Once In A Lifetime Journey
  • Destinations
    • Africa
      • Djibouti
      • Kenya
      • Madagascar
      • Malawi
      • Namibia
      • Rwanda
      • Somaliland
      • South Africa
      • Sudan
      • Tanzania
      • Uganda
    • Europe
      • Albania
      • Andorra
      • Azerbaijan
      • Denmark
      • France
      • Germany
      • Iceland
      • Italy
      • Kosovo
      • Macedonia
      • Malta
      • Monaco
      • Montenegro
      • Russia
      • Spain
      • Switzerland
      • United Kingdom
    • North & Central America
      • American Samoa
      • El Salvador
      • Guam
      • Guatemala
      • Hawaii
      • Honduras
      • Mexico
      • United States
    • South America
      • Argentina
      • Brazil
      • Chile
      • Peru
    • Middle East
      • Oman
      • Saudi Arabia
      • Sudan
      • United Arab Emirates
    • Pacific
      • American Samoa
      • Australia
      • Cook Islands
      • Fiji
      • French Polynesia
      • Guam
      • Hawaii
      • Kiribati
      • Micronesia
      • Nauru
      • New Zealand
      • Palau
      • Samoa
      • Solomon Islands
      • Tonga
      • Tuvalu
      • Vanuatu
    • Southeast Asia
      • Brunei
      • Cambodia
      • Indonesia
      • Laos
      • Malaysia
      • Myanmar
      • Philippines
      • Singapore
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
    • Central & North Asia
      • Bhutan
      • Bangladesh
      • China
      • Hong Kong
      • India
      • Japan
      • Macau
      • Maldives
      • Mongolia
      • Nepal
      • North Korea
      • Pakistan
      • South Korea
      • Sri Lanka
      • Tibet
  • Inspiration
    • Inspiration

      Top tips for family travel stress

      January 21, 2021

      Inspiration

      How to mentally prepare for a solo trip

      January 21, 2021

      Inspiration

      Is El Salvador safe to visit for tourists…

      December 9, 2020

      Inspiration

      A local’s guide to one day in Barcelona

      December 9, 2020

      Inspiration

      The most unusual things to do in Barcelona…

      December 9, 2020

  • Reviews
    • Hotels & Resorts
    • Train, Planes & helicopters
    • Food & Drinks
    • Spa & Wellness
    • Tour & Activities
  • Resources
  • Wine Tourism
    • Australia
    • Indonesia
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Thailand
    • US
    • South Africa
  • Solo female travel
  • Countries visited: 115
  • Currently in : Singapore 🇸🇬
  • Partner with us
  • SOLO FEMALE TRAVELERS COMMUNITY

Once In A Lifetime Journey

Once In A Lifetime Journey
  • Destinations
    • Africa
      • Djibouti
      • Kenya
      • Madagascar
      • Malawi
      • Namibia
      • Rwanda
      • Somaliland
      • South Africa
      • Sudan
      • Tanzania
      • Uganda
    • Europe
      • Albania
      • Andorra
      • Azerbaijan
      • Denmark
      • France
      • Germany
      • Iceland
      • Italy
      • Kosovo
      • Macedonia
      • Malta
      • Monaco
      • Montenegro
      • Russia
      • Spain
      • Switzerland
      • United Kingdom
    • North & Central America
      • American Samoa
      • El Salvador
      • Guam
      • Guatemala
      • Hawaii
      • Honduras
      • Mexico
      • United States
    • South America
      • Argentina
      • Brazil
      • Chile
      • Peru
    • Middle East
      • Oman
      • Saudi Arabia
      • Sudan
      • United Arab Emirates
    • Pacific
      • American Samoa
      • Australia
      • Cook Islands
      • Fiji
      • French Polynesia
      • Guam
      • Hawaii
      • Kiribati
      • Micronesia
      • Nauru
      • New Zealand
      • Palau
      • Samoa
      • Solomon Islands
      • Tonga
      • Tuvalu
      • Vanuatu
    • Southeast Asia
      • Brunei
      • Cambodia
      • Indonesia
      • Laos
      • Malaysia
      • Myanmar
      • Philippines
      • Singapore
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
    • Central & North Asia
      • Bhutan
      • Bangladesh
      • China
      • Hong Kong
      • India
      • Japan
      • Macau
      • Maldives
      • Mongolia
      • Nepal
      • North Korea
      • Pakistan
      • South Korea
      • Sri Lanka
      • Tibet
  • Inspiration
    • Inspiration

