Arriving in the Vietnamese town of Hoi An feels like a bit of a time-traveler. It’s as if someone has slowed down the world, turned down the volume of traffic, and instead turned on the soft music of centuries past. In a country where most major cities pulsate with the chaos of scooters, horns, and modern skyscrapers, Hoi An feels like a poetic exception.
Hoi An is located near the city of Da Nang in central Vietnam and from the first steps it is clear that this is no ordinary town. The historic center is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and as you walk among the old houses you will quickly understand why.
THE CITY WHERE THE WORLD MEET
Hoi An was one of the most important trading ports in Southeast Asia from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Merchants from China, Japan, India, and Europe came to the city to buy silk, porcelain, spices, and tea.
And this mix of cultures is still visible at every turn. Narrow streets are lined with old yellow houses with wooden shutters, Chinese temples stand next to French colonial buildings, and Japanese architectural elements appear where you would least expect them.
LANTERNS THAT LIGHT UP THE NIGHT
If Hoi An has a symbol, it’s the lanterns. This tradition dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries, when Hoi An was a thriving international port. Japanese and Chinese traders brought with them the custom of hanging lanterns in front of their homes to bring good luck and prosperity. The locals have adopted the element, but have given it their own twist. Vietnamese lanterns are unique because they use silk. This creates a softer, warmer light than paper.
Lanterns in Hoi An are handmade from bamboo structures covered with silk of various colors and patterns. The process requires patience and skill, with each material having its own meaning. The base is bamboo, which must be old and soaked in a salt bath to prevent insect infestation and rot.
Long thin bamboo strips are tied together into the desired shape such as a ball, a drop and a diamond. The ends are fixed in a pair of wooden rings. The entire structure is then pulled together with wire to make it strong and symmetrical. The famous silk from the Quang Nam region is used. Glue is applied to the bamboo ribs and the craftsman must stretch the silk very carefully and tightly. This is the most difficult stage. The fabric must not have any folds. The excess fabric is cut off and the lantern is decorated with a tassel and a wooden top cap.
The color of the lantern often has symbolic meaning. Red is said to bring happiness and passion, yellow prosperity or royal dignity, and blue hope and peace.
Today, lanterns are not just decorations, but symbols of inner peace. Releasing lanterns into the Thu Bon River is a ritual for the Vietnamese, in which they let go of their worries and send their wishes to their ancestors. The craft is so highly valued in Hoi An that the city has established special quality certificates for workshops that follow traditional practices without the use of plastic substitutes.
As you walk through the streets of Hoi An, you can admire the colorful silk lanterns hanging above the streets, in front of shops, over the river and on the balconies of houses. They look beautiful during the day, but the real magic comes in the evening. As soon as it gets dark, the old town is transformed. The electric lights dim and the space is flooded with the soft light of hundreds of lanterns. The streets take on an almost fairy-tale atmosphere. Only the crowds of people in the streets spoil it a bit. Small boats appear along the Thu Bon River, on which people sell paper candles in colorful bowls. Tourists buy them, light them and let them float down the river like little light wishes.
It’s a simple ritual, but it has a special magic. For a moment, the hustle and bustle of the city stops and you just stand on the shore and watch the lights slowly float away down the stream.
HOW TO TRANSPORT A LANTERN ON A PLANE?
Fortunately, transporting a lantern from Hoi An is quite easy, as local craftsmen take tourists into account. Most lanterns are made to be foldable. Here are some tips to ensure your lantern survives the journey in your suitcase.
Choose a foldable design! Almost all lanterns in Hoi An have a mechanism that allows the lantern to “collapse” into a narrow cylinder. This is usually a metal wire or spring inside. Before buying, ask to be shown how it folds and unfolds again. Also, ask for bubble wrap. Even when the lantern is folded, the bamboo ribs are fragile. Ask the seller to wrap it in bubble wrap or sturdy paper for you. Most better stores do this automatically.
