The city of Hoi An is famed for its exotic landscapes that date back centuries and present all visitors with a unique allure that must be explored further. People come from all around the world to bask in these scenic surroundings for they do wonders to the soul. Throughout Hoi An, one gets the sense of time standing still. Much of yesterday’s charm is still preserved in this iconic city. The houses have been restored, and they retain the original foundation and the many public buildings still exhibit the skilled craftsmanship from the past. All in all, the city of Hoi An is an exquisite combination of the past and the present making it one location that simply cannot be missed during your foray to the region.
Hoi An’s unmatched beauty and deep rooted history earned it a title from UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. At one time, this quaint seaside town functioned as a major port and trading centre in Vietnam where silk, pepper and porcelain were bought and sold. Today, its attractiveness has less to do with its role in trade and rather more to do with its symbolic significance in effectively evoking the yesteryears of Vietnam. The rich past that Hoi An is so famously known for brings with it an array of memorabilia that promises to delight and enchant visitors.
This unique seaside town encapsulates the era of Vietnamese trade in the most profound manner. The whole area feels rather like a living Museum that features a mosaic of the old architecture with the different styles created in the east and west sitting side by side. Here, you find elaborately adorned Chinese temples, exquisitely constructed French colonial houses, various intricate Japanese-style bridges that connect the old canals that make this city an idyllic “Venice of the East”.
The My Son Sanctuary is also another excellent place to enjoy some history. Being a UNESCO World Heritage site it is known for its rich remnants of the ancient Champa civilization that once thrived in Southern Vietnam. The Hoi An Riverside area also showcases an age-old charm that is ideal for capturing via cameras. A very prominent location between 16th and the 18th century today makes one of the most breathtaking locations touched with the hues of history. The Cua Dai Beach is also another excellent place to visit, which is once again another UNESCO World Heritage site. For real scenic appeal don’t miss out on the beautiful Marble Mountains framing the city.
While holidaying in the city, consider a stay at the Anantara Hoi An resort which is an ideal option for a luxury Hoi An hotel. Offering stylish surrounds and gracious hospitality, this Hoi An Spa Resort offers an elegant rest for the discerning traveller.
Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday.