Hoi An Ancient Town – Overview of 600 Years of Hoi An

Hoi An Ancient Town

Ancient remains untouched, every building, houses, temple whisper a story of old-time, of a once-bustling trading port from the 15th century. Stroll slowly through the quiet street of Hoi An to observe how architecture reflects the uniqueness of three different cultures combining, to escape yourself from the business of the modern world.

Hoi An in the late afternoon
Hoi An in the late afternoon

Location of Hoi An Ancient Town

Resting beside the banks of the picturesque river of Thu Bon, in the heart of Quang Nam province, the ancient town of Hoi An captives visitors by its stunning classic features. The town has been well preserved since the 15th to 17th century when it used to be a small-scale trading center in Southeast Asia. With an eastern seaside border, Hoi An was where the foreign merchants from China, Japan, and domestic travelers from other parts of Vietnam came across.

features of hoi an ancient town

Features of Hoi An Ancient Town

What makes Hoi An town become a true gem in the eyes of cultural heritage expert is the cultural diversity represented via its architecture. This small combination of moss-grown buildings, past-arranged street way, wooden shop malls was a fusion of the ancient Cham culture (existed about five centuries ago in central Vietnam), Asian culture from such countries as China, India, Japan, and later the Western invasion in the 16th century. The Japanese bridge with graceful curves – a simple of Hoi An – owes its inspiration from the Zen spirit. Vibrant-hued guildhalls play as a testament to the Chinese Guangdong and Fujian ethical influence. Golden-sparkling Buddist statues rest silently in typical Vietnamese-like pagodas. Entirely classic-oriental, this trading town is a soul-catcher for any visitors who are into old-time beauty.

Trieu Chau Assembly hall in Hoi An
Trieu Chau Assembly hall in Hoi An

Festivals in Hoi An Ancient

Hoi An ancient town is opened for tourists anytime in the year. Nevertheless, those who desire to behold this centuries-old town in its most gorgeous and captivating beauty are advised to come to the major festivals. Full Moon Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival are when the streets become vibrant with bright colors and bustling with people and activities. However, at no other time can Hoi An appear truly outstanding as in its unique Hoi An Lantern Festival. Enchanting and glimmering paper lanterns flying toward the immense dark sky and floating along the poetic river creates such a stunningly romantic and mysterious site – an experience hard to forget.

Hoi An Lantern festival occurs every years
Hoi An Lantern festival occurs every year