At the end of the 15th century, none of the inhabitants of the modest town of Hoi An could have imagined what their home would become. Hoi An was, at that time, a working-class fishing village and a small but important commercial port in Vietnam.
Strategically located in the center of the country, on the banks of the Thu Bon River, it was the spot chosen by Japanese, Dutch, Portuguese, French, and Chinese merchants to conduct business and make a stopover before reaching their final destination. After 500 years, the image of the small fishing village has changed little, but the daily life of its inhabitants certainly has.
Historic architecture in Hoi An recognized by UNESCO
In an impeccable state of preservation, it earned recognition from UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1999. Countless fishermen’s houses, bridges, temples, and pagodas invite us to travel back in time during our stay in this magical place.
Its structure of streets parallel and perpendicular to the river has not changed in five centuries and is something that was adopted as a European influence. A total of 1,107 structures remain in their original state. An architectural treasure that includes everything from local fishermen’s houses to the old pier and religious buildings. One of the star attractions of the trip is the Japanese Covered Bridge. Dating from the 18th century, it marks the old entry and exit point of the city. A pedestrian city that transports us to an oasis of peace and tranquility in the middle of our trip to Vietnam. The perfect place to take a break and enjoy it surrounded by countless stories etched into the walls of each of its buildings.
What to do and visit in Hoi An?
Our stop in Hoi An is not just for recharging our batteries. It also offers multiple options to enjoy. Quiet walks or bike rides, a stop at Cửa Đại beach, local crafts, and cooking classes make Hoi An a mandatory stop on any trip to Vietnam.
In this specific area, the gastronomy and tailoring are the most prestigious in the entire country. It is worth taking note of this and investing some time in tasting the food and visiting some of the many tailors gathered in the streets of Hoi An’s old town.
After this virtual tour through one of the jewels of Vietnam, you cannot miss including it in your trip. Do not hesitate to send us an email with your questions and the type of trip you are planning. We will organize everything for you with a personalized itinerary.