      Top tips for family travel stress

      January 21, 2021

      Inspiration

      How to mentally prepare for a solo trip

      January 21, 2021

      Inspiration

      Is El Salvador safe to visit for tourists…

      December 9, 2020

      Inspiration

      A local’s guide to one day in Barcelona

      December 9, 2020

      Inspiration

      The most unusual things to do in Barcelona…

      December 9, 2020

  • Reviews
    • Hotels & Resorts
    • Train, Planes & helicopters
    • Food & Drinks
    • Spa & Wellness
    • Tour & Activities
  • Resources
  • Wine Tourism
    • Australia
    • Indonesia
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Thailand
    • US
    • South Africa
  • Solo female travel

Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclaimer policy here. Never leave without travel insurance.

Hoi An’s tantalising magic and heritage in Vietnam

by Mar May 28, 2016
Written by Mar
Hoi An Morning Glory
Hoi An at night

Hoi An at night

Some cities awake only at night. This is the case of Hoi An. Once an important trading post, it is today a magnet for tourists, especially from China and Korea, as well as epats, many of whom choose the quaint city as their home in Vietnam even with kids.

Hoi An has retained its well preserved buildings and structures thanks to the rapid demise in its importance. Located at the mouth of the Thu Bon River, the town served as the trading center between Chinese, European and Japanese merchants between the 15th and 19th century who came in search of spices and silk. When the river silted up in the 19th century, the ships stopped coming and trade came to a halt. It was because of that the town’s success and boom stagnated and its buildings froze in time. Because economic advancements stopped arriving in Hoi An, the buildings never needed replacing for more modern ones and the original structures, made of timber and wooden frames and tiled up, still remain almost intact.

Hoi An streets

Hoi An streets

UNESCO listed the town as a whole in 1999 as the best preserved example of a South Asian trading town. Despite the Vietnam War caused much damage to nearby UNESCO sites of Hue and My Son, Hoi An has remained intact.

Hoi An today

Despite its feeling of a town stuck in the past, the city is very much alive today. Locals continue to live in the original building and, although the streets are filled to the brim with visitors taking photos and souvenir shops, most of the stores continue to be inhabited by local families and history and heritage is visible everywhere. A local stall owner has been selling the famous Vietnamese Bahn Mi sandwiches for generations. Local ladies carrying their good on shoulder poles still strut the streets looking for buyers for their bananas and fresh vegetables.

Hoi An buildings

Hoi An buildings

Under the layers of tourism traps and hipster cafes one can still observe the daily comings and goings of a regular town, only it is one that has been mystified, beautified and is engulfed in an aura of magic. When the night comes, Hoi An transforms into a romantic and charming place where the light of red and yellow paper lanterns reflect on the stagnant river and local visitors and foreigners release candles, a la Thai lantern festival, onto the waters from wooden boats.

Taking it all in 

Strolling through the narrow pedestrian streets where only bicycles are allowed is a respite from the chaotic traffic of other Vietnamese cities. In Hoi An, the only noise is that of tourists taking selfies, shutters on overdrive and laughter. Almost every building is filled with a business targeting tourists but it is done with class. There are local designer stores hiding authentic gems at international prices, ancient overly ornate pagodas and stores selling traditional wares like ceramic tea pots and red lanterns and epic cooking schools where you can learn to make local specialties like steamed rose dumplings.

Hoi An river

Hoi An river

Walking along the streets of the old town is a treat to the senses as much as it is a dangerous feat. Erratic tourists on bicycles have replaced the death defying motorbike riders of other places so you still have to watch your step. Which is hard, because walls, roofs and store fronts on both sides are mesmerising. The most yellow painted buildings are pretty and appear fairy-tale like. The terracota red bricks and occasional offering or pagoda add a spiritual air. Locals make offerings to Gods and mystical creatures. The facades and pagodas depict peaches for longevity, carps for longevity, symbols which are repeatedly found across the city.

