Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House: Travel Guide & How to Get There

The Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House offers one of the most authentic and intimate cultural experiences you can find in the heart of the ancient town. Unlike larger, more theatrical productions, this venue provides a charming, up-close look at the traditional arts of Central Vietnam in a historic setting. It’s a perfect way to connect with the region's soul. In this comprehensive GTrip guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know for a perfect visit. We’ll cover an overview of the venue, what makes it so special, details on the captivating performances, practical tips for your visit, and exactly how to get there. By the end, you'll be ready to add this cultural gem to your Hoi An itinerary.

Overview of the Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House

The Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House, often called the Hoi An Art Theatre, serves as a vital cultural hub within the ancient town. It is dedicated to showcasing and preserving the rich performing arts heritage of Central Vietnam. For travelers, it offers a convenient and deeply authentic glimpse into traditions that have been passed down through generations. All within a small, air-conditioned theater that provides a welcome respite from the afternoon heat.

Where is Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House?

Address: No 66 Bach Dang Street, Hoi An Ancient Town, Hoi An Ward (formerly Minh An Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province), Da Nang City

The venue boasts a prime location right in the center of Hoi An's UNESCO-listed Ancient Town. You will find it situated on the picturesque Bach Dang Street, which runs parallel to the scenic Thu Bon River. Its central position makes it incredibly easy to find and incorporate into a walking tour of the town's most famous attractions, like the Japanese Covered Bridge and vibrant night market.

Opening hours

Performances are held daily at set times, making it easy to plan your visit. The short, engaging shows are designed to fit perfectly into a tourist's busy sightseeing schedule, offering a quick yet meaningful cultural immersion.

The daily performance times are 10:15 AM, 3:15 PM, 4:15 PM

Each performance lasts about 30 minutes, giving you plenty of time to explore other attractions before or after the show.

Update: From March 7, 2026, the Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House will temporarily close for maintenance. Performances will be moved to the Hoi An Cultural and Sports Center, near Song Hoai Square (Cao Hong Lanh Street).

Performance program order

The 30-minute show is carefully structured to provide a diverse and engaging experience. It begins with the beautiful sounds of traditional instruments to set the mood, followed by a series of captivating dances and theatrical excerpts. The performance culminates in an interactive session of Bai Choi, ensuring the audience leaves with a smile and a deeper appreciation for local culture.

The typical order of the program is:

• Opening with traditional musical instruments
• Folk dance performances
• Hat Boi (Tuong) classical theater
• Bai Choi folk performance

The Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House in Hoi An is a cultural place to perform traditional art heritage

Ticket price for Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House

Entry into the performance is not ticketed separately. Instead, your pass to the show is included with the Hoi An Ancient Town entrance ticket. This ticket is required for all international visitors exploring the heritage area and offers fantastic value. The ticket grants you access to five different attractions within the town, and the performance house is one of the most popular choices.

• The price for the ancient town ticket is 120,000 VND / international visitor.
• This is a combo ticket valid for visiting 5 attractions in Hoi An Ancient Town, including the performance house.

Process to enter the performance

Gaining entry to the show is a simple and straightforward process. Upon arrival at the venue, you will need to present your Hoi An Ancient Town ticket at the entrance. The staff will either scan the QR code or clip your ticket to mark one of your five allotted site visits. Afterward, you will be handed a small game card, which is used for the interactive Bai Choi performance at the end of the show. Be sure to return this card to the staff as you exit.

• Present the Hoi An Ancient Town ticket.
• The staff will perform a QR code scan or ticket check.
• You will receive a small game card for the Bai Choi segment.

What makes Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House unique?

While Hoi An offers several large-scale cultural shows, the Traditional Art Performance House stands out for its intimacy and authenticity. Housed in a charming historic building, the venue provides a relaxed and personal atmosphere that larger arenas cannot replicate. It feels less like a grand production and more like a private invitation into Vietnam's cultural heart. This makes it an ideal cultural break during a day of walking, suitable for all ages.

