Hoi An, a charming ancient town nestled by the gentle Hoai River, possesses a unique allure for travelers. Unlike bustling, noisy cities, Hoi An exudes a serene, antique beauty, where time seems to slow down. To fully immerse yourself in the “soul” of this ancient town, there’s nothing better than wandering barefoot through its narrow streets, weaving past moss-covered houses, and listening to the unhurried rhythm of life here. Walking in Hoi An is not just a tourist activity; it’s a journey of discovery, a way to connect deeply with the culture and history of this land.
Why Hoi An Ancient Town is a Walking Paradise
Hoi An Ancient Town is laid out like a chessboard with short, narrow streets, creating an ideal environment for walking. In contrast to the hustle and bustle of modern cities, life in Hoi An is slow-paced and peaceful. The quaint little streets shaded by green trees, the ancient houses with mossy tile roofs, the yellow walls stained by time… all combine to create a poetic space, inviting visitors to lose themselves in a journey of discovery on foot.
Walking allows you to fully appreciate the unique architectural beauty of Hoi An. Every small detail, from the yin-yang tile roofs, the intricately carved wooden doors, to the shimmering colorful lanterns, becomes more vivid and intimate as you stroll leisurely. You can stop at any time to admire, take photos, or simply soak in the ancient atmosphere that permeates the air.
Moreover, walking is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the daily life of the local people. You’ll easily encounter scenes of elderly women carrying street vendor baskets on their shoulders, skilled artisans meticulously working at their looms, or children playing on the sidewalks. These everyday moments will give you a more authentic and profound understanding of Hoi An’s culture and people.
Must-Try Walking Streets in Hoi An
Hoi An boasts countless charming little streets worth exploring, but there are a few “coordinates” you definitely shouldn’t miss on your walking journey:
Tran Phu Street: Known as the “heart” of the ancient town, Tran Phu Street is home to many iconic architectural works and famous attractions such as the Cantonese Assembly Hall, the Fujian Assembly Hall, Tan Ky Old House, Phung Hung Old House, and more. Walking along Tran Phu Street, you’ll feel the bustling, vibrant atmosphere of the ancient town, especially in the evening when lanterns are lit up spectacularly.
Bach Dang Street: This romantic riverside street along the Hoai River offers a more peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. Along Bach Dang Street, you can admire boats docked on the river, enjoy the fresh air, and visit Hoi An Market, a traditional market full of colors and flavors.
Phan Chau Trinh Street: If you’re a food and shopping enthusiast, then Phan Chau Trinh Street is a must-visit destination. This street is famous for Hoi An specialty eateries serving cao lau, mi quang, chicken rice, etc., fashion and souvenir shops, and especially traditional tailor shops for ao dai.
Small Alleyways: Don’t hesitate to explore the small alleyways winding between rows of ancient houses. This is where you can find quiet corners, hidden ancient houses, and delightful surprises. Sometimes, just turning into a small alley, you’ll discover a charming coffee shop, a unique handicraft store, or an artistic mossy wall.
Hoi An at night shimmering with lantern lights, an unmissable experience when walking to explore the ancient town.
Unmissable “Slow” Experiences While Walking in Hoi An
Walking in Hoi An is not just about strolling and sightseeing; it’s also an opportunity to experience and discover the unique cultural aspects of the ancient town:
Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge and Historical Sites: The Japanese Covered Bridge, a symbol of Hoi An, is a must-see on your walking journey. In addition, the ancient town has many other historical sites such as assembly halls, old houses, temples, and pagodas. Take time to visit and learn about the history, architecture, and culture of these structures.
Enjoy Street Food: Hoi An cuisine is an indispensable part of your travel experience. On the walking streets, you can easily find countless attractive street food stalls with specialties like cao lau, mi quang, ban bao ban vac (white rose dumplings), nem lui (lemongrass skewers), sweet corn soup (che bap), and more. Try and savor the distinctive flavors of Hoi An cuisine.
Shop for Lanterns and Handicrafts: Lanterns are another symbol of Hoi An. Strolling through the ancient town, you’ll see countless shops selling lanterns in all colors and shapes. In addition, Hoi An is also famous for handicrafts such as silk, ceramics, and leather goods. Buy some unique souvenirs imbued with Hoi An’s character.
Check-in at Ancient Coffee Shops: Hoi An has many beautiful and unique coffee shops, from classic, romantic styles to modern, personality-filled ones. Choose a favorite coffee shop, order a delicious coffee, and watch people passing by in the ancient town. This is a great way to relax and feel the slow pace of life in Hoi An.
Enjoy the Nighttime Atmosphere: Hoi An at night has a magical and shimmering beauty that is distinctly different. When the ancient town lights up, the colorful lanterns, the warm yellow lights reflecting on the ancient walls, create an incredibly romantic and enchanting space. Walking in Hoi An at night is an unmissable experience.
Exploring the peaceful and ancient small alleys is an interesting part of the Hoi An walking journey.
Useful Tips for Your Hoi An Ancient Town Walking Trip
To have a complete and enjoyable walking trip exploring Hoi An, keep in mind a few small tips below:
Ideal Time: The best time to walk in Hoi An is in the early morning or late afternoon. At this time, the weather is cool and pleasant, and the ancient town is also less crowded, allowing you to comfortably sightsee and take photos. Avoid walking in the hot midday sun, especially during the summer.
Appropriate Attire: Choose comfortable, airy, and sweat-absorbent clothing. Wear flat shoes or sandals for easy movement and exploration of the ancient town. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun.
Combine Walking and Cyclo/Bicycle: If you want to explore Hoi An more broadly or move between distant attractions, you can combine walking with a bicycle or cyclo. Bicycles and cyclos are popular and friendly means of transport in Hoi An, helping you get around easily and quickly.
Safety and Hygiene Awareness: When walking in the ancient town, pay attention to traffic safety, especially when crossing the road. Maintain general hygiene, do not litter indiscriminately, and respect local culture and customs.
Japanese Covered Bridge, a unique architectural symbol and a must-visit destination when walking to explore Hoi An.
Conclusion: Walk to Love Hoi An Ancient Town More
Walking in Hoi An Ancient Town is not just a simple tourist activity, but a journey to experience the culture, history, and people of this place. Every slow step on the ancient streets, every mossy corner, every friendly smile from the locals… will deeply etch unforgettable memories of Hoi An in your mind. Come and discover for yourself, feel the “soul” of the ancient town with your own feet, and then love the simple and charming beauty of Hoi An even more.