Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam


Hoi An (Vietnamese: Hội An ) is a historic town by the northern banks of the Thu Bon River. Geographically, it is located about midway between between northern and southern Vietnam. The city was an important trading port for Vietnam from the 16th to the 18th century. During its golden years, Hoi An attracted merchants and traders from China, Japan and even Europe. Today it is a city of about 120,000 people.

The history of Hoi An goes back to the 1st century, when it was known as Lam Ap Pho. Even during that time, it already had the largest harbour in Southeast Asia. At that time, it was inhabited mostly by the Cham (people of Champa). The old town was at the estuary of the Thu Bon River.

Quang Dong Assembly Hall, Hoi An


Hoi An was inscribed as a World Heritage Site since 1999. It has many interesting sights including Chinese pagodas, community halls, family ancestral shrines and craft shops. The Japanese Covered Bridge dating to the 16th century is another heritage site in the city. Backpackers and tourists will find numerous Internet cafés, bars and restaurants along its famed (and quite picturesque) riverfront.

Visiting Hoi An

To reach Hoi An, you can fly to Da Nang, and from there take a taxi to Hoi An. The airport taxi to Hoi Ann will cost you about US$15.00. The return journey will only cost you half that amount - make sure you negotiate the fare rather than rely on the unreliable Vietnam taxi meter!

You can also take the train to Da Nang from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh city, Hue or Nha Trang, and then a taxi from there to Hoi An.

Getting around in Hoi An

The center of Hoi An is quite small. You can explore it easily on foot. Keep an eye on the motorcycles that weave in and out of traffic. You can also rent a motorcycle to take you around for US$3 per day. Be sure you get a helmet as your head is unlikely to be as tough as the locals'.

Japanese Covered Bridge, Hoi An

Places of Interest in Hoi An

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Please use the information on this page as guidance only. The author endeavours to update the information on this page from time to time, but regrets any inaccuracies if there be any.

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Hello and thanks for reading this page. My name is Timothy and my hobby is in describing places so that I can share the information with the general public. My website has become the go to site for a lot of people including students, teachers, journalists, etc. whenever they seek information on places, particularly those in Malaysia and Singapore. I have been doing this since 5 January 2003, for over twenty years already. You can read about me at Discover Timothy. By now I have compiled information on thousands of places, mostly in Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore, and I continue to add more almost every day. My goal is to describe every street in every town in Malaysia and Singapore.