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Hoi An - Quang Nam
Hoi An is an ancient port town on the Thubon River 30 km south of Danang. Known as Faifo to early Western traders, it was one of the Southeast Asia’s major international ports during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Hoi An was an important port of call for Dutch, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, and other trading vessels.
Today parts of Hoi An look exactly as they did a century and a half ago. Hoi An still preserves hundreds of houses built of precious wood in a very original style of architecture, either one or two storeys, in their complete wholeness. The rafters and beams of these houses are carved with very subtle patterns. These houses date from the first part of the 19th century or earlier give visitors the feeling that they have been transported back a couple centuries ago.
Hoi An is one of the rare places in Vietnam where you’ll find genuine Vietnamese architecture. Besides this, Hoian is harmonious integration of other architecture styles with the local conditions. There is Japanese quarter linked with a Chinese neighborhood by Japanese Covered Bridge, which was constructed in 1593 by the Japanese Community in Hoian. This bridge reflecting the Japanese preference for understatement, still in its original style attracts many tourists. The Chinese community in Hoian is fond of many temples and Assembly Halls, which are worth visiting again and again.
Attractions in Hoi An:
1. The Ancient Town of Hoi An
2. Hoi An's History
3. What is there to do in Hoi An?
4. Old Merchant Houses
5. Japanese Covered Bridge
6. Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall
7. Tan Ky Ancient House
8. Cham Islands
9. Cua Dai Beach
10. Quan Cong Temple
11. Phung Hung Old House
12. The Tran Family Worship House
13. Trieu Chau Assembly Hall
14. Cu Lao Cham (Cham Islands
1. The Ancient Town of Hoi An
Hoi An, in Quang Nam province, is about 35km south of Danang on the mouth of the Thu Bon river. In the middle of today's modern municipality is the ancient port town of Hoi An, surrounded by urban development.
Facing the silted-up river that once made it a major trading centre, it is now a World Heritage Area and a popular destination. Its close proximity to Cua Dai Beach, good hotels and restaurants make it a pleasant place to spend a few days in the middle of a full tour of Vietnam.
Although it's commercialised, it's a well managed site and retains it's 'village’ atmosphere. Apart from the ancient streets of wooden buildings, silk shops, river trips and a delightful monthly 'return to the past' evening when traffic and electricity is replaced by lanterns and traditional costumes, are additional attractions.
2. Hoi An's History
The Chinese took an interest in the Quang Nam area back in the days of the Cham Empire, and began anchoring their ships in Tra Nhieu Bay, to the south of Hoi An, but it wasn't until the early fifteenth century that the area’s potential for trade was recognised.
Originally known as Fai Fo, Hoi An was established somewhere between 1602 and 1618 by Nguyen Phuc Nguyen, the ruling ‘Lord’ at that time. He had a close relationship with both the Japanese and Chinese, who were the first to use the new port via the trade winds. The number of traders expanded rapidly, and by the mid-1600’s ships from Japan, China, Europe India and the South Pacific countries congregated for an annual four-month trading fair.
Fai Fo became a melting pot of cultures. Predominant were the Japanese and Chinese that ran with the trade winds. As many of the merchants often had to wait several months for favourable winds to carry them home, they established resident communities with their own rulers, legal codes and temples. Many prospered, some reaching the equivalent of billionaires.
Fai Fo reached its zenith in the middle of the seventeenth century, when it was among the largest ports in South East Asia. Towards the end of the 18th century, the river began silting up, coinciding with the focus of trade in the region turned towards China. Fai Fo’s value as a port dwindled rapidly as Danang's began to develop. By the beginning of the last century, it had become a backwater, its glorious past merely a memory.
Renamed Hoi An in 1954, the town had reverted into a sleepy backwater until the rapid post-war rise in Vietnam’s population stimulated a considerable amount of urban development around the Ancient Town. Its economic renaissance was further fuelled by the new trade of tourism generating an explosion of hotels and tourism infrastructure leaving the Ancient Town as an island in the middle of a large conurbation. Since being added to UNESCO's World Heritage List, the number of visitors has expanded exponentially, and is now reaching the limit of the town’s capacity.
