Joanna James
Travellers to the town of Hoi An are bound to reassure themselves that they have not travelled back in time. The fusion of different architectural styles is phenomenal that you'll literally feel a world away. Below is a round-up of those architectural styles and places where you can witness them.
The ancient town of Hoi An boasts a harmonious blend of multiple architectural styles influenced by quite a few regions of the world. However, what first strikes your eye as soon as you enter the city is the ensemble of French Colonial homes. The sunlight bouncing off the walls of these yellow-hued houses make you bask in their glory and immerse you in the charming laid-back ambience. The distinctive golden yellow smeared throughout the town makes for a bewitching backdrop, allowing you to stimulate your creativity for some jaw-dropping Instagram pics.
Chùa Cầu is the most notable trademark the Japanese left in the town of Hoi An to signify their influence on the World Heritage city's architecture. It is a roofed footbridge and goes by a bunch of names such as Chùa Cầu, Lai Viễn Kiều, and Cầu Nhật Bản, which, presumably, is Vietnamese for "Japanese Covered Bridge". The iconic landmark also houses a pagoda atop the bridge, referred to as Cau pagoda, adding another moniker to the landmark's considerably long list of names.
It's not exactly a prime architectural style but certainly is an interesting element of Vietnamese architecture that is worth checking out. Just as the name gives it away, Vietnamese Door Eyes are something the Vietnamese themselves have come up with, free from the influence of other parts of the world. The wooden eyes pinned right above the door on the outside are believed to act as a shield against vicious influences. These door eyes can be seen on most houses across the city but Tan Ky ancient house is probably the best place to check them out. Staying at a 5 star hotel in Hoi An – set in the heart of the city – such as Anantara Hoi An Resort, will keep you only a hop, skip and a jump away from such prominent landmarks in the town's historic quarter.
The Chinese built not one but five assembly halls, namely, Ngu Bang, Phuoc Kien, Trieu Chau, Quynh Phu, and Quang Trieu. While all five are picturesque and boast striking architecture, Ngu Bang is the most popular among tourists and locals alike. If you fancy immersing yourself in the town's Chinese architecture, tour all five and see what your inner architectural buff loves the most.
Set your eyes on some of the oldest architectural antiques by making your way to the Cam Pho Temple in Nguyen Thi Minh Khai. The ancient temple draws a good deal of hungry tourists, just waiting to feast their eyes on the phenomenal architecture, every year.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
