Hoi An, Vietnam, February 21th 2024

My morning started with a sunrise walk along the sandy beaches bordering the South China Sea, where locals and tourists go for morning walks before the heat of the sun sets in, while local fishermen prepare their boats before setting out.

Our sightseeing today began as our guide drove us the ten minutes ride into town, initiating a leisurely stroll through the old town’s captivating streets.

From the 16th to the 18th century, Hoi An flourished as an international port, frequented by Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, and Portuguese merchants. Today, it stands as a testament to its captivating architecture, remarkable silk production, and skilled tailors.

The tour took us to the district’s iconic landmarks, in the charm of its historic streets. Admiring the splendid old yellow French merchant houses standing shoulder to shoulder, we found the town to be very charming, even amidst its tourist popularity.

Our first stop was the Chua Ong Pagoda, constructed in 1653 to honor the Chinese general Quan Cong, symbolizing loyalty and justice.

Next on the itinerary was the Jinshang Temple, dedicated to the goddess of the sea and protector of sailors.

We then got the chance to see a cultural display in Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House, with both song and dance acts.

A short walk brought us to the 200-year-old Tan Ky House, a testament to Vietnamese heritage, meticulously preserved by seven generations of residents.

The Japanese and Chinese influences were vividly evident throughout the house. Naturally, we paused at Hoi An’s most famous landmark, the iconic 18th-century Japanese Bridge.

This is however closed for a full restoration, so we only got to see the meticulous work that goes into bringing this back to its former glory.

The excursion concluded with a delightful boat ride on the Thu Bon River, providing a serene finale to our exploration of the enchanting Hoi An.

Before heading back to the hotel we tried one of the famous Banh Mi places. and I got the chance to see the local market and a bit more of the town.

Going back to the hotel it was nice to relax a bit by the beach, as the day started to get cooler.

I ended the day as it began, with a walk along the sandy beaches, with the sun coloring the skies in evening hues.

For dinner we went to a local restaurant down a nicely decorated alleyway before turning in quite early.

---

This blog post is part of the Indochina trip 2024 – see other blogs from the same trip