Hoi An Walking Tour

Due to its location along the banks of the Thu Bon River and the presence of several canals, Hoi An Ancient Town is regarded as the Venice of the East. It is without a doubt one of the world’s most enchanting towns. It is the only city in Vietnam where it bans motorbike some time during the day to preserve the peace of Hoi An. For travelers who want to slow down and experience the essence of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hoi An Walking Tour with local guide is the first choice. This is a leisurely lovely tour to discover some of highlights of Hoi An Old Tow – a UNESCO Heritage Site with its lantern-lit streets, local market, historic houses, temples, Japanese Bridge and vibrant riverside culture.  As you wander through the narrow alleyways, you can get a chance to interact with the local people and see their real life. Hence, if you wish to explore Hoi An Town by foot, Hoi An City Walking Tour is the best way to explore local culture, people and for an authentic cultural experience.

WHY WE SHOULD CHOOSE HOI AN WALKING TOUR?

Immersive Experience

It is no doubt that choosing Hoi An Walking Tour in the afternoon with a local guide who can provides you deep insight into the local culture. With a relaxing walking tour on foot, through our knowledgeable tour guide and the one who was born in the local area, who will provides you all useful information about Hoi An’s history, culture, lifestyle and so on. When you take a walk with your own pace, you will comfortably explore real Hoi An culture, getting deeper knowledge on Hoi An’s culture, culinary, people, architectures, habits and traditions of Hoi An local residents that are all parts of Hoi An UNESCO Heritage Site since 1999.

Authentic Exploration

Join Hoi An City Tour with us, you will discover hidden alleys in the heart of Hoi An Town. Thus, traveling with our local guide expert, he or she can show you some best stops for photo opportunities and the back streets that you can not find on your own. Furthermore, our local tour guides will show you other hidden gems like the ancient well of Ba Le where the local use still use or explore a special house where the family member will show you their talented jobs by making some of the authentic cuisines in Hoi An like White Rose, Wonton or Dumplings that enrich Hoi An culture. Thus, beating group tours with a lot of people, our immersive tour of Hoi An gives you more knowledge about local habit of life and the deep history of Hoi An Ancient town.

Flexibility and Personalization

With our guide Hoi An City Tour, you will enjoy a more flexible itinerary whether you can choose places of interests by yourself or the guide can choose it for you. Moreover, you can add on some other attractions that suit your interests. With a great chance to ask questions with our local guides, you get better understanding of Hoi An Town.

Health and Environment

Another reason why you should choose Hoi An Guided Tour is that Hoi An Guided walking tour is an environmentally aware alternative because it produces no emissions and contribute to pollution reduction when compared to vehicle-based tours. As you walking, it also benefits physical health by offering light exercise, enhancing fitness, opening your eyes and boosting energy levels. This sustainable tour method promotes eco-friendly tourism while also improving your general well-being during the excursion.

Sightseeing all highlights of Hoi An

Embark on foot journey of Hoi An Ancient town tour, our local tour guide expert will choose all the best tour attractions in the entrance tickets for you. Therefore, you can visit Hoi An central market to know local products and how the local lives. If you want, you can learn how to bargain the price which is part of Vietnamese culture. Next, you will come to visit an elaborate Chinese Temple with typical Chinese architectures, getting stories of Oriental philosophies. Besides, you also know how the local practice the local culture like burning incense when visiting the temples.

Our tour proceed to the ancient homes of old rich merchants in Hoi An where you witness how the local people live, telling you hidden stories of their rich past and how they preserve the heritage for the future generations. Part of our Hoi An Walking Tour, you can have a chance to enjoy a traditional music show in the theater where you enjoy local folk songs and know different instruments that are used in festive seasons.

And lastly, you will visit Japanese Covered Bridge, a landmark in Hoi An with a cultural exchange of Vietnam, China and Japan. Visiting this landmark, our guide will tell you more about the earlier time of Hoi An, the development and the present days, enriching you travel experience.

WHAT’S HIGHLIGHTS OF GUIDED HOI AN WALKING TOUR?

Ancient Houses and Temples (Chinese Assembly Halls)

In this Hoi An walking tour, you can pay visits to centuries-old merchant houses, such as Tan Ky or Quan Thang or even Duc An where you know the Hoi An revolutionary part was set up,. In addition, the old houses in the ancient town of Hoi An showcase Hoi An’s unique blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architectures. Sightseeing these places, our local guides will share fascinating stories untold information about the families who lived here and the town’s role as a major trading port.

