Everything you need to know about the Hoi An Old Town Entrance Ticket
Is the Hoi An Old Town ticket a scam? Read more to find out.
Wandering through Hoi An’s old town for the first time is an undeniably charming experience.
Its labyrinthine streets are flanked by mustard-yellow merchant houses and brightly coloured temples, where colourful lanterns dance in the midday sun and pink bougainvillea tumbles in waterfalls from balconies.
Everywhere you look today, you see examples of the foreign worlds that left their indelible marks on the town’s architecture, culture, and food: the Japanese Bridge, the Fujian Temple, and traditional Chinese houses dotted throughout the narrow streets. Strolling through these well-preserved streets today is as much a journey through the town’s unique history as it is a visual feast for the eyes.
But access to this magnificent old town comes with a price. Or does it?
The Hoi An Old Town ticket has been implemented to protect, maintain, and preserve the UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town. But with little official information online, confusion exists about whether the ticket is legit or a scam aimed at fleecing tourists.
Based on our own experiences, this guide breaks down the Hoi An Old Town ticket to help you clearly understand what it is, what attractions it applies to, and whether or not it is worth it.
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HOI AN OLD TOWN ENTRANCE TICKET | THE LOWDOWN
WHAT IS THE HOI AN OLD TOWN ENTRANCE TICKET?
First up, no the Hoi An Old Town ticket is not a scam - it’s legit and the money generated is used to maintain and preserve the UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town, of which there are 800+ buildings under the heritage listing.
The Hoi An Old Town ticket grants access to five of the 22 heritage sites within the Old Town, including Tan Ky and Duc An houses, the Fujian (Phuc Kien) Assembly Hall, and other museums, old houses, assembly halls, and traditional theatres.
In addition, museums such as the Hoi An Museum of History and Culture and the Museum of Trade Ceramics are included.
Where you choose to use your ticket is completely up to you.
WANDERER TIP | Keep your ticket on you at all times - we left ours back at the hotel and were denied access to the Fujian (Phuc Kien) Assembly Hall…
HOW MUCH DOES THE HOI AN OLD TOWN TICKET COST?
The Hoi An Old Town Ticket costs 120,000 VND per person (~$5 - as of 2024) and grants you access to all the streets in the old town and 5 of the over 22 historic buildings and sites listed below. Tickets are valid for 10 days, and you’ll also receive a map of the 22 attractions within the old town.
If you wish to visit more than five of the historic buildings, then you’ll need to purchase another ticket.
It is our understanding that children under 15 can enter free, however, we’ve been unable to verify this (if you find different information, please let us know in the comments).
Now, if you wish to join a walking tour of the old town (which you should - book the one we did here), your Hoi An Old Town ticket will be included in your tour fee, and you’ll likely see at least five attractions throughout your tour.
We believe a tour is the best way to see and understand the history of the old town, and you can read more about the tour we joined in our Hoi An guide here.
BOOK | This excellent Hoi An walking tour
WHEN & WHERE TO BUY THE HOI AN OLD TOWN TICKET
It can be a little confusing as to where you need to buy your Hoi An Old Town ticket, especially as the ticket booths tend to be small, nondescript, and coloured yellow, like the rest of the town.
However, 11 separate ticket booths are located on all the major roads leading into the old town.
You cannot buy tickets at any of the 22 listed heritage attractions, so if you try to enter and don’t have a ticket, you’ll have to find a ticket booth.
TICKET BOOTH LOCATIONS:
At the start of Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street (where we purchased our ticket)
Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa street, opposite Cabanon Restaurant
Duong Cao Hong Lanh street on An Hoi island, near Song Hoai Square Bridge
Duong Cao Hong Lanh Street on An Hoi Island, near An Hoi bridge
The intersection of Phan Chu Trinh street and Hai Ba Trung street
The intersection of Tran Phu street (northwest end of the street), south of Phan Chu Trinh street, behind the Japanese Bridge
The intersection of Tran Phu street and Bach Dang street intersection, opposite the Hainan Assembly Hall
The intersection of Le Loi street and Tran Phu street
The intersection of Tran Phu street and Nguyen Hue street
The intersection of Tran Phu street and Hoang Dieu street (Tourist Information Centre)
The intersection of Bach Dang street and Hoang Van Thu street
The ticket booths are manned from 9 am - 5 pm, daily, however these times are subject to change.
