Wheelchair-Friendly Adventures in Hoi An, Vietnam !

Tan Ky Old House

Why Visit?

Embark on a delightful wheelchair-friendly journey through the historic charm of Hoi An, Vietnam, with a special visit to the Tan Ky Old House, a splendid example of 18th-century merchant housing. This well-preserved residence provides insight into the architectural fusion of Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese influences, making it a cultural tapestry for history enthusiasts.

Starting Your Day

Begin your morning with a leisurely breakfast at one of Hoi An’s accessible cafes, such as the Reaching Out Tea House, which is not only wheelchair-accessible but also run by differently-abled individuals. Enjoy a cup of Vietnamese coffee paired with a local treat.

Visit to Tan Ky Old House

Located in the heart of Hoi An’s Old Town, Tan Ky Old House is accessible via the flat streets, which are closed to car traffic during the day, making it a peaceful and safe route for wheelchairs and scooters. As you enter, you’ll be greeted by architecture that has stood the test of time, featuring intricately carved wooden beams and a courtyard that allows natural light to embellish its antiques and bonsai collection.

Interesting Fact: The house is still occupied by the descendants of the original builders, adding a living history component to your visit. The ground floor, including the beautiful courtyard, is accessible, and detailed descriptions in English provide context to what you"re seeing.

Lunch and More

Post visit, roll down to the nearby Hoi An Market, an accessible spot bustling with vendors selling colorful handicrafts, textiles, and spices. For lunch, grab a table at Miss Ly Cafeteria, known for its wheelchair-friendly entrance and delicious local dishes.

Wrapping Up

As your day winds down, consider a sunset view by the Thu Bon River, where the pathways are smooth for easy riding and the views are unobstructed, perfect for reflecting on a day well spent amidst Hoi An’s timeless beauty.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Hoi An Handicraft Workshop

Why Visit?

Discover the enchanting town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved Ancient Town and vibrant handicraft scene. This wheelchair-friendly itinerary is designed specifically for mobility scooter users, ensuring a smooth and enriching experience through Hoi An’s cultural heart.

### Morning: Arrival and Exploration

Start your day at the Hoi An Handicraft Workshop located at 9 Bach Dang Street. Arriving is convenient as the town is compact and most hotels are accommodating with transport services. If self-driving, the town offers several accessible parking spots near the central market area. From there, smooth sidewalks are suitable for wheelchairs and scooters.

### Midday: Handicraft Workshop Experience

Upon entering the Hoi An Handicraft Workshop, you"ll find it"s fully accessible, with ramps and wide doorways. This heritage house turned workshop is a hub of artisanal activity from 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM daily. Witness the art of silk weaving, lantern making, and traditional embroidery. Engage with local artisans, who often share stories behind their crafts - a great chance to delve into Vietnam’s rich cultural tapestry.

### Afternoon: Lantern Making Workshop

Join a lantern-making session, specially adapted for those with limited mobility. The workshop offers table-height accessible setups, ensuring comfort and convenience for all participants. Creating your own lantern is not only a therapeutic experience but also lets you bring home a piece of Hoi An’s iconic culture.

### Evening: Riverside Wander

Cap your day with a leisurely stroll along the wheelchair-friendly riverside pathway. The views around sunset are spectacular, reflecting the quaint architecture of Hoi An in the calm waters. Local cafes along the riverbank offer accessible entrances and views, perfect for a relaxing evening.

Remember, Hoi An’s charm lies in its slow pace and friendly locals, making it an ideal destination for a leisurely yet culturally rich exploration tailored to those on wheels.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Thanh Ha Terracotta Park

Why Visit?

Discovering Thanh Ha Terracotta Park: A Wheelchair-Friendly Guide

Morning Arrival

Begin your exploration of the Thanh Ha Terracotta Park by arriving in the beautiful city of Hoi An. For wheelchair users, the most convenient entry is through the accessible main entrance on Nguyen Tat Thanh Street. There are designated parking areas for vehicles, including those with disability access.

Exploring the Park

Once inside, follow the smooth, flat paths leading towards the park"s main sections. Thanh Ha Terracotta Park, known for its artistic charm, features sculptures and installations all crafted from the local red clay. The park is highly accessible, with ramps and paved pathways ensuring smooth navigation for wheelchairs and mobility scooters throughout.

As you journey through the park, take in the captivating exhibit of the Terracotta Museum. This museum showcases intricate terracotta creations and provides insight into the rich history of pottery in the region. The layout is spacious, with wide aisles and elevators to ensure everyone can explore each corner.

