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Hoi An Travelling Guide Book

Hoi An Ancient Town has gone inside tourists’ hearts with a very simple thing: simplicity, ancient, and peaceful. Hoi An is a live museum, in an old town that has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage.

Hoi An, formerly known as FaiFo Town in the 16th and 17th centuries, was once a crowded commercial port, the trading center of Southeast Asia at that time. If you have come here you will never forget these mossy roofs, ancient houses with full of precious woods, elaborated pattern of pillar houses.

1. Some sightseeing attractions tourists should visit in Hoi an

You will be amazed by a fabulous world, you seem be separated from all the flow busy life and rush life outside. No vehicles noise, no temptation of life, you seem live slowly with slow life. You are free to enjoy yourself in the old town with some beautiful destinations should not miss via the travelling handbook below: 

 1.1 JAPANESE BRIDGE – The symbol of Hoi An

The 20,000 bill currently is using the image of the Japanese Bridge, which is considered as the world’s cultural heritage.

Located across the creek flows into the Thu Bon River which borders Nguyen Thi Minh Khai and Tran Phu Street. Japanese Bridge is an architecture of Japanese who came to Hoi An for business in the early years of 16 century.

On the main gate of Japanese Bridge sculpture 3 characters are Lai Vien Kieu (mean bridge was built by far friends). Inside the Japanese Bridge is a small temple “ Bac Đe Tran Vu” which is considered the god of weather. People believe that he controls the weather changes and natural climates. 

At one end of the bride is a sculpture of dog and the other side is a monkey. These two animals are symbols of sacredness in Japanese culture. Records also say the construction of the bridge was initiated in the dog year and finished in the monkey year.

1.2 PHUC KIEN ASSEMBLY HALL – A great example of the Chinese architecture

The legend is that, formerly the Assembly Hall is a temple of the sea goddess Thien Hau (the god surrendered to the businessman over the sea without danger) was caught on Hoi An coast year 1697. Through many years renovation of the Phuc Kien Chinese members, the Assembly Hall becomes more and more attractive in Hoi An Old Town.

There are lots of animal symbols in the design and architecture of Phuc Kien Assembly Hall such as dragon, unicorn, phoenix, and turtle. These animals signify different features of Chinese culture. The dragon is a symbol of power, the turtle for endurance, the unicorn for knowledge, and the phoenix for nobility.

1.3 TRIEU CHAU ASSEMBLY HALL

It was built in the year 1845 and celebrated the community activities and beliefs of the Trieu Chau people.

The Hall worshiped the gods to overcome the weather power and also wished the best of luck for the business. The hall is a fabulous architectural frame with exquisite wood carvings, patterned wood decorations folk legends, and beautiful terracotta reliefs.

1.4 QUANG DONG ASSEMBLY HALL

It was built in the year 1885 by Hoa Kieu Quang Dong (Chinese), formerly it was worshiped as the god Mother of Thien Hau and Confucius. After the year 1911, it was converted to worship the Quan Cong and Preah Bat Pagoda

Quang Dong assembly hall looks stately, with the harmonious use of wood, and stone in bearing structure and ornate motifs. The beams are tall, finely carved, and splendid. The roof is shaped curve, many floors, and between floors are embossed multiple images according to ancient legend.

 Every year on Nguyen Tieu Festival, Quang Cong’s birthday (June 24th), there is a very hearty festival here that attracts more attendees.

1.5 TRAN’S HOUSE OF WORSHIP

Tran’s house of worship was built by a Tran official( a big family from China who immigrated to Hoi An in the 1700s) following traditional Chinese and Vietnamese Geomancy principles. The house is to worship ancestor and family’s relatives. Tran’s worship house in Hoi An is an ancient Vietnamese- spirit worship house from a thousand years still preserved in the form totally of old architecture.

1.6 TAN KY OLD HOUSE

Built 200 years ago, Tan Ky, an ancient house located on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street retains the intact structure and architecture from the beginning of structure construction. This is an interesting stop on the journey to discover the ancient features of Hoi An.

The house is a combination of Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese architectural styles. The architectural style of “husband and wife” consists of two horizontal bars that overlap each other, representing for natural – human being, five vertical bars like five fingers, representing the Five Elements. The harmonious architecture of the house speaks to the dream of harmony between man and nature.

1.7 THE MUSEUM OF HISTORY-CULTURE

Established in 1989, the museum displays 212 original artifacts and valuable materials of ceramics, copper, iron, paper, and wood … reflecting the stage of development of the urban-trading port of Hoi An from the Sa Huynh culture period (second century AD) to the Cham culture period (from the 2nd century to the 2nd century) and the culture of Dai Viet, Dai Nam (from the 15th century to the 19th century).

1.8 HOI AND HANDICRAFTS WORKSHOP

Hoi An handicraft workshop, located at 9 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, is a place to show 12 traditional handicraft traditions of Hoi An, such as art pottery, carpentry, cages art lamps, hat cones, bamboo rattan, wooden mosaic, lacquer, spinning weaving, embroidery …You can buy so many beautiful gifts from these clever artisans in here.

