Destination Hoi An, Vietnam

Walking along the banks of the Thu Bon River, watching the boats sail by, I got a sense of what the delightful town of Hoi An must have been like so many centuries ago. 

Temples and ancient merchants’ houses with vivid yellow walls help make this town special. It was once a major port and is now a Unesco World Heritage site. A fusion of different cultures including Chinese, Japanese and European laced with indigenous influences, Hoi An has an alluring fascination. Despite it being full of tourists there are no cars in the town centre nor are there any motorbikes, which has to be a blessing.

Thu Bon River at night

After passing by the ornate Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall, I headed to the beautiful, quaint Japanese Covered Bridge. Dating back to the 1590s it is the most renowned symbol of Hoi An. Renovated in 1986, the bridge’s original arch shape which had been flattened out by the French out so cars could cross, was restored.

Japanese Bridge

Nearby plenty of traditional family homes hug shoulders with timber-framed shops. Hoi An is renowned for its tailoring. You should get recommendations for tailors to visit from your guide or hotel as the quality of work can vary tremendously. The fabric is “made in China”. Say no more.

The fruit market

From pearls to T-shirts, the shopping is good here. However, it has also built up a reputation as a place for foodies with plenty of cookery classes on the menu. The one I took started with a trip to the local market to get up close and personal with the vendors and learn about the ingredients which go into their traditional everyday dishes. 

Pretty street

After our visit we took a boat trip to the cookery school where we were shown how to cook Vietnamese-style. If you wanted to try your hand, you could. After a delicious lunch, served up by the chef, not by us, we headed back to the old town.

Outside Hoi An, for those that want some relaxation there are beaches to discover. Cua Dai Beach is where you will find the luxury hotels.

Wall dating back to the 4th century

I chose a trip past rice paddy fields and through some beautiful countryside to a remote jungle valley to get a glimpse of what life was like in My Son. This old bastion of the Champa Kingdom, overlooked by the Cat’s Tooth Mountain, dates back to the 4^th century. 

Before exploring this once the religious and political capital, which still has over 20 well-preserved monuments to see, we were treated to a Cham dance show.

My Son  Sanctuary Bridge without rails

The rippling streams and the lush hills that surround My Son Sanctuary makes a trip to this place so evocative.

Back in Hoi An, I watched the lanterns, a symbol of luck, happiness and wealth, light up the night sky along the river. It was magical. My trip here was short and sweet but the memories will linger forever.

By Daralyn Danns 

Getting there

I flew from Hanoi with Vietnam Airways vietnamairlines.com to Hue and went by road to Hoi An

Stay at Almanity Hoi An Resort and Spa almanityhoian