Hoi An - a land where it seems that the unintentional flow of time cannot bury the old things. The old brown tile roofs covered with moss, the streets are filled with the red color of lanterns, the sophisticatedly carved diaphragms, as if to take us back to the life of a few centuries ago, the golden age when it was still an economic trading port land of the Nguyen Dynasty.
1. Hoi An Ancient Town - Ancient beauty stagnates all time
Hoi An Ancient Town is a famous tourist destination in Central Vietnam, about 30km southwest of the center of Da Nang City, with a calm and ancient beauty, not crowded, noisy, bustling with ancient architecture, brick tile roofs covered with moss, etc colorful lantern street,...
Hoi An is a long-standing land with more than 400 years old, going through many ups and downs, despite the space and time of moving, this place still retains the most ancient beauty, as a place where people can find the old things that are preserved almost intact. That has helped Hoi An become a unique place in the annals of modern times in Vietnam.
Coming to Hoi An ancient town today, we feel as if we are going back in time, lost in a busy trading port during the Nguyen Dynasty of a few centuries ago, away from all the hustle and bustle of everyday life to live every moment to the fullest.
2. What is the best season to travel to Hoi An ancient town?
- The ideal time to travel to Hoi An ancient town is from February to April every year because this is the time when the weather in spring is cool, there is little rain and light sunshine, which is very suitable for visiting
- From May to August in summer, the weather is sunny, but there will be some sunny days, but in return this is the perfect time to dive to see corals in Cu Lao Cham.
- From September to January is the rainy season, sometimes there will be storms, so you should consider and actively monitor the weather forecast to have the most favorable trip.
3. Transportation in Hoi An
To explore Hoi An Ancient Town, you can choose from vehicles such as:
- Motorcycles: This is the preferred means of choice for many tourists because of its convenience. With only 120,000 - 150,000 VND/day, you have a tour of Hoi An ancient town at your disposal, free to drive to experience each alley, check in and visit wherever you want.
- Taxi: If you are passionate about travel but do not have the skills to find your way, taxis are the most ideal choice to travel in Hoi An. You can refer to cheap taxi companies such as: Mai Linh Taxi (0235.3.92.92.92), Hoi An Taxi (0235.3.91.99.19), Faifo Taxi (0235.3.91.91.91).
- Cyclo: Walking around the old town by cyclo will be a very interesting and memorable experience that you should try. You can pick up a cyclo at Tran Phu or Phan Chu Trinh streets. Price from 150,000 VND/car/hour.
- Bicycle: A very ideal transportation option to walk around the old town and fully explore the beauty of this land. Some hotels and homestays have free bicycles available for you, or if necessary you can rent a car for 40,000 VND/day.
4. Summary of famous tourist attractions in Hoi An
4.1. Architecture of old ancient houses
Ancient houses with bold old architecture are the characteristics of Hoi An ancient town. Therefore, when visiting the old town, it is impossible to ignore famous ancient houses such as:
- Phung Hung Ancient House: It was the house of the richest merchant in Hoi An at that time, known as the largest and tallest house in the region, built of fine ironwood, with the typical traditional architecture of the last century.
- Tan Ky Ancient House: The ancient house is very famous in Hoi An, which is the most attractive tourist attraction to visit and check-in in the Old Quarter area. Tan Ky Ancient House is a harmonious combination of Vietnamese, Japanese and Chinese architectural styles expressed through patterns, interiors and bold Asian decorations.
- Duc An Ancient House: An ancient house with oriental characteristics with a special feature of using kieng kieng wood - a type of wood only available in Quang Nam. Thereby, the house is not only attracted by its contemplative appearance, but it also stores many types of furniture, books, ... with a unique layout, reminiscent of a golden age of Vietnam.
4.2. Ancient Assembly Hall in Hoi An Ancient Town
- Guangdong Assembly Hall: Located in the center of Hoi An ancient town, this is a place that attracts a lot of attention. The association hall was originally a place to meet and do business, built by a Cantonese and Chinese merchant association, therefore, this place is characterized by a unique Chinese architecture, a delicate combination of wood and stone, and exquisitely sculpted dragon and lion motifs.
- Chaozhou Assembly Hall: also known as Ong Bon Pagoda, built with sophisticated architecture, decorative motifs bold with folk legends, especially with motifs embossed with crockery to create a very unique character.
- Fujian Assembly Hall: known as the largest and most beautiful hall, located behind the Tam Quan gate, there is a mountain island with a carp statue crossing the gate, the main area is the shrine of Thien Hau Saint Mother, which is very sacred. In addition, when visiting the post-treatment, you can light large incense garlands, hang them with a piece of paper with information to pray for health and fortune.
4.3. Cau Pagoda
Cau Pagoda - The soul of Hoi An town bears the imprint of time and is also one of the typical symbols of Hoi An ancient town. Cau Pagoda stands out with wooden pillars, lipstick paint and feat carvings, especially built on a stone bridge with a soft arch.
