wedding, Lights & Sea, Integration, Ao Dai.
- Ticket price: From 300,000 VND – 1,200,000 VND (adults); from 120,000 VND – 600,000 VND (children).
Above are the tourist destinations in Hoi An that you should try. Hopefully, these tourist destinations in Hoi An will help your trip to the ancient land become more rich and colorful. If you are interested in the Hoi An Memories show, do not hesitate to contact Hoi An memories Land via the.
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