Famous for its age-old shop houses, relaxing beach, and poetic river, Hoi An ancient town (Quang Nam) is truly a sight to behold.
Surpassing many well-known cities like Tokyo (Japan), Chiang Mai (Thailand),… Hoi An has been voted to be the best city in the world by Travel and Leisure, a famous travel magazine based in the United States. About 30 km south of Da Nang city, the Ancient Town is an old city that lies next to the romantic Thu Bon River. It attracts visitors mostly by its ancient roots and elegant beauty.
The architecture of Hoi An is something you can hardly find elsewhere. The old town is arranged like a chessboard, with short and narrow roads running around tight rows of houses. These houses date back to the 16th century when Hoi An was still a busy and bustling commercial port. In this small town that spread over 2km2, you may find yourself travel back in time when walking between thousands of historical relics – old houses, ancient tombs, shrines, temples,… of intrinsic cultural values.
The life here, despite flocks and flocks of tourists, remains calm and relaxed. It still exudes a nostalgic atmosphere from mossy roof tiles, molded walls, and colorful lanterns. Tradition is still very much alive here in Hoi An.
From Hoi An ancient town, down the Hoai river (a tributary of the Thu Bon river) about 3 km, you will come to Bay Mau coconut forest in Cam Thanh commune. The coconut forest first took its name from its area of seven acres (Bay Mau). Up to now, the area has far expanded to over 100 hectares, due to its fast growth in brack water, yet the locals still keep the affectionate original name.
Here, you cannot only discover beautiful scenery but also experience the jolly feeling when sitting on a basket boat. Floating down the river, going through vast forests of coconut trees, listening to sweet folksongs from the boatman will be a memorable experience for you.
Cua Dai Beach is about 5 km east of Hoi An ancient town. It is the most beautiful beach in Quang Nam, for its endless stretch of white sand, calm sea, and deep blue ocean water. Either day or night, Cua Dai has the beauty that captivates tourists.
Besides the splendid bungalows, luxurious resorts with high-end services, Cua Dai also fascinates visitors by the charms of the local’s working life. Coming here in the early morning, you can witness numerous boats jammed with fish, shrimp and other seafood return from their night catch. Looming in the distance are Cua Dai bridge connecting the two shores, and Tan Hiep island commune (Cu Lao Cham) where you can have the best diving and sea walking experience in Vietnam.
Thanks to its prime location as the meeting point of three rivers: Thu Bon, Truong Giang, and De Vong, Cua Dai is quite populated. Many people come here to live the fisherman’s life. So, every morning, this place will be a crowded scene of boats, fishing nets, locals, and of course the gifts from the sea.
Tours in Hoi An
- Capturing the real Vietnam: Tour DaNang – Hoi An (5 Days/ 4 Nights)
- Charming Hoi An Tour (4 Days/ 3 Nights)
Source: Blog.evivatour.com
