Introduction
You may find many rumors online about the ticket to Hoi An old town. Some say that buying ticket to Hoi An old town is compulsory for every tourists, some says that it is not necessary. To clear up all the confusion Hoi An Fairy Tour is here to provide you with a comprehensive guide about ticket to Hoi An old town in 2024.
Notice: this is the experience from Vincent of Hoi An Fairy Tour, a person that spent years in Hoi An to find the fun.
Do You Need a Ticket to Hoi An Old Town
A ticket to Hoi An Old Town costs only 120,000 VND (approximately 5 USD) per person, making it an affordable way to explore the area’s rich history and culture. When you search online, the necessity of purchasing a ticket can be confusing. So to the question “do you need a ticket to Hoi An old town”, the answer is straightforward:
- Yes if you’re part of a tour with tour guide and hosted by a professional travel agency or if you wish to visit the designated historic buildings and museums within the town.
- No if you are non-group travelers and don’t enter designated historical sites located in the old town
Talking more about the policy for ticket to Hoi An old town in 2024
The government of Hoi An always want to get more income from the heritage to maintain the site and develop the city, but charging everyone who enters the Old Town is challenging because Hoi An is not just a historic remnant; it is a living city where locals reside and conduct their daily businesses. This unique model means that residents and visitors alike use the same streets and spaces, making it impractical to implement a blanket entry fee for all.
After numerous considerations and changes, the city committee concluded that focusing on tourists traveling in groups with professional tour guides was the most effective solution. This approach targets those most likely to benefit from guided tours and the historical and cultural insights they provide, ensuring that the revenue comes from those who are there specifically to explore and learn about the Old Town. This system allows the city to fund its preservation efforts without disrupting the daily lives of local residents.
When you can explore Without a Ticket
If you’re a solo traveler wanting to enjoy the ambience of the old town, dining in its restaurants, or sipping coffee in its charming cafes, you do not need a ticket. The ticket is exclusively for entering significant historical sites within the old town.
What Your Ticket Covers
Your ticket to Hoi An Old Town grants you walking access to the entire Old Town district and entry to five of the designated historical sites. There are 21 attractions in the old town that require a ticket, including cultural sites, museums, ancient houses, assembly halls, and performance venues. If you wish to visit more than five, you’ll need to purchase additional tickets. Here is the list of what ticket to Hoi An old town covers:
- Cultural Works: Cau Pagoda, Cam Pho Communal House, Tuy Tien Minh Huong Street, Quan Cong Temple.
- Museums: Hoi An Museum, Museum of Trade Ceramics, Museum of Sa Huynh Culture, Museum of Folklore.
- Ancient Houses: Quan Thang, Duc An, Phung Hung, Tan Ky, Tran family church, Nguyen Tuong clan church.
- Assembly Halls: Fujian, Guangdong, Chaozhou.
- Additional Sites: Tombs of Japanese merchants Gu Sokukun, Tani Yajirobei, Banjiro, and traditional art performances at specified times.
Where to Buy Your Ticket
You can purchase your ticket at any of the 11 ticket stalls located around the outskirts of Hoi An’s Old Town. These stalls are small and yellow, blending in with the surrounding buildings, so they can be tricky to spot. Here are some key locations:
- Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street: Near Wellspring Cafe.
- Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa Street: Across from Cabanon Restaurant.
- Duong Cao Hong Lanh Street on An Hoi Island: Near Song Hoai Square Bridge and An Hoi Bridge.
- Phan Chu Trinh Street and Hai Ba Trung Street Intersection.
- Tran Phu Street: Near the Japanese Bridge and multiple intersections.
Upon purchasing a ticket, you should receive a map indicating the location of various sights in the Hoi An Old Town district.
How long you can use the ticket for?
The entrance ticket to Hoi An Old Town is valid for only one day, meaning you must use it on the day of purchase. This time limit encourages visitors to fully immerse themselves in the town’s rich history and culture within a single day. The ticket grants access to five key heritage sites, allowing tourists to explore a curated selection of Hoi An’s most significant attractions. Ensuring the ticket is used within one day helps manage the flow of visitors and maintains the preservation of the historic sites, enhancing the overall experience for everyone.
