With just over two days left to spend in Da Nang, I truly did not expect to be enthralled by the ancient town of Hoi An.
Hoi An Ancient town is located in Viet Nam’s central Quang Nam Province, on the north bank near the mouth of the Thu Bon River. It is extremely well preserved, and is truly authentic and representative of a South East Asian trading port dating back to the 15th-19th centuries. Just under an hour from our spectacular resort at Da Nang, a taxi ride took us past agricultural fields and yet to be developed resorts to our arrival in this beautiful place.
The main streets of Hoi An, where we were dropped off by the resort’s shuttle still had remnants of old architecture and roads that were dominated by bicycles and motorbikes. We wandered leisurely along the roads till we came across the entrance to the area where all tourists come here for: The Ancient Town.
Entrance to the Ancient Town required an entrance fee, which lasts for the length of our trip. So it was a one time payment.
We entered nearing sunset and fortunately had splendid views of the river, which was surrounded both sides by wooden buildings and street shops selling silk lanterns.
The lanterns lit up the entire place, illuminating against the twilight sky. It was magical and I was awed by such simple beauty in this small town, so well preserved in the country.
Came back the next day and saw wide fishing nets strewn across the river. Fishing is still very prominent in Vietnam.
Here’s a pretty picture of a typical street deep in the Ancient Town.
I would definitely recommend this place for such a unique experience on Vietnamese culture and deep history! Its another world away from the bustle of Saigon, and was such a great way to wrap up my trip.
Do check out my flickr for more great photos of Vietnam
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