6 Things To Do In
Hoi An

Tra Que Vegetable Village in Hoi An is a distinctive and enriching experience that showcases the traditional and organic farming practices unique to the region. The village stands out for its commitment to chemical-free farming, using natural algae from a nearby lagoon as fertilizer, which contributes to the high quality and freshness of the produce. This method not only ensures healthier and cleaner produce but also aligns with the growing global trend towards organic and sustainable agriculture .

The history of Tra Que is deeply rooted in its transition from a fishing community to a thriving agricultural village, thanks to the discovery of the fertility-enhancing properties of the local lagoon’s seaweed. Today, over 200 families cultivate a variety of herbs and vegetables on the village’s 40 hectares of land, contributing significantly to the culinary richness of Hoi An, with certain dishes requiring the distinct flavors of Tra Que’s produce.

Visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the daily life of the farmers, learn about traditional farming techniques, and even participate in hands-on activities such as planting and harvesting. The village’s location between Hoi An Old Town and An Bang Beach makes it easily accessible for a peaceful cycle or walk through the picturesque fields.

For those interested in culinary experiences, Tra Que also offers cooking classes utilizing its fresh herbs and vegetables, providing a unique chance to learn about Vietnamese cuisine in an idyllic setting. Whether exploring on your own or joining a tour, Tra Que Vegetable Village offers a glimpse into the sustainable practices and rich cultural traditions that define this charming area.

Mỹ Sơn, located near Hoi An in Quang Nam Province, Vietnam, is a significant archaeological and historical site that was once the religious and political capital of the Champa Kingdom from the 4th to the 13th centuries. This UNESCO World Heritage site is nestled in a mountainous region and is known for its unique culture influenced by Hinduism, as evidenced by the series of impressive tower-temples dedicated to Hindu deities, primarily Shiva .

The sanctuary encompasses over 70 structures and extensive buried archaeology, offering a vivid picture of the spiritual and political life of an important phase in Southeast Asian history. These structures, constructed over ten centuries, stand as a testament to the Cham engineering skills and are notable for their architectural designs that symbolize Mount Meru, the mythical sacred mountain in Hinduism .

Visiting Mỹ Sơn provides a spiritual journey into a tranquil jungle setting, with the best time for tours being in the morning for fewer crowds or late afternoon for a more serene experience. The site is accessible from Hoi An by various means, including private car, motorbike, or even bicycle for the more adventurous. It’s important to dress respectfully when visiting this sacred site.

For a deeper understanding of the Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary and its significance in the cultural and historical tapestry of Vietnam, further details can be explored through the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and Vietnam Tourism websites.

The Old House of Tan Ky in Hoi An, recognized for its architectural and historical significance, dates back to 1741, marking over two centuries of history. This house has been home to seven generations of the Le family. The name “Tan Ky” implies the wish for a prosperous business, which was given by Mr. Le Tan Ky, the second generation owner. Initially established for trading agricultural products, its strategic location by the Hoai River facilitated commerce, especially during Hoi An’s peak as an international trading port.

The architecture of Tan Ky Old House is a harmonious blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese styles, reflecting the multicultural influences of Hoi An’s trading history. The use of wood and stone from Thanh Hoa Province and Bat Trang tiles in its construction contributes to the house’s durability and aesthetic appeal. Remarkably, the house was built without using any nails, yet it stands firmly to this day. The house also features unique elements like a atrium for natural light, and its tubular structure typical of old town Hoi An provides a cool environment in summer and warmth in winter.

Visitors to Tan Ky Old House can expect to see a collection of antiques and artifacts that tell the story of Hoi An’s rich trading past and the Nguyen family’s legacy. Among these are horizontal lacquered boards with philosophical inscriptions, a unique horizontal lacquered board named “One Hundred Birds”, and a valuable “Confucius Bowl”. The house serves as a living museum, offering insight into the cultural and architectural heritage of Hoi An.

For those planning a visit, the Old House of Tan Ky is located at 101 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Minh An Ward in Hoi An, and it’s open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:45 PM. The entrance fee for foreigners is modest, making it an accessible and enriching experience for all visitors.

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.

The Hoi An Lune Center, located in the heart of the ancient town, offers a unique cultural experience with its bamboo theater, which is the first of its kind in Vietnam. The theater’s architecture, featuring a 24-meter bamboo dome standing 13 meters high, is inspired by the full moon, a revered symbol in Vietnamese culture. This setting provides a perfect backdrop for the Vietnamese Bamboo Circus performances that vividly bring traditional cultures to life through storytelling, bamboo props, and live music.

The center hosts a variety of performances, including “Teh Dar,” which showcases the culture of Vietnamese tribes with acrobatics, dance, and music played on tribal instruments, some of which are recognized as cultural heritage by UNESCO. The performances offer a window into the daily life and traditions of different regions in Vietnam, making it a must-visit for those seeking to immerse themselves in the local culture and arts.

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.