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What To Do In Hoi An ? Spend An Evening At Hoi An Memories Show

On your trip to Hoi An, are you searching for that one experience you’ll never forget ? The Hoi An Memories Show is exactly that. Far from an ordinary stage performance, it’s a breathtaking open-air spectacle where history comes alive - 400 years of culture told through music, lights, and the passion of hundreds of performers. Under the starlit sky of the Hoi An Memories Theater, you’ll witness everything from simple village life to magnificent royal weddings. So, what to do in Hoi An at night ? This is the highlight you’ve been looking for. Often praised as a must-see in Hoi An, the show leaves travelers in awe. And if you’d rather skip the hassle, Autour Asia is there to handle the details - leaving you free to simply take in the magic.

I. General information about Hoi An Memories Show

1. What is Hoi An Memories Show ?

So, what exactly is the Hoi An Memories Show ? It’s Vietnam’s most spectacular outdoor visual art performance, staged on a vast 25,000 m² island theater along the Thu Bon River. With more than 500 performers, dazzling lights, and incredible stage design, this isn’t your typical cultural show. Imagine sitting under the stars as history comes alive : village life, grand royal weddings, bustling merchants from distant lands… each scene flows seamlessly into the next through music and breathtaking choreography.

First premiered in 2018, the show has quickly become a cultural icon. Why ? Because it’s not just entertainment, it’s a journey through 400 years of Hoi An’s history, compressed into just over an hour of pure artistry and emotion. Among all the activities in Hoi An, this is the one travelers call unforgettable - part history, part art, and truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

2. Tickets and Schedule

If you’re planning a trip to Hoi An, knowing how the Hoi An Memories Show works in terms of tickets, time, and seating is essential. Honestly, this is one of the most practical things to do in Hoi An at night – but only if you plan it well !

• Venue : Hoi An Impression Theme Park (200 Nguyen Tri Phuong, Cam Nam)

• Schedule : 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM (No show on Tuesdays)

• Ticket includes : Access to the theme park and all mini-shows from 5:00 PM

• Contact : 1900 63 66 00 – 0904 636 600

• Ticket Prices (VND & USD) :

Children under 1m : Free entry with an adult.

Still wondering where to sit at the Hoi An Memories Show ? Here’s a quick breakdown :

• ECO seats (approx. 2,088 seats) : located closest to the stage with bright green and yellow chairs. These seats are affordable yet give you the most energetic, up-close view of the performers.

• HIGH seats (approx. 764 red chairs) : placed a little higher, offering a wider angle of the stage. Ideal for those who love panoramic views and want to take in the full grandeur of the performance.

• VIP seats (only about 136 seats) : the most exclusive option with spacious seating and canopies for extra comfort. From here, you’ll enjoy the best overall view in a quieter, more private setting.

Each section has its charm. No matter where you sit, you’re in for one of the most impressive visual activities in Hoi An.

II. What to see at Hoi An Memories Show

1. Part 1 : The Life

The first chapter of the Hoi An Memories Show begins quietly - a loom, a girl weaving, and the soft glow of light tracing her movements. Then suddenly, the stage bursts alive : over a hundred women in flowing white ao dai walk gracefully across, like a living painting. It’s impossible not to feel moved.

The Life isn’t just about daily chores, it’s about the roots of Hoi An itself. You see men building houses from bamboo, fishermen casting nets, families welcoming new life into the world. Each scene feels tender and powerful at the same time. The joy in their faces reminds you that labor was more than survival - it was pride, tradition, and hope. For many travelers, this opening act alone makes the show a must-see in Hoi An… and it’s only the beginning.

2. Part 2 : The Wedding

From the simplicity of daily life, the Hoi An Memories Show moves into one of the grandest scenes - The Wedding. Based on real history, it recreates the marriage between Princess Huyen Tran of Dai Viet and King Che Man of Champa in 1306, a union that changed the destiny of both kingdoms. The stage transforms into a dazzling royal celebration : Cham soldiers in ornate costumes, dancers swirling with joy, and the king making his entrance on a majestic elephant.

On the other side, the princess appears in a palanquin, her elegant gown shimmering under the lights. The moment she bows to leave her homeland is both powerful and heartbreaking – a young woman giving up her personal happiness for peace and prosperity. As the couple disappears together, the river glows with celebration. For anyone on a trip to Hoi An, this act reveals why the show is so unforgettable: it’s history told through art, and emotion woven into every movement.