Beside the houses, visitors can also visit temples and communal houses like the Quan Cong Temple or the Fujian Assembly Hall or the Cantonese Assembly Hall that give insight into Hoi An’s spiritual traditions and multicultural heritage. These stops are essential in your Hoi An historical walking tour.

The ancient houses and the temples in Hoi An are part of Hoi An rich culture where you admire special architectures as well as meanings, messages, and Eastern philosophies.

Japanese Bridge

Japanese traders who came to trade in Hoi An in the early 17th century constructed the Japanese covered Bridge. Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu used the bridge, also known as the Japanese Bridge or the Lai Vien Bridge when he traveled to Hoi An in 1719. Lai Vien Bridge means the Bridge for far away friends.

Bustling Hoi An Central Market

Hoi An Central Market is located in the center of the old town, at the intersection of Tran Phu, Bach Dang, and Nguyen Thai Hoc streets. Contrary to the peaceful, quiet appearance of Hoi An old toưn, Hoi An market is always bustling with buyers and sellers. This is also a street food paradise for food lovers.

From colorful spices and fresh produce to tailors and food stalls, Hoi An Local market is the perfect place to interact with locals, enjoying the local life of Vietnamese people and it’s also the place where you can have Hoi An street food experience to sample a bowl of Cao Lau noodle which is Hoi An’s specialty.

Lantern-Lit Streets

Hoi An is world-renowned for its lanterns and being called the Lantern City of Vietnam. Hence, in the evening, the streets and waterfront spring to life with bright lanterns hanging from every corner. So, if you take Hoi An evening walking tour during the lantern festival or even the regular days, you can have one of the most wonderful experiences in Vietnam. Additionally, travelers can even participate in a short lantern-making lesson, which provides a hands-on cultural experience.

Local guide to show Hidden Gems and Local Life

Especially, joining in a guided private Hoi An walking tour, you will be escorted by the local guide from Hoi An or Da Nang areas that happily show you quiet backstreets, where you may see how the locals make special dishes in Hoi An. For instance, he can show you a place where they make Cao Lau, or Xi Ma (Black Sesame Sweet Soup) or White rose inside the merchant house, allow you to explore how the daily life of people goes on in the back yard then immerse yourself in Hoi An’s unique culture.

TOP HISTORICAL SITES TO EXPLORE IN HOI AN OLD TOWN WALKING TOUR

Japanese Covered Bridge

Visiting Japanese covered Bridge is one of things to do in Hoi An Old Town as it has a lot of cultural value and history and the only place in Hoi An is printed on the local currency. Thus, the Bridge was built in the early 18th century and is one of Hoi An’s most iconic structures. It was built by the Japanese community to connect their neighborhood to the Chinese quarter. It also shows the cultural exchange between Vietnam, China and Japan. The bridge’s lovely pagoda-style canopy and elaborate carvings depict the harmonious cultural blend that distinguishes Hoi An’s legacy.

Tan Ky Ancient House

Tan Ky Ancient House is a wonderfully preserved 18th-century merchant’s home that provides insight into Hoi An’s trading history. Its architecture blends Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese elements, with ornate woodwork, courtyards, and tiled roofs. Visitors can explore the actual living areas, learn about traditional craftsmanship, and marvel at how this ancient home symbolizes the old town’s prosperity and cultural diversity.

Duc An Ancient house

Duc An Ancient House is a well-known and long-standing ancient house in Hoi An, preserving the historical and cultural imprints of the ancient commercial port. Built during the era of King Minh Mang (Nguyen Dynasty), this historic home retains the architectural and cultural traits of the ancient Hoi An town, when the trading port flourished. The antiquity and complexity of Duc An’s old mansion reflect the riches and typical lifestyle of affluent merchant families in Hoi An over the ages.

Cantonese Congregation Hall

Near the Japanese Bridge there is beautiful Chinese temple of Cantonese Community. Being erected in the nineteenth century, the assembly hall features exquisite carvings, bright lanterns, and traditional architecture of Hoi An Town. The main hall of Cantonese temple where immigrant community worship deity altars and Quan Cong (a Chinese Mandarin) who represents Humanity, Wisdom, Trust, Respect, Loyalty and an important figure in the trading activities in the old days.

Moreover, the hall’s detailed artwork and historical significance showcase Hoi An’s vibrant Chinese cultural influence, making it an essential spiritual and cultural destination for people to come to worship and make best wishes.

