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The World Heritage Site of Hoi An is intended to be entirely pedestrianised, an official has announced.

Hoi An has attracted more tourists following pedestrianisation 

Le Van Giang, Chairman of Hoi An City People’s Committee, said that the old town was trying to preserve its tranquility, and was mitigating potential threats to it’s widely recognised status as a peaceful holiday get-away.

“Due attention should be paid to every daily activity in order to prevent the town’s architecture being damaged, especially the areas around the Japanese Bridge, which is the symbol of Hoi An,” Giang emphasised.

As part of these efforts, the city’s government has decided to ban vehicles from entering the town at certain times beginning from February 2.

During the day, all motorised vehicles, including electric bikes will not be allowed to enter the old town from 8-11am and from 2-4pm, six days a week.

These vehicles are also banned in the town from 4:30-9pm for seven days per week.

Since the town has been pedestrianised, it has attracted more and more tourists, including foreigners.

In 2011, Hoi An welcomed 1.52 million tourists. The town, together with Hanoi, was among Asia’s top tourist destinations during the year.

The United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) is carrying out a project to develop Hoi An into Vietnam's first eco-town.

"The project will help the city carry out green economic activities in small- and-medium-sized enterprises and will focus on energy saving and environmental aspects of tourism and craft industries," said UNIDO Vienam official Le Thi Thanh Thao.