Hoi An: Old Town Heritage Sites 会安:古城历史文化景点

Hoi An was a significant Southeast Asian trading port during the 16th to 19th century where foreign merchants came to trade goods. Some merchants settled down with the locals, built houses, temples and structures based on their native architectural styles. 

Hoi An is the ONLY city in Vietnam that was spared much of the destruction of the Vietnam wars (French and American) and remained intact over the centuries. On 4th December 1999, Hoi An (old town) was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

Strolling around the Old Town is free. However, a ticket of VND120,000/USD6 (with 5 mini tickets attached) must be purchased in order to enter any 5 heritage sites of your choice:

1) Famous Landmarks: Unique and fascinating structures with legendary tales.

Japanese Bridge or Chùa Cầu, 155 Tran Phu street

Officially declared as the symbol of Hoi An, the arched-shape bridge remained just the way it was way back in the 1593, built by the Japanese in order to cross the stream to the Chinese quarters. It was renamed 来遠橋 "Lai Vien Kieu" meaning 'Bridge for Travelers from Afar' in 1719.

Quan Cong Temple,  24 Tran Phu street

Built in 1653, dedicated to Quan Cong, a prominent and virtuous General during the feudal time of China of the three kingdom. Worshiped as a symbol for sincerity, loyalty, integrity and justice.

2) Chinese Assembly Halls are places to socialize, hold meetings and preserve the tradition for the future generation. They were built by the overseas Chinese merchants according to their respective province of origin in China.

Chinese All Community Assembly Hall 66 Tran Phu Street

Built in 1773, as an assembly hall for all Chinese regardless of their dialects, giving aids to merchants and seamen. It was also used as a meeting place for all the Chinese communities. 

Cantonese Assembly Hall,  176 Tran Phu street 

Built in 1885 by the Chinese immigrants from Guangdong, China dedicated to Quan Cong, a Chinese general. In those days, it was a place for Chinese fishermen and merchants to stay temporarily or exchange goods.

Fujian Assembly Hall,  46 Tran Phu street

The largest and most popular of the Chinese assembly halls. In 1697, it was a temple named Kim Son Pagoda built by the Viet people dedicated to Buddha. In 1759, it was sold to the rich overseas Fujian merchants from China. After the restoration, it was renamed 'Fujian Assembly Hall' and transformed to a temple dedicated to Thien Hau- the Goddess of Sea.

Hainan Assembly Hall (*Free entrance),  10 Tran Phu street 

Built in 1851 by the overseas Chinese of Hainan, (China) who were living in Hoi An as a meeting place to socialize, serve the community and to worship their ancestors. It was later used also as a memorial in homage to the 108 Hainan merchants who were mistakenly killed as pirates by Emperor Tu Duc's navy on 16th July 1851. Locals who are suffering from injustice or bad luck will come here to pray or obtain blessings.

Trieu Chau (Teochew) Assembly Hall, 157 Nguyen Duy Hieu street  

Built in 1845 by the overseas Chinese from Trieu Chau, (China) who were living in Hoi An as a meeting place to socialize, serve the community and to perform religious activities. In those days, people used to come to pray at night for their wishes to come true. Descendants of the Teochew clan will gather here on 1st-15th days of a lunar new year to worship their ancestors. 

3) There are 4 Museums highlighting the history and culture of Hoi An relating to different historical phases of a bygone era.

Museum of Trade Ceramics, 80 Tran Phu street

Built in 1858, opened to public in 1975. This old traditional Vietnamese house exhibit vases, broken pieces of pottery dating from the 15th to the 17th centuries. Other display include antiques from a 1733 wrecked ship and pottery of the Chinese Tang Dynasty in the 7th-10th centuries.

Museum of Folk Culture, 33 Nguyen Thai Hoc street

Opened to public on 24 March 2005. Showcase the daily lives of the humble Hoi An people through the years in a 150 years' old Chinese house. There are 600 artifacts and 90% were original.  

