Hoi An’s ancient streets are famous, but the rapid rise of tourism‑driven commercialisation is changing daily life for locals. The story shows how price spikes can reshape a historic community.

Hai, a native of Hoi An, moved his family to Da Nang because strict conservation rules made simple repairs and vehicle access almost impossible. He said the daily challenges of living in a carefully conserved heritage zone left him no choice.

Hai’s 200‑sq.m ancient house on Nguyen Duy Hieu Street now rents for VND120 million a month. He also notes that among owners who hold land‑use certificates, 95 % have sold or rented out their houses.

Data presented at a recent seminar organized by the Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Hoi An World Cultural Heritage Conservation Center showed that in 2023 only about 3,000 original owners remained out of nearly 10,000 from 1990‑2000, with 40 % having moved elsewhere. A year later, in 2024, only 20‑30 % of heritage buildings were still occupied by their original owners.

Rents have hit record highs of VND100‑200 million a month, and in prime spots they exceed VND300 million. Local residents warn that the influx of commercial investors is turning traditional homes into profit‑focused businesses, breaking the town’s social fabric.

Experts such as Ngoc propose affordable‑rent schemes for state‑owned properties, a public fund to buy back old houses, and preferential leasing that keeps original residents in the ancient town. They argue that these measures could help preserve community ties while still allowing tourism to thrive. Without such policies, Hoi An risks losing the people who give the town its unique character.