HOI AN ANCIENT TOWN

Hoi An is an ancient town located along the Thu Bon River, in Quang Nam province, about 30 km south of Da Nang city. From the 16th and 17th centuries, Hoi An trading port has prospered, being a major trading center of Southeast Asia. It has been known in the international market with many different names such as Lam Ap, Faifo, Hoai Pho and Hoi An.

Climate:

– Average annual temperature: 25,6 degree celsius

– Average annual air humidity: 82%l

– Average annual rainfall: 2,066 mm

Area & population:

– Natural area: 6,027.25 ha

– Population: About 88.000 people

Hoi An is one of the most attractive destinations in Vietnam. Along with many ups and downs of history, it still retains almost intact with more than 1000 architectural monuments from streets, ancient houses, communal halls, temples, shrines, ancient wells … to traditional dishes, the soul of the people here. Coming to visit Hoi An gives visitors the timeless beauty, extremely rustic and idyllic.

Hoi An is famous for its traditional architectural beauty and the harmony of houses, walls and roads.

The most common housing types are single or two-story tube houses with narrow widths and very long depths. The house is made of high-strength and durable materials due to its harsh climate. The two sides have separated brick walls and wooden frame, divided into three spaces with aisle in the middle. The ancient house in Hoi An ensure harmony between living space and nature.  Each of them has a sky well that is paved and decorated with water tanks, rockery, ornamental plants, creating an overall beauty. With a unique architecture, the house is always airy and full of sunlight. Those things bring a comfortable life for the locals and the excitement for tourists on their trips to Hoi An.

The streets in the town are arranged horizontally along with short and beautiful streets embracing houses. Walking through each of those pretty and peaceful streets, visitors can not only enjoy delicious food but also have a chance to explore the daily life of local people in the ancient town

Typical relics

Japanese Covered Bridge

Japanese Covered Bridge or Japanese Bridge is considered as the symbol of Hoi An. It is made of wooden crossing the creek heading to the Thu Bon River. The 18m-long-bridge has a roof covered with yin and yang tiles. The special thing is that although it was built by Japanese people, it was strongly imbued with Vietnamese architecture. Over the years and times of restoration, Cau Pagoda is still a unique project, an architectural beauty of Vietnamese style. This property is invaluable and officially chosen as a symbol of Hoi An

Ancient Houses

The most famous ancient house in Hoi An is Tan Ky Ancient House. It is honored to become a National Heritage and this is the only place to welcome heads of state, politicians in Vietnam and abroad. The architecture of the house is combined between Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese styles. With the typical tubular architecture, the harmony in its architecture shows you about a dream about harmony between people and nature in Hoi An. In addition, you can choose hotels near the ancient town of Hoi An to make it easier and more convenient to travel.

Besides Tan Ky Ancient House, there are some other nice options for your visit such as Quan Thang Ancient House, Tran Phu Ancient House, Duc An Ancient House… etc., These are beautiful places in Hoi An to help visitors experience the typical cultural space of Hoi An

Family ancestral temples

One of the unique architectural features of Hoi An is the family ancestral temples, where generations remember and admire their ancestral merits.

The basic ground of this type of temple has only one main house with three rooms or five rooms with two wings. The house is made up of a wooden frame, structured in the style of a communal house. The difference between the family ancestral temples and normal houses is the situation of altars arranging in all three main compartments.

Some famous temples you should visit is The Tran Temple, The Nguyen Temple… etc., to admire the solemn architecture or explore the features and customs of worship of local people in Hoi An

Hoi An specialties

There are a lot of choices that you can try when you are in Hoi An. It’s a heaven for visitors love street foods and you are easy to find in the local shops, restaurants, local market. Some of the most famous one are Cao Lau, Quang Noodles, Hoi An Bread, corn tea, crackers and mussels, chicken rice… etc., They will let you know more about the cultural cuisine not only in Hoi An but also in Vietnam.

In 2020, Hoi An was listed as one of world’s best cities on Travel and Leisure Magazine because of its sights and landmarks, culture, cuisine, friendliness, shopping, and overall value. It’s really the must-see place you should visit when you come to Vietnam.