I've just fortunately experienced the small town of Hoi An in Central Vietnam
during my holiday which I booked with Haivenu Vietnam Tour. The town has
recently been voted as one of Asia's top 10 tourist destinations, and wandering
among its delightful streets it is easy to see why.
The ancient port town, a UNESCO world heritage site, is a key element in any
visit to Vietnam. With the lovely nearby Cua Dai beach offering an alternative
to staying in the town, wise visitors will frequently enjoy at least a few days
in the vicinity, soaking up the authentic ambience of history and charm in the
town whilst also enjoying the fun elements and holiday atmosphere of sand, sea
and sunshine.
Offshore from the fine white sand of Cua Dai beach are the Cham Islands, home
to fishing communities and harvesters of the swallow nests prized in Chinese
cuisine, and its clear coral waters good for a snorkelling venture.
The old port town area is a well preserved time capsule, nestled in the heart
of the surrounding, and mercifully low-rise modern buildings. Famous for its
fine silks, Hoi An, then known as Fai Fo, was a significant port in the oriental
trading culture of the 1600's, a significant centre of commercial exchanges with
China, Japan, Southeast Asia and Europe.
The historical area borders the Thu Bon River, centred around three main
thoroughfares, and features some fascinating ornate architectural features,
including the iconic 'Japanese' covered bridge, pagodas, Chinese Assembly Halls
and fine wooden Merchant Houses. Insight into Hoi An's history and culture can
be enriched by visits to the Museum of Trade Ceramics, Museum of History and
Culture, and the Museum of Sa Huynh Culture.
Reflecting the inherited craftsmanship of former times, Hoi An abounds with
crafts such as pottery, brightly coloured lanterns and fine woodcarvings. True
to its rich heritage, it is also home to many silk and tailoring outlets which
can produce quality custom garments to order. The town also boasts a fine
traditional market, and is famed for its cuisine.
The unique ambience of Hoi An is best appreciated during the monthly full
moon festival, during which the electrical street lighting is replaced by
colourful traditional lanterns and the streets closed to motor traffic which are
instead filled with traditional arts performances. This event is further
augmented by the delightful sight of lit floating lanterns drifting along the
river during the Mid-Autumn Festival, a truly magical sight.
It certainly has my vote!