And how to place a lantern in a suitcase or backpack? Place the lanterns in the middle of your suitcase or backpack between layers of clothing. The clothing will act as a shock absorber. Never place them right next to the edge, where the bamboo could break if handled carelessly at the airport. Also, be careful of humidity. If you make the lantern yourself in a workshop, make sure the glue and paint are completely dry before folding and packing it. Otherwise, the silk will stick together and tear when unfolding. If you are taking a larger quantity or a very expensive piece, it is better to take it in a tube or in a sturdy bag directly on board as hand luggage. If you are buying more pieces, ask about “bulk packaging”. Sellers can tie them together so cleverly that they take up minimal space.
CITY OF TAILORS
Hoi An is also known as one of the best places in Asia to get your clothes made to measure. There are tailors literally on every corner. Just walk in, choose your fabric, show a photo of your dream suit or dress. And in one to two days it’s done.
Many travelers leave Hoi An with a new suit, coat, or elegant dress that would cost several times more at home. And what’s most interesting? The tailors work incredibly quickly and accurately. The whole process is surprisingly professional and often quite fun.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR WHEN YOU WANT TO HAVE A SUIT MADE?
If you are planning to have a suit or dress made to measure in Hoi An, you should know what to look for when choosing a tailor. Choosing the right tailor in Hoi An requires a bit of strategy, as there are over 300 tailors in the city. Here is how to get a quality piece and not get ripped off.
Don’t just look in catalogues, look for real, already-made pieces in the store. Check the details. Are the seams straight, how are the pockets finished, and the quality of the lining. A quality suit or dress cannot be made the first time. Count on at least 2-3 fitting sessions. If they promise you a finished suit in 24 hours without fitting, the quality will probably be low.
Move around during the fitting! Sit in your clothes, raise your arms and walk around. The fabric should not be tight or wrinkled in any way.
WHAT ARE THE TOURIST TRAPS?
What you should watch out for are hotel commissions. If a tailor is recommended to you by a hotel or taxi driver, the price can be 30-40% higher due to a hidden commission. It is better to say that you were just passing by. You can also come across fake reviews on the Internet. Some salons pressure customers to write a review on TripAdvisor right after the first fitting in exchange for a small discount or gift. Read the latest and more detailed reviews. Never pay the full amount in advance. The standard is a deposit (approx. 30-50%) and the balance only when you are 100% satisfied with the result.
INDICATIVE PRICES
Of course, prices vary depending on the material used (wool, cashmere, silk).
Men’s suit (two-piece): approx. $120 – $300
Women’s dress: approx. $40 – $150
Custom leather shoes: approx. 2,000 – 3,000 CZK.
MARKETS WHERE IT REALLY LIVES
One of the liveliest places in the city is Hoi An Central Market. Everything from fruit, vegetables, fish, spices, herbs and ready meals is sold here from early morning. The air is full of aromas and colors. The food stalls are small, often just a few plastic chairs and a simple stove. But it is here that some of the best Vietnamese food is created.
The saleswomen smile, stir noodles in huge pans, and the whole space feels like a living culinary theater.
CITY OF WHEELS
One of the things that makes Hoi An so enjoyable is its pace. The historic center is largely closed to cars and many people get around on bicycles. Renting a bike is easy and cheap, and riding around the city is one of the most enjoyable experiences.
Just drive a little outside the center and you will find yourself among rice fields, small villages and palm trees. Just a few kilometers from the city is also the beautiful An Bang Beach, where you can relax after a day of exploring.
CAFÉ CULTURE
Hoi An’s café culture is a fascinating mix of Vietnamese tradition, French influence and modern Instagram trends. The town is renowned for its slow-paced atmosphere, best enjoyed with a cup of strong Vietnamese coffee.
Vietnam is the second largest coffee exporter in the world, and Hoi An offers the best local varieties.
Cà Phê Muối (Salty Coffee): A hit in recent years. It is a strong coffee with a layer of salty milk foam that highlights the sweetness of condensed milk.
Cà Phê Trứng (Egg Coffee): A dessert in a cup, or coffee with whipped egg yolk and sugar, reminiscent of a liquid tiramisu.
I went to Hoi An Roastery, a chain of stylish cafes in historic houses. They roast their own coffee here. It is a safe bet for lovers of quality espresso and the traditional Phin filter.
