Walking Tours in Hội An

Discover a confluence of cultures on a walking tour in Hội An, a Vietnamese city that has been influenced by Chinese, Japanese and European traditions over centuries.

Experience this well-preserved historic fusion today recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Many of the narrow streets of Hội An ban the use of cars, making it the ideal location to stroll and discover the heritage and cuisine of the city.

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

What are the best walking tours in Hội An?

While there are free walking tours available in Hội An, a standard walking tour option will give you access to particularly unique experiences, from boat rides to cooking classes.

Whether you’re looking to savor local cuisine or discover the ancient history, these are some of the best walking tours on offer in Hội An.

Ancient Town walking tour

The Ancient Town of Hội An is revered for its preservation of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and European influences as reflected through its architecture.

With over 1,000 historic timber-framed buildings, you can discover some of Ancient Town’s most remarkable monuments on a stroll through its streets.

Visit iconic locations such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, and gain insight into Hội An’s multicultural heritage at the Chinese Assembly Halls and at a museum.

Admire the distinct architecture of the ancient houses, and get a glimpse into craft making at a local workshop.

You’ll also stop at the Hội An market, a vibrant and bustling market filled with restaurants and shops.

Street food walking tour

The cuisine of Hội An is one of the city’s major attractions. Get a taste of some of the best local dishes on a food walking tour.

A guide will introduce you to some of the top spots in town for experiencing the culinary scene. You can choose among tours that focus on street food, or evening tours for dinner options.

Be introduced to dishes from cao lầu noodles to white rose dumplings, and leave your tour with restaurant recommendations and ideas.

Walking tour and evening boat tour

While the Ancient Town of Hội An is best explored on foot, you can appreciate more of its beauty through a boat ride.

Experience the town at its best in the evening with a visit to the night market. This is one of Hội An’s most popular attractions, buzzing with local vendors selling food and souvenirs.

Admire as the streets come alive with lanterns in the nighttime, and sail down the Thu Bồn River in a traditional sampan boat.

Walking tour and cooking class

To get a hands-on experience of the culinary scene in Hội An, expand your walking tour to include a cooking class.

Visit Ancient Town with your guide before shopping at a local market with a chef who will guide you on where to buy the best ingredients for your cooking class.

Your chef will then guide you through preparing some local dishes, from papaya salad with chicken to spring rolls, which you will then be able to enjoy with your group.

Which places are visited?

On a walking tour in Hội An, you will be able to visit the numerous attractions of the Ancient Town and its thriving culinary scene.

Hội An was once a bustling port between the 15th and 19th centuries, and the town has been carefully preserved and retains its multicultural appeal.

Ancient Town

While passing through Ancient Town’s monuments and houses, you’ll learn about the city’s culture and heritage.

Multiple different architectural styles are evident in the area, and you’ll come across pagodas, Chinese Assembly Halls, and elegant homes.

Japanese Covered Bridge

One of the most iconic locations you’ll visit is the Japanese Covered Bridge, which dates back to the 16th century. The bridge originally connected Japanese and Chinese communities and is also home to an ornate temple.

Hội An markets

You can get a taste of Hội An’s enduring heritage by experiencing the culinary scene.

While the day market is filled with restaurants and shops, the bustling night market is one of the most popular attractions and is located nearby the Japanese Covered Bridge.

Thu Bồn River

Among the canals coursing through Hội An is the Thu Bồn River. You can ride a traditional sampan boat on its waters and see the lanterns decorating its surface in the evenings, which are placed to bring luck or peace.

How much do walking tours in Hội An cost?

While free walking tours are available in Hội An, standard walking tours typically include the cost of things like meals, entrance fees, transport, and exciting activities.

A food walking tour in Hội An can start at approximately US$25 per person. Heritage walking tours can start at approximately US$30 per person.

Private food walking tours increase to approximately US$45 for a group of two people.

For a walking tour that includes a boat ride, costs start at approximately US$65 per person for a group of two people.

A private walking tour that includes a cooking class costs upwards of US$75 per person.

What is included?

On a food walking tour in Hội An, meals, drinks, tastings and a guide are typically included.

On a heritage walking tour, entrance fees for locations, a guide, even pickup and drop-off services, and some transportation are often included.

An evening walking tour will include a guide, entrance fees, a boat trip, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

A walking tour with a cooking class will not only include a guide, entrance fees, and pickup and drop-off but also a local chef who will teach your class.

Where does it start?

Walking tours in Hội An will typically start in the city center, with many starting on Hai Bà Trưng street. Some walking tours offer the option of pickup and drop-off at your accommodation.

How long does it last?

While some walking tours in Hội An only last around 1.5 hours, many will run for approximately 4 or 5 hours. This gives your ample time to explore its many attractions, partake in exciting activities and soak up your guide’s knowledge.

When is the best time for a walking tour in Hội An?

The best time for a walking tour in Hội An is likely the morning, when the streets are quieter and the temperatures are pleasurable.

However, some walking tours may be best enjoyed in the evening when the streets and river light up with lanterns and dinner options are available.

Join a food walking tour early on in your trip to get restaurant recommendations and find your favorite food spots.

Travel tips

• Be sure to wear a comfortable pair of shoes, as you will be on your feet for long periods of time.
• While guides typically provide bottled water, pack some snacks for the long walks.
• Take along a camera to capture the beautiful buildings of Hội An Ancient Town.