Hoi An
The ancient town of Hoi An, lies on the banks of the Thu Bon River, 30 km south of Denang on the South Central Coast of Vietnam. Rather charmingly the town’s name translates as ‘peaceful meeting place’. It holds UNESCO World Heritage Site status and it’s easy to see why with much of its ancient architecture still in place and a nostalgic ambience about the town.
The influences of China, Japan and Europe are evident as you walk around. Hoi An was one of the major trading centers of Southeast Asia in the 16th century and has quite a Chinese atmosphere with low, tile-roofed houses that once housed the merchants perched on its narrow streets. The original structure of some of these streets still remain almost intact and many of the merchants houses are inhabited by the descendants of the Chinese traders. The ancient streets and temples have stood the test of time and are still there to be admired by visitors. The old quarter is where you’ll find most of the attractions including art galleries, temples, examples of French colonial architecture, cute cafes, fashion boutiques, restaurants and shops. The Japanese Covered Bridge is probably the most photographed site in the town and an iconic image of Hoi An. It was built to bridge the gap between the Chinese and Japanese quarters.
A trip down the Hoi An river is a leisurely way to take in the sights and pleasantly while away a few hours. A wander around the harbour will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The long sandy Cua Dai Beach is a few minutes from town thanks to its location being so close to the South China Sea. This well preserved ancient trade port is definitely worth spending some time in be it as a 1 stop or multi centre holiday. Our sales team will gladly tailormake your own Vietnamese experience.
