If one image says “Hoi An,” it’s the Japanese Covered Bridge — Chua Cau — arching gracefully over a narrow canal in the heart of the Ancient Town. Recently given a careful, much-discussed restoration, this 400-year-old landmark is gleaming again and remains the soul of the old port city.

A 400-year-old symbol

First built in the early 17th century by the local Japanese community, the bridge has linked the town’s old quarters for centuries. Its tiled roof, weathered timber and small shrine make it one of the most photographed spots in Vietnam — and it even features on the country’s 20,000-dong note. After a roughly 19-month restoration to shore up its ageing structure, Chua Cau reopened to admirers looking better than it has in years.

Visiting the bridge

The bridge sits right in the pedestrian core of the Ancient Town, so you’ll explore it on foot. Come early morning or after dark for the best light and fewer crowds — at night the lanterns reflecting on the water are unforgettable. An Ancient Town entry ticket supports heritage preservation here.

Make a day of the Old Town

Chua Cau pairs perfectly with the rest of Hoi An’s heritage core. Wander the yellow-walled lanes, then eat your way around with our Hoi An food guide, and time your evening for the monthly Hoi An Lantern Festival. For a full plan, follow our 3-day Hoi An itinerary.

Getting there and around

The Ancient Town closes to vehicles during the day and evening, so the smart move is to ride in, park at the edge and walk to the bridge. A motorbike rental in Hoi An lets you arrive early, beat the tour groups and continue to the beach or countryside afterwards. Prefer something gentle and green? An electric scooter or bicycle from hoianit.com is ideal for the short hop into town.

FAQ

Why is the Japanese Covered Bridge famous?

Built by Hoi An’s Japanese community in the early 1600s, Chua Cau is the town’s enduring symbol and even appears on Vietnam’s 20,000-dong banknote. It was recently restored and reopened.

Do you need a ticket to see Chua Cau?

The bridge is in the Ancient Town’s ticketed heritage zone; an entry ticket helps fund preservation. You explore the area on foot, so park at the edge of the centre.

Visiting the Japanese Covered Bridge

The Japanese Covered Bridge is the most photographed spot in Hoi An, and for good reason. Built by the local Japanese community in the early 1600s, this little roofed bridge once linked the Japanese and Chinese quarters across a narrow canal. After a careful restoration, it reopened looking brighter than it has in decades.

Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge early in the morning or after sunset to photograph it without the midday crowds, and step inside to see the small temple built into the structure. It sits in the heart of the UNESCO-listed Hoi An Ancient Town, so it is easy to combine with a wider wander through the lantern-lit streets. The quickest way to arrive fresh and beat the tour groups is to rent a scooter in Hoi An and park just outside the pedestrian zone.

Entry to the bridge is included with the Hoi An Old Town ticket, which also covers several heritage houses and museums nearby. Keep the stub handy, wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestones, and give yourself a couple of hours to enjoy the area at a relaxed pace.

Japanese Covered Bridge in Hoi An at dusk — Japanese Covered Bridge

Explore Hoi An your way

Ready to explore Hoi An on your own terms? Rent a motorbike, electric scooter, electric bike or bicycle at hoianit.com — free delivery to your hotel and 24/7 support!

Part of our complete guide: Motorbike Rental in Hoi An — The Complete 2026 Guide.