Fujian Assembly Hall

Built by Fujian Community in the old days, the temple is a bustling and artistically constructed temple dedicated to Chinese deities such as The Money God or the Sea Goddess Thien Hau. It was a social gathering place for Fujian immigrants, known for its beautiful architecture, delicate wood carvings, and vivid murals. The hall reflects Hoi An’s rich Chinese heritage, allowing visitors to learn about traditional religious rituals and the town’s mixed history.

Quan Cong Temple

Quan Cong Temple (Quan Thanh Mieu) was built in 1653 as a site of worship for Quan Van Truong. He was a prominent commander of talent, steady spirit, bravery, righteousness, and noble qualities who lived during the “Three Warring Kingdoms” period controlled by the Han Dynasty in China.

Hoi An Museum of Folk Culture

The museum focuses on the unique traditions, old-aged crafts, and daily lives of local folks. It includes displays on traditional clothes, tools, music, and ceremonies, emphasizing Hoi An’s mixed past. The museum delves into the town’s history, customs, and spiritual practices, giving visitors a better understanding of the colorful cultural tapestry that defines Hoi An’s distinct personality.

The Ba Mu Temple

The Ba Mu Temple in Hoi An is an ancient spiritual site that is now mostly a majestic and historic gate complex with a tranquil pond and landscaping. It is located on Hai Ba Trung Street, in the heart of the ancient town. The recently renovated exquisite Tam Quan Gate (three-entrance gate) and the calm water garden make it a popular location for photography and quiet reflection, offering tourists insight into the region’s spiritual past. Visitors come here seeking blessings and a connection to the town’s spiritual traditions. 

AN EXAMPLE ITINERARY OF HALF DAY HOI AN WALKING TOUR

Pick up at hotel

Begin our half day Hoi An city tour with the pick up at your accommodation in Hoi An with our guide snd driver. If your hotel is located near the Old Town, we can just take a walk.

Visit Hoi An Central Market

Start off our leisurely walking tour by visiting Hoi An central market where you can see an old water well and our knowledgeable tour guide will show you special food of Hoi An at some food counters. Proceed our tour where you can explore other counters of Hoi An local market where the locals sell the meat, vegetables and others. Coming here, you will witness the daily life of the Hoi An local citizens and take such great pictures of Vietnamese people.

Visit Fujian Assembly Hall

Continue our walking tour Hoi An, we then visit one of the best assembly halls in Hoi An – the Fujian Assembly. Built dating back to the 19th century, Fujian Temple features special architectures of Chinese influences and becomes a holy site for the locals who come and pray.

Enjoy Traditional Performance in the theater

One of things not to be missed in our Hoi An cultural walking tour is to enjoy a very nice traditional show in the theater where you can watch the local folk songs of Vietnam and witness traditional instruments by the local artists. Besides, with Apsara show, you seem to know about the Cham local culture that ever existed in central Vietnam.

Sightseeing Quan Thang Old House

Our next place is Quan Thang Old House – one of the oldest ones in Hoi An. Step inside the house, you can talk to the house owner for cultural experience, find out how they lived back to the days and watch the local make local dishes like White rose or Wonton…

Pay a visit to Tan Ky Old House

We then leave Quan Thang House for Tan Ky Ancient House, a great place welcoming the country’s leaders coming to visit. Get inside the house, you can see many pictures describing the wealthy lifestyles of this house owner and realize exquisite carvings and decorations that are still well-preserved. Perhaps, Tan Ky is one of the nicest old houses in Hoi An that you should not miss.

Sightsee Japanese Bridge

Finally, we are off to Japanese Covered Bridge where you can know a rich history and culture of Hoi An and enjoy some nice views of the city from the bridge. We then end Hoi An walking tour with transfer back to the hotel.

BENEFITS OF WALKING TOURS IN HOI AN?

Walking tours in Hoi An provide various benefits, including an immersive experience with the town’s rich history, architecture, and culture. They allow you to leisurely stroll through narrow streets, ancient buildings, and bustling markets. Furthermore, the local tour guides who will give local stories and perspectives to improve comprehensive understanding of Hoi An history. Walking tours also encourage sustainable tourism, develop personal relationships, and allow you for genuine contact with local people, making your trip more meaningful and memorable.

