Hoi An is one of the oldest cities in Vietnam with a history going back to the late Iron Age. As it was a busy sea port from the 2nd century on this is where many important events first took place. The first Chinese settlement in Vietnam was here and it was also the first place in the country where Christianity took root. Japanese, Portuguese and Dutch communities also had toe holds here.
Under the French Hoi An was an administrative centre. As a result of its vibrant historical past the city is now home to many cultural gems. In 1991 the older part of Hoi An achieved UNESCO World Heritage status as a well preserved example of a South East Asian trading port from the 15th to the 19th centuries.
Any cultural tour of Hoi An should most probably start with its four museums. One is housed in a 17th century pagoda that was a temple to Quan An. It has antiquities dating from Hoi An’s earliest settlements to the French occupation. The Folklore Museum’s collection of 490 artefacts is in the longest wooden building in town. The Museum of Trade and Ceramics is in a restored 19th century wooden building. Artefacts from Persia, China, Japan, Thailand, India and other countries are displayed here. There is also a museum dedicated entirely to artefacts of the Sa Huyn culture dated to over 2000 years ago.
Outside the museums the old part of Hoi An by the Thu Bon River is full of ancient relics. Here winding lanes and the riverside are lined with shop houses where traditional Vietnamese design is interspersed with Chinese and Japanese motifs giving the area its unique appearance. Interestingly many ancient structures here are of wood. Family cult houses for ancestor worship, pagodas dating from the 19th century, the Japanese covered bridge first built in the 16th century, ancient private houses still occupied some more than a century old, temples built by Cantonese and Hokien communities for the worship of sages, French colonial architecture of Phan Boi Chau Street and ancient canals all form part of culture tours of this compact old town that can be easily explored on foot. On special nights Hoi An’s old town is lit only with jewel toned lanterns making it one of the ‘must see’ sights.
Watch lazy river traffic on the Thu Bon River or take a river cruise from Anantara Hoi An Resort in a leafy riverside location that echoes the area’s ancient past. Stay in beautifully designed, spacious and well appointed split level accommodation opening out onto balconies with river or garden views at this popular Hoi An spa resort. Among the many exquisite experiences offered by this Hoi An hotel is dining on a range of well prepared cuisine with local influences, specially designed indulgent spa treatments and cooking and craft classes that will help make unforgettable holiday memories.
Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.