Hoi An is a small town in central Vietnam, it belongs to Quang Nam province. Nestled by Thu Bon river, the little postcard-setting Hoi An is perhaps the most beautiful old town in Vietnam. Not as majestic as Hue or flamboyant as Cho Lon in Saigon, Hoi An with its gentle grace is a big surprise to any jaded mind. Its quiet lanes lighted with lanterns, sleeping old houses and atmospheric riverfront restaurants, all echo with history and charm.
Hoi An is the first place to record economic and cultural exchange of Vietnam with the outside world. Its architecture features a perfect blend of Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese styles. Even westerners will find something familiar while wandering around its historical streets that Marco polo once passed.
Despite increasing number of visitors, Hoi An remains a “lost in the time” peaceful old town with magical beauty that has survived through all ravages of wars and time.
Once upon a time the town was famous as Faifoo, a trading port for business people from Japan, China… since 16th century. Hoi An was then very prosperous, a trading hub in South East Asia, the main harbour for trading boats from the Far East.
Today the harbour is no longer existing, however the city architecture remains, the ancient streets are almost intact, the tube houses connect the streets, a street is right on the front of Hoai river, the houses in this streets were made from precious wood, inside the houses pairs of vermilion lacquered and gilded wood panels and horizontal lacquered board are placed…Hoi An is really a live museum, it was recognized by Unesco as a World Culture Heritage.
Besides cultural values with diversified architecture, Hoi An embraces a big intangible cultural treasure, people’s daily life with customs, traditions, religious activities, folk arts, cultural festivals, traditional villages, local specialities are preserved and upheld…all are making Hoi An an attractive destination for tourists.
Apart from major attractions in the old town, Hoi An Central Market is also a must see. It makes a very good example of Asian markets with endless chains of stalls selling all kinds of fruits, vegetables, seafood, herbs and spices as well as clothes and souvenirs. Bargaining is common and generally, you may drive from half of the asked prices. There are also some good silk-tailoring shops on the east end. You may expect the same quality as major shops on Le Loi Street, but with lower cost. Even if you have no intention for shopping there, it is well worth a visit to learn about local life and to catch some nice photographs. Another fantastic market is morning fish market right on the river dock, but only for those who can afford to get up early around 6.am and 7.am.
The surrounding areas of Hoi An also have a lot to offer, including Cua Dai Beach, Cham Island, Tra Que Vegetable Village and My Son Holyland.
Source: http://lotussiatravel.biz/destination/vietnam/hoian-vietnam/hoi-an-vietnam/
Comments