Hoi An – Enjoyable Stop

Hoian Old Quarter

From Threeland Travel Indochina's Blog - May 2012

If you are fed up with your non-stoppable working days and want to refresh your soul, Hoi An’s charming Old Town is a best choice. Set on the Thu Bon river, Hoi An – or Faifo – has a peaceful life style. It once played an important role as an international trading port in the early 17 century and was widely known as the gateway for Chinese, Japanese and European to access Vietnam. This historical position has deeply influenced its culture, which is currently preserved and reflected in local architecture, art and food & drink.

The first impression when you visit Hoi An is the long street containing many old house with ancient roofs, which are blurred in the foggy air of the early morning, or the fuzzy lights of the lantern in the late evening. You cannot leave Hoi An without visiting the Tan Ky House and the Japanese Covered Bridge – two magnificent architectures in the Old Town.

Tan Ky House is a lovingly preserved house since the 19^th century which once belonged to a Vietnamese merchant. You can easily see the Chinese and Japanese influences in this construction. Especially, the house-owner can speak English and French quite well, so it is all the easier to visit this place.

Hoian - Tan Ky House by Charr80

From Threeland Travel Indochina's Blog - May 2012

The Japanese Covered Bridge, built in 1593, is a special structure which has a roof for shelter and a small temple in its northern side. There was a myth that the bridge was constructed in the year of monkey and finished in the year of dog, thus one entrance is guarded by monkeys, the other by dogs. It is an impressive religious architect that you should witness at least one time.

Hoian - Japanese Bridge by hao$

From Threeland Travel Indochina's Blog - May 2012

It is not only the architectures are exquisite but also is the art. You should opt for the arts and crafts villages here to shop for handmade clothing or souvenirs. Hoi An is well-known for its fabulous fabrics and skillful tailors, which can satisfy the most fastidious customer. Also, it boasts a line of art galleries and handicrafts, especially on the wet side of the Japanese Covered Bridge, selling a various range of fake antiques, wood carving and reproductions of famous paintings. One more thing that you can never forget is the glow of shining lanterns, which are in line on the streets.

Last but not least, you should not miss out on the diverse local food and drink. There are mainly three local specialties here, and the most famous one is caolau. It is a mixture of doughy flat noodles, croutons, bean sprouts and greens, topped with pork slices and served in a savory broth. The traditional taste can only be found in Hoi An. The other two delicious dishes are “white rose” – a type of shrimp steamed dumpling made from translucent white dough bunched up to look like a rose; and wonton dumplings – essentially the same as the Chinese kind, served up in soup or deep-fried.

There are always certain reasons for tourists to visit Hoi An, but there is one same thing that Hoi An is too good to miss. It will totally be a tranquil place to hide yourself for awhile. If you have any interest in this charming Old Town, please visit Threeland Travel and contact us to get more details. We will simply be your best local friend.