4 Best Cheap Activities In
Hoi An

Marble Mountains, located just a short distance from Da Nang in central Vietnam, are a cluster of five limestone and marble hills, each named after one of the five elements: Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, and Earth. These hills are not only famous for their natural beauty but also for their historical and spiritual significance, dotted with various caves, tunnels, and Buddhist sanctuaries that have been carved out of the rock over centuries.

Water Mountain (Thuy Son), the largest and most visited of the five, is home to several exquisite cave temples and pagodas, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and the nearby coastline from its summit. Visitors can explore the intricate network of caves, where natural light filters in through fissures in the rock, illuminating the religious and historical artifacts within. Among these, Huyen Khong and Tang Chon caves are particularly noteworthy for their stunning natural formations and altars adorned with Buddhist and Hindu statues.

The journey up Marble Mountains is a mix of steps carved into the rock and modern staircases, making the site accessible to a broad range of visitors. Along the way, one can admire the craftsmanship of stone sculptures and masonry, a tradition that continues in the nearby artisan village, where skilled workers craft intricate statues and souvenirs from marble and limestone.

Visiting Marble Mountains offers a unique blend of cultural, historical, and natural exploration. The site is not only a place of worship and pilgrimage but also a testament to the artistic and spiritual heritage of Vietnam, making it a captivating destination for travelers seeking to delve deeper into the country’s rich cultural tapestry.

The Hội An Night Market, a bustling and vibrant affair, offers an authentic slice of Vietnamese culture with over 150 stalls lining Nguyen Hoang Street. This 300-meter-long market near the Old Town becomes alive after sunset, buzzing with locals and tourists alike. The market is known for its array of local snacks, trinkets, clothing, and notably, its sparkling lanterns that add a magical touch to the evening atmosphere​​​​.

One of the market’s highlights is its food stalls, offering a variety of street foods that tantalize the taste buds. From traditional Vietnamese dishes to quick bites, the market is a haven for foodies. Moreover, the market’s aesthetic appeal is significantly enhanced by the myriad of lanterns that illuminate the night, making it a popular spot for photography and a must-visit for Instagram enthusiasts. The lantern corner, in particular, draws visitors in with its wide selection of lanterns in various shapes, sizes, and colors​​.

When planning your visit, note that the market operates from 5 pm to 10 pm, with the busiest hours between 7 and 9 pm. It’s advisable to be mindful of your belongings during these peak times due to the crowded nature of the market. The market’s close proximity to Hoi An’s Old Town makes it easily accessible by foot, and for those venturing from further afield, there are ample parking options nearby​​​​.

Thanh Ha Terracotta Park, nestled within the Thanh Ha pottery village near Hoi An, is a remarkable cultural and artistic venue that showcases traditional Vietnamese pottery techniques alongside modern terracotta creations. The park, established in 2011 by local architect Nguyen Van Nguyen, spans almost 6,000 square meters and is divided into various thematic areas, each telling a unique story of the 500-year-old pottery tradition of the region.

Visitors to the park can expect to encounter an array of terracotta miniatures representing iconic global and Vietnamese structures, including the Temple of Literature in Hanoi and the Imperial City in Hue, among others. The park also features two main buildings known as the Opening Kiln and the Closing Kiln, which house exhibitions ranging from traditional pottery villages across Vietnam to the history of Thanh Ha Village and its pottery-making tradition. Each level of these buildings offers a different thematic exploration, from clay sculptures and paintings to interactive pottery-making classes where visitors can try their hand at shaping their own terracotta pieces.

The park not only serves as a museum to preserve and exhibit the rich heritage of pottery making but also as a vibrant creative workshop where traditional and contemporary techniques merge. For those looking to immerse themselves further, pottery-making classes are available, providing a hands-on experience with guidance from skilled artisans. This allows visitors to create their own terracotta items as souvenirs, which can be dried and taken home.

Thanh Ha Terracotta Park is accessible from Hoi An’s center by various means, including taxi, shuttle bus, motorbike, bicycle, and even by boat, given its picturesque location by the Thu Bon River. This accessibility, combined with the park’s educational and interactive offerings, makes it a must-visit destination for those interested in the cultural and artistic traditions of Vietnam.

Hoi Quan Phuoc Kien, also known as the Fujian Assembly Hall, is an integral part of Hoi An’s cultural and historical landscape. Established in the 1690s by the Fujian Chinese Congregation, this assembly hall is a testament to the Chinese community’s rich heritage in Hoi An. Initially constructed to serve the community and worship the deity Thien Hau, the goddess of the sea, the hall has undergone various transformations over the years. Its architecture, deeply influenced by Fujian artistry, showcases an intricate design that symbolizes the harmony of the universe through its “heaven-earth-human” gate and the array of holy animal sculptures adorning its structure.

The hall is not just a place of worship but also a community center where the Fujian Chinese community would gather. The assembly hall’s premises include a courtyard filled with ornamental plants and flowers, creating a serene atmosphere for visitors. The main shrine within the hall is a sacred space dedicated to Thien Hau Holy Mother and Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, embodying the spiritual significance of the site. The presence of statues like Thien Ly Nhan and Thuan Phong Nghi further accentuates the hall’s role in safeguarding the seafarers and fishermen.

For those interested in exploring this architectural gem, the assembly hall is located at 46 Tran Phu Street, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province, and is open to visitors from 8 AM to 5 PM daily. Entry to the hall is included in the Hoi An Ancient Town admission fee, which is required for all international tourists.