8 Hoi An Museums You Should Not Miss

By huynhtuyen | Posted in Hoi An | February 18, 2025

Hoi An Museums offer a fascinating glimpse into the town’s rich history and culture. From ancient trading artifacts to traditional medicine and folklore, these museums showcase Vietnam’s heritage through well-preserved exhibits. Visitors can explore everything from historic houses to maritime trade and folk art, gaining deeper insight into Hoi An’s vibrant past and traditions. Each museum provides a unique perspective on the town’s evolution over centuries.

Why Should You Visit Hoi An Museums?

Hoi An museums offer a deep dive into the rich history, culture, and traditions of this UNESCO-listed ancient town. Whether you are passionate about history, fascinated by traditional craftsmanship, or simply looking for a meaningful cultural experience, Hoi An museums provide valuable insights into Vietnam’s past and present.

They showcase artifacts, photographs, and artistic works that narrate the evolution of Hoi An from a bustling trading port to a beloved tourist destination. By visiting these museums, you gain a deeper appreciation of the local heritage and the people who have shaped it over the centuries.

Hoi An Museums Entrance Fees

Hoi An museums located within the ancient town follow a standardized ticketing system. Visitors can purchase a ticket that grants access to four selected sites out of 21 optional heritage destinations within the complex. This ticket is valid for the day. Here are the reference prices for 2025:

Vietnamese tourists: 80,000 VND/person.
Foreign tourists: 120,000 VND/person.
Hoi An Silk Village ticket: 50,000 VND/person.

The Most Famous Hoi An Museums You Should Visit

1. Museum of Folk Culture

Address: 33 Nguyen Thai Hoc street, Hoi An.
Opening Hours: 07:00 AM – 09:30 PM.

Hoi An Museum of Folk Culture — Museum of Folk Culture

The Museum of Folk Culture offers a comprehensive look at the daily lives and traditions of the people in Hoi An. It features exhibits on folk arts, costumes, and traditional crafts such as lantern-making and wood carving. Visitors can admire wooden sculptures, musical instruments, and reenactments of ancient ceremonies that define Hoi An’s cultural heritage.

The museum is housed in an ancient wooden building, preserving the traditional architectural style of Hoi An. Each floor of the museum presents different aspects of folk culture, from performances to household tools, providing a well-rounded view of how people lived in the past.

2. Museum of Trade Ceramics

Address: 80 Tran Phu street, Hoi An.
Opening Hours: 07:00 AM – 09:00 PM.

Hoi An Museum of Trade Ceramics — Museum of Trade Ceramics

This museum highlights Hoi An’s significant role in the international ceramic trade. As one of the notable Hoi An museums, it features a collection of exquisite porcelain and pottery from China, Japan, and the Middle East, showcasing the town’s vibrant trading past. Detailed maps and historical documents illustrate how Hoi An developed as a major port in Southeast Asia.

The exhibits provide insight into the techniques used in ancient ceramic production, as well as the cultural influences that shaped local pottery styles. Visitors can trace the journey of these ceramics, learning about their origins and how they were transported through trade routes connecting Vietnam with the world.

3. Hoi An Museum

Address: 10B Tran Hung Dao street, Hoi An.
Opening Hours: 07:30 – 11:00 AM and 2:00 – 5:00 PM.

This museum presents a diverse range of historical artifacts, including ancient relics, traditional costumes, and wartime memorabilia. From the Cham civilization to modern-day Hoi An, this museum offers an immersive experience into the town’s transformation over the centuries. The top floor provides a panoramic view of Hoi An’s rooftops, offering a scenic perspective of the ancient town.

The museum also features interactive displays and multimedia presentations, making the experience more engaging for visitors. Historical photographs and documents illustrate the changes in Hoi An’s economy, architecture, and cultural development over time.

4. Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum

Address: 26 Phan Boi Chau, Hoi An.
Opening Hours: 08:00 AM – 08:00 PM.