At night, couples, armed with professional photography crews and Hollywood style floodlights, inundate the area around the famous Japanese bridge, a heritage wooden bridge topped with a pagoda. They come here fully dressed for pre-wedding photos and compete for that perfect shot with hordes of selfie-stick wielding tourists who have descended en mass from tour buses.

Cute restaurant Hoi An

Cute restaurant Hoi An

But the crowds and the clear tourism focus of the city does not take away one bit of magic from it.

On the other side of the river, in the modern island of An Hoi, the lantern market provides that perfect photo opportunity. With the most typical souvenirs on offer and a mobile, metal and plastic street market feel to it, this is where one can come to buy the famous gift for relatives back home. It is less charming, more massified, so a quick walk is usually enough.

Clan Old Houses of Hoi An

But aside from the tourist element and the prettiness of the streets at night, when the colourful lanterns are lit, Hoi An hides a wealth of heritage and family stories behind the wooden facades. Some of the clan houses are open to visitors and are certainly popular with the tour groups. Some have turned into private museums, like The Diep Dong Nguyen House, others offer an insight into the ways of life of ancient merchants.

Hoi An buildings

Hoi An buildings

Influences from the Chinese traders, the Japanese invaders and the French with whom the town exchanged good are all visible across town. Some houses blend all styles in one and portray perfect examples of multi-cultural architecture.

Many of these houses had a street facing store front and a river facing loading and unloading opening to get the merchandise from the river boats. This is why the promenade where most tourists wander at night is so narrow and the house facades so close to the water.

Further reading: Looking for accommodation options in Hoi An? Check out where I stayed, in Lang Co, the perfect luxury resort to explore Hoi An, Hue and My Son. As well as other luxe stays in Central Vietnam. You can also see some of the best beaches in Vietnam explore to in this article.

 

  • Check if you need a visa, get help processing it at iVisa.
  • Never ever leave without travel insurance. Get affordable coverage from World Nomads or long term insurance from Safety Wing.
  • I find all of my flights on KAYAK. Check their Deals section too.
  • Search for all your transportation between destinations on the trusted travel booking platform Bookaway.
  • I book all my day trips and tours via GetYourGuide, they are the best and their tours are refundable up to 24h in advance.
  • Get USD35 off your first booking with Airbnb.
  • Compare hotels EVERYWHERE at HotelsCombined and book with Booking.com.
  • Compare car rental prices at Rentalcars.com
Hoi AnUNESCOVietnam
0
FacebookTwitterPinterest

You may also like

Visiting Bahla Fort, Oman’s only UNESCO fort

Top-3 UNESCO countries: China, Spain and Italy –...

The Temples of Pattadakal – UNESCO splendor in...

The splendour of the Medieval Kingdom of Polonnaruwa

The sacred City of Kandy in the heart...

The mystic world of Banyan Tree Lang Co

The best beaches in Vietnam

The best beaches in Southeast Asia

The ancient UNESCO temples of My Son in...

The 9 best things to do in Luang...

Popular Posts

  • 1

    Maldives vs Bora Bora, where will YOU have the best vacation?

    June 30, 2020
  • 2

    All the hipster, fun and cool things to do in New York

    June 30, 2020
  • 3

    Original and fabulous gifts for travelers for any occasion

    December 3, 2017
  • 4

    The world’s least visited countries – Unknown and rare destinations

    June 22, 2020
  • 5

    300+ Instagram bio quotes and captions to rock your feed

    December 14, 2019
  • 6

    100+ Great Things to do in Seoul

    August 18, 2020

Recent Posts

  • All the best day trips from Seoul

    January 21, 2021
  • Winter in Korea – where to go, festivals, ski resorts

    January 21, 2021
  • Amazing South Korean festivals you cannot miss

    January 21, 2021
  • Complete Seoul Itinerary – 2, 4 & 7 Days in Seoul

    January 21, 2021
  • A night at the Bubble hotel in Iceland – All about the 5 Mn Star Hotel

