Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a beautifully preserved ancient town that has become one of Vietnam’s most popular tourist destinations. Its charm lies in its unique blend of architectural styles, reflecting the town’s history as a trading port.

Visitors can explore the narrow, winding streets, visit the old merchant houses, and get awed by the town’s fascinating history through different sites within. The Hoi An walking tour is designed to guide you through such spots that exhibit Hoi An’s culture.

Read on to learn more about it!

What to Expect from the Hoi An Walking Tour?

Our Hoi An walking tour offers a comprehensive exploration of this historic town. 

The tour includes car transportation to and from your hotel, a knowledgeable local guide, entrance tickets to up to five spots inside the Ancient Town, bottled water, and a meal at a local restaurant. 

Additionally, our guides will assist you in capturing memorable photographs throughout your journey.

The tour typically starts at the Japanese Covered Bridge, one of Hoi An’s most iconic landmarks. The tour guide will then lead visitors to other popular attractions as well as a musical show and folklore museum that gives a more vivid picture of Hoi An.

By the end of the tour, we’ll erase your fatigue from walking by taking you to a local restaurant. There, take some rest and enjoy special dishes made by the locals.

Book your Hoi An Walking Tour right here!

Where You’ll Go

1. Japanese Covered Bridge

The Japanese Covered Bridge is a 17th-century bridge that spans the Thu Bon River. It is one of Hoi An’s most popular tourist attractions. And its distinctive red and white design is often featured in photographs of the town.

This spot makes a great introduction to Hoi An because it used to serve as a border between the Japanese and Chinese communities. They are the two of many races coming to our city port in the heyday.

2. Tan Ky Old House

The Tan Ky Old House is a beautiful 18th-century merchant house. It is one of the best-preserved old houses in Hoi An, and it is now a museum that offers visitors a glimpse into traditional Vietnamese life. The house’s unique architecture and rich history have earned it the status of National Heritage.

The tour guide will take you inside the house to see its well-preserved interior, which includes a traditional Vietnamese courtyard, living quarters, artifacts, and annual flood levels.

Your tour guide will also explain the history of the house and the family that lived there. Here you’ll learn about Mr. Le Cong, the house’s first-generation owner and the richest Chinese-born merchant in town.

3. Traditional Art Show

The Hoi An Traditional Art Show is a daily performance that showcases the traditional arts and culture of Hoi An. The show includes a variety of performances, such as folk music, Cham Pa dance, the Vietnamese opera “Hat Tuong,” and the Quang-styled bingo game known as “Bai Choi.”

You’ll watch the performance and learn more about the traditional arts and culture of Hoi An. You’ll also know how the people used to entertain themselves back then. 

It is overall entertaining, informative, and a great way to experience the artistic aspects of the city.

The Hoi An Traditional Art Show starts at 10:15 am, 3:15 pm, and 4:15 pm daily. You’re allowed to take photos or videos during the show and must turn off your device’s sounds.

4. Hoi An Museum of Folklore

Curious about what the local living looks like? You’ll get the answers in the Hoi An Museum of Folklore

The museum has four sections with two floors to explore. It exhibits the stories of Hoi An through traditional clothing, artifacts, well-crafted dummies, and photographs.

The museum is a great way to learn about the town’s rich past and its unique crafts. You’ll almost feel like you’re really involved in the local lives and know more about what rustic living looks like in an agricultural country—Vietnam.

5. Fujian Assembly Hall

The Fujian Assembly Hall is a 17th-century Chinese assembly hall with shrines inside. It is one of the most important Chinese temples in Hoi An for certain reasons that our tour guide would be happy to tell you about.

As soon as you get into the hall, you’re amazed by its ornate triple gate, statues, plants, fountains, spacious yard, and huge red incense in a spiral shape. The hall functions mostly like a Christian church, where the members come to practice their spiritual beliefs and help each other.

The biggest shrine inside this place is dedicated to the Sea Mother (called Thien Hau Thanh Mau in Vietnamese). Legends say that the first Fujian people fleeing from China to Hoi An were rescued from a brutal sea storm by her.

6. Ancient Town’s Main Roads

Above are the five tourist sites offered by Hoi An’s Ancient Town due to the walking tour’s time limit. Should you take more time to stroll around by yourself, there are many more to see.

One of the best things about the Hoi An walking tour, however, doesn’t stop at historical sites. While roaming around, you’re able to witness the town’s ancient beauty, constructed by a cultural blend of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and French architectural styles.

The Ancient Town’s street plan is quite easy to navigate. The three main roads Tran Phu, Nguyen Thai Hoc and Bach Dang lie parallel, with narrow alleys connecting them together impressively.

6. A local restaurant for lunch/dinner

A local meal is always included in the walking tour to let you enter the world of Hoi An cuisine. The restaurant you’ll get served by will bring out dishes Hoi An is well-known for as we previously mentioned.

Everything you’ll have there reflects our way of living since a hundred years ago. Our tour guide will give you a quick presentation about every dish, including how to eat them properly.

Note that we can tailor the dishes for vegetarians upon request, though Hoi An local food includes mainly non-veg ingredients.

If you’re impressed by the meal and interested in a cooking class, let us know. We provide various kinds of Hoi An Tours and won’t disappoint you when it comes to introducing our cuisine.

7. Local shopping (optional)

That’s the end of the tour! However, if you’d love to go shopping at a tailor shop or leather shop before going back to your hotel, our tour guide would be happy to help.

He’ll walk you to the best shop in town. Though he can drop you the locations to go later by yourself, his presence as a local makes a better deal.

Hoi An is home to lots of professional tailors and leather craftsmanship. The people have been excellent at producing silk since the 17th century, which allows them to make the best custom-made clothes out of silks.

Our traditional leather craft, however, is explained by the fact that we used to own so many buffaloes and cows to support farming. When they die, we recycle their skin to make fashion items such as bags, purses, jackets, boots, belts, hats, etc. That means the products are made of 100% real leather.

Going shopping at these stores helps you understand more about the city through the lens of fashion. For those interested in this category, we highly recommend you give it a try. We DON’T charge you additional cost for spending extra time with you at these shops.

Read more: 15 things to do in Hoi An revealed by local guide

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a comprehensive and informative way to experience the best of Hoi An, the Hoi An Walking Tour is the perfect option for you. 

This half-day tour will take you to some of the town’s most popular attractions, including the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Tan Ky Old House, the Traditional Art Show, the Hoi An Museum of Folk Culture, and the Fujian Assembly Hall. 

You’ll also have the opportunity to sample local cuisine at a local restaurant and go shopping for souvenirs at a tailor shop or leather shop.

The tour is led by knowledgeable local guides who are passionate about sharing their city with visitors. They will provide you with insights into the history, culture, and traditions of Hoi An. You’ll also have plenty of time to ask questions and take photos.

Book your Hoi An Walking Tour today and experience the best of this UNESCO World Heritage Site!