Best of Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An, located half way between the North and South Vietnam is one of the most charming city of the country.  It is a remarkable place off the coast of the South China Sea, in the heart of the Quang Nam province with about 120,000 inhabitants.  This small riverside town lies on the banks of the Thu Bon River and is filled with beautiful wooden houses, assembly halls, silk shops and chapels.

Hoi An topics

1. Introduction to Hoi An
2. About Hoi An
3. Hoi An ancient town
4. Photographs of Hoi An

About Hoi An

What was once one of South-East Asian most important trading ports between the 5th and 19th century,  became a world heritage site in the late 20th century.   The city has both Asian and colonial influence with very well preserved French buildings, Chinese pagodas and Japanese bridge.  The Chinese influence in architecture can be seen all over the town with numerous low tile-roofed houses with front panels engraved with Chinese characters.
Hoi An became one of the most popular Vietnam destinations not only because of its remarkable streets and architecture, but also due to its fantastic cuisine.  The city offers  a variety of restaurants to choose from and some cooking workshops to learn the ins and out of the Vietnamese kitchen.
Hoi An is also the perfect place to get made-to-measure clothing.  Indeed, it is said the city offers around 400 renowned tailors that can make you the perfect shirt, blouse,  dress or suit.  You decide what you want (from your imagination or magazine), they will measure and deliver.

Hoi An ancient town

The most famous quarter of the city is the ancient town,  right next to the river where most of the tourists attraction are located.  With many car free streets, it is  a perfect place to wander and watch the street life or enjoy the boats on the river.  It is especially worth discovering in the evening or at night, when numerous Chinese lights are lighten and a magical atmosphere is created.
On the west end of the main Tran Phu Street is the famous Japanese Covered Bridge.  It was built some 400 years ago by the Japanese community just before being forced to return to Japan.  On the same street further east is the Museum of Trade Ceramics in a beautiful old style house.
With its beautiful architecture, exquisite cuisine, competent tailors, long beach and a much slower pace than the rest of the country, it is a perfect place to relax and spend a couple of days.

Photographs of Hoi An