    January 21, 2021
  • Top tips for family travel stress

    January 21, 2021

follow US on instagram

@shintamani_wild knows me wel: Wine + wilderness + @shintamani_wild knows me wel: Wine + wilderness + jungle + a pile of @natgeotravel magazines = Happy Mar
.
#ShintaManiFoundation #NatGeo #NatGeoTravel #ShintamaniSiemReap #bensleycollection #Cambodia #BensleyCollectionSiemReap #luxuryvillas #underthestars #catalanspelmon #ViatgersDC #damestravel #dametravel #sheisnotlost #girlswhotravelgirlswhotravel
A bathtub with a view and with its own waterfall s A bathtub with a view and with its own waterfall soundtrack - Result!
.
#ShintaManiFoundation #NatGeo #NatGeoTravel #ShintaManiWild #BensleyCollection #Cambodia #luxuryvillas  #catalanspelmon #ViatgersDC #damestravel #dametravel #sheisnotlost #girlswhotravel
DREAMING OF TRAVEL AGAIN - I have finally booked a DREAMING OF TRAVEL AGAIN - I have finally booked a flight again, not to an exciting place but to one that I'm very excited about: home.
.
And talking about travel dreaming...
This photo was taken at Bill Bensley @shintamani_wild at the @natgeo tent hence the many magazines, the tent was full of them some of the issues were 50+ years old, it was fascinating to read the first issues that covered Dian Fossey or some of really remote tribes. It was hard to peel my eyes off the stunning photos and enjoy the remote and beautiful destination, the piece of wild forest where the camp is.
.
I don't think I'll be doing much travel before the end of the year but I hope to travel to west Africa in November/ December / January, for a real adventure and maybe a safari too.
.
#ShintaManiFoundation #NatGeo #NatGeoTravel #ShintamaniSiemReap #bensleycollection #Cambodia #BensleyCollectionSiemReap #luxuryvillas #underthestars #catalanspelmon #ViatgersDC #damestravel #dametravel #sheisnotlost #girlswhotravel
A NIGHT UNDER THE STARS - have you ever slept unde A NIGHT UNDER THE STARS - have you ever slept under the stars? Where?
.
I did in Tanzania and in the Maldives at @gili.lankanfushi but I am sometimes worried about the mosquitoes 😂 thankfully, @shintamani.angkor.bensley sorted this with nets!
.
#ShintaManiFoundation #ShintamaniSiemReap #bensleycollection #BensleyCollectionSiemReap #luxuryvillas #underthestars #catalanspelmon #ViatgersDC #damestravel #dametravel #sheisnotlost #girlswhotravel
CELEBRATING - Today we're out of official lockdown CELEBRATING - Today we're out of official lockdown in Singapore though actually not much has changed. We still work from home, shops are still closed. How is it where you are?
.
So I'm reminiscing of my last trip, 4 months ago, to Cambodia and the weekend at our beautiful pool villa at @shintamani.angkor.bensley - bliss ❤
.
This is one of two Bill Bensley Collection luxury properties, only 10 pool villas that are uber private and luxurious. @billbensley interior design details are fabulous.
.
#ShintaMani #ShintamaniSiemReap #bensleycollection #BillBensley #BensleyCollectionSiemReap #luxuryHotel #TravelwithPurpose #SiemReap #ZngkorWat #Cambodia #catalanspelmon #ViatgersDC #LuxuryTravel
3 MONTHS WITHOUT TRAVELING - One last view at the 3 MONTHS WITHOUT TRAVELING - One last view at the dreamy Private Reserve overwater villa at @gili.lankanfushi - wish I was there!
.
This is the longest I've been without traveling in 15 years. And I must say time has passed really fast because of how busy I've been. When was the last time you stayed put for this long?
.
#GiliMoments #GiliStory #GiliLankanfushi #Maldives #Maldivien #Maldivas #maldivesvacation #MaldivesInsider #maldivesmania #VisitMaldives #maldivesig #beautifulMaldives #overwatervilla #Fromwhereidrone #girlswhodrone #LadyinRed #catalanspelmon #viatgersDC #luxuryresort #maldivesislands #maldivesresorts #SimplyMaldives
HAVING A MARILYN MONROE MOMENT at the beautiful ne HAVING A MARILYN MONROE MOMENT at the beautiful new pool villas at @gili.lankanfushi.
.
I feel like I've certainly become many things in this pandemic times, from best friend to chef, videographer, interviewer, podcast host, presenter, mentor, coach...I'm definitely not letting this crisis go to waste!
