Hoi An Ancient Town Tour + Lantern Boat - SIC Tour

Tour Overview

This guided tour departs from Da Nang, taking you to explore the architectural and cultural highlights of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hoi An Ancient Town. The experience includes historical landmarks, local markets, and an evening boat ride.

Exploration of Hoi An

The tour begins in the afternoon with a visit to the bustling Hoi An Market. From there, you will visit the Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall to observe its ornate architecture and ancestral shrines. You will also tour well-preserved merchant homes, such as Phung Hung or Tan Ky Ancient House, which provide insight into the city's trading history. Other stops include the Museum of Folk Culture, located in a 150-year-old house, and the 400-year-old Japanese Bridge. You will also have time to explore local handicraft shops and attend a performance at the Hoi An Traditional Performing Arts House.

Evening Activities

After dinner featuring local cuisine, the tour concludes with a boat ride on the river. During this time, you will release a flower lantern to honor local traditions. The tour finishes with a return transfer to your hotel in Da Nang.

Discover Hoi An Ancient Town

Located a short distance from Da Nang, Hoi An is a beautifully preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. This guided excursion offers a comprehensive look at the town's history, culture, and architecture, providing travelers with a convenient way to experience one of Vietnam's most iconic destinations.

Architectural Heritage and History

The tour focuses on the unique mix of indigenous and foreign influences that define Hoi An's built environment. You will explore the Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall, known for its elaborate dragon statues and vibrant gates. The itinerary includes visits to traditional merchant homes such as Tan Ky or Phung Hung, where you can learn about the lives of the families who traded silk, spices, and ceramics centuries ago. A significant highlight is the Japanese Bridge, a structure built over 400 years ago to link the Japanese and Chinese districts, serving as a symbol of the town's international past.

Cultural Experiences and Local Traditions

Beyond the architecture, this tour immerses you in the local culture. You will visit the Museum of Folk Culture, housed in a historic merchant building, to see artifacts representing daily life in ancient Hoi An. You will also watch a traditional performance at the Hoi An Traditional Performing Arts House. As the sun sets, the atmosphere shifts as the town lights up with hundreds of silk lanterns. You will enjoy a traditional dinner before heading to the river for a boat ride. Releasing a flower lantern into the water is a cherished local tradition, and you will have the opportunity to participate before the return journey to Da Nang.

Practical Information for Your Visit

This shared tour is designed for ease of travel, with pickup and drop-off services provided at hotels in the Da Nang city center. The schedule is carefully planned to ensure you see the key sites during the day and enjoy the peaceful lantern-lit evening atmosphere. Please be ready in your hotel lobby between 13:15 and 13:30 to begin your afternoon of exploration.