2. Some beautiful attractions outside Hoi An

You should come here in the spring, summer, and autumn (it starts from Jan to September). It is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam with smooth yellow sand, and clear blue water.

2.1 Cửa Đại Beach

It is an ideal place for you to enjoy seafood here by local people; they are both friendly and hospitality. At night, you will see the sparkling of romantic oil lamp; it is so fabulous in the immense beaches with cool fresh air.

2.2 An Bang Beach

the best place for those who want to sunbathe here on the day, you can lie down on the sun chair between the harmony of sun and beach.

You cannot imagine how comfortable it is, just only you on the beach without disturbing outside. The vendor or restaurant is really to serve whenever you want.

2.3 Tra Que Vegetable Village

It is a very special vegetable village for tourists only found in Hoi An. This village is famous for many kinds of vegetables: lettuce, salad, basil, coriander vegetable, etc..

The village is named after the sweet-scented vegetables that spice up the everyday meals of the Hoi An people. You are safe when using these herbs without any nervousness because the farmers use neither manure nor chemical fertilizers, just only use seaweed for planting the herbs.

Products sell well and are highly appreciated due to their freshness, good quality, and safety.

2.4 Cam Thanh Eco Tour

It will be a pity for you if miss this place. Tourists have a chance to discover the beauty of the fishing village. If you never tried how to row the basket bowl, or how to catch fish, let’s try it here. You will be very surprised how amazing of throw the net to catch fish.

Tourists will go by boat and go along the Thu Bon River for reaching to Bay Mau coconut forest to admire the scenery on both sides of the river and the local people’s living activities. You will be taught how to do the ring, hat, necklace etc. by coconut palm leaves and save all memories with this green beauty of coconut forest Cam Thanh.

2.5 Buffalo & Farming

Nowadays, there are so many modern machines to help the farmers in the fields of Vietnam villages, but buffalo is still indispensable to farmers. The image of hard-working buffalo, faithful is deep inside farmers’ hearts forever. It is not only the best worker, but also the best friend of farmers.

Let’s join with the farmer and learn how to farm and water buffalo. It is so interesting to discover yourself with Hoi An Eco Tour.

2.6 CU LAO CHAM (Cham Island)

Cu lao cham is known as the world atmosphere which was recognized by UNESCO. It consists of 8 islands big and small ones to create peace and romance here.

Cu Lao Cham is considered a green lung shielding Hoi An City when has storm coming. It is a gorgeous, charming sea with a beautiful beach. It is the best choice for you to try the fresh seafood here. It is very cheap and amazing. Moreover, if you have a license it is the best place for you for diving, snorkeling, scuba diving, etc. 

2.7 Kim Bong Carpentry Village

Kim Bong Carpentry Village is located in Cam Kim Village, it appeared in the late 15^th century. Visit Kim Bong Carpentry Village, you have the opportunity to see the carpentry workshop, and directly see the talented artisan who created so many value products such as carving pillars with 1000 dragon images and other products such as carving on tables, chairs, Buddhism status, etc.

Each product was created in a long time with all the effort and enthusiasm of the artisans. It takes 10 minutes to get there by boat from the boat station of Hoi An old town.

2.8 Thanh Ha Pottery Village

Thanh Hà Pottery flourished during the 17^th & 18^th centuries. All products such as Pots, scallops, jars, etc are used in every house from clay on Thu Bon River. The artisan also made curved tiles, and red brick for the old house in Hoi An and neighboring areas.

Visiting Thanh Ha Pottery Village will be a chance for you to understand more about the traditional craft, observe the pottery production process through skillful hands of artisans in the village, and can make your own imaginative products as well.

3. Street Food in Hoi An

One of the delicious dishes that you can coincidently see on the street in Town, you will not control your appetite and want to taste it immediately because of its smell. What is it?

3.1 Hoi An Chicken Rice ( Cơm gà Hội An)

Different from other Chicken Rice dishes from other regions, Hoi An Chicken Rice does not bring the feeling of fullness but always creates a feeling of craving.

The rice was fried then boiled with chicken, torn small, squeezed with onions, herbs from Tra QuếVegetable and spices show cuisine of the Central. Eating you will feel the natural sweetness of chicken and fragrant aromatic in your mouth.

Some famous chicken rice in Hoi An: Bà Buội, Bà Nga, and some along Phan Chu Trinh Street. It cost 40.000 VND/dish of chicken rice.

3.2 Hoi An Bread ( Bánh Mì)

It can be said that Ms.Phuong Bread and Madame Khanh bread are the most typical names for Hoi An bread with a variety of meat and special sauce. You will see a variety of meat, grilled, jam bong, pate, homemade sauce, chili, herbs of Tra Que village.

All make a perfect cake that is hard to find anywhere else besides Hoi An. It cost 20,000 dong/bread. It is both cheap and delicious. There is no reason for you to skip bread when coming to Hoi An. Ms.Phuong Bread is located on Phan Chau Trinh St, you must line up & wait for your turn to buy it. 

3.3 Hoi An Barbecue Pork (Thịt nướng)

You had to wait till 2 or 3 o’clock in the afternoon to taste this dish. If you want to enjoy it gently, can do step by step firstly use rice paper, mì lá, raw Trà Quế vegetables, and grilled pork, roll them all together and dip them in the homemade sauce then enjoy.