Must-Visit Historical Sites with Your Ticket to Hoi An Old Town
As there are thousands of old houses and dozens of important historical buildings in the old town area. You must be confused about where you should visit with your 5 tickets (120,000 VND). Here is the recommendation from Vincent to you: You should visit an old house, a pagoda/temple, a social venue and 2 museum. The list below is where I have visited with my ticket.
1. Tan Ky Old House (To know more about the old house architecture)
Tan Ky Old House is one of Hoi An’s most well-preserved historical homes. Built over 200 years ago, it showcases a perfect blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architectural styles. This house provides a fascinating insight into the life of a wealthy merchant family in the 18th century.
2. Chua Ong Pagoda (To learn about the pagoda/temple style)
Chua Ong Pagoda, also known as Quan Cong Temple, is a stunning example of Chinese architecture and cultural influence in Hoi An. Built in 1653, it is dedicated to Quan Cong, a prominent general during the Han Dynasty, revered for his loyalty and integrity.
3. Phuc Kien Assembly Hall (To know about the social club hundreds years ago)
The Phuc Kien Assembly Hall is a grand building originally constructed in 1690 and has undergone several renovations. It is a place where Chinese expatriates from Fujian province used to gather. The hall is dedicated to Thien Hau, the sea goddess who protects sailors.
4. Sa Huynh Museum (for museum)
The Sa Huynh Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the ancient cultures of Hoi An. It houses artifacts from the Sa Huynh culture, which dates back over 2000 years, offering a glimpse into the lives of Hoi An’s earliest inhabitants.
5. Museum of Folklore
An amazing museum where you can have interesting experience doing a calligraphy class and learn about the significance of the ancient Vietnamese language and trying out the art itself
Detailed Look at Hoi An’s Historical Sites
1 – Old houses
Tran Family Chapel
Address: 21 Le Loi Street
Hours: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., daily
One of the oldest structures in Hoi An, the Tran Family Chapel was built in the early 19th century for ancestor worship. The house is designed according to traditional Feng Shui principles, with a garden featuring ornamental plants, fruit trees, and flowers. Inside, you’ll find relics such as an original sword and seal.
Old House of Duc An
Address: 129 Tran Phu Street
Hours: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., daily
The Old House of Duc An has been maintained by the same family for generations. Originally a bookshop and later a medicine dispensary, it played a significant role in the local community. The house is a testament to the rich intellectual and political life of Hoi An in the 19th century.
Nguyen Tuong Family Chapel
Address: 8 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily
Built in 1806, this chapel combines Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese architectural styles. Commissioned by Nguyen Tuong Van, it houses many historical items and rare books, with souvenirs available for purchase.
Old House of Phung Hung
Address: 4 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily
Built in 1780, this house represents the typical commercial architecture of the period. The ground floor was used for trading, while the upper floor was for living and ancestor worship. The house showcases a mix of Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese influences.
Old House of Quan Thang
Address: 77 Tran Phu Street
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., daily
Over 150 years old, this house was the residence of a wealthy merchant. It features intricate wood carvings and traditional Chinese architecture, offering a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of its former inhabitants.
Old House of Tan Ky
Address: 101 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., daily
This merchant’s house is one of the first to be certified as a national heritage building. It has been preserved to maintain its original architecture, combining elements from Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese styles. The house features four small areas, including a courtyard, showcasing antique items and furniture.
2 – Museums in Hoi An
Hoi An has four main museums, each providing a unique perspective on the city’s history and culture. These museums are managed by the Centre for Cultural Management and Preservation.
Hoi An Museum
Address: 10B Tran Hung Dao Street
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., daily
The Hoi An Museum displays artifacts from the past 2,000 years, divided into sections covering history, culture, and revolutionary history.
Museum of Trade Ceramics
Address: 80 Tran Phu Street
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; closed on the 15th of every month
This museum features a collection of ceramics dating from the 16th to 19th centuries, housed in a restored wooden building from 1858.
Museum of Folklore
Address: 33 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street
Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., daily; closed on the 20th of every month
This museum showcases traditional folk arts, handicrafts, fishing, weaving, and silkworm farming practices. It also offers performances of traditional Vietnamese folk dance and music.
