A vibrant mix of wooden pagodas and busy tailors. The ancient town is a perfectly preserved part of ancient Hoi An with an eclectic mix of cultures and eras.
The Ancient Town is a real highlight of a visit to Hoi An. A major trading port until the 18th Century, the area hasn’t undergone the extensive development and westernisation that can be seen throughout much of the city. Miraculously, the port also managed to escape any significant damage during the war, meaning the area offers a true glimpse into the Hoi An of the past. Although no longer a major centre for trade, the Ancient Town is still a fully-functioning port, and continues to provide an important source of income for the city.Many of the buildings in the Ancient Town are constructed in wood, with interesting architecture symbolising the area’s diverse and multicultural history. Colonial houses rub shoulders with Chinese temples, and the intricate wooden pagoda of the Japanese Bridge is a reminder of the area’s diverse history.Set your alarm early and spend the morning on the banks of the Thu Bon River, where traders have been coming for centuries to buy and sell fish. In the afternoon, head to the atmospheric Hoi An Central Market, where you can pick up local fabrics, handicrafts and clothes. Hoi An has become famous for its abundance of tailors, who can design and make quality bespoke clothing at a reasonable price. Get measured on your first day in Hoi An, and your new clothes will ready and waiting for you to collect before you leave!Alongside its sumptuous silks and fabrics, the city is also renowned for its ceramics. The Museum of Trade Ceramics takes you on a journey through the industry’s history, while the Museum of Sa Huynh Culture features over 400 different ceramic objects and artworks.A great time to visit the Ancient Town is during the Hoi An Legendary Night. On the 14th day of each lunar month, two and four-wheel vehicles are banned from the roads, electricity is switched off and the neighbourhood comes alive with traditional music, dancing and shows, all lit by rows of jewel-coloured silk lanterns.
