Japanese Covered Bridge

Exploring Hoi An on foot is one of the best ways to take in the charms of this town. Its unique atmosphere has been created by a combination of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences. On this guided walk you’ll see a number of ancient houses, reminiscent of times long past. You’ll visit the Hoi An Museum and admire the architecture of many of the town’s ancient houses, see the Chinese-influenced Assembly Hall, a handicraft workshop, and the well-known Japanese Covered Bridge. An optional stop is at the private home of Diep Dong Nguyen (subject to availability), which features a stunning collection of artifacts ranging from pottery to seals and paintings, to money and old Hoi An photographs.

Choose from a shared or private experience to visit 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in one day: the ancient Champa Kingdom of My Son, and the ancient town of Hoi An. Begin your guided day trip with hotel pickup from Da Nang and start with a visit to the capital and religious center of the former Champa Kingdom, My Son. This fascinating archaeological site was constructed between the 7th and 13th centuries. Beautifully situated in a lush green valley, admire the dozens of red brick towers and sanctuaries. After exploring this area with your guide, you’ll head to Hoi An to enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch.   In the afternoon, discover Hoi An by foot. This historic town, which used to be a prosperous seaport city from the 16th to 18th centuries, is now a beautiful city that cannot be missed while touring the Southeast Asian region. While walking through the city, you’ll make a few stops: visit Hoi An’s colorful local market, ancient houses, Assembly Halls, manufacturing workshops, and the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge. You’ll also see local residents raising silkworms and producing silk for Hoi An’s burgeoning textile industry. At the conclusion of the tour, you’ll be taken back to your hotel in Da Nang.

Discover the history and flavors of Vietnam during this combined 5-hour walking and cooking tour of Hoi An. This private tour will allow you to get an insight into Hoi An from your local leader. Listed by UNESCO as a beautifully-preserved example of a historic Southeast Asian trading port, see colorful buildings of historical and cultural significance. Wander along relaxing streets that are off-limits to cars and stroll past the many Chinese Assembly Halls, such as the Cantonese Chinese Congregation with its impressive main altar, and the Hainan Chinese Congregation, which serves as a memorial to the 107 Hainan Island merchants that were killed during the reign of Emperor Tu Duc after they were mistaken for pirates. Stop by the covered 16th-Century Japanese Bridge, with its Buddhist pagoda and constructed to provide a link between the Japanese and Chinese communities. Then head to a family-run restaurant for your cooking class. Meet with your chef, who will explain the range of dishes that you will prepare, before taking you to a local market to stock up on fresh produce. Learn how to choose the best supplies and discover some of the less-familiar ingredients. Back at the restaurant, discover recipes that will wow your family and friends back home, and learn the tricks to preparing some of Vietnam’s legendary meals. At the end of your lesson, sit down to feast on all the delicious dishes you have created.

At 18:00 your guide will meet you and take you on a 3.5-hour tour of centuries-old Hoi An. Experience sights and sounds that are vastly different from the hectic pace of the daytime hours. See the ancient houses by the subdued light of lanterns and enjoy watching locals play traditional games and listening to folk music. After sunset, all vehicles are prohibited in town, meaning that you can comfortably walk and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. You’ll visit the Japanese Covered Bridge and Tan Ky Old House, where the mystique of centuries of history is enhanced by moonlight. You’ll head to a traditional restaurant for dinner. Afterwards, local musicians will perform time-honored Vietnamese music, completing your evening out in Hoi An.

Work your way around Hoi An’s Old Town after the sun has gone down. On this small-group tour with a maximum of 12 people, you will be joined by a local leader who will give you an insight into the food scene in Hoi An. Enjoy a culinary adventure away from the Midday heat. Meet your guide at sunset for a walk through the local cafes, food stalls, markets, and restaurants at the heart of the historic city. Go to a bakery that has been making the town’s tastiest banh mi (a type of sandwich) for over 20 years, using fresh local ingredients. Next, join the locals at a small café to try the hot and crunchy banh can crackers, served with quails eggs, pork, and a tasty salad. Continue into the heart of Vietnamese cuisine as you head straight for some favorite local eating spots. Your knowledgeable local guide will walk you through the colorful array of ingredients, explaining to you the most popular dishes in Hoi An and the significance of these foods to the traditional culture of central Vietnam. Dig even deeper into the local food scene, passing through a maze of tiny alleys to emerge at a favorite (secret) restaurant in Hoi An, where you’ll sample the Hoi An’s specialties: Cao Lau noodles with pork and a wonderful sesame and peanut hot milk. There is more food to come. Your Hoi An food tour continues with more bites, based on what’s available that day. Be sure to save space though, as you still have yet another treat in store for you, dessert and a local beer.

Following pickup from your hotel in Da Nang or Hoi An city center, head to the historic heart to see the UNESCO World Heritage monuments of Hoi An Ancient Town. Admire different architectural styles and soak up the atmosphere as you stroll among ancient houses that combine elements of Vietnam, China, and Japan. Get a glimpse back through history to a more subdued and simple time. Look inside the impressive Hoi An Museum, see remarkable assembly halls of Chinese influence, and visit a handicraft workshop and the beautiful Japanese Covered Bridge. Available as a shared or private tour.

Create your own full-day itinerary according to the attractions you're most interested in. Get picked up from your hotel in Hoi An by your guide and travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Choose from any of the sights below to make your ideal city tour of Hoi An. Japanese Covered Bridge One of the most popular landmarks in the Old Town of Hoi An, this 400-year-old bridge with its reddish-pink hue is a symbol of unification. Take in the fine architectural details awhile walking across the bridge or snap some photos of its striking silhouette from afar. Hoi An Museum of History and Culture Housed in a 17th-century temple, this museum features an eclectic mix of artifacts such as ceramics, maps, photos, bells, and more that collectively span approximately 2,000 years of Hoi An history. Roam through the exhibit halls and get a glimpse of Hoi An’s glorious and prosperous past. Chinese Assembly Hall (Fujian Assembly Hall) While there are many Chinese assembly halls in Hoi An, none is as aesthetically pleasing as the Fujian Assembly Hall. With its faded red brick gate and intricate architecture, it was once a traditional Chinese meeting point but is now a temple dedicated to Thien Hau, a sea goddess. Museum of Trade Ceramics Located in a restored two-story house reminiscent of Hoi An’s old shophouses, this museum houses a collection of pottery pieces not just from Hoi An but from around Asia and even some parts of the western world. This is a must for pottery aficionados. Hoi An Central Market Hoi An’s biggest and busiest market, this is located in the center of Hoi An’s Old Town and is the perfect place to buy souvenirs and fill up on delicious local eats. Take in the sights, sounds, and smells to complete your Hoi An experience. Hoi An Handicraft Workshop Also known as the Handicraft Village of Hoi An, this workshop is housed in a 200-year-old Chinese trading house. See artisans at work creating traditional Vietnamese crafts such as lanterns, silks, pottery, woodwork, and more in the same way they were made hundreds of years ago.