The best time to have coffee in Hoi An is early in the morning (between 7:00 and 8:30), before the tourist crowds arrive and the heat sets in. Locals sit on small plastic stools by the river and watch the city wake up.
VISIT TO THE OLD TOWN
The city is home to beautiful yellow buildings that are not just “pretty interiors” for an Instagram photo. They are pieces of the puzzle that reveal what Hoi An really was. By visiting these places, you will understand how powerful trading dynasties functioned, how religious communities lived, and how life in the world at that time was vibrant.
WHAT MONUMENTS TO VISIT?
JAPANESE COVERED BRIDGE
The most famous landmark of the city is undoubtedly the “Japanese Covered Bridge“, which was built in the 16th century by Japanese merchants. The bridge is short, inconspicuous and actually quite small. But it has a special atmosphere. It was built by the Japanese community to connect the Japanese quarter with the Chinese one. The bridge is not only a way across the water, but also serves as a pagoda. Inside there is a small temple dedicated to the deity Bac De Tran Vu, who, according to legend, is supposed to protect the city from earthquakes and floods.
The bridge is a symbol of the city and can even be found on the back of the Vietnamese 20,000 VND banknote.
ANCIENT HOUSE OF PHUNG HUNG
This private old house is one of the most famous historical monuments in the city. It is a fascinating example of what life was like for wealthy merchants in the 18th century. It was built in 1780 and has been owned by a Vietnamese merchant family for eight generations. The interior of the house is unique in that the descendants of the original owners (already the 8th generation) still live there and take care of the building. So when you visit, you will even have the opportunity to meet them and they will also show you around the house.
GROUND FLOOR: BUSINESS AND DAILY LIFE
Previously, this floor was used for business. Silk, spices and ceramics were traded here. The interior is decorated with rare dark wood furniture inlaid with mother-of-pearl. Notice the 80 massive dark wood columns that stand on lotus-shaped stone pedestals. These protect the wood from moisture and rot during floods. Part of the ground floor now serves as a workshop, where you can see women working on delicate traditional embroideries. Currently, the house serves partly as a museum and souvenir shop.
FLOOR: SPIRITUALITY AND EVERYDAY FLOOD PROTECTION
Steep wooden stairs lead to the upper floor, and this part is dedicated to family heritage and ancestor worship. Here you will see the family altar dedicated to ancestors and the sea goddess Thien Hau. On the table in front of the altar is a bowl with seven marble cubes. The owners used to use them to determine the most auspicious time to set sail on business trips.
On the first floor of the house there is a trap door in the floor, which was previously used to quickly move goods to the upper floors during frequent floods. It is one of the most practical features of the house. The door opened and goods from the ground floor were quickly pulled to safety upstairs using a pulley.
The upper balcony offers a beautiful view of Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street. The ceiling of the balcony is carved into the shape of a crab shell with carp motifs, which in Asian culture symbolizes prosperity and happiness.
QUAN THANG HOUSE
The house was built in the early 18th century by a wealthy Chinese captain and merchant named Quan Thang, who hailed from the Huaxia region of China. For generations, the house served not only as a luxurious family residence but also as a center for trading in rare goods, reflecting Hoi An’s status as a major international port at the time.
The house is built like a typical “tube house”, which is very narrow and long.
You will find a unique wall mosaic here. Artists used shards of broken porcelain bowls and plates to create these reliefs. This “recycling” of expensive imported porcelain made it possible to create vibrant and color-fast images that withstand humid climates. The mosaic depicts a dragon, a phoenix, a turtle or a unicorn. These mosaics were not just decoration, but showed the enormous wealth of the homeowner.
MUSEUM OF COMMERCIAL CERAMICS
It is a fascinating place that shows how important ceramics have been in the history of this international port. You will see over 400 artifacts from the 9th to the 19th centuries. It is not only Vietnamese creations, but also ceramics from China, Japan, India, Thailand and the Middle East.
A large part of the collection consists of objects recovered from shipwrecks around Hoi An, which gives the exhibition an adventurous feel. The museum is housed in a beautifully restored two-story wooden house from the 19th century. For many visitors, the architecture of the house itself is more interesting than the shards in the exhibits. The house itself is considered one of the most beautiful in the entire Old Town. This stop is ideal if you want to understand how Hoi An became rich.
