THE SMALL CITY OF HOI AN (VIETNAM)
Today, in our Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa blog, we would like to bring you to an ancient and traditional city with plenty of Chinese and Japanese influence, as well as a special charm that has helped it become Heritage of Humanity. We are talking about the small city of Hoi An.
This peaceful and emblematic city is in the centre of Vietnam, and it used to be an important fishing port from the 16th to the 18th Century. The old part of the city remains intact nowadays, as it is forbidden, by law, to alter any of it.
The main thing to see at Hoi An is its Japanese covered bridge. The city was built by Japanese traders in the year 1593. It was aimed to shorten distances and become a link between the trading Japanese area in the west and the Chinese area in the east.
The bridge is made out of wood and rock, and is built over a small tributary of the River Thu Bon. On the inside of the bridge there are handmade lanterns and altars.
These altars are meant for the guardians of the temple: there is a dog on one side and monkeys on the other.
Without a doubt, the best way to see the old part of the city, if you don’t wish to walk much, is to visit it by bike or motorbike. These are the most commonly used vehicles by locals. In Hoi An it is unusual to see cars on the streets.
Another important landmark in this city is the Cantonese Assembly Hall (Hôi quán Quàng Dông) built in 1786 by traders and seamen of the city. This building resembles a pagoda more than a conventional assembly hall. However, it was designed that way as a place to worship the warrior Quang Cong and the goddess of the sea Thien Hau.
On important days of the lunar calendar, such as the New Year and other special festivities, the building is decorated to hold the traditional celebrations and gatherings of its residents. This is a spiritual place for them to meet.
The Thu Bon River is the most important spot in Hoi An. Small fishing boats cross it every day, and on its bank there are narrow Vietnamese houses which make the river a busy place where locals carry on with their day to day routine.
If you like the traditions and charm of Asian style, we recommend you visit our luxury resort and live a unique experience of relaxation and wellbeing at the 5-star hotel Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa. Live an Asian experience in the Mediterranean.
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