.
What are you up to these days? Have you taken up a new hobby? Got in touch with long lost friends? Started to meditate or do yoga?
.
Inspire me!
.
#GiliMoments #GiliStory #GiliLankanfushi #Maldives #Maldivien #Maldivas #maldivesvacation #MaldivesInsider #maldivesmania #VisitMaldives #maldivesig #beautifulMaldives #overwatervilla #LadyinRed #catalanspelmon #viatgersDC #luxuryresort #maldivesislands #maldivesresorts #SimplyMaldives
DREAMS - Where is the first place you will go to w DREAMS - Where is the first place you will go to when travel resumes?
.
#GiliMoments #GiliStory #GiliLankanfushi #Maldives #Maldivien #Maldivas #maldivesvacation #MaldivesInsider #maldivesmania #VisitMaldives #maldivesig #beautifulMaldives #overwatervilla #Fromwhereidrone #girlswhodrone #LadyinRed #catalanspelmon #viatgersDC #luxuryresort #maldivesislands #maldivesresorts #SimplyMaldives
"NEVER LET A GOOD CRISIS GO TO WASTE" Winston Chur "NEVER LET A GOOD CRISIS GO TO WASTE" Winston Churchill once said at the end of WWII.
.
What are you doing now to make the most of this?
.
I'm a firm believer that one needs to always stay positive and productive, always looking ahead no matter what, now more than ever.
.
Working in the travel industry, I have lost pretty much all of my income since this started, 6y of work all wiped out practically overnight.
.
I won't lie, it's tough to stay optimistic, to see the light at the end of the tunnel and to keep going ahead despite everything, knowing it's at least 6 more months before things really improve. If that wasn't enough, after 2.5 months of suffering the effects of the virus in Asia, Singapore declared a lockdown, so now we're home isolated and the numbers don't look good.
.
But I'm trying to stay true to myself, to be the eternal optimist that I am, so here is what I'm doing:
.
- Looking at images of my best trips to relive the experience. Like this absolutely beautiful shot from @Gililankanfushi my favorite place in the #Maldives
- I started a new blog about breakfast bowls and I'm loving it! I can implement all the things I learned in 6y and avoid all the mistakes. I eat super healthy home made food every day and I find caring about myself and my significant other through food, and cooking itself, highly meditative and therapeutic. So win-win-win, and hopefully I'll add a new income stream that is anti cyclical and not travel related.
- Accelerating the work to create a new portal for Solo Female Travelers with @mappingmegan for the FB group that has more than 55,00 members (and growing fast!) And which we manage.
- Taking a variety of online courses, on SEO, blogging, happiness, etc.
- Trying to exercise everyday at home even if it's just 10min. Since I also eat healthily, by the end of this I'll be super hot 😜 Haha #WishfulThinking
- Staying connected with friends and family, more than I ever have in 15y as an expat.
.
And YOU? What are you doing to "take advantage" of this crisis?
.
#GiliStory  #gililankanfushi #GiliMoments #StayAtHome #Covid-19 #StayPositive #SpreadPositivity #DigitalNomad #WorkOnline
DREAMING - I stopped planning trips or thinking ab DREAMING - I stopped planning trips or thinking about when or where my next trip will be.
.
But I have not stopped thinking of the great trips I've taken this year. Even in two months, I already made amazing memories.
.
This picture is so perfect it looks like a painting.
.
#GiliMoments #GiliStory #GiliLankanfushi #Maldives #Maldivien #Maldivas #maldivesvacation #MaldivesInsider #maldivesmania #VisitMaldives #maldivesig #beautifulMaldives #overwatervilla #Fromwhereidrone #girlswhodrone #LadyinRed #catalanspelmon #viatgersDC #luxuryresort #maldivesislands #maldivesresorts #SimplyMaldives
Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest Linkedin

About

  • ABOUT ONCE IN A LIFE TIME JOURNEY
  • ABOUT THE TEAM
  • WHERE WE HAVE BEEN
  • PRESS
  • PRIVACY POLICY

Reach Out

  • CONTACT US
  • PARTNER

Quick Links

  • SITEMAP
  • BOOKS
  • INCOME
  • DIGITAL MARKETING
  • DISCLAIMER

Copyright © 2019 . All Rights Reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program