REACHING OUT SHELTERED WORKSHOP
At the back of the house is a sheltered workshop, Reaching Out (Happy Smile Quilling), where you can see the making of handmade paper products and support people with disabilities.
This social enterprise was founded in 2000 by a group of physically disabled people with the aim of living an independent and meaningful life. Today, it employs over 70 people with various disabilities. You can see the artisans at work. They make jewelry, ceramics, home accessories and silk textiles. Unlike the regular markets in Hoi An, it is quiet and the staff is not pushy. The prices are firm and higher, reflecting fair wages and high quality. But I still supported this group and bought beautiful earrings.
VILLAGE COMMUNITY HOUSE: Dinh Cẩm Phô
Dinh Cẩm Phô or Cam Pho Communal House is the oldest and largest village communal house in Hoi An. This historical monument dates back to the late 15th century and serves as a sacred place of worship and a community center. The building has a floor plan in the shape of the Chinese character “Quốc”. A typical feature is a two-tiered roof with rich decoration. It is dedicated to the goddess Dai Can (protector of waterways) and 10 other deities and ancestors who contributed to the founding and prosperity of the village.
This communal house regularly hosts two of the most important events of the year, which follow the lunar calendar. The Spring and Autumn Festivals are held on the 16th day of the 1st lunar month (spring) and the 16th day of the 8th lunar month (autumn). Villagers gather here to worship deities and ancestors, praying for peace and prosperity.
Part of these celebrations is the Long Chu (Dragon Boat) procession. This is a very impressive ritual in which a model of a dragon boat is carried through the city. This ceremony is supposed to spiritually protect the community and ward off evil forces.
During these holidays, traditional opera performances, folk games and communal meals are held in the premises, which strengthen the bonds between the locals. Every 1st and 15th day of the lunar month (new moon and full moon), locals come here to burn incense sticks and bring small gifts to ensure good luck for their families. Since the house is located in the heart of the old city, it is surrounded by a magical atmosphere of lanterns and traditional games during regular full moon nights (14th night of the lunar month).
FUJIAN CHINESE CONGREGATION ASSEMBLY HALL
This building is considered the most magnificent and ornate of the five assembly halls in the city. Originally a small temple built in 1690, it was later taken over by a Chinese community from Fujian Province and rebuilt into a magnificent community and spiritual space.
The main hall is dedicated to the goddess Thien Hau (protector of sailors and fishermen). Inside you will find models of ships that were once used as offerings for safe sailing by merchants. The pink entrance gate (pictured) is richly decorated with Chinese characters, dragons and phoenixes, symbolizing prosperity and harmony.
THE GATE AND ITS SYMBOLS
The gate and the entire Fujian Assembly Hall (Phuc Kien) are woven with Chinese cosmology and symbolism, where every detail has its own specific meaning. The dominant colors of the gate, such as red and pink, symbolize happiness, joy, and prosperity in Chinese culture. The green color of the roof tiles represents tranquility, hope, and growth. The gold color was used on the inscriptions and details to express wealth, nobility, and power.
ANIMAL SYMBOLISM (FOUR SACRED CREATURES)
On the roof and facade of the gate you will find depictions of the four most important animals of Asian mythology.
Dragon (Rồng): Symbol of power, authority and protection. At the very top of the gate you will see a dragon holding a red ball, which represents the sun.
Phoenix (Phượng Hoàng): Represents nobility, beauty and renewal. It often appears next to the dragon as a symbol of harmony between man and woman (Yin and Yang).
Unicorn (Kỳ Lân – Qilin): Symbolizes wisdom, knowledge and peace. It is supposed to bring good news and protect sacred places.
Turtle (Rùa): Represents longevity, endurance and stability.
Just beyond the gate, you will see a fountain with a statue of a carp jumping over the dragon gate. It is a famous legend about perseverance. A carp that can jump high enough will turn into a powerful dragon. For students and businessmen, it is a symbol of success and career advancement.
