Overview
Built in 1593 by the Japanese merchant community in Hoi An to connect the Japanese and Chinese quarters, the Japanese Covered Bridge (Chua Cau) is an 18 m wooden bridge with a tiled roof — the single most iconic landmark of Hoi An's Ancient Town. In 1719, Nguyen Lord inscribed it with the name 'Lai Vien Kieu' ('Bridge of Friends from Afar'), and a small shrine in its center honors a northern Vietnamese deity. At each end stand stone monkey and dog statues from 1604, reflecting Japanese mythological traditions. The bridge appears on the back of Vietnam's VND 20,000 banknote, underscoring its symbolic status. Entry covered by the Hoi An sightseeing ticket (VND 120,000). Heart of the Ancient Town.
Travel Tips
Crossing the bridge itself requires the Hoi An ticket, but photographing it from outside is free. Sunset/blue hour just after the lanterns light up (18:30-19:30) is the most magical time.
Affiliate link — RoadMento may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
🇰🇷 Tips for Korean Travelers
Practical info for Korean travelers heading to Hoi An, Vietnam from Seoul (ICN).
Korean Passport · Visa
Check visa rules for Vietnam on the Korean MOFA travel advisory site before flying — visa-free, visa-on-arrival or e-visa rules change often. Keep at least 6 months of passport validity.
Flight from Incheon (ICN)
Compare direct and connecting flights from Incheon (ICN) to Hoi An on Skyscanner or Google Flights. Early-morning departures from Korea are usually the cheapest option.
KRW ↔ Local Currency
Check the live FX widget above for the latest KRW rate. Korean travel cards like Travel Wallet, Hana EZ and Toss FX offer free local ATM withdrawals and competitive rates.
Korean Community · Korean Food
Many cities have an active Korean community in Hoi An with Korean restaurants, mini-marts, and Korean-speaking guides. Search Naver Cafe or KakaoTalk open chats for "Hoi An 한인" before you go.
Attractions near Japanese Covered Bridge (Chua Cau)
Tap a pin on the map to jump to that attraction.
Things to Do in Hoi An
Hoi An Lantern Making
Learn the art of traditional lantern-making from Hoi An artisans. Cover a bamboo frame with silk to create your own lantern and take it home as a souvenir.
Basket Boat Experience
Ride traditional bamboo basket boats (thung chai) in Cam Thanh village. Paddle through palm-lined waterways and watch local fishermen demonstrate net casting.
Hoi An Cooking Class
Shop at a local market for fresh ingredients, then learn to cook Vietnamese dishes like banh mi, cao lau, and spring rolls under a chef guidance. Includes market tour, cooking, and lunch.