3. What is there to do in Hoi An?
The centrepiece is, of course, the Ancient Town. It retains the original street pattern and many of its buildings (described separately). Some of the houses and temples participate in a ticket scheme: each 50,000 Dong (roughly $3.40 US) ticket contains four ‘tokens’ allowing visitors to choose what attracts them – extra tokens cost 10.000 Dong each. The proceeds are directed towards renovation.
However, nearly all the owners of the old houses are delighted to show visitors around in anticipation of a tip – your guide will advise you or deal with it, if you prefer.
Hoi An is also famous for its many restaurants offering both local and Vietnamese specialities, and international fare. The standard is high, and the prices inexpensive. It’s also a good place for shopping, especially for silk material and garments. Most of the silk shops are just outside the boundaries of the Ancient Towns – most can turn material into a tailor-made garment within 24 hours.
For early risers, the riverside end of the town’s market is an interesting place to be around 05.00 to 06.00 when the night fishing boats come in to unload their catches.
The islands in the river and other local communities are worth visiting. In the past, there was a thriving network of craft villages, but they declined as the town slipped into obscurity. Nevertheless, some vestiges of the old trades are still to be found, such as boat building on Cam Kim Island. Some of the Cam Kim artisans were ‘recruited’ by boatyards in Ha Long, where they applied their skills to creating the distinctive wooden junks that have become a feature of the Bay and a popular tourist attraction.
Further away, but accessible by ferry, Cham Island has unspoilt beaches, good snorkelling over coral, and interesting fishing villages. Its Hai Tung Pagoda dates back to 1758 and although it is near to collapsing, is worth a detour.
About four kilometres from the town is Cua Dai Beach, part of an enormous strand of sand lining the coast as far as the Mekong Delta. Don't be misled by references to ‘China Beach’ – that's a section of Danang's My Khe beach. Cua Dai is just as good: clear water, and palm/ pine fringed sandy beaches.
If you don't want to bother with a taxi of motorbike, a bicycle is a good way of getting around – we can arrange it in advance, or you can easily rent bikes in the town.
Further afield, visits to the Marble Mountains and the UNESCO World Heritage Area of the My Son Sanctuary would each take about half a day.
4. Old Merchant Houses
In Hoi An, there are many old houese were built in the 18th century or earlier, the old houses are the very soul and lifestyle of Hoi An. Many of the old merchant houses are lived in by the locals, but fortunately are beautifully preserved. They can be typically described as having a narrow and lofty interior with a barrel vault ceiling. The street entrance has a shop front where the merchant used to display his goods. This is still used for his purpose in modern Hoi An with its numerous galleries and antique shops. There is also a back room where the merchant’s family, apprentices and servants lived. The entire inside of the house is made of deeply polished hardwood. Walls, columns and entrances are decorated with poems, words, symbols, and patterns. Much of the heavy ornate furniture are originals, however some pieces are replicas. To see the inside of some of the houses, visitors can go to Tan Ky at 101 Nguyen Thai Hoc St., Diep Dong Nguyen at 80 Nguyen Thai Hoc St., and Phung Hung at 4 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St. Private houses in this style open to travelers include Tan Ky House that has staff that speak fluent English and French.
5. Japanese Covered Bridge
Japanese Covered Bridge, also called the Pagoda Bridge (Chua Cau) is located in Hoi An Town, Quang Nam Province. The Pagoda Bridge was built in the 16th century and is still incredibly well-preserved
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. There are 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 is 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.
6. Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall
Located at 46 Tran Phu St., Hoi An Town, Quang Nam Province, Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall, also called Kim Son Pagoda, 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 Hoi An’s cultural character.
