Hoi An is very good at keeping its traditional life, religion and customs intact despite growing tourism. Here, you can easily find restaurants serving traditional local cuisines, whose recipes were passed from generation to the next.  This Vietnamese town serves as a fine example of a traditional Asian trading port with its fusion of cultures and commercial maritime influences. Some archaeologists suggest that the town has been a port and trading center since 2^nd century BC. But the town’s trading dominance had a real rise during the late 16^th to early centuries. Today, Hoi An is wealthy and welcoming, and has become Vietnam’s most notable tourist hub. The city itself is composed of old structures converted into boutique hotels, lounge bars and a battalion of tailor shops. These somehow, however, do not become eyesores and they are strategically located slightly away from the core of Old Town.

The Thu Bon River peacefully runs into town, enabling it to thrive as a trading port in South-East Asia. Despite the high tourist numbers Hoi An and UNESCO have magnificently preserved a number of Chinese temples, pagodas, merchant houses, tea warehouses and communal houses. These structures follow traditional Vietnamese designs combined with other cultural influences like Chinese and Japanese. Most of the buildings are believed to have been built between the 19^th and 20^th centuries. The main thoroughfare in Old Town is Tran Phu. Here, you can find the larger pagodas in town.  You can easily find Hoi An’s most precious architectural gems aligned along narrow lanes. Aside from pagodas, you can find community houses and family cult houses in the Old Town. Family cult houses are specifically built to serve as a place to worship ancestors; while community houses are also used to worship other prominent people such as settlement founders and ancient sages.

Exploring Hoi An

To protect it from the nuisance brought about by 21^st century living, the Old Town remains a walking and biking district. Large motored vehicles are not allowed to roam in certain sections.  Motorbike riding around the center of town follows a restricted schedule.  As a result, there is still a feeling of serenity and a laidback feel that can be felt while you’re exploring the town. Hoi An’s beauty and inherent tranquility is the reason why many travellers end up staying for weeks here without any complaints.

The best ways to see Hoi An’s fascinating buildings and monuments are by walking or riding a bicycle.  Aside from dropping by the temples and pagodas, you should also make your way to the picturesque ferry quay and the open market. The market is a vibrant spot especially in the morning where locals and tourists rub shoulders to shop for food and other items.