3. Part 3 : The Ships and the Sea

The sound of crashing waves fills the stage, and suddenly you’re standing on the docks of centuries past. Ships rise and fall against the tide, while young men from Hoi An set sail with fearless hearts, chasing new horizons. Their courage is striking - yet behind their bravery stands the quiet strength of the women, waiting with lanterns glowing, guiding them back home. The Hoi An Memories Show captures this bond so vividly that it almost feels real.

It’s in this moment that visitors realize : history here isn’t only about trade and prosperity, but also about love, sacrifice, and resilience. Wondering what to do in Hoi An beyond the lantern-lit streets ? This performance is an answer. A truly unforgettable moment - the sea, the ships, and the unbreakable spirit of the people brought vividly to life.

4. Part 4 : The Shore

As the loom of memory shines again, the stage opens into a vast shoreline where ships from every corner of the world once anchored. Traders from China, Japan, Portugal, and beyond appear, their goods and traditions blending with local life. The scene is vibrant, full of color, rhythm, and the hum of exchange. Watching it, you understand how Hoi An became more than a town : it was a meeting point of civilizations.

Then the music softens, and women in elegant ao dai step forward, playing the dan bau. Their graceful movements seem to honor the golden age of this bustling harbor, when prosperity flowed in with every tide. Among all the things to do in Hoi An, few moments feel as grand as this - a cultural mosaic brought to life on stage. The Hoi An Memories Show turns history into emotion, reminding us that diversity is the heart of this town’s identity.

5. Part 5 : The Ao Dai

The finale of the Hoi An Memories Show is as graceful as it is emotional, a celebration of Vietnam’s most iconic symbol, the Ao Dai. Under soft lights, hundreds of women appear, their long dresses flowing like waves across the stage. It feels poetic, almost timeless, as if Hoi An’s spirit has been woven into fabric itself. Anyone on a trip to Hoi An can’t help but be touched by this moment - beauty expressed through simplicity, tradition, and elegance.

But the scene is more than fashion. The Ao Dai becomes a living metaphor for resilience : bicycles roll across the stage, houses rise one after another, the seasons change with music - spring, summer, autumn, winter - showing that life keeps moving forward, yet traditions remain. No wonder travelers call this finale a must-see in Hoi An. It’s a farewell, a reminder, and a promise all at once.

III. Practical tips for your trip to Hoi An Memories Show

• Book in advance : Tickets for the Hoi An Memories Show often sell out fast. Booking online not only guarantees better seats but also saves time – a smart move for anyone planning a trip to Hoi An.

• Arrive early : Get there around 5:00 PM to explore the Hoi An Impression Theme Park, catch the mini shows, and take photos before the performance. Trust me, this is one of those extra activities in Hoi An you don’t want to miss.

• Choose your seat wisely : ECO is lively and close to the stage, HIGH offers a panoramic view, and VIP is private and comfortable. Picking the right spot can make this cultural gem feel like the ultimate must-see in Hoi An.

• Getting there : Walking from the Old Town is easy (about 15 minutes). You can also cycle, grab a taxi, or even hop on a boat from Bach Dang pier – an unforgettable way to add more charm to your list of things to do in Hoi An.

• Practical reminders : Dress comfortably, bring a light jacket if it’s cool, and eat beforehand since food inside is expensive. No flash photography is allowed ! So switch off your flash, relax, and let yourself be immersed in one of the most memorable experiences in Hoi An.

Walking out of the theater, you realize the Hoi An Memories Show is more than just a performance - it’s an emotional journey that stays with you. The colors, the music, the stories… they turn history into something alive, something you can feel in your heart. And honestly, if you’re still wondering about the best things to do in Hoi An, this show answers it for you in the most spectacular way. A trip to Hoi An isn’t complete without one evening here. Lanterns, old streets, local food - they all have their charm, but this show ties it together and gives context to everything you see outside. It’s dramatic, moving, and unforgettable. Don’t just hear about it from others. Go, sit under the stars, and let Hoi An tell you her story.

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- Ready to experience the magic of the Hoi An Memories Show ? Autour Asia, your trusted Vietnam travel agency, is here to guide you with tips, tickets, and everything you need for an unforgettable night in Hoi An.
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