Alternatively, if you join a guided walking tour, your guide will purchase tickets for you.
WILL I BE ASKED FOR MY TICKET TO ENTER THE OLD TOWN?
Probably the most frequent question asked is whether you’ll be asked for your ticket when entering the old town.
In our experience, the answer is no.
Across our three visits to the town, and over the week we spent in Hoi An most recently, we were never asked to show our ticket to enter the old town.
However, you will be asked for your ticket if you try to enter any of the 22 major attractions, including the iconic Japanese Bridge (currently closed for renovations) and ancient merchant houses.
Tickets can be purchased from any of the 10+ ticket booths that dot the fringes of the old town (see above).
WHAT ATTRACTIONS DOES THE HOI AN OLD TOWN ENTRANCE TICKET COVER?
Technically, the Hoi An Old Town ticket provides access to the old town, so everything within that is covered by the ticket.
But, as we’ve said above, you don’t really need a ticket to enter the town per se, but rather the 22 designated heritage attractions within the old town, ranging from historical houses, Assembly Halls and family temples, to museums and other cultural attractions.
Many of these attractions form the best things to see in Hoi An, so you’re likely going to want to see these during your visit to the town, while others will interest only travellers with certain interests, such as those with a keen interest in museums.
Below is a brief overview of each of the 22 attractions covered under the Hoi An Old Town ticket.
As you enter each sight, your ticket stub will be removed.
HISTORICAL FAMILY HOUSES
Quan Thang House | One of Hoi An's oldest houses, where detailed wood carvings and traditional Vietnamese design tell stories of centuries past
Duc An House | This 19th-century shophouse served as a cultural hub for Chinese scholars, and offers a glimpse into the intellectual life of Hoi An's historical trade community
Phung Hung House | Probably our favourite historic house, Phung Hung is famous for its blend of Japanese and Chinese architecture, this house features a striking wooden balcony that overlooks the street below
Tan Ky House | The most popular house in Hoi An, Tan Ky has been preserved almost to perfection, and offers a direct window into the life of Hoi An traders from 200 years ago
Tran Family Chapel | An intimate space that’s dedicated to ancestor worship, and showcases the unique spiritual and architectural traditions of the Tran family
Diep Dong Nguyen House | Reminiscent of an old-world apothecary, the front room was once a dispensary for thuoc bac (traditional Chinese medicine) and still features the original glass-enclosed cabinets that once held myriad herbal remedies
Old House of Tuy Tien Duong | This Beautiful home showcases the refined lifestyle of Hoi An’s merchant-class
ASSEMBLY HALLS
Fujian (Phuc Kien) Assembly Hall | Our favourite building in all of Hoi An, this Assembly Hall is dedicated to the goddess of the sea and is rich in colour and history
Guangdong (Quang Dong) Assembly Hall | Intricate Cantonese woodwork and murals decorate this stunning cultural and social meeting place
Chaozhou (Trieu Chau) Assembly Hall | Built by Chinese immigrants from the Chaozhou region, this underrated assembly hall features vibrant colours, detailed stonework and lush surrounds
Hainan Assembly Hall | A bustling communal space that serves both spiritual and social functions for the Hainanese community in Hoi An
Cantonese Assembly Hall | Right in the heart of the old town, this colourful hall is renowned for its stunning wooden carvings, and continues to be a lively spot for Cantonese cultural and community activities
TEMPLES
Quan Cong Temple | Unmissable temple that sits opposite Hoi An Market, honouring the legendary general Quan Cong, a man celebrated for his virtues in loyalty and integrity
Minh Huong Communal House | Where Chinese and Vietnamese architectural elements blend seamlessly, serving as a focal point for community and cultural festivities
Cam Pho Communal House | Built in the shape of a Chinese character, this communal house remains central to local life, hosting everything from community meetings to local events around its fabled Banyan tree
MUSEUMS
Hoi An Museum of History and Culture | Tracks Hoi An's transformation from a major trading port to a UNESCO World Heritage site
Museum of Trade Ceramics | Features a stunning array of Asian ceramics that showcase the city’s historical significance in maritime trade
Museum of Sa Huynh Culture | Delve into the ancient history of the region with well-preserved artefacts from the Sa Huynh culture
Museum of Folk Culture | Celebrates the everyday rural life of Vietnam with displays of traditional clothing and farming tools
CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS
Japanese Covered Bridge | An icon of Hoi An, this beautiful and functional piece of heritage that has connected the Japanese and Chinese communities in Hoi An since the 1590s. Currently undergoing extensive renovations
Handicraft Workshop and Traditional Music Performance | See skilled artisans at work and immerse yourself in the soothing sounds of traditional Vietnamese music
WHAT TO SEE WITH YOUR HOI AN OLD TOWN TICKET | OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
In our opinion, you’re probably not going to have the time, nor inclination to see all 22 of the sites included under the Hoi An Old Town ticket.
