HOI AN – well-preserved

The fact that Hoi An was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site (and that anyone we spoke with said “You MUST go to Hoi An!”) led us to spend a few days in this charming, small, easy-going city. Though it was clearly ever-so tourist-friendly, we relished our hotel room on an island – just a short bridge-stroll across the river from the Old Town.

Our room was spacious, and we were welcomed by a towel sculpture of kissing swans, on the bed. The breakfast turned out to be sumptuous, and though it was a little cool, the pool was small but beautiful. So we had to tear ourselves away to sight-see.

Hoi An was spared during what is called here The American War. The old buildings are largely intact – even to whole streets of ancient family houses with their interiors carefully preserved. We visited Chinese pagodas, an old Japanese covered bridge, saw craftsmen working on traditional art forms, even caught a performance of traditional dance and song, accompanied by musicians playing very odd instruments.

The market was full, and the streets around it restricted to walkers and “primitive vehicles.” There were some rather kitschy touches, of course – it’s hard not to improve on what is clearly perfect – but all in all, we loved the place, the food, the friendly people. 

Our Longlife Riverside Hotel Bed

Bill & Cynthia over Hotel Pool

Included Breakfast

Morning Omelette Cook

Some Knobby Vegetable

Courtyard Tran Family House

Fujian Assembly Hall Assembly Hall Dragon

Roof Detail

Hoi An Market

Japanese Covered Bridge

ie: nothing motorized

Outdoor Kitchen Roof

Pagoda Doorway

Pagoda Relief behind Coils of Incense

River Kitsch

Silk Embroidery Workers

Silk Embroidery

Traditional Dancers