Free Walking Tours in Hội An

A small, picturesque town located on the central coast of Vietnam, Hội An was once a major trading port and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The best way to explore the town is on foot, and there are several tours to choose from.

Free walking tours in Hội An enable you to discover the unique mix of cultures that have helped form the multi-cultural hub you see today. From Chinese places of worship to Japanese bridges and ancient Vietnamese houses, Hội An is brimming with fascinating attractions.

Here's all you need to know about free walking tours, one of the most engaging experiences for sightseeing in Hội An.

How do free walking tours in Hội An work?

Free walking tours in Hội An have become increasingly popular in recent years as they provide tourists with an affordable and authentic way of experiencing this incredible city.

These tours are completely free to book and participate in, but it is encouraged that you tip your tour guide at the end of the tour. The amount you decide to tip is completely up to you.

How much should you tip for a free walking tour in Hội An?

When deciding how much to tip, think about the effort that your guide put into the tour and how much you enjoyed the tour overall.

Most tour participants tend to tip between US$10 and US$15 per person, but some people tip as much as US$50 for outstanding tours.

What are the best free walking tours in Hội An?

Free walking tours in Hội An are informative and fun for history buffs, and food lovers alike.

Hội An ancient town free walking tour

Hội An is an exceptionally-preserved example of a South East Asian port, dating back to the 15th century when all trade happened on the water. Its ancient architecture and fusion of world cultures are the reason Hội An Old town has secured a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Itinerary

To begin your free walking tour in Hội An, you’ll visit the Japan Culture Ancient House — an example of the town’s status as a cultural melting pot. You’ll then cross the Japanese Covered Bridge, which was built in the 1950s to connect the Chinese Quarter with the rest of the town.

You’ll pass by the unmissable Cantonese Assembly Hall, built after the arrival of the first Chinese community in Hội An. The vibrant building is adorned with colorful paintings and mandarin symbols, and is one of the most photographic spots in the ancient town.

Honor the Polish architect, Kazik, who helped to turn Hội An into an international wonder, at the namesake park, built after his death in 1997.

See the wooden masterpiece of the Vinh Hung Heritage Hotel before admiring traditional Vietnamese architecture at the Quan Thang Ancient House. Originally built in the 18th century, this 300-year-old house transports visitors back in time with its oriental furnishings and collection of antiques.

The next stop on your free walking tour is the dome-shaped Lune Performance Art Center. Viewing the building from the outside, you’ll notice that it is entirely made from bamboo. Its Vietnamese Bamboo Circus is truly a spectacle to behold and features different cultures from across the country.

No tour is complete without a trip to Hội An Central Market, lined with bustling stalls selling everything from street food to bamboo goods.

Hội An street food tour

Another way to discover the delights of Hội An is through the town’s traditional cuisine. Allow your tastebuds to be excited by the sweet, salty and spicy flavors of Vietnamese cooking.

Itinerary

On this free walking food tour in Hội An, you’ll leave behind the swarms of tourists to amble through the backstreets of the town. It is here that you’ll find Hội An’s deep cultural roots, as well as the most authentic cuisine.

As you wander along learning about this jewel of Vietnam, you’ll have the opportunity to sample a variety of local dishes. These include the most famous of all Vietnamese fare, bánh mì — a baguette filled with pork, pâté, pickles, chilies and mayonnaise.

Other dishes on offer include xiu ma phu, which is a black sesame soup, as well as the sweet bean dessert, che dau, and grilled pork skewers. Your guide will fill you in on the origins of each dish you sample, and you’ll end your tour with a deeper understanding of Vietnamese tradition.

In which languages are free walking tours in Hội An operated?

Free walking tours in Hội An currently only operate in English. However, the popularity of guided walks is increasing, and over time you may see an increase in the number of alternative languages being offered.

Where do free walking tours in Hội An start?

Free tours in Hội An begin in a variety of destinations across the town. The Vietnamese destination is formed of a walkable maze of streets and alleyways, meaning you’ll find it easy to reach your desired meeting point on foot.

You can view the starting point of each excursion before booking to see if this aligns with your itinerary and configure your route.

How long do free walking tours in Hội An last?

Generally, Hội An walking tours last approximately 2.5 hours. In this amount of time, you can see a plethora of the most iconic sights around the town and learn about the history of its thriving port.

When is the best time to join a free walking tour in Hội An?

Hội An has a tropical monsoon climate, with humidity ranging from 75% to 85%.

You should aim to avoid participating in a free walking tour of Hội An during the middle of the day, when the conditions can become stifling. Instead, book a guided excursion through Hội An’s streets during the early morning or late afternoon.

Free walking tours are the best way to immerse yourself in the culture of a new destination, so book yours for the first day or two of your trip.

Should Hội An free walking tours be booked online?

It’s advisable to book your free tour in Hội An before you arrive in the tourist hotspot. This will help you guarantee a place on your excursion and enable you to select a time that suits you.

You’ll also be able to view the selection of tours on offer and compare their itineraries to see which one sparks your interest.

Finally, walking tours in Hội An are free to book and it takes just a minute or two to reserve your spot.