Hoi An Ancient Town Travel Guide: Essential Tips, Tickets, Hours & Sustainable Tours

Hoi An Ancient Town, now Minh An Ward in Da Nang City following the merger of Quang Nam Province, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its 15th–19th-century charm, attracting over 4.5 million of Da Nang’s 8 million annual visitors. As a former Southeast Asian trading port, Hoi An boasts over 1,360 preserved architectural gems, including the Japanese Covered Bridge, Quan Cong Temple, and Tan Ky House, set along the poetic Thu Bon River. Its lantern-lit streets, vibrant festivals, and culinary delights like Bánh Mì Phượng make it a cultural haven. With sustainable tourism initiatives, eco-friendly transport, and warm local hospitality, Hoi An offers an immersive experience. Legend Travel Group, a leading sustainable tour operator, curates eco-conscious tours to explore this enchanting town, bookable via links throughout this guide. Start your Hoi An adventure—reserve your tour now

Legend Travel Group delivers authentic Southeast Asia experiences, prioritizing sustainability and cultural immersion. Our Hoi An tours feature low-impact transport like bicycles, electric shuttles, and eco-friendly taxis, guided by local experts who share the town’s rich history. We support Minh An’s community and align with Da Nang City’s “Green Heritage” initiative to preserve Hoi An’s heritage. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we ensure a seamless journey. Explore Hoi An responsibly with our curated tours—book via the links on this page

Quang Nam Province has merged into Da Nang City, transforming Hoi An into Minh An Ward under Da Nang’s administration. This restructuring eliminates the district level, but Hoi An’s UNESCO status remains intact. Da Nang City enhances sustainable tourism with cycling paths, electric buses, and a VND500 billion flood mitigation project (2023), ensuring year-round access to Hoi An’s historic streets.

Hoi An’s residents are renowned for their warmth and hospitality, making it a welcoming destination. To respect local customs and enhance your visit, follow these updated tips for a culturally sensitive and sustainable experience.

1. Understand the Hoi An Old Town Ticket

• Purpose: An entry ticket is required to access Hoi An Ancient Town’s heritage area, funding restoration and community projects.

• Cost:

  • Foreign Tourists: $6 (120,000 VND) per person.

  • Vietnamese Tourists: $3.20 (80,000 VND) per person, with fewer attractions included.

  • Vietnamese Seniors (over 60) or War Veterans: Discounted per national law.

  • Hoi An Residents: Free entry with ID.

  • Children (under 16): Free entry.

• What’s Included: Access to the heritage area and 5 of 22 attractions (e.g., Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky House, Quan Cong Temple). Additional attractions require a new ticket ($6 for 5 more).

• Validity: Valid for your entire stay in Hoi An, not just one day as printed. Keep your ticket for re-entry to the heritage area.

• Where to Buy: 10+ ticket booths at Old Town entrances (e.g., Tran Phu, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Streets). Booths provide free maps in English and Vietnamese.

• Group Perks: Groups of 8+ get a free 2-hour guided tour from the Hoi An Center for Cultural Heritage Management (contact: +84 235 386 2719).

• Tip: Show your ticket or map to controllers at heritage area entrances; retain it for multiple entries. Avoid buying from unofficial vendors to prevent scams.

2. Dress Respectfully

• Guideline: Wear modest clothing (covered shoulders, knees, no shorts or miniskirts) when visiting temples (e.g., Quan Cong Temple), museums, or communal houses to honor Vietnamese traditions.

• Exceptions: Casual attire is fine for street exploration, markets, or dining, but bring a shawl or scarf for spontaneous temple visits.

• Sustainable Tip: Pack reusable, lightweight clothing to reduce waste; shop for eco-friendly silk garments from local tailors like Yaly Couture.

• Visitor Feedback: “Respecting dress codes made temple visits feel more meaningful” (Tripadvisor, 4.5/5 stars).

3. Respect Local Customs and Etiquette

• Hospitality: Hoi An locals are approachable and friendly; greet them with “xin chào” (hello) or “cảm ơn” (thank you) to build rapport.

• Shopping Etiquette:

  • If you’re the first customer at a shop, buy something small to bring luck, per local tradition.

  • Negotiate prices politely at markets (e.g., Hoi An Central Market); agree on costs upfront to avoid overcharges.

  • Avoid touching items unless intending to buy, especially at craft stalls.

• Behavior: Avoid loud talking, pushing, or jostling in crowded areas like Tran Phu Street or during the Full Moon Lantern Festival. Stay quiet in temples and museums.

• Taboos: Don’t point at altars or touch sacred objects; ask permission before photographing locals or artisans.

• Sustainable Tip: Tip vendors or guides ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND) to support the local economy; choose shops using biodegradable packaging.

4. Navigate the Heritage Area Wisely

• Opening Hours:

  • Heritage Area: Open 24/7 for walking, but pedestrian-only zones are enforced 8:30 AM–11:00 AM and 3:00 PM–9:30 PM.

  • Attractions (e.g., temples, houses, museums): 8:30 AM–6:00 PM daily, including holidays.

• Best Times to Visit:

  • Morning (8:30–10:00 AM): Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures (24–28°C or 75.2–82.4°F).

  • Evening (6:00–9:00 PM): Lantern-lit ambiance, especially during the Full Moon Lantern Festival (14th lunar day monthly).

  • Dry Season (February–August): Clear skies, ideal for walking; avoid rainy season (October–November) due to flooding risks.

• Navigation: Use free maps from ticket booths or offline apps (e.g., Maps.me). Key streets (Tran Phu, Nguyen Thai Hoc) are compact, walkable in 2–3 hours.