7. Tan Ky Ancient House
Located at 101 Nguyen Thai Hoc Road, Hoi An Town, Quang Nam Province, Tan Ky House was constructed almost two centuries ago as the house of a Vietnamese merchant.
It has always been lovingly preserved and now looks almost exactly 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.
8. Cham Islands
Cham Islands also called Cu Lao Cham, is situated approximately 20km from Hoi An Town, Quang Nam Province in the East Sea. Visitors to this island can enjoy the landscape, food and entertainment, as well as bathing in the fresh and pure environment.
Covering an area of 15 km2, this archipelago includes seven islands with evocative names: Hon Lao (Hon Ong), the largest and most populous; Hon Kho Me, Hon Kho Con, so called because of their arid soil; HonTai having an ear-shaped figure; Hon Dai, resembling a wave; Hon La, that of a boat and Hon Mo, the shape of a tomb. Three mountains rise from Cu Lao Cham: Ngoa Long, Bat Long and Tiem But.
According to archaeologists, Cham islanders first settled there 3,000 years ago and established business contacts with external countries some 1,000 years ago. Up to now, Cu Lao Cham has preserved many architectural constructions which date back to the 18th – 20th century. They include the shrine dedicated to Than Yen Sao, built in 1843 at Bai Huong, and Hai Tang Pagoda, built in 1753 on the western hillside of Hon Lao
Still, Cu Lao Cham has more to offer. After a 3-hour canoe trip, one may hop over to the famed Well of the Cham people. Situated in a salty-water area, this square-bottom well, amazingly, provides clear fresh water all year round.
Enjoyable extras include white-sand, pristine beaches and captivating attractions evocatively named Bai Ong, Bai Bim, Bai Chong, Bai Bac, Suoi Tinh, Cau Mo, Suoi Ong, and so on, where tourists can relax, go hunting, fishing - even fishing octopuses.
Travellers also have chances to view the sea swallows’ nests clinging to the towering cliff. Cu Lao Cham wins kudos for its seafood and delicacies (octopuses, lobsters, fish’s fin, abalone, kaki, hind, cholonia’s eggs, birds’ nests, etc.) and fascinating souvenirs (pearls, conches, tortoise-shells, etc.).
9. Cua Dai Beach
Cua Dai Beach is located in the area of Cam An Ward, about 4km to the north-east of Hoi An Town, Quang Nam Province. Cua Dai Beach is over 3km in length and up to 300m in width. The beach boasts fine white sand, clear and blue water, moderate slopes and small waves, which make it ideal for recreational activities like swimming and other sea sports.
After visiting the relics in the old town, visitors can go to Cua Dai Beach to enjoy sea food specialities in an ideal environment of immense sky and sunshine.
In the shady palm-lined road bordering the beach stand some large seaside resorts such as Hoi An Beach Resort or Victoria Resort, where lodgings built in Vietnamese traditional style are available. On summer holidays, the famous beach of Cua Dai cools off those heading to Hoi An.
10. Quan Cong Temple
This temple was built in the middle of the 17th century to worship Quan Cong, the most famous general of the “ Three States” time (in Chinese history) who is the resplendent symbol of morality: faith, loyalty, frankness, righteousness.
11. Phung Hung Old House
This private house, constructed in 1780, is two floors of combined architectural influences. The first floor's central roof is four-sided, showing Japanese influence, and the upstairs balcony has a Chinese rounded "turtle shell "roof with carved beam supports. The house has weathered many floods. In 1964, during a particularly bad bout, its third floor served as a refuge for other town families. The upstairs is outfitted with a trap door for moving furniture rapidly to safety. You might be shown around by Ms. Anh, who claims to be an eighth-generation member of the family. Tour guides at every house make such claims; however, like Quan Thang's house, the family really does seem to live here.
12. The Tran Family Worship House
In 1802, the Tran family ancestor house of worship was built by a mandarin of civil service named Tran Tu Nhac.
