On the central coast of Vietnam is the ancient city of Hoi An. The city is unlike any other in Southeast Asia, and it is built right on stunning canals that lead to the East Vietnam Sea. The architecture is a blend of styles, reflecting the Chinese, Portuguese, French and Japanese influences on the region. Visiting Hoi An means having the chance to explore traditional houses, pagodas and bridges. Vibrant colors, friendly locals and an incredible culture only enhance the experience of touring the top attractions in Hoi An.
Old Town
The Old Town of Hoi An is a remarkably well-preserved South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. Many of the historic buildings are built in a traditional Chinese style, and the roads are narrow and winding. Classical music is piped into the Old Town, and a single ticket allows you entrance into the main attractions. Highlights of the Old Town Include the Japanese Covered Bridge, the three so-called Old Houses and the Quan Cong Temple. There are several museums in the Old Town, but you may want to skip them in favor of watching the incredible folk music performances held several times each day at the Hoi An Handicraft Workshop.
Japanese Covered Bridge
The Japanese Covered Bridge, also known as the Cau Chua Pagoda, is one of the most visited landmarks in the city. The bridge was built in the 17th century to link Tran Phu St with Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St. This allowed the Japanese quarter of Hoi An to be accessible from the Chinese neighborhoods. The bridge is covered and resembles a Japanese pagoda, and its original style has been carefully preserved for the last 400 years. The covered bridge has a practical purpose, to shelter those crossing from the elements, but it is also decorative and is covered with ornate carvings depicting animals.
Hoi An Night Market
There is no shortage of shopping opportunities in the city, but one of the most interesting is found at the Hoi An Night Market. The market is located on Nguyen Hoang Street, just opposite the Japanese Covered Bridge. The market opens around five each evening when more than 500 vendors open up their stalls to sell everything from souvenirs to clothing to fresh food. Perhaps the most-spotted item for sale is the paper lantern, which glows beautifully after nightfall. You can buy a colorful lantern to cast a glow as you shop, or you can take it home as a way to remember the colors, vibrancy and excitement of the Hoi An Night Market.
Old House of Tan Ky
Another of the unusual attractions in Hoi An that straddles the line between residence and museum is the Old House of Tan Ky. The home is more than 200 years old, and it has passed through the hands of seven generations within the same Vietnamese family. The home is architecturally interesting, and on a visit, you can admire details like the pulleys that raise furniture to avoid flooding or the stunning carved wooden balcony. Family members still reside in the Old House of Tan Ky, which brings the history of the property to life in a fascinating way.
Source touropia
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