Sa Huynh Culture Museum, 149 Bach Dang street

An important legacy of Hoi An that housed the relics of the Sa Huynh culture- a pre-historic bronze age civilization. First floor showcased weapons of war, while ground floor displayed items dating back to the 1st millennium B.C. - the Iron Age. There are a total of 216 exhibits which are considered the most unique in Vietnam.

Museum of History and Culture, 7 Nguyen Hue street

Built as a religious place in 1635. Established as a museum in 1989. Houses an old canon and artifacts dating back to 3,000BC. There are some black and white old photos, maps and documents of the formation and development of Hoi An.  

4) The Old Houses were built by wealthy merchants whose descendants still live and preserve their traditions while opening doors to visitors for an insight cultural tour.

Duc An House, 129 Tran Phu street

A well-preserved old house where the Phan family has lived to the eight generations. In the middle of the house, there is a garden courtyard with trees and bonsai plants. 

Phung Hung House,  4 Nguyen Thi Minh khai street 

Built in 1780 that has eight generations living there till the present day. A traditional two-story wooden house of Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese architectural styles.  There is a gift shop on the 1st floor. Listed as a historical vestige of Vietnam in 1993.

Quan Thang House, 77 Nguyen Thai Hoc street

An artistic house built by Quan Thang, a wealthy sea captain of medicinal business in the 18th century. It has an impressive decorated interior where the furniture arrangement remained the way it was. 

Tan Ky House,  101 Nguyen Thai Hoc street

A 17th century beautifully preserved merchant shop house that had went through seven generations till present day. The Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese combination architectural house has 4 small rooms packed with beautiful antiques. The walls are decorated with unique mosaic arts.

Tran Family House, 21 Le Loi street

Built in 1802 by the Tran Tu Nhuc for his family and ancestors worship before he was sent off to China as Emperor Gia Long's envoy. The house is within a walled compound. made from original wood from China. Elegantly decorated with precious antiques and royal gifts.

5) Traditional Arts and Culture: Immerse in a cultural experience of Hoi An through their traditional crafts making and legendary folk songs and performances.

Traditional Handicraft Workshop, 9 Nguyen Thai Hoc street

A 200 years old trading house showcasing the rich and creative talents of Vietnamese in the field of performing arts and craftsmanship. 

Tourists orientated cultural shows are shown twice daily at 10:15 am and 15:15 pm for about 30 minutes.  

Traditional Theatre, 75 Nguyen Thai Hoc street

Set in a small old building where live performances of Vietnamese folk songs, dances and traditional instruments- a great cultural entertainment for tourists. 7:30pm daily.   

NOTE: 

If you want to see what's inside the heritage sites: 

1. Purchase ticket at a designated ticketing booth - 1 ticket is for 5 sites only. If you'll like to visit more than 5 sites, purchase additional tickets!  

2. Because all the sites are scattered over the old town, choose ahead the 5 sites you would like to visit as each site requires a ticket for entry. (otherwise stated as free entrance) 

3. Different sites may have their own (special) visiting hours.

4. Depending on where your starting point is, locate first the sites on the guide map (provided when purchasing the ticket) for easy finding and navigating.   

5. Best to see the heritage sites on foot, as they are located near to each other. Unless you have difficulty walking, DO NOT TAKE THE CYCLO (unless you want to be ripped off!)

6. Some internet sites indicated that you may only choose 1 site from each category. But it wasn't the rule when we were there - you can enter any 5 sites of your choice regardless of the category.

7. The city council requests visitors to dress modestly while visiting old town historical sites. No below knees attire nor sleeveless top for both men and women. 

8. Accept a country's culture. Don't complain.

If you don't need to see what's inside the heritage sites:

You don't actually need a ticket to stroll the old town where the heritage sites are situated. Just walk around the town and you can view these sites from outside only. DON'T (kaypoh) go to the ticketing booth for any information because if you DO NOT purchase the ticket, they will even restrict you from walking into the Old Town telling you that you MUST purchase a ticket. And it's pointless to argue. 

For Hoi An old town historical sites locality map, check it out:
http://www.hoianguides.com/sightseeing-map-hoi-an/

For further reading, Check this out:
http://tropicallulu.blogspot.com/2013/06/hoi-6-heritage-sites-in-day-6.html