However, below are five recommended attractions.
JAPANESE COVERED BRIDGE
An icon of Hoi An, and probably the most photographed attraction in all of Vietnam, the Japanese Covered Bridge was originally constructed in the 1590s to connect the Japanese community with the Chinese quarters.
Despite the French doing their best to alter it (they flattened the bridge to accommodate cars), the bridge has retained much of its initial Japanese aesthetic charm through centuries of preservation.
At each end of the bridge, guardians watch over the passersby: weathered statues of monkeys on one side and dogs on the other - figures steeped in lore, reflecting the Zodiac years of Japanese emperors or marking the years the bridge’s construction began and ended.
As of 2024, the bridge is being restored, with no official end date - apparently, it was meant to be finished in 2022…
FUJIAN ASSEMBLY HALL
Our favourite building in Hoi An, and one of the best things to do, the Fujian Assembly Hall was built in the late 17th century by Chinese traders from Fujian province as a place of worship that offered a sense of belonging and identity far from their native shores, and it has since transformed into a stunning temple dedicated to the revered sea goddess, to Thien Hau.
When you enter the Fujian Assembly Hall, you’ll notice the ornate gates and the intricately crafted dragon sculptures that adorn the facade. The hall interior features elaborate roof decorations and carvings, and a palette of colours that are so recognisable in Eastern culture.
For photographers and Instagrammers, this temple is heaven, full of details and colours that make your photos and videos pop. For normal travellers, it’s by far the most elaborate and beautiful temple in town.
HAINAN ASSEMBLY HALL
Colourful, beautiful, and peaceful - the Hainan Assembly Hall is another must-visit attraction within Hoi An’s old town.
Construction commenced on the hall in 1883, but it wasn’t until 1891 that the hall was completed, using hand-made, imported materials sent directly from Hainan.
Although the exterior is not quite as eccentric as other halls in town, once you step inside the Hainan Assembly Hall, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the photogenic interior.
The hall is traditional in its layout, featuring Chinese architectural elements such as a front hall, main hall, covered halls on the eastern and western sides, and an open-air courtyard. Each section is elaborately decorated, telling the tales of 108 Hainanese traders who were mistakenly killed by pirates.
We loved that it was not as busy as other halls in town, which makes it an essential stop as part of the Hoi An Old Town ticket.
THE OLD HOUSE OF TAN KY
Perhaps the most popular of all the old homes within Hoi An, you’ll likely stumble across the lines trying to enter Tan Ky before you realise what it is.
But it’s popular for a reason.
This bright yellow facade hides a well-preserved home that has seen seven generations of Le family members pass through its wooden doors. Featuring a mix of Japanese and Chinese influences in the architecture, the interior is made up of several floors, with large open rooms, facing into the light-filled courtyard.
There’s also a huge range of valuable antiques of high cultural value, including a 600-year-old Confucius Cup, porcelain and aged lacquer wares.
THE OLD HOUSE OF PHUNG HUNG
A delightful wooden home in the Japanese Quarter, a stone’s throw from the Japanese Covered Bridge, Phung Hung was the first house we visited and remained our favourite throughout our explorations.
Built in 1780, the home is typical of a commercial traders house of the time and features a unique blend of Vietnamese, Japanese and Chinese architectural styles, that blend seamlessly through. Standing two stories tall, it is supported by 80 carved wooden columns, which ingeniously shift through the seasons and moisture cycles to prevent decay.
The first floor was a former shop front, where goods such as silk, ceramics and spices were traded, so it was quite open and expansive. However, as you move towards the rear, the building becomes cavernous, save for the open courtyard. The open plan continues upstairs, where displays of antique furniture and artefacts lead to the popular balcony overlooking the street.
BOOK | Learn and understand the history of Hoi An with this excellent walking tour
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO HOI AN
THINGS TO DO IN HOI AN
The UNESCO-protected yellow streets of Hoi An have an extensive list of things to see and do, places to eat, and wonderful tours to join.
