Hoi An
Overview
Hoi An was a thriving trading port that reached its influential height in the 15th century. As a stopover on the trade routes between east and west, buildings here are a blend of Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese and European designs, constructed from the profits made from the brisk exchange of silks, spices, and in particular, ceramics.
When the Thu Bon River silted up, trade moved on and Hoi An sank into obscurity only to be rediscovered by tourism in the early 1990’s. Many shop houses have been beautifully preserved and turned into museums, hotels and restaurants.
Declared a World Heritage site in 1999, Hoi An has emerged as a strong favorite among travelers for the lack of street traffic and chaos characteristic of most Vietnamese cities, though some of the charm of Hoi An has been spoiled by commercialization.
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Hoi An
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Things to do in
Hoi An
Hoi An is best explored and enjoyed on foot or by bicycle. The center of town is marked by the Japanese Bridge, and ornately carved structure that spans a narrow creek.
Numerous pagodas built by Chinese business associations, in particular Canton and Fujian, can be found around the narrow streets, where locals seeking business success burn joss sticks and incense. Visiting a tailor in Hoi An is very popular. Almost every street is lined with shops eager to make copies of existing clothing designs, or fashion new ones out of local silk for just a few dollars.
The offshore Cham Islands offer some of Vietnam’s best scuba diving and offer basic accommodation. Many of Hoi An’s restaurants serve dishes from the imperial kitchen of nearby Hue. The town’s signature dish, Cao Lau, is a flat noodle served with pork and vegetables in a rich broth.
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Hoi An
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Hotels in
Hoi An
Budget Hotels in Hoi An
Dong Khanh Hotel city center international standard hotel
Hai Yen Hotel property with pool and river views
Hoa My - modern hotel near the Thu Bon river
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Hoi An
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Hoi An
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Hoi An
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