• Sustainable Tip: Walk or rent bicycles ($1–$2/day or 25,000–50,000 VND) to reduce emissions; avoid motorbikes in pedestrian zones.

5. Plan for Sustainable and Safe Exploration

• Sustainable Practices:

  • Use reusable water bottles and bags to minimize plastic waste, aligning with Vietnam’s 2022 anti-plastic campaign.

  • Support eco-conscious vendors at Hoi An Market or craft villages (e.g., Tra Que, Kim Bong).

  • Choose tours with electric shuttles or bikes, like those offered by Legend Travel Group.

• Safety:

  • Secure valuables in crowded areas, especially during festivals.

  • Check flood forecasts for November via AccuWeather; wear waterproof shoes during rainy season.

  • Use reputable taxis (Mai Linh: +84 236 352 5252) or Grab for safe transport.

• Health: Pack sunscreen, hats, and mosquito repellent; stay hydrated in summer (up to 35°C or 95°F).

• Tip: Download the DanaBus app for public bus schedules (e.g., Hoi An–Da Nang, $0.80–$1.20 or 20,000–30,000 VND).

6. Embrace Cultural Events

• Full Moon Lantern Festival: Held monthly on the 14th lunar day, featuring river lanterns, street performances, and boat rides ($6–$8/boat or 150,000–200,000 VND). No extra ticket needed beyond the Old Town pass.

• Tet Nguyen Dan (January–February): Markets, lion dances, and temple visits; expect crowds but vibrant cultural immersion.

• Sustainable Tip: Release eco-friendly lanterns during festivals; book festival tours early for boat access.

• Tip: Check lunar calendar dates for festivals; arrive by 6:00 PM for lantern-lit views.

• Hoi An Old Town Ticket: $6 (120,000 VND, foreigners); $3.20 (80,000 VND, Vietnamese); free for children under 16.

• Dining: Street food (e.g., cao lầu, mi quang) $1–$6 (25,000–150,000 VND); restaurant meals $3–$15 (75,000–375,000 VND); drinks $0.25–$4 (6,250–100,000 VND).

• Activities:

  • Guided Tours: $10–$45 (250,000–1,125,000 VND); private tours $80–$120 (2,000,000–3,000,000 VND).

  • Cooking Classes: $25–$45 (625,000–1,125,000 VND).

  • Lantern-Making Workshops: $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND).

  • Boat Rides: $6–$8/boat (150,000–200,000 VND, up to 4 people).

• Transport:

  • Bicycle Rental: $1–$2/day (25,000–50,000 VND).

  • Motorbike Rental: $5–$10/day (125,000–250,000 VND) + $2 fuel.

  • Taxi/Grab (within Hoi An): $3–$6/trip (75,000–150,000 VND).

  • Cyclo: $2–$5/trip (50,000–125,000 VND).

  • Da Nang to Hoi An (28 km): Taxi/Grab $12–$15 (300,000–375,000 VND); bus #1 $0.80–$1.20 (20,000–30,000 VND).

• Accommodation: Hostels $10–$25/night (250,000–625,000 VND); homestays $15–$50/night (375,000–1,250,000 VND); hotels $70–$200/night (1,750,000–5,000,000 VND); resorts $180–$450/night (4,500,000–11,250,000 VND).

• Total Daily Cost: $20–$120 (budget: $20–$50; mid-range: $50–$80; luxury: $80–$120).

• Tip: Carry VND for small transactions; ATMs are plentiful in Minh An Ward (Vietcombank, BIDV). Rainy season (September–January) offers 10–20% discounts.

Our sustainable tours immerse you in Hoi An’s cultural heritage, tailored for eco-conscious travelers:

• Hoi An Heritage Walking Tour ($55–$75/person): Japanese Covered Bridge, Quan Cong Temple, Tan Ky House, lantern festival (monthly). Includes Old Town ticket ($6), eco-transfers, and mi quang tasting.

• Hoi An Foodie Tour ($60–$80/person): Bánh Mì Phượng, Hoành Thánh at White Rose Restaurant, Hoi An Market, cao lầu dining. Includes eco-transfers and tastings.

• Hoi An Craft & Culture Tour ($75–$95/person): Old Town, Kim Bong carpentry, Thanh Ha pottery, cooking class. Includes bike rentals, boat transfers, and meals.

• Hoi An Night Glow Tour ($55–$75/person): Lantern festival, Thu Bon River boat ride, night market. Includes eco-transfers and snacks.

• Central Vietnam Explorer ($350–$550/person, 3–4 days): Hoi An, My Son Sanctuary, Da Nang, homestays ($15–$50/night), Tra Que Village. Includes all activities, meals, eco-transfers.

Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, entrance fees ($6), and meals/snacks. Group discounts (10% off for 10+ travelers) and seasonal promotions available. Book now via links around this page

Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Quang Nam Region, located 30 km from Da Nang City, enchants with its historic architecture, vibrant festivals, and warm hospitality, drawing thousands yearly. An affordable $6 (150,000 VND) ticket grants access to 5 of 22 attractions, including the Japanese Covered Bridge and Hoi An Night Market, with 24/7 heritage area entry. Sustainable travel options like bike rentals ($1/day, 25,000 VND) and eco-tours, paired with practices like local sourcing, preserve Hoi An’s charm. Legend Travel Group’s Hoi An Tours ensure a culturally rich, low-impact Hoi An Travel experience, supporting local communities with visits to Thu Bon River and An Bang Beach. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly adventure today!
Ready to explore Hoi An Ancient Town’s cultural treasures? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and immerse yourself in Vietnam’s heritage!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

Sources:

• Hoi An Ancient Town Information: By Tony Bui at Legend Travel Group