The normal fee to enter the quarters is VND80,000 (US$3.44) per Vietnamese and VND120,000 (US$5.17) per foreigner. 

In 2017, the city welcomed over 3.2 million arrivals, more than half of them foreigners. 

This year, it aims to serve 3.5 million tourists for a total revenue of more than VND240 billion, and over 80% of the sum will be used to preserve the area.

For many, Hoi An is not just a collection of 16th century houses for which the former port city has been recognised by UNESCO as a world heritage site.

A cuisine native to the ancient city, influenced by many different cultures from Japan, China and Portugal, is a major part of its attraction too.

CNN recently listed Hoi An as one of the 16 best places in the world to relax in, while it was ranked second in a list of the safest and most exciting places for solo travellers by UK travel site Momondo.