The architecture of the house is beautiful. It is located inside a big garden and bordered by high fences of Japanese and Chinese style architecture. The house is divided into two parts: the main part serves as a place for worship; the auxiliary one is for the family and guest residence. The worship room has three doors, the two side doors are reserved for male and female members (left side is for men and the right side is for women) and the centre is for the grandparents and opened on Tet or on festival days.
13. Trieu Chau Assembly Hall
Trieu Chau assembly hall was built by the Chinese in the early 19th century to worship the God of the oceans who is the reflection of the sea faring people,s deep longing for safety at sea.
14. Cu Lao Cham (Cham Islands)
Cu Lao Cham is situated in Tan Hiep Commnue, 20km from Hoi An in the direction of the East Sea. Cu Lao Cham consists of eight islets very close to one another: Hon Lao, Hon Kho Me, Hon Kho Con, Hon Tai, Hon Dai, Hon La, Hon Mo and Hon Ong.
According to archaeologists, Cu Lao Cham first settled there 3,000 years ago and established business contacts with external countries some 1,000 years ago. Up to now, Cu Lao Cham has preserved many architectural constructions which date back to the 18th – 20th century. They include the shrine dedicated to Than Yen Sao, built in 1843 at Bai Huong and Hai Tang Pagoda, built in 1753 on the western hillside of Hon Lao. Still, Cu Lao Cham has more to offer. After a 3-hour canoe trip, one may hop over to the famed Well of the Cham people.
Situated in a salty-water area, this square-bottom well, amazingly, provides clear fresh water all year round. Enjoyable extras include white-sand, pristine beaches and captivating attractions evocatively named Bai Ong, Bai Bim, Bai Chong, Bai Bac, Suoi Tinh, Cau Mo, Suoi Ong and so on, where tourists can relax, go hunting, fishing even fishing octopuses.
Travellers also have chances to view the sea swallows’ nests clinging to the towering cliff. Cu Lao Cham wins kudos for its seafood and delicacies (octopuses, lobsters, fish’s fin, abalone, kaki, hind, cholonia’s eggs, birds’ nests…) and fascinating souvenirs (pearls, conches, tortoise-
Today parts of Hoi An look exactly as they did a century and a half ago. Hoi An still preserves hundreds of houses built of precious wood in a very original style of architecture, either one or two storeys, in their complete wholeness. The rafters and beams of these houses are carved with very subtle patterns. These houses date from the first part of the 19th century or earlier give visitors the feeling that they have been transported back a couple centuries ago.
Hoi An is one of the rare places in Vietnam where you’ll find genuine Vietnamese architecture. Besides this, Hoian is harmonious integration of other architecture styles with the local conditions. There is Japanese quarter linked with a Chinese neighborhood by Japanese Covered Bridge, which was constructed in 1593 by the Japanese Community in Hoian. This bridge reflecting the Japanese preference for understatement, still in its original style attracts many tourists. The Chinese community in Hoian is fond of many temples and Assembly Halls, which are worth visiting again and again.
Attractions in Hoi An:
1. The Ancient Town of Hoi An
2. Hoi An's History
3. What is there to do in Hoi An?
4. Old Merchant Houses
5. Japanese Covered Bridge
6. Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall
7. Tan Ky Ancient House
8. Cham Islands
9. Cua Dai Beach
10. Quan Cong Temple
11. Phung Hung Old House
12. The Tran Family Worship House
13. Trieu Chau Assembly Hall
14. Cu Lao Cham (Cham Islands
1. The Ancient Town of Hoi An
Hoi An, in Quang Nam province, is about 35km south of Danang on the mouth of the Thu Bon river. In the middle of today's modern municipality is the ancient port town of Hoi An, surrounded by urban development.
Facing the silted-up river that once made it a major trading centre, it is now a World Heritage Area and a popular destination. Its close proximity to Cua Dai Beach, good hotels and restaurants make it a pleasant place to spend a few days in the middle of a full tour of Vietnam.
