Overview
The perfect introduction to Hoi An. Your local guide leads you through the atmospheric lanes of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Ancient Town — pausing at the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, exploring the 200-year-old Phung Hung merchant house, the Assembly Halls, and the colourful market. As twilight falls, the lanterns come alive and you make your way to the river where a decorated boat awaits. Drift through the heart of the old town as the waterfront becomes a glowing tapestry of light.
Tour Highlights
- Expert-led walking tour of UNESCO Ancient Town
- Visit Japanese Covered Bridge (400+ years old)
- Explore Phung Hung Merchant House
- Visit the colourful morning/evening market
- Sunset lantern boat ride on Thu Bon River
- Release flower lanterns for luck
- Local snacks included along the route
What's Included & Excluded
3-hour guided walking tour (small group max 8)
Entrance to Phung Hung Merchant House
Lantern boat ride with flower lanterns
Local snack tasting at market
4 flower lanterns to release
Bottled water
Hotel pickup (easy walking distance from most hotels)
Lunch / dinner
Travel insurance
Other Ancient Town entrance tickets beyond included sites
Tour Itinerary
4:00 PM
Meet your guide at Tan Ky House, one of Hoi An's best-preserved merchant houses. Brief introduction to the Ancient Town's history and layout.
4:30 PM
Walk to the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge — over 400 years old and the symbol of Hoi An. Learn about its history and cross to the far bank for photos.
5:00 PM
Market visit and local snack tasting. Try fresh bánh mì, sweet soups, and tropical fruits from stall vendors.
6:00 PM
Visit the Fujian Assembly Hall — a stunning Chinese-Vietnamese temple complex dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea.
6:30 PM
Dusk walk along Nguyen Thai Hoc Street — the most beautiful street in Hoi An when the lanterns glow overhead in the evening light.
7:00 PM
Board your decorated lantern boat at Bach Dang Jetty. Cruise the Thu Bon River, release flower lanterns, and soak in the illuminated ancient town from the water.
8:30 PM
Tour ends at Bach Dang Jetty. Hotels and restaurants are within easy walking distance.
Important Information
- Wear comfortable walking shoes — the Ancient Town streets are cobblestone and uneven
- Meet point: in front of Tan Ky House, 101 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street
- Most Hoi An hotels are within easy walking distance of the meeting point
- Ancient Town entrance tickets are required but NOT included (purchasable at the gate for approx. 120,000 VND)
- The tour runs in small groups of max 8 people for an intimate experience
Common Questions
Do I need to buy an Ancient Town entrance ticket?
Yes — the Ancient Town entrance ticket (approx. 120,000 VND per person) is not included in our tour price. You can purchase it at the ticket booths near the main entrances. We'll factor this into the meeting time so it doesn't slow us down.
Is the walking tour suitable for children?
Absolutely! The route is relatively flat and the pace is relaxed. Children tend to love the market snacks and the lantern boat ride. Strollers may be tricky on some cobblestone lanes though.
What happens if it rains during the walking tour?
Light rain actually adds to the magic of the Ancient Town. We keep compact umbrellas on hand. If there is very heavy rain, we may shorten or adjust the walking route and spend more time at covered sites. The boat ride runs in all but the most extreme weather.
