8.30: After a long journey, nothing can make you more relaxed than a morning in this peaceful ancient town. As an important trading port from the 15th to 19th centuries, Hoi An Ancient Town is a fusion of indigenous and foreign cultures. Explore the sights of its quaint historic district with your private guide. Catch the romantic sights and take a tight hold of your sweet-heart if you are just-married couples!
Start exploring the ancient town by crossing over the old wooden slats of the Japanese covered bridge. More than 400 years have passed and the covered bridge has always been a good shelter for passers by escaping from the rain and heat. On the northern side of the bridge is a Japanese pagoda to protect sailors. You can see the statues of two dogs located at the western end of the bridge and two monkeys at the eastern end. It is said that the construction started in the year of the monkey and finished in the year of the dog, according to Chinese calendar. Other legend said that the statues on the bridge might have been put there by the Japanese to control this monster, since the dog and the monkey are sacred animals according to their Totem religion.
9.00: Imagine life over one hundred years ago at meticulously-maintained Tan Ky House which was constructed nearly two centuries ago as the house of a Vietnamese merchant. It has always been lovingly preserved and now looks almost as it did in the early 19th century. The design of Tan Ky House shows how local architecture incorporated Japanese and Chinese influences. Japanese elements include the crab shell-shaped ceiling supported by three beams in the living room. Chinese poems written in mother-of-pearl are hanging from a number of the columns that hold up the roof.
10.00. Before heading for lunch, there’s another interesting place to go, Phuc Kien Pagoda, which was built in 1692 by Chinese Phuoc Kien merchants. It has since been restored and enhanced many times. Because it was used for worship as well as for meetings by the Chinese from Phuoc Kien Province, this construction is now called the Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall. The Holy Mother and the Goddess of the Sea, Thien Hau, are worshipped in the main sanctuary. The Phuoc Kien ancestors and the God of Prosperity are worshipped in the sanctuary behind the main one. This temple is architecturally unique with its artistic ornaments and beautiful statues. The Chinese architectural style combined with Vietnamese workmanship has enriched it with Hoian’s cultural character.
14.00. After lunch, now it’s time to be dipped into a classical world with traditional handcraft at Hoi An’s busy local market. In the market you will be able to see various kinds of lanterns used for decorations for houses, gardens, and festivals. They are all made by the skilled hands of the famous craftsmen in Hoi An. Take a look at one of our lanterns called bamboo lantern! It is made of a bamboo frame, covered by silk and appears in various shapes and colors. To it put into use, one merely hangs the lantern up with the string and puts a light bulb inside.
16.00. Our next stop is Cham Museum which was built in Cham architectural style, using thin lines that are simple and gentle. Cham architecture originates from the period between the 5th and 15th centuries, when a matriarchal society prevailed. At present, the museum displays approximately 300 sculptures, among which some are made from terracotta. The sculptures were collected from Cham temples and towers throughout Central Vietnam, more specifically the area stretching from Quang Binh to Binh Thuan.
19.00. I’m sure that a day in Hoi An is one of your most unforgettable experiences in Vietnam. Yet, only enjoying a short boat ride on Thu Bon River can let you drift along in the most peaceful landscape. It is one of the nicest waterways in Vietnam and repeatedly portrayed in poetry.
21.00. The night life of Hoi An is difficult to describe. It is definitely a unique experience. There are many options that one can take, but all depend on the kind of traveler you are and what you are looking for. There are plenty of lounges around town to choose from, some owned by locals, others by foreigners. Most of them have the same to offer; happy hour, free pool, friendly service… For the most part, Hoi An is a town that sleeps early, but you can find a few good nightspots. Tam-Tam Café has long been a popular spot for travelers, expats, and locals. Hai Scout Cafe is a popular late-night hangout for travelers, offering standard bar drinks as well as cappuccino and espresso and some great baked treats…
Tags: Hoi An, Hoi An travel guide, Hoi An Vietnam, Things to do in Hoi An
