The City-level Administration of Hoi An to Cease After 18 Years, Merging into Da Nang

As part of a national policy to streamline administrative structures for greater efficiency, the Hoi An city-level government will officially cease operations by the end of June. Along with several other localities in Quang Nam Province, the ancient town of Hoi An will come under the management of Da Nang City's administrative system.

Local authorities in Hoi An are currently finalizing paperwork and procedures for this historic administrative merger – one of the most significant structural reforms in decades.

The Final Days of Hoi An’s City-Level Government

Formerly a small port town known as Hoi An, this ancient city boasts over 400 years of architectural heritage. Initially managed through a tiered system of communes, town-level government, and the provincial authority, Hoi An was officially elevated to city status in 2008.

Certificate of Commendation for Contributions to Hoi An City

As of June 2025, the city encompasses over 64 square kilometers and is home to more than 100,000 residents. Rich with cultural and historical relics, Hoi An has grown into a globally recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site, drawing an average of 4 million visitors annually.

Under the government's restructuring plan, the Hoi An city administration will be dissolved. The area will be divided into three wards and one commune, which will be incorporated into Da Nang’s administrative system — ending an 18-year era.

Visit Indochina: A Company That Grew Alongside the City of Hoi An

During these 18 years of Hoi An’s municipal government, Visit Indochina has thrived for 13 of them, growing into a key player in heritage tourism.

Mr. Nguyễn Sơn Thủy, founder of Visit Indochina, is a native of Hoi An and formerly worked for a state-owned enterprise. Motivated by Hoi An’s 1999 UNESCO designation and the city’s tourism boom, he left his position to pursue a career in tourism.

Handwritten letter of commendation received by Mr. Nguyễn Sơn Thủy from the local Vice Chairman

In 2013, he founded Visit Indochina with the goal of promoting Hoi An globally and welcoming international tourists to experience its charm. The company grew rapidly, focusing on inbound travel. Its success was supported by the influence of Hoi An and consistent backing from city authorities across multiple administrations.

“Although the Hoi An city government is ending, the heritage will continue. We’re honored to have contributed to preserving this legacy and deeply appreciate the support we’ve received. As we say goodbye to the city-level administration, we look forward to new opportunities ahead,” Mr. Thủy shared.

Visit Indochina Director Receives Official Commendation On June 20, the Hoi An City People’s Committee held its final tourism community recognition ceremony. It honored individuals and organizations for their contributions to tourism in 2024. During the event, Mr. Nguyễn Văn Sơn, Chairman of the Hoi An City People’s Committee, awarded Mr. Nguyễn Sơn Thủy – Director of Visit Indochina, member of the city’s Tourism Advisory Board, and Vice President of the Quang Nam Tourism Association – for his outstanding contributions to Hoi An's tourism industry.