Barbecue Pork – Thit nuong Hoi An

Wow! A great feeling cannot. if not, you can immediately just hold the grilled pork stick still hot from the barbecued stove coal and eat it, it may burn your mouth, but the taste may not be necessary to discuss. It is so amazing. Oh my god!!! It takes 5.000 đong/stick near Japanese Bridge.

3.4 Cao Lau Hoi An

Once come to Hoi An, you have to try Cao Lau which is considered a specialty of Hoi An dishes. It is extremely complicated that the water to make Cao Lau must be obtained from the water of Ba Le Well.

Cao Lau doesn’t need broth but replace it with special sauce from sautéed pork with soya and greasy taffy. To make sautéed pork, must choose tenderloin pork, marinated spices, and flavors. Each Cao Lau take @ 30.000 đồng/bowl.

3.5 Quảng Noodle ( Mì Quảng)

Mi Quang is one kind of noodle. It makes from noodle with grated rice flour and thinly sliced, then slice into thin noodles about 2mm thick. Quảng Noodle enjoy with raw vegetable, pork, shrimp, chicken combine with broth stewed from the bones.

In this dish also add dried beans, roasted parsley, chopped green onions, herbs, and peppers. Let’s taste it, so amazing.

3.6 Hoi An Pancake ( Bánh xèo)

Banh Xeo is considered a fantastic snack food in Hoi An in the cold season. The reason is that in this season, can catch a lot of shrimp and its quality is so good and sweet, and shrimp is also the main ingredient for pancakes.

It will be more delicious if has just take it out from the hot pan and use your hand to eat, not use chopsticks or forks. Wow! Dip the pancake roll in the bowl of sweet and sour fish sauce, how flavorful it is! It

3.7 Hoi An Ice Cream tube

Unlike other types of ice cream, Hoi An Ice cream tube is very special, it would be very interesting to feel cold as well as sweetness on your tongue. The Ice cream is made in small aluminum tubes which is called tube ice cream.

Because of its light sweetness, it easily makes sense for both adults and children. It has many flavors like chocolate, coconut milk, strawberry, durian, green bean etc.

4. Hoi An Sea Food

It can be said that the seafood in Hoi An is very good in quality, it is both fresh and cheap. There are a variety of types such as clam, fish, crab, etc. You should join the seafood on Cưa Dai Beach, along Lac Long Quan Streets. There are many local restaurants with suitable prices for you to enjoy dinner here.

5. Hoi An Shopping

Hoi An is famous for tailoring. It takes 2 or 3 hours to sew a dress, suit, shirt etc. You are no worries about the quality. All the products were made by the long time’s experienced tailors.

5.1 Hoi An Tailoring

 They did very professionally in each seam without any mistakes. Most of the famous tailor shop in Hoi An has many years’ experience in tailoring, they herniate this business from generation to generation. There are many reputation tailor shops in Town such as Yaly, Tuong Tailor, and in Town.

5.2 Hoi An Lantern

Please don’t forget to buy lantern gifts for your friends or relatives, it has many samples with a variety of shapes for you to choose from. Many supplier come to Hoi An and buy lantern to their country for decoration the hotel and resorts as their concepts, thus, There is no reason for you to skip lantern when coming to Hoi An.

5.3 Hoi An Souvenir Shop

You can buy some handmade gifts such as ceramic gifts, Copper statues, Carvings, Key locks, Greeting cards, and silk products. These gifts are very useful and meaningful for your friends or relatives. Each gift was come from a different traditional workshop village.

6. Hoi An Transfort

6.1 Plane to Hoi An

An international Airport base on Danang which is 27 km far from Hoi An. You can book flight ticket via Vietnam Airlines or international air ticket company.

6.2 Hoi An Car for Rent

There are many car services for your choice. If you like a private car 4 seat or 7-seat or a van from the airport to Hoi An, you can book in advance at a cheap price from 300.000-500.000 VND at Central Car for rent

6.3 Hoi An Taxi

It is quite a little bit expensive more than a private car, it is 500.000 dong,  but it is very convenient for you to catch up from the airport. There are many branches of taxis such as Mai Linh Taxi, Sông Hàn, Masco, etc.

6.4 Hoi An Car/ Train to other cities

You can buy ticket from some travel agent in town or directly buy at booth of car or train station. The price is always posted on the public rate. You are no longer worried about it.

7. Hoi An Hospital

7.1 Hoi An Hospital

It is managed by the government and located on Tran Hung Dao Street. Normally, local people come here for treatment.

7.2 Pacific Hospital

It is preferred expat more because the doctor can speak English. The fee is quite high for any service. 

8. Some useful phone numbers should be known in Town

• Hoi An City Police: 0235 3861204
• Hoi An Post Office: 0235 3861635
• Hoi An Hospital: 0235 3864750
• Haxi Hoi An: 0235 3919919
• Travel consultant: 0235 3910919

To get a Vietnamese visa, foreign tourists can register online with simple steps to receive an” approval letter” from the Vietnam Immigration Department, and then get the visa at the airport.