Hello! Hoi An Ancient Town has become very popular, and you can easily find a lot of useful information about it online. However, as a local, I believe I have some helpful insights if you’re planning a photo session here.

DO I NEED TO BUY A TICKET TO ENTER THE ANCIENT TOWN?

Since May 15, 2023, tourists are required to purchase a ticket to enter the ancient town. Your ticket fee contributes to improving the environment and preserving the aging houses.

Ticket counters open at 7:30 AM, but if you enter the town at 7:00 AM, you won’t need to buy a ticket. This can save you a significant amount of money, especially if you are traveling with a large group.

SHOULD YOU RENT OR BUY AN AO DAI?

If your goal is to take photos in Hoi An Ancient Town, we recommend renting an Ao Dai, as it is a more cost-effective option. Rental prices start at VND 150,000. There are many stores within the town, and they are all within walking distance. You can also contact us for recommendations on reliable stores.

If you’d like to keep an Ao Dai as a souvenir from your trip to Vietnam, having one tailored to your measurements is an ideal choice. This allows you to select high-quality fabrics that suit your preferences.

WHAT COLORS SHOULD YOU CHOOSE FOR YOUR OUTFIT?

You can choose any color you like, and we will find suitable locations to match your outfit.
Navy blue is a popular choice, but if you prefer a more vibrant and striking look, we suggest yellow, pink, or pastel blue.
Dark-colored outfits, such as black, may reveal your undergarments when using flash photography, so please keep that in mind.

TAKING PHOTOS ON A BOAT

If your goal is to take photos in Hoi An Ancient Town, we recommend renting an Ao Dai, as it is a more cost-effective option. Rental prices start at VND 150,000. There are many stores within the town, and they are all within walking distance. You can also contact us for recommendations on reliable stores.

If you’d like to keep an Ao Dai as a souvenir from your trip to Vietnam, having one tailored to your measurements is an ideal choice. This allows you to select high-quality fabrics that suit your preferences.

Our nighttime boat photography sessions have become quite popular. Most visitors to Hoi An want a memorable photo on a wishing boat.

Since 2023, the boat service has been regulated by local authorities, and you must purchase a ticket. The ticket prices are:

• VND 170,000 for 1 to 3 people

• VND 220,000 for 4 to 5 people

The maximum capacity per boat is five people, including the photographer. However, for better photography conditions, we recommend a maximum of three adults per boat, or two adults and two children under five.

You may also purchase two tickets if you have a larger group, and we will take turns photographing each group. Since the best photography times are quite busy, you might have to wait 10 to 15 minutes in line.

New regulations require you to wear a life jacket while the boat is moving. However, you can remove it while taking photos as long as the boat remains close to the riverbank. These rules are in place for your safety.

For better photo effects, we recommend purchasing floating lanterns. As of 2024, the price is VND 50,000 for 10 lanterns, which is enough to illuminate your photos beautifully.

Additionally, during the shoot, you may need to adjust your position, and the boat might sway slightly.

While boat photography is stunning, it is not the only option for nighttime photos. We know many other picturesque locations where you can capture beautiful moments, so you can opt to skip the boat session if you prefer.

FEELING OVERWHELMED BY THE CROWDS?

Customers often ask if Hoi An is always this crowded.

Yes, the town is typically bustling with tourists, especially on weekends and holidays. The peak hours are around sunset.

If you feel shy about taking photos in public, be prepared that some European tourists may take photos of you in Ao Dai out of curiosity and admiration. If this makes you uncomfortable, consider scheduling your shoot in the early morning.

Crowded environments pose challenges for photography, but with our years of experience, we know hidden spots that offer beautiful backdrops with fewer people.

LIGHTS OFF ON FULL MOON NIGHTS

This is not new information, but many tourists are unaware that on the full moon day each month, the entire ancient town turns off its lights, leaving only the glow of lanterns at storefronts. This creates a magical and nostalgic atmosphere for strolling, but it may pose some challenges for photography due to the dark background.

FINALLY, DON’T OVERLOOK THE MOST IMPORTANT THING

Ensure that you and your family have enough energy for the photo session.

Many of our clients arrive at their sessions exhausted due to an overly packed travel itinerary. This is especially common for elderly family members and young children, who may become cranky and uncooperative.

If you have visited Ba Na Hills or taken a basket boat tour on the same day, we strongly recommend scheduling your photo session in the evening, starting at 7:15 PM.

Give your family time to rest and recharge so you can fully enjoy the experience and capture beautiful memories.