Hoi An Memories Show
A river of culture, a stage of time.
Hoi An Memories Show is a large-scale outdoor cultural spectacle that uses the Hoai River as its dynamic stage. The experience is defined by powerful visual moments like hundreds of performers in traditional costumes moving across the enormous set and a procession of women in glowing áo dài dresses gliding across a torch-lit bridge. It is a performance characterized by its grand scale and its ambition to bring 400 years of history to life through choreography light and sound.
The performance chronicles the history of Hoi An from a small rural village to a vibrant international trading port in the 16th and 17th centuries. This history is evident in the show's five distinct acts which depict foundational myths, a royal wedding to solidify foreign ties and the bustling maritime trade that defined the town. The culture of Hoi An is reflected in the show's focus on traditional symbols like the ao dai and lanterns.
Detailed Itinerary
🏢 Venue
The Hoi An Memories Show takes place at the Hoi An Impression Theme Park, located on Hen Islet on the Hoai River, just a short distance from the Ancient Town.
Before the Show
The show is the main event within the Hoi An Impression Theme Park, which opens in the late afternoon. Arriving 60-90 minutes before the 8:00 PM show time allows for exploration. The park features smaller street performances, food stalls and recreations of traditional architecture. This is the time to find seats, get refreshments and absorb the atmosphere before the main performance begins.
During the Performance
The show unfolds over five acts on a 25,000-square-meter stage. Act 1, "Life", depicts the beginning of Hoi An. Act 2, "Wedding", portrays the historical marriage of Princess Huyen Tran. Act 3, "Lamps and Sea", focuses on the town's connection to the sea and its lantern traditions. Act 4, "Integration", showcases the bustling trading port era. The final act, "Ao Dai", is a visual parade of the traditional Vietnamese dress.
After the Show
The performance concludes around 9:00 PM with a powerful finale involving the full cast. Exiting the venue can be crowded. The main challenge is securing transport back to the Ancient Town, as demand for taxis and ride-hailing services surges simultaneously.
Costs & Booking
🎫 Ticket prices
- Eco Seats:
- Adult: 600,000 VND ~ $24 USD
- Child: 200,000 VND ~ $8 USD
- High Seats:
- Adult:200,000 VND ~ $30 USD
- Child: 350,000 VND ~ $14 USD
- VIP Seats:
- Adult: 1,200,000 VND ~ $48 USD
- Child: 600,000 VND ~ $24 USD
Is this for you?
❤️ Who Will Love This?
- The Culture Enthusiast: For those interested in Vietnamese history and performance arts, this show offers a visually rich and large-scale interpretation of Hoi An's past.
- The Family Traveler: The show is family-friendly, non-verbal and relies on spectacle, making it accessible and engaging for all ages.
- The Photography Buff: The sheer scale, vibrant costumes and dramatic lighting provide numerous opportunities for capturing impressive wide-angle shots.
💔 Who Might Not?
- The Budget Backpacker: With tickets starting around $25 USD, this is a significant expense compared to other activities in Hoi An and may not fit a tight budget.
- The Seeker of Authentic, Small-Scale Culture: This is a modern, grand-scale production designed for tourism. Travelers looking for intimate or untouristed cultural experiences might find it too commercial.
- The Nightlife Seeker: The show concludes around 9:00 PM, and the theme park empties shortly after. It is an evening event but not a late-night one.
Tips from locals
Local tips
📸 The performance is a grand spectacle, but professional cameras are sometimes restricted. A good smartphone camera is usually sufficient and less obtrusive to other audience members. Focus on wide shots to capture the scale of the stage.
🎟️ Book tickets for HIGH or VIP seats if your budget allows. ECO seats are on the far sides of the amphitheater, and while you can still see the performance, the central seats provide a more balanced and immersive perspective of the massive stage.
🛵 The theme park is on an island. You can walk or take a taxi across the bridge from the mainland. To avoid the post-show rush, consider pre-arranging a taxi for pickup at a specific time or walking back towards the Ancient Town to find transport more easily.
Be aware
🌧️ The show is entirely outdoors and subject to weather. While performances may proceed in light drizzle, they are often canceled during heavy rain for the safety of the performers. Check the forecast and the official website on the day of your visit.
🚕 Immediately after the show ends, there is a mass exit and high demand for taxis and ride-hailing services. Prices may surge, and wait times can be long. Walking back across the bridge to the mainland before ordering a car can sometimes be faster.
🛍️ Inside the park, you may encounter staff offering to take photos with performers for a fee. Be clear about the cost beforehand if you choose to participate, as prices are not always explicitly stated.
FAQs
What time does the Hoi An Memories Show start?
The show typically starts at 8:00 PM and runs for about one hour. It's recommended to arrive by 7:00 PM to explore the theme park.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
It is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist season (March-August) or if you want better seats (High or VIP). Booking online often saves money compared to buying at the gate.
What are the best seats?
"High" seats in the central sections offer an excellent panoramic view of the entire stage. "VIP" seats are closer but may require more head-turning to see everything. "Eco" seats are the furthest back but still provide a decent view due to the stage's massive scale.
Is the show in English?
The show has very little dialogue. The story is told visually through dance, music, and lighting, making it easily understandable for an international audience without narration or subtitles.
How do I get to the Hoi An Impression Theme Park?
From Hoi An's Ancient Town, you can walk (about 20-25 minutes), take a taxi, or book a Grab. From Da Nang, a taxi or pre-booked private car is the most common option (about 45-60 minutes).
What happens if it rains?
The show is open-air. In the case of light rain, the show often proceeds, and ponchos may be provided. For heavy, persistent rain, the show might be canceled. Check the official policy with your ticket vendor, as it can vary.
Is the show suitable for children?
Yes, it is very suitable for children. The colorful costumes, large cast, and constant action are highly engaging for younger audience members.
Can I take photos and videos?
Yes, photography and videography for personal use are generally allowed. However, using a flash is strictly prohibited as it distracts the performers and other audience members.
Are food and drinks available at the venue?
Yes, there are numerous food stalls, cafes, and restaurants inside the Hoi An Impression Theme Park. You can purchase snacks, drinks, or have a full meal before the show.
Is the theme park worth visiting before the show?
Yes, arriving early to explore the park is part of the experience. It helps set the historical context for the show and features several smaller performances, photo opportunities, and dining options.
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