HOI AN TODAY
Thanks to the UNESCO World Heritage Status, Hoi An is as exquisite today as it was a few hundred years ago, retaining incredible character and beauty in the labyrinthine alleyways that run through the ancient town of Hoi An. The centuries old teak trading houses are incredibly well preserved, and age old customs are observed in the Pagodas and Assembly Rooms which only add to the charm of Hoi An. The most recognisable heritage building is the Japanese Covered Bridge which was built by the Japanese community of Hoi An to link with the old Chinese Quarter. Constructed between 1593 (Year of The Monkey) and 1595 (Year of The Dog), there are monkey and dog sculptures at either end if the bridge, which also houses a temple. Carefully restored in 1986, this ancient bridge maintains its original shape and Japanese style. In fact, the Japanese Covered Bridge has now been adopted as the symbol of Hoi An.
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR HOI AN PHOTO GALLERY
A BRIEF HISTORY LESSON
With an incredibly rich and diverse history, the origins of Hoi An date as far back as 200 B.C. and the formation of the Champa Empire, when it was the beating heart and the rivers the lifeblood transporting goods to the highlands, the low lands and as far as Laos & Thailand. Relics of Cham Towers have been discovered dating between the 2nd and 14th centuries when Hoi An was established as a busy seaport, trading with Persian & Arab sailors mainly in spices.
Originally known as Lam Ap Pho (Champa City) and then called Faifo, Hoi An was founded as a trading port in the 16th century by Nguyen Hoang, one of the Nguyen Lords. Realising the geographical importance, Hoi An was then transformed into the most important trade port in the South China Sea as the Nguyen Lords were keen to resume commercial activities with Chinese, Japanese, British, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, Indonesian and Indian ships. They traded in ceramics, porcelain, lacquer, spices, silk, fabrics, Chinese medicines, pepper, molasses, sugar, tea and even elephant tusks! Trade continued to flourish until the late 18th century, when Da Nang began to overtake Hoi An mainly due to political manoeuvring, and the fact the Thu Bon River had started to silt up, making access difficult for any larger ships.
During the boom trading period, the Chinese traders started to settle in Hoi An, and are responsible for the many beautiful old teak trading houses in the old town, as well as the numerous pagodas and assembly halls. In effect, they helped to create Hoi An as we know it today with local influences as well as inspiration from the Japanese and the French. Luckily, after the lull in trade, Hoi An was more or less forgotten, and the ancient town preserved in all its old world charm.
Realistically, Hoi An, and more specifically, Quang Nam Province was fighting against foreign invaders from the mid 18th century until 1975. Under French rule, Hoi an served as an administrative centre and during the American War, with cooperation from both sides, the city itself remained relatively untouched and undamaged by the war. For the last quarter of the 20th century, Hoi An remained a quiet old town, however tourism was beckoning as many travellers began to discover this absolute jewel in the crown of Central Vietnam.
In December 1999, Hoi An was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status, ensuring that the incredibly picturesque old trading port will be preserved as a fine example of architecture and trade from the 16th to the 19th centuries. Amongst several claims to fame, the film “A Quiet American” starring Michael Caine was filmed in the old town of Hoi An, and used one of the original rooms of the Vinh Hung 1 Hotel on Tran Phu Street as his dressing room.
Hoi An is a year round destination. The tropical climate is made up of two seasons .
Dry Season
Dry season starts in February right through until June when the temperature heats up into the 90’s and we start to experience sporadic tropical rainstorms, a spectacle of lightning and monsoon rain, over almost as soon as they start, lending a break from the humid heat.
Wet Season
Monsoon season kicks off in September with increasingly frequent tropical downpours leading up to the typhoon season in Oct/Nov a period of which sees the flooding of Hoi An town, as the rivers rise and spill over the banks the town can only be traversed by boat.
Temperatures
June/July – Beach Lovers and bargain hunters!
Hoi An experiences temperatures well into the 90’s during June and July, the humidity can be quite high, beach lovers will be rewarded with light ocean breezes and plenty of shady spots to relax. As the sunsets venture into town and enjoy the relatively quiet streets of Hoi An in low season.
Oct/Nov – Adventurers and photographers
Typhoon season. Temperatures average 70 degrees, the storms and flooding that hit Hoi An give visitors a completely different outlook as the locals roll up their sleeves (and trousers) and work together transporting food supplies and those that have been stranded by narrow boat through the town.
Feb-May – Everyone!
Spring! Temperatures in the 70’s-80’s and the beginning of the dry season. Spring in Hoi An is a beautiful (but busy) time to visit. With the heady perfume of the Frangipani flowers scenting the air, the surrounding rice paddies a dazzling, lush green, Hoi An bursts into exuberant, colourful flower.
Full Moon Festival
On the 14th day of every Lunar calendar month Hoi An at it’s most romantic turns off all it lights, steps back in time and celebrates the Full Moon. Streets lit by candle and lantern, traditional games, poetry and song fill the lanes with memories from a bygone era.