Moreover, walking excursions in Hoi An ancient town also offer you a calm, relaxing opportunity to explore hidden jewels and gorgeous areas that other modes of transportation frequently overlook. They encourage deliberate exploration, allowing visitors to appreciate the town’s distinct charm and craftsmanship. Overall, these trips foster a stronger connection to Hoi An’s past, improving your trip and creating lasting memories.

BEST TIME TO TAKE HOI AN WALKING TOUR?

The best time to take a Hoi An Cultural Walking Tour is in the early morning or late afternoon. In the morning, you can have a relaxed Hoi An City tour when the weather is cooler and the streets are less congested when the town bans scooters from 9 a.m. If you want to catch the town’s true beauty, do the best walking tour in Hoi An during these hours from 8 to 11 a.m. You may enjoy the calm charm of historic houses, stroll colorful markets, and take gorgeous shots of lantern-lit lanes without the noon heat.

Additionally, if you want to enjoy Hoi An Sunset, you can think about Hoi An Afternoon Walking Tour from 2:00 p.m until 5:00 p.m. After that, you can rent a boat for a peaceful river cruise on the Thu Bon river. At this time, the Sun color starts to change from orange to red color giving you the best moment of Hoi An Sunset.

USEFUL TIPS FOR PRIVATE HOI AN WALKING TOUR

Wear comfortable shoes

As you will walk a alot, we suggest you to wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking

Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection

Traveling to Hoi An in the summer time, remember to take sun glasses, sun cream with you as the weather can be hot and humid.

Dress appropriately for the weather and cultural norms

Visiting Hoi An in the dry season, you can wear the shorts for cooler feel. In the monsoon, season, you can wear a light cold jacket for less chilling. Take note not to wear so short pants or dress to respect the local culture.

Bring some local cash

In Hoi An, there are many shops, local stores where you can buy something. It is good to bring some cash with you to buy some souvenirs or local products. If you forget, there are many ATMs in town where you can take cash out or exchange some foreign currencies at some local shops.

Town closed for scooters/motorcycles

The town is closed for scooters/motorbikes from 9:00 a.m till 11:00 a.m and from 15:00 p.m till 21:00 p.m everyday

Religious thing

Hoi An people live on business and religious so avoid NOT to touch the goods without buy in early morning to avoid bad luck for the shop.

Busy town

The town of Hoi An can be packed with locals and tourists in the night time and in peak seasons and holidays like Chinese New Year, Christmas.

Watch your personal belongings

At night, Hoi An is usually busy with lots of tourists. To be careful, please watch out your personal belongings such as crossing the An Hoi Bridge or at Nguyen Hoang Night Market. Remember to leave your passports at your safety box at your hotel.

Learn to bargain the price

If you want to buy something valuable when taking Hoi An Walking Tour, you might learn how to negotiate with the local people because most of stores/shops in Hoi An don’t have fixed price.

HOI AN WALKING TOUR HALF DAY PRICE, INCLUSIONS, EXCLUSIONS, NOTES?

PRICE

As you are planing for your Hoi An Walking Tour with the best price, let’s choose Premium Travel Vietnam. For more details and assistance, kindly contact us at premiumvietnamtravel@gmail.com or Whatsapp Mr. Viet (Travel Manager) at 0084 979613777. We are honored to serve you and always at your service 24/7.

INCLUSIONS

• Entrance ticket
• English Guide
• Water
• Pick up & drop off

EXCLUSIONS

• Personal expenses
• Soft drinks and beers
• Travel insurance

NOTES

• Tour itinerary can be customized to suit your needs and requirements…
• The tour price can be adjusted in peak seasons, Tet Holidays…
• The tour can be cancelled/changed depending on bad weather, unexpected circumstances (typhoons, flooding…)

HOW TO BOOK HOI AN ANCIENT TOWN CITY TOUR?

So, if you come to Da Nang or Hoi An city, Vietnam and would like to have Hoi An Walking Tour, do not hesitate to contact us:

Premium Travel Vietnam Co., Ltd (International Tour Operator License No: 48-281/2022/TCDL – GPLHQT)

Visit our office

245 Hoai Thanh street, Ngu Hanh Son Ward, Da Nang city

Contact via whatsapp

Mr. Viet at 0084 979613777

Through email

premiumvietnamtravel@gmail.com

Visit our Websites

https://premiumtravel.info/ or https://premiumtravelvietnam.vn/

We will definitely make your trip with us an enjoyable one.

FAQs ON HOI AN ANCIENT TOWN TOUR?