Beyond its postcard-perfect image of historic yellow walls and centuries-old silk lanterns, the UNESCO-listed ancient town of Hoi An is rapidly transforming into a thriving hub for contemporary art and modern self-expression, according to a feature by National Geographic Traveller (UK).
While the city remains a sanctuary for traditional crafts and heritage tourism, writer Daniel Stables highlights a fresh, creative energy illuminating its hidden corners through abstract art, progressive dining, and vibrant cultural spaces.
Exploring Hoi An: architectural syncretism and serene riverways
A deeper look into Hoi An’s rich history reveals a unique cultural fusion reflected entirely in its landmark architecture and natural landscapes.
At the heart of the Old Town stands the iconic Japanese Bridge (Chua Cau). Originally built in the 16th century by Japanese merchants, this covered footbridge embodies Hoi An’s syncretic soul, featuring a mixture of Japanese mythological guardian deities (monkeys and dogs) alongside Chinese Taoist gods. Visitors are advised to arrive early in the morning to enjoy its ornate beauty before the crowds arrive.
Beyond the brick and timber of the town center, the serene waters of the Thu Bon River offer a starkly different perspective. Travellers can glide through tranquil rice paddies and lush coconut plantations in traditional bamboo basket boats. These immersive excursions allow visitors to witness local crab fishing, embark on village cycling tours, and participate in authentic culinary classes.
Hoi An’s 18th- and 19th-century golden age as a cosmopolitan trading port is preserved inside its historic residences and assembly halls. The famous Tan Ky House, constructed in 1741, showcases a striking deep-yellow wooden exterior that opens into a grand interior crafted from rich ironwood, adorned with poetry plaques inlaid with mother-of-pearl. Meanwhile, the 300-year-old Fujian Assembly Hall stands out as a masterpiece of Chinese migrant architecture, drawing eyes with its vibrant pink brickwork, green-tiled roofs, and mythical statues of dragons and phoenixes.
A modern artistic renaissance
Hoi An’s historic aesthetic has long inspired traditional artisans, but a new wave of contemporary creators is redefining its artistic legacy. Key figures spotlighted include:
- Phan Thanh Minh: One of the town’s most celebrated painters, known for his bold, abstract portraits of family and Vietnamese life exhibited at Co Gallery.
- Réhahn: The world-renowned French photographer whose local gallery showcases acclaimed portraits and cultural documentation of Vietnam’s diverse ethnic groups.
- Hoi An Photo Tour: A collaborative initiative led by local and international pros, encouraging tourists to capture the town’s authentic daily pulse through their lenses.
The report also praises local social enterprises like Reaching Out, a foundation employing artisans with disabilities to craft high-quality souvenirs and teaware, showcasing a blend of traditional roots and socially conscious entrepreneurship.
Innovation in culinary and performance arts
The town’s dynamic shift is equally palpable in its culinary and nightlife scenes. While iconic street food spots like Banh Mi Hoi An, famed by TV chef and adventurer Anthony Bourdain, continue to draw crowds, new establishments like Tok, an open-kitchen restaurant set against scenic rice paddies, are pushing boundaries by turning local ingredients into artfully presented modern dishes. Meanwhile, multi-concept venues like Hoa La act as psychedelic hubs where the town’s creative community gathers for art, live music, and mixology.
On stage, the Lune Center on An Hoi Island bridges the gap between old and new with Teh Dar, a cutting-edge theatrical production combining a traditional bamboo circus with contemporary movement inspired by Vietnam’s tribal cultures.
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