In the back is an altar for children and ancestors. Many couples still come here to ask for blessings for their offspring or for help with conception.
Don’t miss the giant spirals hanging from the ceiling. These spirals can burn for up to 30 days at a time. People hang yellow pieces of paper with their names and wishes on them. It is believed that as long as the spiral burns, their prayer goes straight to the gods.
MUSEUM OF FOLK CULTURE
Housed in the largest wooden house in the Old Quarter, this museum is one of the most authentic places in Hoi An. It will help you understand the soul of the city beyond the glitter of lanterns. You will learn about traditional crafts and the daily life of the locals. The house is 57 meters long and runs through the entire block to the waterfront.
While other houses in Hoi An showcase the wealth of merchants, this museum focuses on the ordinary people. Their crafts, traditions, and daily toil. Here you will learn the stories of crafts. You will see exhibits dedicated to traditional tailoring, fishing, agriculture, and silk production.
Here you will find an antique Singer sewing machine (probably a model 127 or similar from the early 20th century), which was highly prized in Hoi An. Hoi An is still world-famous for its tailoring, and this exhibit shows the roots of this craft. The mannequin is wearing traditional, simple Vietnamese work clothes, worn by women in homes and workshops.
BA MU TEMPLE
Ba Mu Temple is one of the most photogenic places in the historic center of Hoi An. The original temple complex was founded in the 17th century, but over time it was almost completely destroyed. What you see in the photo is the meticulously reconstructed Tam Quan entrance gate (a gate with three entrances), which was reopened to the public in late 2018 after extensive restoration.
The gate’s architecture combines classical Vietnamese and Chinese elements. The prominent circular opening in the middle symbolizes the moon, which in folk belief is considered the path of the gods. The complex was dedicated to protective deities, including the goddess of safety and wealth, and the 12 Fates, who are responsible for protecting newborn children.
In front of the gate is a large rectangular pond with water lilies and lotuses, in whose surface the building is beautifully reflected.
MUSEUM OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE
This museum is a truly unique space that revives the atmosphere of old apothecaries and pharmacies. The museum opened in March 2019 and is located in a beautifully preserved two-story house in the historic center. The exhibition is divided into 6 exhibition rooms that will guide you through the history of Vietnamese medicine from ancient times to the present. The ground floor is styled like a classic Chinese medicine shop. Here you will see a large wooden cabinet with dozens of drawers (often exactly 108), bottles and vases with ingredients. The museum exhibits almost 200 original objects, including historical books, medical instruments (acupuncture needles, flasks), mortars for grinding herbs and scales.
In some parts of the museum, you can try traditional techniques such as grinding herbs or taste herbal teas that were once served to patients waiting for a diagnosis. The exhibition explains the difference between Thuoc Bac (northern medicine from China) and Thuoc Nam (southern medicine using local Vietnamese herbs).
Don’t forget to check out the inner courtyard (atrium), where fresh herbs and seeds were once dried on bamboo trays in the sun.
A historic signboard of a traditional pharmacy in Hoi An called Nam Xương Đường. This sign is a beautiful example of how cultures have blended in Hoi An over the centuries. In the old pharmacies of Hoi An, two main trends have always met
Hoi An was famous for its “medicine streets” from the 16th to the 18th centuries, such as Trieu Phat and Xuan Sanh streets.
MÓT TEA: HERBAL TRADITION IN A CUP
Right in the heart of the old town, on 150 Trần Phú Street, you will find one of the most photographed stalls in all of Hoi An, Mót Hoi An. It is a place that perfectly combines the history of traditional pharmacies with modern street food. This drink is not just any ordinary iced tea, but is based on a recipe that is over 100 years old, which the owner’s family (Mr. Mót) has passed down for generations. The main ingredients are lotus flowers, lemongrass, ginger, cinnamon, licorice and green tea. This blend is designed to cool the body and aid digestion in the hot Vietnamese climate. It is also a visual treat. Each cup is a small work of art. The drink is decorated with a fresh lotus leaf and a bamboo straw. One cup costs approximately 15,000 – 20,000 VND (approx. 15-20 CZK).