In the past, this place was a busy trading port, imprinted with the cultural intersection between Vietnam and East Asian countries such as China, Japan, South Korea... after 400 years of age, it still stands tall across the Thu Bon River with a quiet and indescribable beauty. Perhaps that's why this place has become an ideal tourist destination attracting thousands of visitors every year.
4.4. Tran Clan Church
Tran Clan Church is a typical ethnic church of the ancient Vietnamese people. After 200 years of fog and wind, stained with time, the Tran church still retains its ancient architecture.
The church is built, artistically decorated, carefully according to feng shui, harmoniously combining Vietnamese architecture with Japanese and Chinese architecture. The highlight of another Tran church is that there is a garden of 1,500 m2, surrounded by high walls, lush greenery, poetic and charming.
4.5. Hoi An Market - A regional heritage culinary paradise
Hoi An Market is honored to be in the top 7 attractive food paradises voted by Lonely Planet magazine, besides other "competitors" such as Tsukiji Fish Market Tokyo Japan, La Pescheria Sicily Market Italy, Borough Market London UK, La Boqueria Market Barcelona Spain, New World Central Market New York, etc Mercado Santiago Central Market, Chile..
The most attractive thing is that there are countless specialty food stalls for sale, not only with delicious taste but also very affordable prices. Therefore, this is an indispensable place when visiting Hoi An tourism.
4.6. Handicraft workshops
Hoi An Handicraft Workshop is a place to preserve and develop 12 traditional Vietnamese crafts including: carpentry, ceramics, lanterns, embroidery, garments, mat weaving, fabric weaving, rattan weaving, bamboo, wood mosaic carving, lacquer hat making.
This place sells beautiful handicrafts from skilled and delicate hands that preserve the impressive beauty of Hoi An people's beliefs and culture, making you even more proud and loving the culture of Vietnamese people.
5. Must-try specialty delicacies when traveling to Hoi An
It is no coincidence that Hoi An is known as the land of convergence of the quintessence of Vietnamese culinary culture because of its strange, traditional, simple dishes at low prices. Coming to Hoi An, you must definitely try delicious dishes such as:
Hoi An Chicken Rice
Address:
- Ba Buoi Chicken Rice - 26 Phan Chau Trinh, Hoi An
- Ba Huong chicken rice - Sica alley, Hoi An
Mi Quang
Address:
- Quang Ong Hai Hoi An Noodles - 6A Truong Minh Luong, Hoi An
- Mi Quang Aunt Song - 4 Phan Chau Trinh, Hoi An
Panties
Address:
- Bale Well Pancake - 45/51 Tran Hung Dao, Hoi An
- Hai Dao pancakes - 160 Ly Thai To, Cam Chau, Hoi An
Stir-fried mussel smashed cake
Address:
- Cam Nam Dam Cake Hoi An - 679 Hai Ba Trung, Hoi An
- Hoi An Old Lady Dumplings - Cam Nam, Hoi An
Cao Lau
Address:
- Thanh Cao Hot Pot - 26 Thai Phien Street, Minh An, Hoi An
- Cao Lau Lien - 21B Thai Phien Street, Minh An, Hoi An
- Hoi An Ba Be - 19 Tran Phu Street, Cam Chau, Hoi An
Types of Tea
Address:
- Sidewalks on Tran Phu Street, Le Loi, Hoi An. Price from 7,000 VND/bowl.
6. Beautiful hotels and homestays in Hoi An
Coming to Hoi An, you can refer to some of the following hotels and homestays:
- Loongboong Homestay Hoi An - Tra Que Village, Cam Ha Ward, Hoi An. Price from 350,000 VND - 650,000 VND/night
- Santori Hoi An Homestay - DX18, Cam Thanh Ward, Hoi An. Price from 300,000 VND - 3,200,000 VND/night
- The 1993 Homestay - 57 Thich Quang Duc, Tan An Ward, Hoi An. Price from 300,000 VND/night
- Little May's Homestay - Village 5, Hoi An, Quang Nam. Price from 400,000 - 650,000 VND/night
- Green Homestay Hoi An - Cam Chau, Hoi An. Price from 300,000 VND/night
- Hoi An Wooden Villa - Group 5, Tan Thanh Block, Hoi An City. Price from 3,200,000 VND/night
7. Notes when traveling to Hoi An
- Some places in Hoi An Ancient Town will require you to buy tickets if you want to visit, so you can contact the Hoi An Tourist Guide Office to buy tickets at a good price.
- Hoi An in the morning is a beautiful, quiet and peaceful time. This is the right time for you to fully enjoy the fresh air and idyllic beauty here.
- On special occasions such as holidays, Tet or the full moon, the number of tourists is very large, so you should actively book a hotel room in advance to ensure a place to stay when traveling to Hoi An.
- Hoi An is a place that is easily affected by storms and floods, so it is necessary to monitor the weather forecast to make your trip convenient.
- Bach Dang wharf organizes interesting cultural and ethnic music ensembles every night, so when you come to Hoi An, don't forget to experience this.
Photos used are for illustrative purposes only.
Synthetic Migo