Although it's commercialised, it's a well managed site and retains it's 'village’ atmosphere. Apart from the ancient streets of wooden buildings, silk shops, river trips and a delightful monthly 'return to the past' evening when traffic and electricity is replaced by lanterns and traditional costumes, are additional attractions.
2. Hoi An's History
The Chinese took an interest in the Quang Nam area back in the days of the Cham Empire, and began anchoring their ships in Tra Nhieu Bay, to the south of Hoi An, but it wasn't until the early fifteenth century that the area’s potential for trade was recognised.
Originally known as Fai Fo, Hoi An was established somewhere between 1602 and 1618 by Nguyen Phuc Nguyen, the ruling ‘Lord’ at that time. He had a close relationship with both the Japanese and Chinese, who were the first to use the new port via the trade winds. The number of traders expanded rapidly, and by the mid-1600’s ships from Japan, China, Europe India and the South Pacific countries congregated for an annual four-month trading fair.
Fai Fo became a melting pot of cultures. Predominant were the Japanese and Chinese that ran with the trade winds. As many of the merchants often had to wait several months for favourable winds to carry them home, they established resident communities with their own rulers, legal codes and temples. Many prospered, some reaching the equivalent of billionaires.
Fai Fo reached its zenith in the middle of the seventeenth century, when it was among the largest ports in South East Asia. Towards the end of the 18th century, the river began silting up, coinciding with the focus of trade in the region turned towards China. Fai Fo’s value as a port dwindled rapidly as Danang's began to develop. By the beginning of the last century, it had become a backwater, its glorious past merely a memory.
Renamed Hoi An in 1954, the town had reverted into a sleepy backwater until the rapid post-war rise in Vietnam’s population stimulated a considerable amount of urban development around the Ancient Town. Its economic renaissance was further fuelled by the new trade of tourism generating an explosion of hotels and tourism infrastructure leaving the Ancient Town as an island in the middle of a large conurbation. Since being added to UNESCO's World Heritage List, the number of visitors has expanded exponentially, and is now reaching the limit of the town’s capacity.
3. What is there to do in Hoi An?
The centrepiece is, of course, the Ancient Town. It retains the original street pattern and many of its buildings (described separately). Some of the houses and temples participate in a ticket scheme: each 50,000 Dong (roughly $3.40 US) ticket contains four ‘tokens’ allowing visitors to choose what attracts them – extra tokens cost 10.000 Dong each. The proceeds are directed towards renovation.
However, nearly all the owners of the old houses are delighted to show visitors around in anticipation of a tip – your guide will advise you or deal with it, if you prefer.
Hoi An is also famous for its many restaurants offering both local and Vietnamese specialities, and international fare. The standard is high, and the prices inexpensive. It’s also a good place for shopping, especially for silk material and garments. Most of the silk shops are just outside the boundaries of the Ancient Towns – most can turn material into a tailor-made garment within 24 hours.
For early risers, the riverside end of the town’s market is an interesting place to be around 05.00 to 06.00 when the night fishing boats come in to unload their catches.
The islands in the river and other local communities are worth visiting. In the past, there was a thriving network of craft villages, but they declined as the town slipped into obscurity. Nevertheless, some vestiges of the old trades are still to be found, such as boat building on Cam Kim Island. Some of the Cam Kim artisans were ‘recruited’ by boatyards in Ha Long, where they applied their skills to creating the distinctive wooden junks that have become a feature of the Bay and a popular tourist attraction.
Further away, but accessible by ferry, Cham Island has unspoilt beaches, good snorkelling over coral, and interesting fishing villages. Its Hai Tung Pagoda dates back to 1758 and although it is near to collapsing, is worth a detour.
About four kilometres from the town is Cua Dai Beach, part of an enormous strand of sand lining the coast as far as the Mekong Delta. Don't be misled by references to ‘China Beach’ – that's a section of Danang's My Khe beach. Cua Dai is just as good: clear water, and palm/ pine fringed sandy beaches.
