Hoi An Ancient Town

Shannon
Oct 8
3 min read

The City of Lanterns

Hoi An sits like a memory frozen in time, its lantern lit streets whispering stories that stretch back more than two millennia. Ceramic fragments unearthed nearby reveal that humans were drawn to this river delta around 2200 years ago, leaving traces of lives now lost to history. Its name, meaning “peaceful meeting place” hints at the bustling trade and cultural crossroads it would become but beneath the town’s charm, shadows of its past still linger.

Long before foreign merchants arrived, Hoi An was called Lam Ap, a thriving port under the Champa Empire. The town’s wealth came from the spice and silk trade and the Cham people left a distinctive mark. Temples, statues and carvings with Hindu influence still stand, echoing a spiritual life that continues to intrigue. Nearby My Son preserves the heart of this ancient civilisation and locals tell of faint chants that drift through the ruins when the wind picks up at dusk.

Colourful wooden boats dock by yellow historic buildings with vibrant red flags in a sunny riverside town. Quiet and picturesque atmosphere.

By the 17th century, Hoi An had become a cosmopolitan hub. Japanese and Chinese traders built wooden bridges, shophouses and assembly halls, leaving behind a cultural tapestry that survives to this day. The Japanese Covered Bridge is the most famous. Legend says a betrayed bride, abandoned centuries ago, haunts it, silently crossing its timbers at twilight. Some claim to see her reflection in the water even when no one is there.

Colourful Asian lanterns hanging in a shop, showcasing vibrant patterns. A conical hat with text is visible below, creating a festive mood.

The late 18th century brought upheaval. A rebellion against foreign trade forced Hoi An into decline, while Đa Nang rose to dominance. Tales spread of buried treasures beneath the old houses and of those who hunted them under moonlight, disappearing without a trace. The narrow alleyways became conduits for whispers, warnings and ghost stories that persist to this day. The nearby Cham ruins are said to harbour restless spirits of kings and priests, protecting sacred relics from trespassers. Visitors report sudden gusts of wind or the distant clang of ceremonial bells in empty courtyards, as though the past refuses to stay silent.

Ornate temple gate with green tiled roof, red lanterns, and intricate carvings under a blue sky. Chinese text adorns the structure.

Remarkably, Hoi An Ancient Town avoided the sweeping upheavals that transformed much of Vietnam over the following two centuries. Its timber framed houses, labyrinthine lanes and centuries-old architecture have endured, offering an uncanny window into a past that feels almost alive. In 1999, UNESCO recognised the ancient city as a World Heritage site, protecting its history, architecture and traditional crafts. Yet beyond preservation, the town is a place where commerce, faith and mystery intersect. Hoi An is not just a meeting place for people, it is a meeting place for the living and the echoes of those who walked its streets long before us.

Yellow building and palm trees line a canal beside a historic red Japanese bridge under a clear blue sky.

🗺️ Location

Hoi An, Thu Bon River, Cam Nam/Cam Pho area, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam

🚆 How to get there

Located on Vietnam’s central east coast, Hoi An is easy to reach and well connected to major cities. The quickest way is to fly from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to Đa Nang International Airport, which handles both domestic and international flights and then continue by road. Private cars and drivers cost around $20 USD and take about 30 minutes, though taxis, rideshare services like Grab and hotel arranged transfers are all convenient options. Once in town, Hoi An’s small size makes walking or cycling the ideal way to get around. The narrow, lantern-lit streets are best explored on foot, while bicycles, ranging from traditional pedal bikes to modern electric models, offer a quiet and flexible way to visit riverside cafes, historic houses, local markets and nearby attractions. Electric bikes have grown in popularity in 2025, providing an eco friendly alternative for short trips to the rice paddies, Cua Đai Beach or An Bang Beach. For those combining Hoi An with other central Vietnam destinations, buses and shuttles connect to Đa Nang, Hue and the Marble Mountains and motorbike rentals give adventurous travelers the freedom to explore the countryside at their own pace. Despite the variety of transport options, most visitors find Hoi An’s charm is best experienced slowly, wandering its streets and alleyways, soaking in the history, architecture and riverside atmosphere.