This little town named 'Hai Pho' to the Chinese and 'Faifo' to the French and Spanish was a significant Southeast Asian trading port during the 16th to 19th century where foreign merchants came to trade goods. Some of these merchants had settled down, leaving behind impressive multicultural architectures and a rich genealogical legacy.
Fortunately, the town was spared much of the destruction of the Vietnam wars (French and American). In 1954, it was renamed Hoi An, meaning 'Peaceful meeting Place'. Today, it is a top tourist destination although it does not have an airport nor a railway station. But a scenic journey on smooth road (30km) from Danang city is enjoyable and memorable!
The heart of the city is the the Old Town which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site on 4th December, 1999 for its exceptionally well-restored historical structures. The old town is pedestrian friendly whereby its Walking Streets - Tran Phu, Nguyen Thai Hoc and Bach Dang are completely closed to cars, although not for motorbikes (except during Lantern Festival days). Bicycles and cyclos are allowed to enter.
Take a step back in time with a leisure walk in the maze of the enchanting Old Town. Visit heritage sites (entrance tickets apply) to discover its fascinating history and culture, or simply soak up a distinctively 'old world' ambiance that has remained remarkably unchanged throughout the many centuries right into modern times.
Renowned as 'A City of Tailors' where any attire of your choice can be custom made within hours! There are more than 400 tailor shops in this little city of Hoi An! How to choose from among the hundreds of tailors? Some tourists even purposely come here to have an entire new wardrobe of quality clothes and shipped them home!
Besides tailored clothes, you can get a funky pair of custom made shoes too!
Or irresistible lovely handmade souvernirs of originality and cuteness.
Or handcrafted lanterns of any shapes, sizes and colours! Lantern making is the most traditional arts of Hoi An. They said everyone in Hoi An knows how to make a lantern!
No wonder Hoi An is also known as 'Lantern Town'. The streets' delightful lanterns dancing gently in the breeze will mesmerize some tourists rushing to buy a lantern!
Walking towards south is Bach Dang street that runs parallel along the bank of Thu Bon River (or Hoai river) where tourist boats await to take tourists cruising down the river.
While a Ferry Boat ferry people, tourists, motorbikes, bicycles, goods across the Thu Bon River to and from Cam Kim Island, a scenic countryside famous for wood carving.
We crossed An Hoi Bridge over Thu Bon River to An Hoi Islet, a little islet raised by the silts of Thu Bon River. Many fancy restaurants and pubs are located there.
Hoi An's iconic ancient 'mustard yellow houses' along the bank of Thu Bon River, viewed from An Hoi Islet riverfront; the kind of scenery featured on picture postcards!
Stolen moments of peace and tranquility in Hoi An where time stood still.
So peaceful that even the chicken come out to play!
And tourists happily dine the night away!
After dinner, we walked back to the Old Town. Nightly from 7pm, folk songs and dances attract people's attention to the intersection of Nguyen Thai Hoc and Bach Dang Streets where 'Bai Choi' is played. Bai Choi or Bingo-in-huts is a Vietnamese version of musical Bingo. It was believed to have originated 400 years ago and was nearly forgotten until it was revived by Hoi An Culture and Sports Center as their national cultural identity.
Hoi An, a charming ancient legacy, a Look into the past,
See it before it's GONE!!
NOTE:
1. Some love the ancient city, others called it disneyland or labeled it as a 'tourist trap'.
2. Boating along Hoai River is a thing to do in Hoi An. However, bargaining on the price with the boat people maybe stressful. (some boat people may be aggressive) Take note if the price is per boat or per head, in VND or USD, for half an hour or one hour! If the deal gone sour, just walk away. Come back another time because the unhappy boat lady will 'inform' all other boat people to quote the same price that she has given you.
3. Dress decently when visiting the temples and homes. No below knees attire nor sleeveless top for both men and women. Ladies should not be in their period.
4. If you are lucky to be there on the 14th day of a lunar month......
Since 1998, every 14th day of each lunar month was declared a 'Lantern Festival' that added a warm glow to the Old Town. All electrical appliances/lights are switch off and all kinds of paper/silk/cloth lanterns are hang out instead. Locals dressed in traditional costumes and performances are throughout the town to celebrate this legendary night.
5. Accept a country's culture. Don't complain.
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