Explore Hoi An Ancient Town: A Cultural Gem Near Vietnam’s Top Golf Courses

Hoi An Ancient Town

Nestled along the Thu Bồn River, Hoi An Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its timeless beauty, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural traditions. Conveniently located just a short drive from some of Vietnam’s premier golf courses like Hoiana Shores Golf Club and Legend Da Nang Golf Resort – Norman Course, Hoi An offers the perfect post-golf escape for travelers seeking to balance their swing with rich cultural immersion.

Getting There from Da Nang Golf Resorts

Hoi An is located approximately 30–40 minutes south of Da Nang by car. Whether you’re staying at a golf resort or in the city, it’s an easy day trip—or a worthy overnight detour. Use Qatar Airways Holidays to book your flights into Da Nang International Airport and enjoy a smooth connection between fairways and lanterns.

History of Hoi An: A Melting Pot of Cultures

Once a bustling international trading port between the 15th and 19th centuries, Hoi An became a meeting ground for Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and European merchants. Its preserved buildings—painted in shades of ochre and decorated with wooden carvings—stand as architectural remnants of that era.

The Japanese Covered Bridge, built in the 16th century, is one of Hoi An’s most iconic structures, connecting the Japanese and Chinese quarters. Wander through old merchant houses, traditional assembly halls, and ancestral temples to soak in a true sense of Vietnam’s multicultural past.

Must-See Attractions

1. Japanese Covered Bridge (Chùa Cầu)

This 400-year-old covered bridge is a symbol of Hoi An and a must-visit photo spot. It was built by Japanese traders and contains a small shrine dedicated to the northern god of weather protection—especially meaningful for a seaside town.

2. Tan Ky Old House

A seven-generation merchant house, showcasing the blending of Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese styles. Visitors can see original antiques and learn how flooding influences the town’s design and resilience.

3. Hoi An Central Market

Located by the river, the market is a vibrant sensory experience filled with spices, textiles, handicrafts, and some of the best street food in Vietnam. Don’t miss trying banh mi and cao lầu from local vendors.

4. Assembly Halls

The Fujian Assembly Hall is among the most ornate and photogenic in town. These halls once served as community centers for Chinese merchants and now function as temples and tourist sites.

5. Hoi An Lantern Festival

If you’re lucky enough to visit during the full moon, you’ll witness the town aglow with thousands of colorful lanterns floating on the river and lining the streets—a magical cultural experience for all ages.

Golf and Sightseeing Itinerary Suggestion

• Morning: Tee off at Hoiana Shores Golf Club
• Afternoon: Lunch at your resort or a beach café along Cua Dai
• Late Afternoon: Head to Hoi An Ancient Town and begin your walking tour
• Evening: Enjoy dinner by the river and release lanterns at the night market

Where to Stay

Consider staying one or two nights to fully experience Hoi An’s charm. Book through trusted platforms like:

• Expedia – Excellent packages for Hoi An & Da Nang stays
• Hotels.com – Boutique hotels within the Ancient Town
• Orbitz – Resort combos with beach and golf access

Tailor-Made for Golfers: Shopping in Hoi An

Known as Vietnam’s tailoring capital, Hoi An is the perfect place to get custom golf polos, travel shirts, or casual resort wear made to measure. Most tailors deliver within 24–48 hours, making it ideal for multi-day golf travelers.

Local Cuisine Highlights

• Cao Lầu: A noodle dish unique to Hoi An, made with water from local wells.
• White Rose Dumplings: Delicate shrimp dumplings shaped like roses.
• Com Gà: Hoi An-style chicken rice served with herbs and chili jam.

Helpful Tips for Visitors

• Dress modestly when entering temples or family shrines.
• Bring cash, as many small vendors do not accept cards.
• Visit early morning or late evening to avoid tour group crowds.

Conclusion

Hoi An Ancient Town isn’t just a sightseeing stop—it’s a soul-soothing experience that blends history, architecture, food, and tradition. Whether you're golfing at world-class resorts in Central Vietnam or simply exploring the coast, this ancient town is a cultural must. From tailor shops to temples, Hoi An invites golfers to slow down, look around, and discover the rich fabric of Vietnamese life—just minutes from the fairways.

Ready to explore more of Vietnam’s highlights? Don’t miss our other Places of Interest in Vietnam for golf travelers.