Whew! How’s that heat, amirite? Vietnam is known for a slew of incredible things – the history, the cheap beer, the Pho, the food in general, the people, the sights, and did I mention the cheap beer?
If you’ve been indulging just that soupcon too much on your trip and need a break, Hoi An might be the spot for you. Oh, and don’t worry – we’ve all slept in and missed our overly ambitious wake up call for that 5am bus. Trust me, you would have had a very bad time.
Once you have made it to Hoi An, you can sink into this graceful, atmospheric and generally cute-as-a-button town. This seaside town was once a major shipping port, and it has all the incredible architectural features to prove it. The influx (and bane) of modern existence (things like traffic, pollution) are largely absent from this spot, so it truly beckons the weary traveller who is sick of constantly mopeds beeping ad nauseum. You can find various packages for Hoi An which cater to every requirement.
Due pretty much to luck, Hoi An retains its sleeping vibe mainly due to the silting of the Thu Bon River.
Had it not silted up thus allowing access for large ships, the city would doubtless have surged on to become a major port. As it stands though, you can happily visit and lap up the chill vibes. It’s not entirely sleepy though – a tourism boom in the 1990s caused a large amount of growth and happily allowed for the preservation of the Old Town as a magnet for travellers. This means that spindly Japanese merchant houses, Chinese temples and ancient tea warehouses still stand today. Of course, as tourism spreads across the land it pushes residents and rice fields further out, but you don’t have to travel too far out of town to find that green serene vibe. There are plenty of superb opportunities for motor-biking, cycling and boating around the area, with some of the most delicious beaches and laidback scenery are with a short ride or drive.
While you’re in Hoi An, you simply must check out:
Tan Ky House
This amazing venue was built two centuries ago by an ethnically Vietnamese family and has been incredibly maintained throughout its life – spanning seven generations! Be sure to keep an eye out for Japanese and Chinese signs and influences in this spot.
Japanese Covered Bridge
This is a very cute spot to snap a selfie or two – this bridge was built in the 1590s as a way to link the culture of Vietnam and Japan. It has been maintained and is still in incredible condition today.
Quan Cong Temple
Built in 1653, this temple is a direct homage to the Chinese general Quan Cong, a man who is worshipped to this day as an upstanding symbol of loyalty, sincerity, integrity and justice. You can pay homage to him with an offering and when you do, the caretaker will solemnly strike a bronze bowl-making a bell-like sound as a way to acknowledge the offering.
Phuoc Lam Pagoda
This pagoda was founded in the mid 17th century and is associated with An Thiem, a Vietnamese prodigy and a monk. When the boy was just 18, he volunteered to enter the army to help his brothers to avoid the draft. He rose to the rank of general in the army, and then when he returned to the monkhood, he volunteered to clean the Hoi An market for 20 years to atone for his sins committed in war. When he finished doing that, he joined the pagoda as head monk.
Tran Duong House
You cannot travel through Vietnam and not see the influences of the French everywhere – and the Tran Duong House is a great example of French architecture and style. This is still a family home, but the family here will be only too happy to show you around the compound and tell you a little of the history.