Museum of Sa Huynh Culture
Address: 149 Tran Phu Street
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., daily; closed on the 10th of every month
This museum offers insights into the Sa Huynh culture, with artifacts dating back to 1000 B.C.E., including tools, jewelry, bowls, and weapons.
Temples and Pagodas
Quan Cong Temple
Address: 24 Tran Phu Street
Built in 1653, Quan Cong Temple honors a revered general of the Han Dynasty. The temple features statues, ancient artworks, and a traditional Chinese architectural style.
Quan Am Pagoda
This pagoda is dedicated to Quan Am, the goddess of mercy. It is a serene place of worship, showcasing the religious diversity of Hoi An.
Arts Centres
Hoi An Traditional Art Performance Theatre
Address: 39 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street
Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., daily
Visitors can enjoy traditional folk music and dance performances, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Why should you buy a ticket to Hoi An old town?
Purchasing a ticket to Hoi An Old Town is more than just an entry pass to a stunning cultural site; it’s an investment in preserving history and fostering community development. Here are compelling reasons why you should buy a ticket to Hoi An Old Town.
Firstly, purchasing a ticket to Hoi An Old Town allows you to fully understand the history, architecture, and culture of Hoi An. The Old Town is a living museum, with each building and street telling a story of the past. With your ticket, you gain access to museums, historical houses, and cultural performances that provide deeper insights into the town’s rich heritage. This immersive experience helps you appreciate the intricate designs of ancient structures, the significance of cultural practices, and the town’s historical role as a major trading port.
Secondly, the ticket to Hoi An Old Town is essential for maintaining the UNESCO World Heritage site. Hoi An Old Town, renowned for its well-preserved ancient architecture and rich cultural heritage, requires continuous upkeep. By buying a ticket to Hoi An Old Town, you contribute directly to the conservation efforts that ensure this historical gem remains intact for future generations. The revenue generated from ticket sales is used to repair and restore historical buildings, maintain the charming streetscapes, and support ongoing archaeological research.
Moreover, purchasing a ticket to Hoi An Old Town aids in the city’s development. The funds collected from ticket sales are reinvested into the local infrastructure, enhancing the overall visitor experience and benefiting the city’s residents. By choosing to buy a ticket to Hoi An Old Town, you help the local government implement projects that improve public services, transportation, and tourism facilities. This development not only makes Hoi An a better place to visit but also a more livable city for its inhabitants.
Finally, buying a ticket to Hoi An Old Town supports public employees who work tirelessly to make the site welcoming and informative for visitors. These employees, including tour guides, maintenance workers, and administrative staff, play a crucial role in the daily operations of the Old Town. Your ticket purchase helps ensure their livelihoods, providing them with fair wages and job stability. By supporting these workers, you are contributing to the local economy and the well-being of the community.
In summary, when you buy a ticket to Hoi An Old Town, you are not just paying for entry; you are making a meaningful contribution to the preservation of a UNESCO World Heritage site, aiding the development of a beautiful city, and supporting the dedicated public employees who keep the Old Town vibrant and accessible. Your ticket to Hoi An Old Town is a small price to pay for the enormous benefits it brings to heritage conservation, urban development, and community support. Thus, purchasing a ticket to Hoi An Old Town is a wise and responsible choice for any visitor who values cultural preservation and community well-being.
Additional Recommendations for Your Visit
For a complete experience, consider these services from Hoi An Fairy Tour:
- Taxi Services: Convenient and reliable transportation around the town.
- Motorbike Rentals: Explore at your own pace with a rented motorbike.
- Boat Trips to Cham Island: Discover the beautiful Cham Island with a guided boat tour.
- Tours and Shows: Join a guided tour or enjoy a traditional performance to enrich your visit.
- Sleeper Bus Services: Comfortable travel options for exploring further afield.
Outbound Links
For further insights and planning:
Conclusion
Visiting Hoi An Old Town with a proper understanding of the ticketing system and the highlights to explore ensures a memorable and enriching experience. Embrace the charm, history, and culture that this UNESCO World Heritage Site has to offer.
