Hội An preserves UNESCO world heritage status through community engagement and sustainable heritage management

At a recent review of Hội An’s heritage preservation plan (2012–2025), Trần Đình Thành from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism highlighted the town as Vietnam’s only community-driven heritage site, where locals actively participate in restoration and cultural promotion.

The Old Quarter, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, has been fully restored within both the core and surrounding zones, meeting the strict criteria for world heritage management. “Hội An is a rare urban area in Vietnam where heritage preservation has retained its architectural integrity,” Thành said. Buffer zones have been designed to support tourism and crafts, while a green belt and heritage protection areas ensure sustainable community-based services.

International expertise and historical legacy

Former Party Secretary of Hội An, Nguyễn Sự, acknowledged the critical role of international experts, particularly Polish archaeologist Kazimierz Kwiatkowski (1944–1997), in establishing Hội An’s world heritage status alongside sites like Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary and the Complex of Huế Monuments. Sự emphasized that the Old Quarter and surrounding craft villages have long been naturally and culturally preserved in harmony with local livelihoods.

Long-term vision and sustainable tourism

Nguyễn Thị Anh Thi, Vice Chairwoman of Đà Nẵng City’s People’s Committee, stressed the need for a long-term strategy to address challenges from climate change, natural disasters, and overtourism. The town aims to continue restoration and eco-tourism development, ensuring sustainable preservation.

Hội An has received VNĐ300 billion (US$12 million) for 75 projects, covering 25 heritage sites including historic houses and pagodas. The town welcomed 17.38 million visitors, including 14 million international tourists, generating VNĐ1.9 trillion ($76 million) in revenue. Notably, Chùa Cầu (Japanese Covered Bridge) was restored in 2023–24 through collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

UNESCO recognition and guidance

Jonathan Wallace Baker, UNESCO Representative in Vietnam, praised the town’s community-led conservation. “Hội An exemplifies a living heritage where communities inhabit and transmit traditions within the historic urban fabric,” he said. Baker highlighted the importance of integrating the Old Quarter with its wider cultural landscape, including the Thu Bồn River system, craft villages, and natural surroundings, as the town joins the Đà Nẵng metropolitan framework.

UNESCO supports the review of Hội An’s zoning and management plan (2025–2035), recommending adherence to international frameworks such as the 2011 Historic Urban Landscape Recommendation, the 2015 Policy on World Heritage and Sustainable Development, and the MONDIACULT 2022–2025 and Naples 2024 Declarations, emphasizing community stewardship, sustainable development, and heritage integrity.

Cultural richness and global accolades

Hội An has 1,439 relics and old houses, 80% of which belong to the Old Quarter, built 100–200 years ago. Eight traditional festivals and craft practices have been recognized nationally, including the Mid-Autumn Full Moon Festival, Nguyên Tiêu Festival, Thanh Châu bird’s nest, Thanh Hà Pottery Village, Kim Bồng carpentry, and Trà Quế vegetable gardens.

Recent accolades include Trà Quế village being named one of the Best Tourism Villages 2024 by the UN World Tourism Organization and Cẩm Thanh village listed among the 50 most beautiful villages globally in 2025 by Forbes. Hội An joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the Crafts and Folk Art category in 2023.

Hội An, alongside Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary and the Chàm Islands-Hội An World Biosphere Reserve, forms part of the expanded cultural and natural heritage assets managed under the Đà Nẵng–Quảng Nam merger, ensuring its long-term preservation and sustainable development.