Hoi An on the central coast of Vietnam
About this album
Hoi An is one of those UNESCO declared World Heritage sites that's a well-preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port of the 15th to 19th centuries. The buildings display a unique blend of local and foreign influences.
H?i An is still a small city, but attracts a fair number of tourists for the numerous art and craft shops and tailors.
We spent 3 days here and stayed at the Hoi An Riverside Resort and Spa. Totally idyllic and a great change from the crowds of Hanoi. The town has the look of an old town that's now revived for the tourist industry and nearly all homes in the old quarter are now a retail store of some form or other. Nevertheless, it still retains its heritage charm and is a great place to relax in.
Overnight train journey from Hanoi to Hoi An. This was in the morning as we approached Hoi An
Breakfast of congee and chicken on the train - it was surprisingly delicious
Fishing 'kelong'
Road seems to be placed rather close to the tracks
This is where we'd be if the train went over
The route we'd traveled along
Our hotel room at the Hoi An Riverside Resort
The view from the room
Just a few feet beyond our hotel room
Looking in the opposite direction downstream
We loved the river view
The hotel does make sure the strip of river beside the compound is well kept and cleaned. Makes for good shots
View from the breakfast area
ditto
Another breakfast view
Couldn't stop taking photos of the surrounding area
Riverside cafe near the hotel
View of farmer with ox tending padi fields on other side of the river
Hotel pool - we never got to use it though
Seen from a balcony
The room we occupied
The hotel 'complex' seen from a little downstream
Lush green young rice padi field
Shop in the old town selling lanterns (a common sight). Hoi An was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1999.
The Hoi An markets
Bicylces and motorbikes were common within the market area
Fresh veggies were plentiful and make for a good shot
More stalls selling various vietnamese wares
Deep yellow (or Gold) seems to be the favoured colour of most buildings
The 'Fujian Assembly Hall' or Cantonese meeting hall
Inside the Assembly Hall.
Hanging incense are prayer offerings for business prosperity
Museum of Folklore
More shops
Nearly all of the old houses here are now shops
Lantern maker at work
Typical roof style
Lanterns are always colourful
Street scene
More stuff to buy
Well water seems to be in common use here
Inside a traditional home (Tan Ky House) - still houses descendants of the original occupants.
In the kitchen of the house
Another shot of the interior
An art gallery shop - nearly bought some paintings from here, but us poor folk couldn't afford the price tag
Another colourful street scene
The Japanese Bridge (an apparent must see for tourists) built by the Japanese community in 1593. It links the Japanese and Chinese quarters
Entrance to the Japanese bridge
Thu Bon River on which Hoi An sits
People do live on the river. Note clothes hanging out to dry
Looked like a good photo to take
Same pigeon raiding a display of grains outside a restaurant
Making friends with stall vendors. Yes, they'll push their wares onto you, but they are rather friendly folk
Different noodle types
More boats on the river
We seemed to be enthralled by the alleyways
Here's another one
Love this shot. Sweet old lady selling satays on the road side. She's cooking up a batch for us here. Our one regret is not buying more from her
A cafe we ate at. Nice spring rolls they had
Stumbled into this temple - they appeared to be making the frames of the very popular lanterns