This museum, founded by French photographer Réhahn, is one of the notable Hoi An museums, showcasing striking portraits and traditional costumes of Vietnam’s ethnic minorities. The gallery is both a tribute to indigenous cultures and an invitation for visitors to appreciate the country’s diverse communities through art and photography.

The images capture the daily lives and customs of over 50 ethnic groups, preserving their heritage in a rapidly modernizing world. Many of the exhibits include personal stories behind the photographs, offering deeper insights into the traditions, clothing, and challenges faced by these communities today.

5. Thanh Ha Terracotta Park

Address: Thanh Ha pottery village, Hoi An.
Opening Hours: 08:30 AM – 05:00 PM.

Located in the pottery village of Thanh Ha, this museum features a fascinating collection of ceramic miniatures, including replicas of world-famous landmarks. Visitors can also observe artisans at work and participate in pottery-making workshops.

The museum is spread across several exhibition halls, with sections dedicated to the history of Thanh Ha pottery, contemporary ceramic artwork, and an open-air display of handcrafted sculptures. The interactive nature of the museum allows visitors to try their hand at making pottery, providing a memorable hands-on experience.

6. Sa Huynh Cultural Museum

Address: 149 Tran Phu, Hoi An.
Opening Hours: 08:00 AM – 05:00 PM.

This museum is dedicated to the Sa Huynh culture, an ancient civilization that thrived in central Vietnam over 2,000 years ago. The exhibits include burial urns, jewelry, and tools that provide insights into the lives of this early community.

The museum’s detailed displays shed light on Sa Huynh’s trade networks, which connected Vietnam with other civilizations in Southeast Asia. Artifacts such as metal ornaments and stone implements help paint a picture of their daily lives, burial customs, and social structures.

7. Museum of Traditional Medicines

Address: 34 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Hoi An.
Opening Hours: 08:00 AM – 05:30 PM.

This museum, part of the Hoi An museums, explores traditional Vietnamese medicine and healing practices. It displays medicinal herbs, ancient remedies, and tools used in herbal medicine, reflecting Vietnam’s long-standing approach to healthcare.

Informative panels explain how different plants and roots were used for treating ailments, and visitors can even experience the aromas of various herbs. The museum also highlights the contributions of traditional medicine practitioners and the evolution of Vietnamese healing methods over centuries.

8. Hoi An Silk Village

Address: 28 Nguyen Tat Thanh, Hoi An.
Opening Hours: 08:30 AM – 04:30 PM.

The Hoi An Silk Museum offers visitors a chance to learn about silk production, from silkworm cultivation to the weaving of luxurious fabrics. This museum is an ideal place for those interested in the textile industry and traditional craftsmanship. Guided tours explain the history of silk weaving in Hoi An, including demonstrations of traditional techniques. Visitors can also try weaving on a loom and purchase high-quality silk products made by local artisans.

What to Note When Visiting Museums in Hoi An?

Do not touch the exhibits: Many artifacts on display are delicate, historical treasures. Oils and dirt from hands can cause damage over time, so always respect display boundaries.

Take pictures only in permitted areas: Some museums restrict photography, especially for fragile artifacts, to prevent light damage. Look for signage or ask museum staff before taking photos.

Keep noise to a minimum: Museums are places for quiet appreciation and learning. Avoid loud conversations, running, or playing around to ensure a respectful atmosphere for all visitors.

Follow museum guidelines: Some locations may have specific rules, such as removing shoes before entering or staying within designated pathways.

Do not bring food or drinks inside: To prevent spills and stains that could damage exhibits, finish snacks before entering.

Dispose of trash properly: Museums work hard to maintain a clean environment. Use designated trash bins to help preserve the space for future visitors.

Supervise children: If visiting with young ones, guide them to appreciate exhibits respectfully and ensure they don’t touch fragile artifacts.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a meaningful and respectful visit to Hoi An’s museums while helping preserve the town’s rich heritage for future generations.

Visiting Hoi An museums provides a remarkable experience filled with history, art, and cultural heritage. Whether you explore ancient artifacts, admire traditional crafts, or learn about local traditions, these museums are must-visit destinations in your journey through Hoi An.

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