From afar, the intoxicating scent of herbs and fresh lemongrass will draw you to the stall. The stall is strewn with flowers, baskets of herbs and ceramic bowls, reminiscent of those old pharmacies I wrote about. After touring the museums and assembly halls, it is the best way to recharge your batteries for the journey ahead.
MY TIP:
There is often a queue at the stall, but don’t be put off, it goes very quickly. If you want to enjoy your tea in peace, you can also go inside to the small seating area, which is decorated in the style of an old Hoi An house. In addition to tea, they also make great Cao Lầu (typical Hoi An noodles).
HOA VAN LE NGHIA CENTER
This beautiful blue building is a small Chinese temple and former assembly hall located on Tran Phu Street, one of the oldest streets in the city. The building features typical Chinese architecture with a curved roof made of burnt tiles and decorative elements such as dragons and phoenixes.
The Assembly Hall was built in 1741 by Chinese merchants who came to Hoi An from five different provinces: Fujian, Zhaozhou, Guangdong, Hainan and Jia Ying. The hall was originally dedicated to the goddess of the sea, Thien Hau (Mazu), who was supposed to protect sailors and merchants on their journeys. Later, Confucius was also worshipped here. The building also served as a school where the younger generations learned Chinese and traditional culture.
The building is unique in its blue color, which at first glance distinguishes it from the other, mostly red assembly halls in the city. Unlike many other monuments in Hoi An, entry to this temple is usually free.
HOI AN ANCIENT TOWN TICKET
When planning a visit to Hoi An, Vietnam, you will come across a question that every traveler deals with. Do you need to buy a ticket to the old town? Yes, but this is not an entrance fee to the city, but a prepaid ticket to the interiors. This will open the doors to specific monuments, such as ancient houses, museums, pagodas or assembly halls. So if you just want to enjoy the atmosphere and take pictures in the streets, leave your wallet in your pocket. You only pay when you want to look inside selected historical buildings. And I think it is worth it.
Here is a quick overview of everything you need to know:
TICKET PRICE
The ticket costs 120,000 VND (approx. 120 CZK). You can buy it at the small yellow kiosks on the edges of the pedestrian zone. The ticket has no time limit. It is valid for the entire duration of your stay until you run out of coupons.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
After purchasing, you will receive a paper ticket with a QR code and a map with the monuments included in the system. At the entrance to each monument, a QR code will be scanned and one entry will be deducted from the ticket. However, keep in mind that the entries are limited by category. You cannot combine them as you wish.
So what can you visit:
3 monuments in total from the categories Old Houses and Assembly Halls
1 monument from the category Pagoda / Temple / Municipal House
1 museum
Once you have used up your tickets from one category, you will not be allowed into other monuments of the same type. As a bonus, you can also visit a traditional music and dance performance at the Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House with your ticket. It does not count towards any of the categories. The performance takes place every day from 10:15, 15:15 and 16:15.
I would rather recommend you buy a ticket on the spot. The 120 crowns go towards the maintenance of the monuments and the city looks so great because of it. Plus, the historic houses and Chinese halls are really worth a visit.
HISTORICAL AND TRADITIONAL TEAHOUSES
And when you’ve had enough of all the sights, you can head to an authentic teahouse. It’s a great escape from the busy streets. Teahouses in Hoi An are often located in traditional wooden houses with Chinese or Japanese influences. This gives you the opportunity to have an authentic experience.
In Vietnamese culture, “a cup of tea opens a conversation.” Tea is usually sipped in small sips, with the aroma first. In historic teahouses, traditional sweets such as sesame cookies or dried ginger slices are often served with tea.
AND WHERE CAN YOU TASTE SUCH TEA?
Reaching Out Tea House (131 Tran Phu Street): The most famous tea house, which operates as a social enterprise. It employs people with hearing impairments, which creates an atmosphere of complete peace and quiet, ideal for relaxation. The tea is served in traditional ceramics, often with local sweets.
La Kao Teahouse: A hidden gem in the alleys of the old town, recommended for tea lovers who want to sample Vietnamese teas (e.g. from Ha Giang) in an intimate setting.