Interactive Workshops

Participate in a hands-on pottery workshop designed to be inclusive for visitors with mobility needs. Stationed tables and supportive staff help everyone get involved, regardless of mobility levels. Create your own terracotta souvenir to take home—a memorable emblem of your visit.

Lunch Break

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at the park’s café. The dining area is equipped with accessible tables and a stunning view of the surrounding sculptures, making it the perfect spot to relax and refuel.

Afternoon Stroll

Conclude your visit with a gentle stroll around the outdoor sculpture garden. The garden paths are wheelchair friendly, allowing you to admire the larger-than-life terracotta artworks set against the backdrop of Hoi An"s lush landscapes.

Departure

As the day winds down, head back to the accessible parking area, reflecting on a day well spent amidst the art and history of Thanh Ha Terracotta Park.

Interesting Fact

Thanh Ha Terracotta Park is not just a haven for art lovers but also a testament to Vietnam’s ancient pottery crafts, which have thrived in Thanh Ha Village for over 500 years.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Tra Que Vegetable Village

Why Visit?

Wheelchair-Friendly Day Tour to Tra Que Vegetable Village

Morning: Departure & Arrival

Begin your adventure to Tra Plus Vegetable Village from Hoi An. Opt for a wheelchair-accessible taxi or van, available for hire in the city center, which provides a convenient and comfortable 20-minute ride to the village. Upon arrival, you"ll be greeted by the lush fields and the fresh scent of herbs, a sensory delight.

Mid-Morning: Guided Tour

Join a guided tour specifically tailored for mobility aid users. The pathways around the village are mostly flat and made of compacted earth, making it easier for wheelchairs and scooters to navigate. As you explore, learn about the eco-friendly practices that the local farmers employ to cultivate their crops without the use of pesticides. The farmers here use seaweed harvested from the nearby river as natural fertilizer.

Lunch: Culinary Delights

Refresh yourself with a meal at a nearby farm restaurant, which features ramps and accessible seating areas. Savor traditional Vietnamese dishes that spotlight fresh ingredients directly from the gardens you just toured. Don’t miss the chance to taste the village’s renowned herbal tea, refreshing and believed to have health-boosting properties.

Afternoon: Participatory Activities

Post-lunch, engage in accessible gardening activities. The village offers specially adapted tools and raised planting beds, allowing everyone to participate in planting or harvesting. It’s a hands-on way to truly connect with the local agriculture and practices.

Late Afternoon: Return to Hoi An

Wrap up your visit by late afternoon and head back to Hoi An. The return journey to your hotel or a designated drop-off point in the city is again made comfortable with the accessible transport you arranged.

This tour not only brings you closer to Vietnam’s rural charm but also does so in a manner that is thoughtful and inclusive, ensuring a delightful experience for all.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Hoi An Museum (Bao Tang Hoi An)

Why Visit?

Experience the charm of Hoi An with a specially curated, wheelchair-friendly tour of the Hoi An Museum (Bao Tang Hoi An), nestled in the heart of the enchanting ancient town. Begin your journey with ease as you opt for an accessible taxi service available from Da Nang International Airport or any local hotel. These services ensure a comfortable ride with ramps and ample space for wheelchairs.

Upon arrival at the museum, located at 10B Tran Hung Dao Street, you"ll find smooth, flat pathways leading to the entrance, making access hassle-free. The museum itself is fully equipped to welcome visitors with mobility challenges, featuring wide doors, elevators, and spacious exhibits.

Start your tour by exploring the museum"s captivating displays spread over several floors, each dedicated to the rich history and culture of Hoi An. The ground floor introduces you to the city"s vibrant trading history with meticulously preserved artifacts that tell tales of a bustling port dating back to the 15th century.

As you proceed to the upper floors, accessible via an elevator, immerse yourself in the exhibitions that showcase traditional Vietnamese costumes and textiles, along with intricate ceramics and crafts that reflect the indigenous culture and the influence of foreign traders from Japan, China, and Europe.

Don"t miss the interactive displays, where you can touch and feel replicas of historical items, making the experience more engaging for those with visual impairments. Each exhibit is also equipped with information in Braille, ensuring everyone can enjoy the rich heritage of Hoi An.

Conclude your visit at the museum"s quaint café. It offers a serene garden view where you can sip on a cup of traditional Vietnamese coffee while reflecting on the historical journey you"ve just embarked on. The café, like the rest of the museum, is designed to be wheelchair-friendly with accessible tables and restrooms.

This visit to the Hoi An Museum not only offers a deep dive into the city’s storied past but also ensures a comfortable and enriching experience for visitors with mobility needs.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.