In 1999 the old town was declared a World Heritage
Site by UNESCO as a well-preserved example of a Southeast
Asian trading port of the 15th to 19th centuries, with buildings
that display a blend of local and foreign influences
Two great things about Hoi An’s Old Town are it is small
enough to get around in on foot and the traffic here is not as
heavy as in bigger cities
Hoi An Ancient town is located in Viet Nam’s central Quang
Nam Province, on the north bank near the mouth of the Thu Bon
River. The inscribed property comprises 30 ha and it has a
buffer zone of 280 ha. It is an exceptionally well-preserved
example of a small-scale trading port active the 15th to 19th
centuries which traded widely, both with the countries of
Southeast and East Asia and with the rest of the world.
The town reflects a fusion of indigenous and foreign cultures
(principally Chinese and Japanese with later European
influences) that combined to produce this unique survival.
The town comprises a well-preserved complex of 1,107 timber
frame buildings, with brick or wooden walls.
The living heritage reflecting the diverse communities of the
indigenous inhabitants of the town, as well as foreigners, has
also been preserved and continues to be passed on. Hoi An
Ancient Town remains an exceptionally well-preserved example
of a Far Eastern port.
Things To Do And See In Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An has become a favorite destination for visitors to
Vietnam in recent years, and with good reason. The ancient city
is packed with sights to see, wonderful food, colorful
architecture and surrounded by gorgeous countryside. Here are
things to see and do in Hoi An.
Go for a stroll to the Lantern Market: Hoi An really
comes alive at night, and an Hoi An must see is the
spectacular Lantern Market. Every evening, the 300-meter-
long Nguyen Hoang Street is transformed into a sea of color,
as vendors set up stalls selling everything from handmade
jewelry and clothes to delicious snacks.
The whole thing is topped off- and takes its name from- the
hundreds of different colored lanterns that decorate the street
and illuminate the stalls. If you’re looking for an authentic
Hoi An experience, then the Lantern Market is not to be
missed!
See the Japanese Bridge:
This is a Hoi An must do. While Hoi An has a rich heritage,
it’s also not ashamed of its links with other cultures. Way back
in the 1590s, the Japanese community here wanted to create
better links with the Chinese quarters of town. They decided
the best way to do that was to build a bridge that would cross
the river, and bring the two sides together.
The charming covered bridge has been remarkably well
preserved over the centuries, is one of Hoi An top attractions,
and is somewhat of an emblem for the city’s sense of
inclusiveness. Be warned, though- the bridge is due to be
renovated in the near future, so catch it while you can!
You can join a half-day guided walking tour through Hoi An’s
ancient town, or explore it at night when it becomes even
more magical.
Releasing the flower garlands: You can soak up the
decorations for the party light on the river sides. A noteworthy
experience that many tourists love is releasing flower garland
on the Hoai River. Travelers will be small drop lights twinkling
down the river by themselves with hope the lights will bring
good luck to the family and loved ones
Going to Hoi An on the full moon If travel to Hoi An on the
day of the full moon festival (14th of the lunar calendar), you
are really a lucky man. On this day, Hoi An ancient town turn
out the lights and hanging glowing lanterns, drop flower
garlands on the river. It really is a fantastic space for those
loving peaceful beauty of Hoi An ancient town. Apart from the
full moon day, you can get to Hoi An on special days such as
Thien Hau ceremony, Vu Lan ceremony, Mid- Autumn, Lantern
Festival … to be immersed in the unique culture in the land.
Although Hoi An ancient town is small, we need a lot of time to
discover.
Try local foods
Cao lau is Hoi An’s definitive dish, comprising chewy udon-like rice noodles, Chinese barbecued pork
slices, beansprouts, croutons, and fresh herbs in a pork-base gravy
Chicken rice
