Buzz
Discovering the charm of Hoi An through the eyes of a foreign travel blogger, with a firm statement: 'Hoi An is an ideal destination for those seeking to 'slow down' in a sense of peace and tranquility.' Is it really so? Let's explore with Mytour!
Ancient yellow hues paint the walls of serene streets, some patches of paint peeled off enough to delight and romance the visitors. Colorful lanterns sway in front of the shops, lining the banks of the Thu Bon River. In the restaurants, each row of tables is illuminated by candles. And older women wearing conical hats carry local products on their shoulders.
All the above are about Hoi An – a world cultural heritage, known for impressive fashion design shops where travelers can 'indulge' themselves in custom-designed outfits, each person's unique style. However, Hoi An has more allure beyond shopping for a wardrobe full of clothes. With narrow, ancient alleys perfect for exploring on foot, savoring unique traditional dishes, and admiring historical architectural structures. This ancient town takes pride in keeping tourists from feeling bored, always offering something interesting not found in the itinerary for you to discover on your own.
We, first-time travelers to Hoi An, like most other tourists, immediately headed to the fashion stores to shop for impressive outfits because we only stayed at a Hoi An Hotel for 2 nights, so there wasn't much time. But we know, besides shopping, Hoi An also captivates us with other things, things that will make us always remember this place, and a vacation in Hoi An will be an ideal destination for those looking for a place to 'slow down' in a sense of peace and tranquility.
Exploring the unique architecture of Hoi An
In the 17th century, Hoi An was a bustling international trading port, a hub for merchants from China, Japan, and Europe. Even today, the influence of those cultures is vividly evident in the ancient houses of Hoi An.
The river sparkles mysteriously at night
The Thu Bon River meanders around the ancient town, looking quite serene during the day, but when night falls, it becomes lively, more magical than ever. Especially on full moon nights, colorful paper lanterns will be released by locals and tourists into the river, hoping to bring luck and happiness.
The vibrant colors of Hoi An's lanterns undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on tourists. You'll see lanterns hanging everywhere, from shops, restaurants, houses, to trees... turning Hoi An into a truly romantic and enchanting space.
To escape the tourist crowds in the old town and witness the daily life of the Vietnamese people, you should visit the Hoi An Market area. Here, you'll see fresh and delicious food, trays of freshly caught fish in the morning, and vendors bargaining with customers. Inside the market, you'll find food stalls selling smoothies and delicious bowls of cao lau at much lower prices than the shops in the old town.
A land of historical landmarks
My Son Sanctuary is a complex of ancient Champa temples, nestled in a small valley surrounded by hills with only one entrance, located about 30km from Hoi An. My Son Sanctuary served as a place for worship and burial grounds for Champa kings or noble persons, making it one of the major temple centers of Hinduism in Southeast Asia. A must-visit destination on your exploration of Hoi An.
As per Acruisingcouple's blog
***
Reference: Mytour Travel Guide
MytourJune 18, 2014