We suggest taking a walking tour of the old town to get your bearings and joining a cooking class to better understand the local cuisine. Spend a morning exploring Hoi An’s markets, before heading to nearby An Nang beach to cool off and enjoy some relaxation. Also, a visit to the historic Cham ruins of My Son Sanctuary is a must.
The coffee culture in Hoi An is second to none, so make sure to visit Faifo Coffee, or Phin Coffee, located in the Old Town, or enjoy a slow afternoon sipping tea at Reaching Out Teahouse.
Beyond that, we suggest heading in early walking each street and alleyway, and immersing yourself in the deep history that permeates through the streets.
Plan your trip with our Hoi An guide.
WHERE TO STAY IN HOI AN
Despite being a compact little town, it can be hard to find a comfortable hotel in Hoi An’s Old Town.
Thus, the hotels and hostels we’ve recommended below are outside the historic quarter. Thankfully though, it’s a short walk, ride or Grab into town.
LA SIESTA HOI AN | A boutique hotel that delivers big on luxury and hospitality, La Siesta Hoi An is one of the best hotels in town and comes highly recommended by friends who stayed there. It features spacious, elegantly designed rooms, multiple dining options, and two stunning pools, and is a short walk from the historic old quarter.
MULBERRY SILK VILLAGE | Where we stayed - Mulberry Silk Village is affordable, well-appointed, and serves all our needs. Features huge rooms with a balcony, two swimming pools, spa facilities, and an on-site restaurant serving local and international cuisine, with a large breakfast buffet.
HOI AN CHIC GREEN RETREAT | Set amidst the green rice fields just outside of the old town lies the stunning Hoi An Chic Green Retreat. This modern, eco-friendly hotel features thoughtfully furnished rooms and an outdoor pool that blends seamlessly with the surrounding rice fields. Also includes organic dining options in-house.
MAD MONKEY HOSTEL HOI AN | Mad Monkey Hostel Hoi An is the home of hostel life in Hoi An, perfectly positioned near the ancient town. This backpacker hostel offers both dorm and private rooms and a party vibe perfect for solo travellers.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT HOI AN
The best time to visit Hoi An is during the dry season, from February to April.
During these months, the skies are clear and the temperature is moderate, making it ideal for wandering through the ancient town, biking in the countryside, or lounging on the nearby beaches. This period also avoids the peak of the dry season, which can see temperatures soaring from May to July, and the rainy season from October to November, when the town can experience significant flooding.
Our most recent visit to Hoi An in February coincided with the end of the wet season and the start of a warmer, drier period, and the daytime temperates & humidity couldn’t have been more comfortable, while the cooler nights provided a lovely respite. It was however, Tet, or Vietnamese New Year, which meant a huge influx in local tourism, which felt overwhelming at times (no hate, it was just VERY busy), so if you can, avoid travelling during this period.
We’ve also visited Hoi An during July, which was mostly dry, but overwhelmingly hot and humid - cool if you like the heat, or have a hotel pool to retreat to.
The Lantern Festival, which takes place every full moon (check dates here), and transforms the town into a flickering wonderland, should not be missed.
HOW TO GET AROUND HOI AN
For the most part, the old town of Hoi An is pedestrian & bike-friendly, with the streets of the old town closed to motorbike traffic between the hours of 9 am - 11 am, and 3 pm - 9 pm (motorbikes are allowed in between 11 am and 3 pm).
When the motorbikes are not weaving their way through the old town, walking is a wholly comfortable experience (save for the maniac cyclo riders), so plan your adventures during these times to avoid unnecessary stress and anxiety - especially for parents with prams.
Most hotels offer complimentary push bikes, or they can be rented from within the old town. These are a super fun way to explore the town and beyond (the rice paddies).
For those looking to get beyond the old town, Grab is a lifesaver, offering motorbike and car services for longer distances (ie. the beach). It’s affordable, safe and easy.
Beyond Hoi An, if you’re looking to explore My Son, Marble Mountains, or even Hue, we suggest booking a private driver for the day. They’re safe, cost-effective, and comfortable - just ask your hotel for a suggested driver or one of your Grab drivers.
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HOI AN | The best things to do in Hoi An, Hoi An Travel Tips: 15+ things to know before you go, How to visit My Son Sanctuary, How to get from Danang Airport to Hoi An, The best day trips from Hoi An
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