Ancient Hoi An offers a unique treasure of history and cultures on Thu Bon River and estuary. Even more, Hoi An’s Old Quarter is a creative vortex with many artisans, spectacular shopping, silk products, cooking classes, international restaurants, and Vietnamese coffee shops. Also, Hoi An’s night markets is the most popular one in all of Vietnam. Read on to learn more about Hoi An highlights for a wonderful itinerary in both day and nighttime.
History of Hoi An’s Old Quarter
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Hoi An Old Quarter setting is an opportunity to go back in time and relive the well-preserved trading post as it was 200 years ago. It was the commercial capital of the Cham Empire (civilization that predated Vietnamese people) in the 16th and 17th centuries. Also, they specialized in ceramics and textiles. Its foreign influences include Chinese, Japanese, Dutch, French, Portuguese a long with the indigenous Cham cultures. Because its location as a trading center abruptly ended in the 18th century (replaced by Da Nang), it remains mostly unchanged from 200 years ago. Therefore, visitors experience car-free streets with transportation by boat along the river.
Walking along the quaint streets is a leisurely way to shop at your own pace. A highlight of Hoi An’s charm is the abundant, colorful silk lanterns, strewn above you throughout the streets and shops. Being there at night is an opportunity to experience these lights at their brightest.
There are numerous coffee shops to explore the unique Vietnamese coffee. I tried my first egg coffee in Hoi An, known for its Tiramisu-like taste. This exquisite coffee tops with egg yolk, whipped with condensed milk and chocolate. Its shopping offers traditional apparel and exquisite silk products for reasonable prices. Alterations with quick customized fits, can have you taking home Vietnamese tunics or Chinese dresses within 2 hours. Also, I saw artisans selling beautiful calligraphic paintings and Buddhist marble sculptures along the street.
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As you walk along the labyrinthine streets there are Chinese Temples, colorful French colonial buildings, Vietnamese tube houses and the iconic Japanese bridge.
The beautiful Japanese covered bridge has become the symbol of Hoi An, bridging many cultures in one community. Its wooden pagoda roof has ornate dragon motifs, as a picturesque opportunity for a nice photo. On the north side of the bridge is the temple dedicated to the Taoist Weather God. There’s also a large bridge connecting the 2 main riverside streets, where you can catch a boat ride to experience Hoi An along the river. Many restaurants have cooking classes, especially for the famous local dish, “Cao Lau,” or braised spiced pork noodles.
Along the riverside there are numerous bistros, pubs, shops, and live music with many open as late as 3:00 am. The night life is a whole other side of Hoi An, not to be missed. All the colorful silk lanterns light up the streets. The boats are lit up also at night with the lanterns. It’s breathtakingly romantic to see all the sparkling spectrum of lights on the water and land, enlivened with music, creating an upbeat ambiance for all the senses.
Silk Farming and Products
In Hoi An there are tours of sericulture or silk farming for exquisite silk products. I visited and learned a lot about this process, originated in China. The silkworm larvae spread on mulberry leaves, with racks of cocoons on display. The silk threads come from cocoons, produced by the larvae’s salivary glands. I observed the end process of workers spinning the silk threads from the cocoons. It is estimated that 1 pound of silk needs 2000 cocoons.
Mahatma Gandhi protested silk farming, as the larvae are killed to harvest the cocoons. PETA, also, publicized their moral criticisms regarding silk production, as the larvae are boiled alive. From the Silk Road to modern times, this precious end product provides so many beautiful things, at a cost that many would argue is unethical. For thousands of years, China held secret to the art of silk farming and production. Interestingly, in Traditional Chinese Medicine the silkworm dissolves phlegm and relieve spasms.
Hoi An Highlights – Night Market
Hoi An’s Night Market is one of the most popular in Vietnam. I loved this market and highly recommend for anyone not to miss the nightlife and market as it is a one of a kind. This night market lights up with fun, unique foods, music and souvenirs. The silk lanterns light up for sale, displaying the full spectrum of colors and design. My friend bought a necklace with her name inscribed on a grain of rice. I delighted to discover ice cream rolls, laid out in a smear, then cut and rolled up into thin layers of ice cream. It was refreshingly delicate and delicious as a unique way to enjoy
my ice cream. I saw intricately clever and colorful pop-up boxes, with Vietnamese women on bikes with flower baskets. In addition, there was Vietnamese pizza made with a very thin, rice crust that looked delicious. Altogether, there are many things to get your attention, dazzling all the senses.
Overall, Hoi An Highlights
Hoi An is such a delightful place with something for everyone. I find that all people light up, just like the silk lanterns, when they mention their experiences in Hoi An. It’s one of those places that cheers everyone up, with its colorful and cozy ambiance, as a community that brings everyone together to celebrate life, reliving the past at this World Heritage Site here and now.
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