Hoian Ancient Town, one of the eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Vietnam, appeals to visitors at first sight with its unique scenic beauty and remarkable history. Located in Quang Nam Province, the central of Vietnam, Hoian (pronounced hoy-ann) used to be a well-known international trading port throughout the western Pacific and even Europe from the 15th to 19th centuries. Thus, the town reflects a fusion of indigenous and foreign cultures, mainly Chinese and Japanese with later European influences. To this day, it still maintains its 800 historic buildings, nearly two dozen of which are open to tourists as places of worship, private homes, as well as small museums.
The name of the town of lanterns could date back hundreds of years ago when Chinese and Japanese traders introduced them to Hoian. Ever since lanterns have always been hung and made here, which turns it into the most iconic symbol of Hoian. If you wish to visit Hoian to see the lanterns, the best time for you is during the lantern festival held on the 14th day of every lunar month, when the moon is full. At night, the town will reduce its electricity usage for the candle-lit lanterns to steal the show. Find a spot by the river, where lanterns are cast adrift to bring you good luck. Furthermore, you can take a boat tour along the Thu Bon River to admire the Hoian scenery from the waterways or and drop a lantern to make a wish for your own.
In the daytime, to fully explore Hoian, just spend your time wandering along the cobbled streets with distinctive yellow shop fronts covered with flamboyant lanterns, passing by some historic features such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Cantonese Assembly Hall, the Fujian Assembly Hall, etc. Moreover, don’t forget to try out some of Hoian outstanding local food such as Mì Quảng (a noodle soup typically served with shrimp, pork, and crushed peanuts) and Cao Lầu (rice noodles dipped in pork marinated soup). When walking around is exhausted, you can stop by a local coffee shop to enjoy Vietnamese iced coffee, herbal tea, or sweet soup.
As fabric, especially silk, was one of the main goods traded in the port, many families are now selling fabrics or making garments as their traditions. If you desire to buy quality items tailor-made, visit Hoian Cloth Market and the tailors will make you well-fitted costumes at affordable prices. There are over 50 stalls stacked high with fabrics in all kinds of materials and colors for you to choose from, so you will find yourself a perfect outfit as a souvenir from Hoian.
And if you need a break from all the art, history, and culture, a beachy break is less than 10km away. For a trip within a trip, you can go to Cham Islands, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve consisting of 8 islands, for snorkeling, diving, or just lying on the white powdered beach.
With all the scenic beauty, historic and cultural attractions, and excellent food, Hoian Ancient Town is a must-visit spot if you are planning to travel to Vietnam. Along with Hoian, there are 7 other UNESCO World Heritage Sites and many other places waiting for you to explore. Contact Bloom Travel today and we will actualize your traveling plan.
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