Hoi An
These days, Hoi An is a relaxed town of about 120,000 people, 10 per cent of whom live in the Old Quarter, which has been turned into a historical showpiece for tourists. Many of the older homes, with their wooden beams, carved doors and airy, open rooms, have been turned into souvenir shops masquerading as museums. While it’s certainly the old architecture that draws the tourist buses, there’s no denying that shopping is the new heart and soul of Hoi An. Bespoke tailor shops are found everywhere, and it’s not uncommon to see tourists lugging entire suitcases filled with newly tailored suits and dresses. In fact, some worry that the very thing that makes Hoi An attractive – its quiet charm and peaceful atmosphere – is being ruined. Nearly all of the buildings in the Old Town have been turned into shops or restaurants, and about 80 per cent of the residents now directly derive their income from tourism.
Hoi An is located at the downstream of Thu Bon River, Quang Nam province, is a famous tourist city with the common name “Hoi An Ancient Town”. There are many old quarters built in the 16th century and still exist almost intact to this day. Hoi An Ancient Town was once known as a busy international trading port. Therefore, when traders from all over the world flock here, they bring with them the quintessence of China, Japan, and Europe, blending with the traditional culture of local people and creating the Hoi An of today.
When coming to Hoi An Ancient Town, visitors cannot ignore famous tourist attractions here such as Cau Pagoda, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, Trieu Chau Assembly Hall, Quang Dong Assembly Hall, Toc Tran Church, Tan Ky ancient house, Phung Hung ancient house, Hoi An handicraft workshop.
Hoi An Ancient Town not only attracts tourists with ancient architectural works and the peaceful scene is imbued with ancient imprints, but also attracts many tourists with unique and special cuisines such as Quang noodles, Pho Hoi chicken rice, Hoi An pancake, Cao Lau, Stir-fried mussel crackers, mussel rice, etc.…
The most ideal time to travel to Hoi An is from February to April, because this is the beginning of spring, the weather is very cool, the sun is also mild and there is little rain. Visitors can travel here by plane, train, coach or private vehicle. To explore tourist attractions in the ancient town, visitors can rent motorbikes for 120.000 to 150.000 VND/day, bicycles for about 40.000 VND/day or go by taxi or cyclo.
