Antique Wells to French Facades: Self-Guided Hoi An Old Town Tour

Hoi An , Vietnam

Antique Wells to French Facades: Self-Guided Hoi An Old Town Tour

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(1 reviews)

1h - 1h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Life unfolds in the narrow alleyways of Hội An’s Old Town. On this self-guided walking tour, Vietnam travel writer Joshua Zukas will peel back the layers of the ancient quarter’s multicultural history, spanning over 2,000 years.

Starting at an often-overlooked American Army Blockhouse, you’ll wander down atmospheric back lanes and streets bursting with heritage, offering a different perspective of the busy old town. You’ll learn how this UNESCO World Heritage site was shaped by seven cultures, from the ancient Champa civilization which was influenced by India, to the Polish architect who saved the town from neglect. You’ll hear how the city was shaped by Chinese merchants who built elaborate assembly halls and the French colonists who transformed the skyline.

Available options

Antique Wells to French Facades: Self-Guided Hoi An Old Town Tour

What's included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

App for Android and iOS

Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour

Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Detailed itinerary

You'll catch a glimpse of the Trieu Chau Assembly Hall, with its fascinating history, but please remember that admission to the hall is not included in this tour.

We'll also pass by the Hoi An Market, with its unique wares.

We'll also pass by the Museum of Traditional Medicine, with its quirky artifacts. However, entry to the museum itself is not included in this tour.

We'll also pass by the Museum of Folk Culture, with its rich history. However, entry to the museum itself is not included in this tour.

We'll also pass by the Quan Thang Ancient House, adding to the historic charm of the neighbourhood. However, entry to the house itself is not included in this tour.

We'll also pass by the Đình Ông Voi, adding to the historic charm of the neighbourhood. However, entry is not included in this tour.

Passing by the Kwiatkowski Square, with its fascinating links to the city.

Passing by the The Japanese Bridge, you'll witness another architectural gem of Hoi An.

Passing by the Nguyen Tuong Family Chapel, with its deep links to the past. Please note that entry to the chapel is not included in this tour.

Stop 10 Pass by

We'll also pass by the Cantonese Assembly Hall, adding to the historic charm of the neighbourhood. However, entry to the Hall itself is not included in this tour.

What's not included

Smartphone and headphones

Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour

Food and drink

Transportation

Available languages

Audio guide

Written guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The total tour time includes walking the route and passing by the attractions

Meeting point

This tour starts at Army Blockhouses, Sơn Phong, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Hoi An

Hoi An is a charming ancient town and UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved architecture, lantern-lit streets, and rich cultural heritage. This former trading port blends Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and European influences, offering a unique glimpse into Southeast Asia's history.

Top Attractions

Hoi An Ancient Town

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ancient Town is famous for its well-preserved architecture, lantern-lit streets, and historic buildings. It offers a glimpse into the town's rich history as a trading port.

Historical Half day to full day 120,000 VND (Ancient Town Entry Ticket)

An Bang Beach

A beautiful beach located about 4 km from Hoi An, known for its white sand and clear waters. It's a great spot for relaxation and water activities.

Beach Half day Free

My Son Sanctuary

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, My Son is an ancient Hindu temple complex built by the Cham civilization. It's a significant archaeological site with intricate carvings and ruins.

Historical Full day 150,000 VND

Hoi An Night Market

A bustling night market offering a variety of local food, souvenirs, and handicrafts. It's a great place to experience the local culture and try street food.

Market 1-2 hours Varies

Tra Que Vegetable Village

A peaceful village known for its organic vegetable farming. Visitors can participate in farming activities, learn about traditional farming techniques, and enjoy a farm-to-table meal.

Cultural Half day Varies

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cao Lau

A noodle dish with pork, herbs, and a unique broth made from pork bones and ash of burnt rice. It's a local specialty and a must-try.

Lunch/Dinner Contains pork and gluten

Banh Mi

A Vietnamese baguette sandwich filled with various ingredients like pâté, cold cuts, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs. Hoi An's version is particularly delicious.

Breakfast/Lunch Can be made vegetarian or with various fillings

White Rose Dumplings

Small, delicate shrimp dumplings that resemble white roses. They are a local specialty and a popular street food item.

Snack Contains shrimp and gluten

Quang Noodles

A noodle dish with turmeric-infused rice noodles, pork, shrimp, and a flavorful broth. It's a popular dish from the nearby town of Quang and also loved in Hoi An.

Lunch/Dinner Contains pork and shrimp

Popular Activities

Snorkeling Diving Hiking Motorbike tours Beach activities Spa treatments Cooking classes Yoga

Best Time to Visit

February to April

This period offers the best weather with warm temperatures, low humidity, and minimal rain. It's ideal for exploring the town and enjoying outdoor activities.

25-30°C 77-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Vietnamese
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Vietnamese Dong (VND)

Time Zone

GMT+7

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Hoi An is generally a safe destination for travelers. Petty crime can occur, so take precautions to protect your belongings. Be cautious of motorbikes when walking, as they can be numerous and fast.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable taxi services or ride-hailing apps like Grab.
• Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.
• Bargain for souvenirs and services to avoid overpaying.

Getting there

By air

Da Nang International Airport • 30 km

By train

Hoi An Station

By bus

Hoi An Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses connect Hoi An to nearby towns and cities but are not extensively used within the town itself.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Ancient Town Cam Chau An Bang

Day trips

Da Nang

30 km • Half day to full day

Da Nang is a vibrant coastal city known for its beaches, modern architecture, and cultural sites. It offers a mix of urban attractions and natural beauty.

My Son Sanctuary

50 km • Full day

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, My Son is an ancient Hindu temple complex built by the Cham civilization. It's a significant archaeological site with intricate carvings and ruins.

Cham Islands

20 km • Full day

A group of eight islands known for their beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and biodiversity. The islands are a great spot for snorkeling, diving, and relaxing.

Festivals

Hoi An Lantern Festival • 14th of each lunar month Hoi An International Food Festival • Annual, usually in June Mid-Autumn Festival • Annual, usually in September or October

Pro tips

Visit the Ancient Town in the evening when the lanterns are lit for a magical experience.
Try local specialties like Cao Lau, Banh Mi, and White Rose Dumplings at local eateries and markets.
Explore the town on foot or by bicycle to discover hidden gems and enjoy the pedestrian-friendly streets.
Book a cooking class to learn about local ingredients and techniques, and enjoy a farm-to-table meal.
Visit the Hoi An Lantern Festival on the 14th of each lunar month for a unique and cultural experience.