Cultural Places in Hoi An – Unique Heritage City

Hoi An is located in the Quang Nam province of Vietnam; it sits along the northern bank of the Thu Bon River. The cultural heritage site sits within a conserved area of 280 ha. The town is the perfect example of an ancient trading port that was active from the 15th to the 19th century; even more marvellous is the fact that many of the buildings are very well preserved. Hoi An in ancient times traded with South East and Asian regions as such there are many foreign influences reflected in the buildings and street plans. It is in fact an aesthetic blend of Japanese, Chinese and European influences.

The town which is 30 ha in total is made up of 1,107 buildings that consist of wooden frames and timber or brick walls. These buildings include domestic and commercial erections, architectural monuments, family cult type houses, religious buildings in the form of pagodas, an open market and an ancient ferry quay. The houses are beautifully inlaid with wooden motifs and tiles and sit snuggly next to each other along the narrow streets of Hoi An. In fact a hotel in Hoi An, that sits along the Thu Bon River will provide you an idyllic holiday in a vintage town known for its relaxing ambiance. The Thu Bon River along which the Anantara Hoi An Resort is located is known for its beautiful surroundings and ancient buildings that purposely face the river; which in olden times offered easy access to river vessels for convenient loading and unloading of goods.

The entire UNESCO Heritage Site is an attraction in itself; but if you were to pinpoint certain sections of the town the elaborately carved wooden Japanese bridge complete with an ancient pagoda would be a good start. The bridge dates back to the 18th century. You will find that meandering along the streets will take you back in time, for the town still exists on a grid pattern that was developed long before it became famous as a port. The main street runs parallel to the river and it is interesting to note that many shops are located along this road with their backs facing the river; this is as mentioned below in order to offer easy loading and unloading of goods direct from the river. Overall you get to enjoy the typical structure of a 17th and 18th century town layout.

But if you were to pinpoint certain sections of the town the elaborately carved wooden Japanese bridge complete with an ancient pagoda would be a good start. The bridge dates back to the 18th century. You will find that meandering along the streets will take you back in time, for the town still exists on a grid pattern that was developed long before it became famous as a port. The main street runs parallel to the river and it is interesting to note that many shops are located along this road with their backs facing the river; this is as mentioned below in order to offer easy loading and unloading of goods direct from the river. Overall you get to enjoy the typical structure of a 17th and 18th century town layout.

Currently, functioning as a trading port Hoi An staunchly holds onto its diverse ethnic heritage. Home to many foreign and local cultures the town offers an interesting mix of traditions, cuisine and heritage. Typical of a far Eastern trading port.