Hoi An Ancient Town, Da Nang

Hoi An Ancient Town: A "Living Heritage" in the Heart of a Megacity – A Journey Through Time to a 17th-Century Trading Port

In the new administrative structure of Da Nang megacity, Hoi An Ancient Town is no longer a district-level administrative unit but has officially become Hoi An Ward – the most brilliant heritage core in the southern part of the city. Despite the administrative boundary changes, Hoi An retains the full, contemplative beauty of a once bustling international trading port. With its moss-covered wooden houses, sun-drenched golden alleys, and the romantic Hoai River, it offers absolute relaxation and is the focal point for any journey seeking authenticity.

Geographical Location and Administrative Transformation 2026

After the historic merger, Hoi An Ward plays a central role as a key cultural and tourist hub of the expanded Da Nang city.

• Precise address: Hoi An Ward, Da Nang City.
• Strategic location: Situated on the lower reaches of the Thu Bon River, about 30km south of the old city center (Hai Chau District).
• Connectivity: Hoi An Ward directly connects with Thang An commune (home to VinWonders) and Dien Ban ward, forming a continuous strip of heritage urban area along the southern coast of the city.

Architectural Entities "Frozen in Time"

In Hoi An Ward, every brick and roof tile tells a story of Vietnamese - Chinese - Japanese cultural convergence:

1. Chua Cau (Japanese Covered Bridge)

An irreplaceable symbol of Hoi An. This winding wooden bridge with an elaborate roof was built by Japanese merchants in the 17th century. It is a prime sunrise check-in spot as early morning sunlight filters through the ancient wooden slats.

2. System of Ancient Houses and Assembly Halls

Ancient houses such as Tan Ky and Phung Hung, or assembly halls like Phuc Kien and Quang Dong, are testaments to the wealth and architectural excellence of the old trading port. Visitors will be amazed by the exquisite beauty of the carved wooden details and the open courtyards (skylights) that welcome the grand climate.

3. Hoai River and Lantern Street

As night falls, the entire Hoi An ward glows vibrantly with handcrafted lanterns. The experience of cruising on the Hoai River and releasing flower lanterns is a healing therapy, offering absolute relaxation amidst the sparkling, ethereal ambiance.

Unique Cultural Experiences in Hoi An Ward

From Localtrips.ORG's perspective, don't miss these "intangible" values here:

• Full moon night in the ancient town: Held on the 14th day of the lunar month, when the town's electricity is turned off and only lantern lights remain, transporting you back to the atmosphere of centuries past.
• Hoi An Memories Show: The largest-scale live performance in the city, recreating 400 years of history of this land on an island in the Hoai River.
• Lantern-making class: A creative and safe activity for children, helping them understand traditional crafts.

Reference Price List for Services in Hoi An Ward 2026

Localtrips.ORG updates the price list for visiting the heritage area:

Hoi An Ward Cuisine: A Confluence of Delicacies

You can't leave Hoi An without trying its distinctive regional dishes:

• Cao Lau: The miraculous combination of ash-treated noodles, char siu pork, and Tra Que herbs.
• Hoi An Chicken Rice: Golden, turmeric-scented rice with crispy shredded chicken.
• Hoi An Banh Mi: Dubbed the "world's best banh mi" with its unique sauce flavor.

Localtrips.ORG – Your Expert Consultant for New Da Nang Heritage

We, the team at Localtrips.ORG, rate Hoi An Ward as a must-visit destination for any leisure travel itinerary. A practical tip from an expert: visit Hoi An between 5-6 AM to experience the ancient town at its most tranquil, when the sound of sweeping brooms and the scent of early morning incense create an unreal atmosphere.

Localtrips.ORG specializes in providing accurate travel information for communes and wards of the Da Nang megacity. We help you connect with local tour guides, helping you understand the meaning of each bas-relief and the stories of the great families that built Hoi An's prosperity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. After the merger, is Hoi An a ward or a district?
According to the new plan for 2026, Hoi An is now a Ward directly under Da Nang City, no longer a district or county-level administrative unit.

2. How long does it take to get from My Khe Beach to Hoi An Ward?
About 30-40 minutes along the coastal road Vo Nguyen Giap - Truong Sa - Lac Long Quan (approximately 25km).

3. Where can I buy tickets to visit the ancient town?
You can buy them at ticket counters located at the entrances to the ancient town (Hai Ba Trung, Tran Phu, Nguyen Thai Hoc streets). These tickets help maintain and preserve the deteriorating heritage sites.

4. What can children do in Hoi An Ward?
Hoi An is very safe for children to walk around as the main streets are pedestrianized. Children can learn to make lanterns, mold to he (traditional toy figurines), or watch water puppetry.

5. Can I see red-shanked douc langurs here?
No, this species only lives on Son Tra Peninsula. However, you can visit Bay Mau Coconut Forest (in the adjacent Cam Thanh commune) to explore the unique mangrove ecosystem.

Conclusion: Hoi An Ward is the nostalgic heart of modern Da Nang. Come and listen to the sound of time frozen on moss-covered roofs and let your soul merge with the slow pace of life in this ancient trading port!

Contact Localtrips.ORG now for the most complete itinerary consultation for exploring Hoi An Ward!