• Authentic traditional art performances: It focuses on genuine folk arts, not modern adaptations.
• Suitable for families and children: The short, colorful, and interactive show keeps young ones engaged.
• One of the most affordable cultural activities in Hoi An: Entry is included in the standard ancient town ticket.
• The only daytime cultural show inside the ancient town: It's a perfect activity for an afternoon break.
• A cool and relaxing stop during a walking tour: The air-conditioned theater offers a welcome escape from the heat.

The Traditional Art Performance House stands out for its intimacy and authenticity

History of the Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House

Behind the stage lights and graceful performances lies a long journey of cultural preservation. The Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House was created to protect and share the region’s folk music, dance, and theatrical traditions. Over the years, the venue has evolved from a small local theater into an important cultural institution in Hoi An. Its development can be traced through several key milestones below.

• 1996: The theater company was officially established, first operating from a location at 39 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street. From its early days, it quickly became a cornerstone of Hoi An's cultural tourism, dedicated to showcasing the region's artistic heritage to visitors from around the world.
• June 1, 2018: The performance house relocated to its current, more prominent address at 66 Bach Dang Street. Moving to a larger riverside venue allowed the theater to improve the visitor experience while gaining greater visibility in the historic town.
• March 2023: The theater expanded its cultural mission by launching the “Heritage Road” program, bringing traditional performances directly to travelers at Da Nang International Airport.
• Today: the Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House is home to a dedicated troupe of about 40 professional artists, who continue to preserve and perform the region’s priceless cultural traditions.

Exhibition of the Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House

The venue itself is a beautiful example of classic two-story Hoi An architecture, blending seamlessly with the surrounding ancient town. The space is thoughtfully divided into an exhibition area and a performance hall, allowing visitors to both learn about and experience the arts.

Exhibition space on the ground floor

As you enter on the ground floor, you are greeted by a fascinating exhibition space. This area serves as a museum and an introduction to the arts you are about to witness. On display, you will find an array of colorful paper masks used in Hat Boi (Tuong) classical theatre, each painted with intricate designs that signify different characters. You can also see a variety of traditional musical instruments. The exhibition prominently features the work of local artisan Phong Bui, who is one of the last remaining masters of traditional mask painting in Hoi An, making his craft a truly rare art form.

Performance stage on the second floor

The main event takes place on the second floor in the theater hall. This intimate space is where the live shows are performed, with seating arranged to provide a good view for every guest. Despite the historic setting, the hall is equipped with a modern sound system to ensure the music and vocals are clear and crisp. Most importantly for many visitors, the room is fully air-conditioned, providing a comfortable and cool environment to relax and enjoy the show, especially during Hoi An's hot and humid afternoons.

The main event takes place on the second floor of the Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House

Types of performances at the Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House

The 30-minute show is a wonderfully curated showcase that highlights the most significant traditional art forms of Central Vietnam. Each segment offers a unique window into the region's culture, from deeply spiritual dances to lively folk games.

Top 6 things to do in the Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House

Visiting the Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House isn't just about sitting back and watching a show. It’s a super hands-on place. The venue gives you plenty of chances to jump in, get creative, and experience the local culture for yourself.

1. Interactive games during the show

The performance is designed to be super interactive, especially towards the end with the Bai Choi segment. The performers will literally invite you to join the fun. You’ll find yourself clapping to the beat, learning traditional hand gestures, and actually playing the folk game with the locals. It totally breaks the ice between the artists and the crowd, making the whole place feel like one big, lively party.

If you watch the bai choi performance, you can interact with this traditional folk art by joining the bingo game

2. Comfortable viewing space

Let’s be real, walking around the ancient town gets hot and tiring. The air-conditioned theater on the second floor is the perfect "recharging station". Taking a 30-minute break from the heat and the crowds outside is one of the best things you can do here. You can rest your aching feet, enjoy the cool air, and just chill out while soaking in some amazing local culture. It’s a win-win.

3. Painting Tuong masks

If you love art or just want a unique souvenir, you have to try this. You get to paint your very own Tuong (traditional Vietnamese theater) mask. Don't worry if you're not an artist because the locals will guide you on how to mix colors and draw the classic patterns. Along the way, you’ll learn the hidden meanings behind the different colors and facial expressions.

