Once a major trading port in the 15th century
Located off the coast of the South China Sea in South Central Vietnam, Hoi An is a beautiful, old city dating back 2,000 years to the Champa Kingdom. The city’s historic architecture, traditional culture, and textiles. The architecture is a blend of styles, reflecting the Chinese, Portuguese, French and Japanese influences on the region.
Hoi An is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. Its buildings and its street plan reflect the influences, both indigenous and foreign, that have combined to produce this unique heritage site.
A worth-living ancient city in Vietnam
Hoi An is alluring no matter day or night. The ancient city Hoi An is packed with sights to see, wonderful food, colorful architecture and surrounded by gorgeous countryside. There is no reason that people miss Hoi An when traveling to Vietnam.
Especially, when the night comes out, the pedestrian-friendly streets in Hoi An turn into a sparkling display of colorful lanterns, as well as folk dance and live music performances. Watch candle-lit lanterns float down the Thu Bon River. There is nothing more peaceful than strolling through the big and small alleyways of the town, each unique and colored by the lanterns strung above from wall to wall.
A well-preserved traditional heritage site of the nation
Speaking of Hoi An, people can't help mentioning the traditional old houses of this ancient town. A handful of Hoi An's historic houses have its interior preserved to capture the original style of the town's merchant residences. These old houses reflect the architectural styles of major trading partners of this time - China and Japan, as well as Vietnam's coloniser, France.
The most popular old house in Hoi An is Tan Ky Old House, located at Nguyen Thai Hoc street. Tan Ky Old House is an almost perfect example of an 18th merchant’s residence in this major commercial port town. Moreover, a Hoi An's signature, the Japanese Bridge is also worth visiting. Unlike most other buildings in the old town, which are decorated according to flamboyant Chinese and Vietnamese architectural styles, the Bridge has retained a distinctively Japanese character, with subdued ornamentation and references to Japanese history.
Trying Cao Lau - an incredible specialty
The unique noodle dish, Cao Lau is the pride of locals in Hoi An and can be considered the most popular dish in this ancient town. Unlike other typical noodles such as Pho and Bun Bo Hue in Vietnam, Cao Lau is a noodle that you cannot find anywhere but Hoi An. It has a sophisticated and mysterious recipe that is even recognized as one of 10 dishes meeting the criteria of “Asian cuisine value”.
Cao Lau is served with very little broth. The broth is seasoned with cilantro, basil, and mint; sometimes chili peppers and lime are provided on the side. Don't leave Hoi An without trying this unique taste of Cao Lau.