Hoi An, a city on Vietnam’s central coast, is known for its remarkably well-preserved Ancient Town, laced with canals and rich in history. Once a bustling port, its diverse cultural heritage is visible in the architecture—wooden Chinese shophouses, ornate Vietnamese tube houses, colorful French colonial buildings, and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge with its attached pagoda. UNESCO has protected over 800 historic buildings in Hoi An, keeping much of the Old Town intact as it was centuries ago. Eighteen of these structures are open to visitors with an Old Town ticket, the proceeds supporting ongoing conservation. Located about 30 km south of Da Nang, Hoi An offers a close-up experience of Vietnam’s history, culture, and everyday life.