Besides watching the traditional art performances, you can try painting the Tuong masks

4. Learning folk songs and traditional instruments

Ever wanted to try playing those beautiful traditional Vietnamese instruments? Here’s your chance. The artists are super friendly and will gladly show you the ropes. You can try plucking a simple melody on the dan bau (monochord) or dan tranh (zither). If you love music, you can even learn to sing along to a catchy, rustic folk tune from the Quang Nam region.

5. Making traditional handicrafts

Hoi An is famous for its crafts, and making one yourself is way better than just buying it at a shop. At the venue, you can join short, fun sessions to learn how to make iconic Hoi An silk lanterns. If you want something simpler, you can learn the local art of folding coconut leaves into cute little grasshoppers, fish, or tiny hats to take home.

6. Other cultural workshops

Depending on when you visit, the venue often hosts other cool pop-up workshops, like basic calligraphy or painting on local pottery. You don't need to be a pro to join. These mini-classes are all about having fun, getting your hands a little dirty, and truly appreciating the incredible skill and patience that goes into Vietnam’s traditional arts.

Depending on when you visit, the venue often hosts other cool pop-up workshops

How to get to Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House?

Finding your way to the Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House is pretty straightforward, especially since it sits right in the heart of the Ancient Town at 66 Bach Dang Street.

From Da Nang International Airport

Getting to Hoi An is a breeze. Since there are no direct public buses from the airport to the ancient town, booking a ride in advance is your smoothest bet. Once you arrive, drop your bags and head out to explore.

• Distance: About 30 kilometers
• Travel time: 45 to 60 minutes
• Routes: Head out via Nguyen Van Linh St, connect to the Vo Nguyen Giap coastal road, and follow it straight to Hai Ba Trung St in Hoi An
• Optimal option: Pre-booked private car or airport taxi for maximum comfort, especially if you have heavy luggage

From Da Nang City center

If you are staying in downtown Da Nang, a scenic ride down the coast is the best way to reach Hoi An. It is a straight shot down the beautiful beach road, making for an easy day trip.

• Distance: Around 28 to 30 kilometers
• Travel time: 40 to 50 minutes
• Routes: Follow the coastal road (Vo Nguyen Giap/Truong Sa) to the An Bang Beach crossroad, turn right onto Hai Ba Trung street, and head toward Phap Bao Pagoda
• Optimal option: Renting a motorbike for coastal views, or a private taxi (roundtrip costs roughly 700,000 VND)

From around Hoi An Ancient Town

The Performance House is located right inside the walking street area at 66 Bach Dang Street. Since motorized vehicles are restricted during certain hours, traveling on foot is your best approach.

• Distance: Usually within a 1-2 km radius depending on your hotel location
• Travel time: 5 to 15 minutes
• Routes: Navigate toward the Thu Bon riverside; Bach Dang street runs right along the water
• Optimal option: Walking! If you ride a bike/motorbike, park at Hoi An Central Market or Quan Cong Temple (5,000 - 10,000 VND), then walk the remaining 300 meters

Transportation options

Depending on your budget and starting point, you have a few great ways to reach the venue. The route between Da Nang and Hoi An is highly tourist-friendly with plenty of choices.

• Private Car/Taxi: The most comfortable, air-conditioned choice for families or groups traveling from Da Nang.
• Motorbike: Perfect for solo travelers or couples wanting a scenic coastal breeze.
• Bicycle: The ideal, eco-friendly way to navigate the narrow, lantern-lit streets of Hoi An.
• Cyclo: A fun, traditional way to travel short distances within the Old Town directly to the theater.

Reaching to Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House is easy

Nearby attractions to the Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House

Once the show is over, you are perfectly positioned to explore more of the Old Town. Just a short walk away, you can visit the bustling Hoi An Central Market for some amazing local street food or to check out the tailor shops. The historic Quan Cong Temple is also nearby, offering stunning architecture and great photo ops. Of course, a simple stroll along the Thu Bon River right outside the theater doors is a must, especially when the colorful lanterns light up at night. Within a few minutes' walk, you can visit some of Vietnam's most iconic landmarks.

