Hoi An

Discover Hoi An with our special tours

  • Language: English
  • Currency: VND
  • Religion: None
  • Timezone: GMT+7
Where the East meets the West

Hoi An - the city of lanterns

Hoi An is an ancient city located in central Vietnam, in Quảng Nam Province, near the coast of the South China Sea. It is a well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its rich cultural history, architecture, and vibrant atmosphere. The city was a major trading port between the 15th and 19th centuries, attracting merchants from across Asia and Europe, which has left it with a blend of influences, particularly Chinese, Japanese, and French colonial architecture.

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Discover the old city

Hoi An Old Town is the historic heart of Hoi An City and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is renowned for its beautifully preserved ancient architecture, narrow streets, and unique cultural fusion. This area was once a thriving international trading port from the 15th to the 19th centuries, and the influences of various cultures—particularly Chinese, Japanese, and European—are still visible today in the design and layout of the town.

The Hoi An basket boat, also known as a “thung chai,” is a traditional round boat made of bamboo, unique to Vietnam’s coastal fishing villages. These boats are most commonly seen in the rivers and coastal areas near Hoi An, particularly in the Cẩm Thanh village and the Bay Mau water coconut forest, which are popular tourist destinations.

Originally designed to be light and portable for fishermen, the basket boat is waterproofed with tar or resin and is used to navigate shallow waters like rivers and estuaries. Today, they are a popular attraction for tourists, who can ride in the boats while learning about local fishing techniques, casting nets, and exploring the peaceful waterways. Many tours also include demonstrations of boat spinning, a fun activity where the boat spins rapidly, which is a highlight for visitors.

These basket boat tours have become a quintessential part of the Hoi An cultural experience, blending eco-tourism, local traditions, and hands-on activities for visitors.

Thanh Ha Pottery Village and Kim Bong Carpentry Village are two traditional craft villages near Hoi An, Vietnam, known for their centuries-old craftsmanship.

The pottery is hand-crafted using traditional techniques. Artisans use clay from the nearby Thu Bon River and create a variety of products, including bowls, vases, and traditional figures. The unique aspect of Thanh Ha pottery is that it’s typically unglazed and fired at low temperatures, giving it a distinctive rustic look.

The Kim Bong village is well-known for its wood carving and shipbuilding techniques. Artisans here produce a wide range of intricate wooden products, from furniture and sculptures to architectural decorations. They continue to restore historical buildings and temples throughout Hoi An.

Tra Que Vegetable Village is a well-known destination located near Hoi An, Vietnam. Famous for its organic vegetable farming, the village has been providing fresh produce to Hoi An and its surrounding areas for generations. Visitors can explore the traditional methods of cultivating a wide variety of herbs and vegetables using organic, sustainable farming techniques. The rich soil, enriched with algae from a nearby lagoon, ensures that the vegetables are fresh and flavorful..

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