If you don't want to bother with a taxi of motorbike, a bicycle is a good way of getting around – we can arrange it in advance, or you can easily rent bikes in the town.
Further afield, visits to the Marble Mountains and the UNESCO World Heritage Area of the My Son Sanctuary would each take about half a day.
4. Old Merchant Houses
In Hoi An, there are many old houese were built in the 18th century or earlier, the old houses are the very soul and lifestyle of Hoi An. Many of the old merchant houses are lived in by the locals, but fortunately are beautifully preserved. They can be typically described as having a narrow and lofty interior with a barrel vault ceiling. The street entrance has a shop front where the merchant used to display his goods. This is still used for his purpose in modern Hoi An with its numerous galleries and antique shops. There is also a back room where the merchant’s family, apprentices and servants lived. The entire inside of the house is made of deeply polished hardwood. Walls, columns and entrances are decorated with poems, words, symbols, and patterns. Much of the heavy ornate furniture are originals, however some pieces are replicas. To see the inside of some of the houses, visitors can go to Tan Ky at 101 Nguyen Thai Hoc St., Diep Dong Nguyen at 80 Nguyen Thai Hoc St., and Phung Hung at 4 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St. Private houses in this style open to travelers include Tan Ky House that has staff that speak fluent English and French.
5. Japanese Covered Bridge
Japanese Covered Bridge, also called the Pagoda Bridge (Chua Cau) is located in Hoi An Town, Quang Nam Province. The Pagoda Bridge was built in the 16th century and is still incredibly well-preserved
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. There are 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 is 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.
6. Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall
Located at 46 Tran Phu St., Hoi An Town, Quang Nam Province, Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall, also called Kim Son Pagoda, 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 Hoi An’s cultural character.
7. Tan Ky Ancient House
Located at 101 Nguyen Thai Hoc Road, Hoi An Town, Quang Nam Province, Tan Ky House was constructed almost two centuries ago as the house of a Vietnamese merchant.
It has always been lovingly preserved and now looks almost exactly 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.
8. Cham Islands
Cham Islands also called Cu Lao Cham, is situated approximately 20km from Hoi An Town, Quang Nam Province in the East Sea. Visitors to this island can enjoy the landscape, food and entertainment, as well as bathing in the fresh and pure environment.
Covering an area of 15 km2, this archipelago includes seven islands with evocative names: Hon Lao (Hon Ong), the largest and most populous; Hon Kho Me, Hon Kho Con, so called because of their arid soil; HonTai having an ear-shaped figure; Hon Dai, resembling a wave; Hon La, that of a boat and Hon Mo, the shape of a tomb. Three mountains rise from Cu Lao Cham: Ngoa Long, Bat Long and Tiem But.
According to archaeologists, Cham islanders first settled there 3,000 years ago and established business contacts with external countries some 1,000 years ago. Up to now, Cu Lao Cham has preserved many architectural constructions which date back to the 18th – 20th century. They include the shrine dedicated to Than Yen Sao, built in 1843 at Bai Huong, and Hai Tang Pagoda, built in 1753 on the western hillside of Hon Lao
Still, Cu Lao Cham has more to offer. After a 3-hour canoe trip, one may hop over to the famed Well of the Cham people. Situated in a salty-water area, this square-bottom well, amazingly, provides clear fresh water all year round.
Enjoyable extras include white-sand, pristine beaches and captivating attractions evocatively named Bai Ong, Bai Bim, Bai Chong, Bai Bac, Suoi Tinh, Cau Mo, Suoi Ong, and so on, where tourists can relax, go hunting, fishing - even fishing octopuses.
Travellers also have chances to view the sea swallows’ nests clinging to the towering cliff. Cu Lao Cham wins kudos for its seafood and delicacies (octopuses, lobsters, fish’s fin, abalone, kaki, hind, cholonia’s eggs, birds’ nests, etc.) and fascinating souvenirs (pearls, conches, tortoise-shells, etc.).