Cocobana: A teahouse that combines traditional tea culture with eco-friendly design, often using bamboo and natural materials in a historic setting.
Duc An Old House (17th Century): Although primarily a historic house, a visit to this 17th century building often includes experiencing the ancient atmosphere that is key to the local tea culture.
WHAT TO TASTE AND HOW TO DRINK TEA THE VIETNAMESE WAY
Among the most traditional teas from this region is lotus tea. It is the king of Vietnamese teas and is considered the most precious in Vietnam. Lotus flowers are picked at dawn and tea leaves are placed in them to absorb their delicate fragrance overnight.
And how does such a traditional lotus ritual take place? The traditional preparation method, which you can encounter in Hoi An, includes, for example, hand-scenting. The tea is served in small porcelain cups, often with traditional sweets such as lotus jam or sesame cakes.
Another tea is wild tree tea (Shan Tuyet). This comes from centuries-old tea trees in the northern mountains of Vietnam. It has silvery leaves and a very clean, slightly sweet taste.
ART GALLERY AND PHOTO GALLERY
Hoi An is an art center and you will find many shops that focus on photography, painting and traditional crafts. You will come across some really beautiful pictures here and I couldn’t get enough of them.
SILK VILLAGE
Silkworm breeding and silk production are an integral part of the history of the city, which was a key node on the “Maritime Silk Road” in the 16th and 17th centuries. Today, this tradition comes to life mainly in thematic villages, where you can see the whole process with your own eyes. And where can you experience such a tradition? The most famous place is Hoi An Silk Village, which functions as a living museum.
It is here that you will see the cultivation of mulberries, feeding silkworm caterpillars, collecting cocoons and the traditional process of obtaining silk fiber.
You can try feeding the caterpillars here or learn to distinguish real silk from synthetic substitutes. The area includes a restaurant, a showroom with luxury products and a custom tailoring shop. And how does the silkworm behave? Mulberry leaves are the only food for the caterpillars. The caterpillars grow for 23-25 days before they start spinning cocoons. Each cocoon contains up to 1.5 to 4 km of silk fiber. The cocoons are boiled in hot water to release the glue and the fiber can be unwound. Skilled craftsmen then use historic looms to create fabrics such as satin, flowered silk or the traditional Vietnamese dress Ao Dai. You can recognize real silk by the fact that when it is ignited, it smells like burnt hair and does not leave a hard ball of plastic.
SAILING IN BAMBOO BASKETS
One of the most fun experiences around Hoi An is definitely a bamboo basket cruise. These round boats are not just a tourist attraction, but have deep roots in history. And why are the baskets round? Legend has it that they were created during the French colonial rule. The French introduced a high tax on boat ownership. Therefore, clever Vietnamese fishermen started making these round baskets and claimed that they were not boats, but just “baskets for carrying things”, thus avoiding paying the tax. During the cruise, you will sail through narrow channels between water coconuts, which previously served as shelter for soldiers during the war.
You’ve probably seen basket spinning on Instagram. So if you’re an adrenaline junkie, the rower will spin the basket so fast that it’ll make your head spin. It’s their way of showing off their incredible balance and strength. Be prepared to encounter floating speakers and locals singing along in some parts of the canal. It’s noisy, colorful, and very fun. You’ll also be given a small rod with a piece of meat on it and you can try to catch the little purple crabs hidden in the roots of the palm trees.
Don’t forget to tip. The rowers are often older ladies or gentlemen and aren’t afraid to say so. They work very hard all day long and a small tip (around 20,000 – 50,000 VND) will be very appreciated. The boat ride itself usually takes 45 to 60 minutes.
I think Hoi An is not just a city to “see”, but to experience. I’ve been here twice and the second time I really enjoyed it years later. I spent a longer time here. In the morning I had a leisurely coffee in a cafe and watched the locals go to work at a slow pace. I just wandered through the old streets, went to the local market and spent the evening by the river full of lanterns. Maybe that’s why so many travelers fall in love with Hoi An. Because sometimes all you need is to sit by the river, watch the lanterns, listen to the noise of the city and feel that the world is exactly as it should be for a moment.
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