9 things to do during a long vacation in Hoi An

For many tourists, both domestic and foreign, Hoi An is often just a stop for a day or 1-2 days. But there are many reasons to stay longer. The following 9 things are suggested by Wanderlust magazine (UK) to help tourists understand Hoi An more deeply.

Wandering the old town

Central area in Hoi An. Photo: Xuan Phuong

Hoi An Ancient Town could be the setting for a Japanese anime, as visitors explore cobblestone streets, Portuguese and Chinese houses, a Japanese bridge and 16th-century merchant temples. The town centre lies along a well-preserved branch of the Thu Bon River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hoi An is a place to visit at any time of day, sightseeing and dining along the river.

Visit My Son Sanctuary

My Son Sanctuary, another World Heritage Site, is located near Hoi An, hidden deep in the jungles and mountains. It is a complex of Hindu temples that have been largely destroyed. My Son was once the spiritual capital of the Cham people. Today, the temples are home to wild birds and small animals. Visitors should visit in the late afternoon or early morning to avoid the heat and crowds.

Swimming and exploring the islands

Resorts offer high-end accommodation options, different from the old town. The most beautiful beach area is currently An Bang beach. In addition, Hoi An also has islands, the most prominent of which is Cu Lao Cham. This place has changed little over the past decades. Small villages have homestay services, and fresh food is provided by fishermen. Visitors can stay on the island for the day or overnight.

Fresh air on Cu Lao Cham Island. Photo: Duy Tran

Visit centuries-old temples

Hoi An has more than a thousand wooden temples and pagodas dating from the 15th to 18th centuries, in architectural styles ranging from the Tokugawa shogunate in Japan, the Ming and Qing dynasties in China, and later developments in Europe. The temples, though small, are like living museums. Don’t miss the 17th-century Quan Am Pagoda, laid out in the Confucian style of the Qing Dynasty, and the 18th-century Phuoc Lam Pagoda, with its yin-yang tiled roof and carved dragons.

Instant clothes

Hoi An offers good quality tailoring services, with dozens of shops. Having a custom-made outfit made is a special experience. Reasonable prices, fast delivery within a few hours or the same day. Note, choose the right tailor rather than a shop. Visitors can also have shoes made immediately. Check to see if the product is made of genuine leather.

Go to Fujian Assembly Hall

No building is more emblematic of Hoi An’s trading past than the Fujian Assembly Hall in the heart of the old town. Originally a simple, dilapidated thatched-roof temple, it was purchased by Chinese merchants in the mid-18th century, rebuilt and expanded to its current state. Everything on the grounds is arranged to bring good luck, reflecting the harmony of the universe.

Attend the lantern festival

Foreign tourists release lanterns in Hoi An. Photo: Hoiana

Most festivals in Vietnam take place annually, but Hoi An is different. Every full moon day of the month, there is a lantern festival. Sky lanterns (thien dang) or flower lanterns from thousands of boats on the river light up the ancient town. It is often difficult to find accommodation during the festival, so book early.

Experience the life of a farmer

Hoi An has beaches, islands, UNESCO-listed monuments, and plenty to do in the old town, but visitors should also take time for a leisurely bike ride to explore the countryside along the Thu Bon River. You’ll see rolling rice paddies, small canals, interconnecting roads and alleys, where you can stop for a bite to eat. The trip is even more impressive when combined with a basket boat ride and a paper lantern-making lesson. Book your tour anywhere in Hoi An.

Up to Marble Mountains

No need to climb, the Marble Mountains have elevators for visitors who want to conquer the top, where there are temples, caves and shrines. Most of the structures at Marble Mountains today were built by the Nguyen Dynasty kings. Many of the structures symbolize the meeting of heaven and earth in organic harmony. Vines hang down from the leafy pagoda caves where light shines through, and frangipani and royal poinciana flowers dot the paths.

According to vnexpress.net

Source: https://baohanam.com.vn/du-lich/9-dieu-nen-lam-trong-ky-nghi-dai-o-hoi-an-158207.html