• Japanese Covered Bridge: The city’s most recognizable landmark, known for its historic wooden structure and lantern-lit atmosphere at night.
• Tan Ky Old House: A beautifully preserved merchant house showcasing traditional architecture and antique interiors.
• Fujian Assembly Hall: A colorful Chinese temple complex with ornate gates, statues, and peaceful courtyards.
• Hoi An Central Market: A bustling spot for street food, fresh produce, and tailor shops in a lively local setting.
• Hoi An Night Market: Perfect for evening strolls, souvenirs, and glowing lantern displays along the river.
• Tran Family Chapel: A quiet ancestral house offering insight into local family heritage and architecture.
• Museum of Sa Huynh Culture: A small museum highlighting artifacts from one of central Vietnam’s earliest civilizations.

Practical tips for visitors

To help you get the absolute most out of your visit to the Performance House, we’ve put together a quick checklist of things you should know before you go. These local tips will make your experience totally stress-free

• Tickets needed: You must buy a general ‘Hoi An Old Town ticket’ (120,000 VND for adults and kids over 15) to enter. You can find a ticket counter near the trishaws on Hoang Van Thu Street.
• Arrive early: Show up at least 15 minutes early. The air-conditioned room is a great place to escape the heat, but it’s small. Latecomers might lose their seats and have to stand.
• Grab a game card: Before heading upstairs, remember to pick up a card so you can join the traditional bingo-style game during the show.
• Drinks yes, food no: You can bring cold drinks inside, but leave the snacks outside.
• Accessibility: The theater requires climbing stairs and has no wheelchair access.
• Dress code & facilities: Wear comfortable clothes (no dress code). Toilets are available on both floors.

Remember practical tips to have a good time visiting Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Hoi An Traditional Art Performance Housse.

Is the performance presented in English?

No, the performances are not narrated in English, but this does not detract from the experience at all. The show relies on the universal languages of music, dance, emotion, and visual storytelling. The stylized movements, dramatic masks, and beautiful melodies convey the stories and cultural context powerfully without the need for words. It’s an immersive experience where feeling and observation are more important than translation.

Is the show suitable for children?

Yes, the show is absolutely suitable for children and is a fantastic family activity. There are several reasons for this: the performance is short, lasting only 30 minutes, which is perfect for younger attention spans. It is also incredibly colorful, lively, and filled with music and dance. The interactive elements, especially the bai choi game at the end, are particularly engaging for kids and create a fun, memorable experience for the whole family.

How long does the performance last?

The performance at the Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House lasts for around 30 minutes. This concise duration is by design, allowing visitors to experience a rich tapestry of Vietnamese culture without dedicating a large portion of their day. It’s a perfect "cultural snack" that fits easily into any Hoi An itinerary.

Why is the performance house important to Hoi An’s culture?

The performance house plays a critical role as a cultural guardian in Hoi An. Its primary mission is the preservation and promotion of Central Vietnam's invaluable traditional arts. In an era of rapid modernization, venues like this are vital for keeping ancient art forms like bai choi, hat boi, and regional folk music alive and relevant. It provides a platform for professional artists to sustain their craft and connects thousands of global visitors directly with local heritage, ensuring these beautiful traditions are passed on to future generations.

Remember that performances of Hoi An Traditional Art Performance will be moved to the Hoi An Cultural and Sports Center

The Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House is more than just a tourist attraction. It is a living, breathing celebration of Vietnamese culture. For an incredibly affordable price, it offers an authentic, intimate, and memorable journey into the heart and soul of Central Vietnam. Its short, engaging format makes it accessible to everyone, from families with young children to solo travelers on a tight schedule. As you plan your trip with GTrip, be sure to add this cultural gem to your Hoi An itinerary. It’s an experience that will enrich your understanding of this beautiful country and leave you with lasting memories.