9. Cua Dai Beach
Cua Dai Beach is located in the area of Cam An Ward, about 4km to the north-east of Hoi An Town, Quang Nam Province. Cua Dai Beach is over 3km in length and up to 300m in width. The beach boasts fine white sand, clear and blue water, moderate slopes and small waves, which make it ideal for recreational activities like swimming and other sea sports.
After visiting the relics in the old town, visitors can go to Cua Dai Beach to enjoy sea food specialities in an ideal environment of immense sky and sunshine.
In the shady palm-lined road bordering the beach stand some large seaside resorts such as Hoi An Beach Resort or Victoria Resort, where lodgings built in Vietnamese traditional style are available. On summer holidays, the famous beach of Cua Dai cools off those heading to Hoi An.
10. Quan Cong Temple
This temple was built in the middle of the 17th century to worship Quan Cong, the most famous general of the “ Three States” time (in Chinese history) who is the resplendent symbol of morality: faith, loyalty, frankness, righteousness.
11. Phung Hung Old House
This private house, constructed in 1780, is two floors of combined architectural influences. The first floor's central roof is four-sided, showing Japanese influence, and the upstairs balcony has a Chinese rounded "turtle shell "roof with carved beam supports. The house has weathered many floods. In 1964, during a particularly bad bout, its third floor served as a refuge for other town families. The upstairs is outfitted with a trap door for moving furniture rapidly to safety. You might be shown around by Ms. Anh, who claims to be an eighth-generation member of the family. Tour guides at every house make such claims; however, like Quan Thang's house, the family really does seem to live here.
12. The Tran Family Worship House
In 1802, the Tran family ancestor house of worship was built by a mandarin of civil service named Tran Tu Nhac.
The architecture of the house is beautiful. It is located inside a big garden and bordered by high fences of Japanese and Chinese style architecture. The house is divided into two parts: the main part serves as a place for worship; the auxiliary one is for the family and guest residence. The worship room has three doors, the two side doors are reserved for male and female members (left side is for men and the right side is for women) and the centre is for the grandparents and opened on Tet or on festival days.
13. Trieu Chau Assembly Hall
Trieu Chau assembly hall was built by the Chinese in the early 19th century to worship the God of the oceans who is the reflection of the sea faring people,s deep longing for safety at sea.
14. Cu Lao Cham (Cham Islands)
Cu Lao Cham is situated in Tan Hiep Commnue, 20km from Hoi An in the direction of the East Sea. Cu Lao Cham consists of eight islets very close to one another: Hon Lao, Hon Kho Me, Hon Kho Con, Hon Tai, Hon Dai, Hon La, Hon Mo and Hon Ong.
According to archaeologists, Cu Lao Cham first settled there 3,000 years ago and established business contacts with external countries some 1,000 years ago. Up to now, Cu Lao Cham has preserved many architectural constructions which date back to the 18th – 20th century. They include the shrine dedicated to Than Yen Sao, built in 1843 at Bai Huong and Hai Tang Pagoda, built in 1753 on the western hillside of Hon Lao. Still, Cu Lao Cham has more to offer. After a 3-hour canoe trip, one may hop over to the famed Well of the Cham people.
Situated in a salty-water area, this square-bottom well, amazingly, provides clear fresh water all year round. Enjoyable extras include white-sand, pristine beaches and captivating attractions evocatively named Bai Ong, Bai Bim, Bai Chong, Bai Bac, Suoi Tinh, Cau Mo, Suoi Ong and so on, where tourists can relax, go hunting, fishing even fishing octopuses.
Travellers also have chances to view the sea swallows’ nests clinging to the towering cliff. Cu Lao Cham wins kudos for its seafood and delicacies (octopuses, lobsters, fish’s fin, abalone, kaki, hind, cholonia’s eggs, birds’ nests…) and fascinating souvenirs (pearls, conches, tortoise-