Hoi An Ancient Town

Located in Quang Nam province, Hoi An is a small beautiful city lies on the banks of the Thu Bon River. In 16th century, Hoi An city was one of the most famous trading port. From 13th century, when Quang Nam – Da Nang area was still the center of Champa Kingdom, the port of Hoi An had contact with Persian, Arab, India and Chinese merchants. During the 16th century, the Nguyen Lords fostered international trade in the Da Nang area, the port of Hoi An once again welcomed Japanese, Indian and Chinese traders traveling between China and India.

Hoi An city was almost totally destroyed during 1770s at the time of the Tay Son Revolt, but later it was rebuilt and continued to serve as a commercial port until one hundred years ago when the Thu Bon River begin slitting up, then Quang Nam – Da Nang’s commerce gradually shifted north to the bay of Danang, at the mouth of the Han River. The town that we see today came mainly from the 15th century, but there are some features from much earlier.

Hoi An city is famous for its preservation of original Chinese temple, the Japanese bridge and the imposing homes of rich merchants from the past. Some of these remarkable residences are open for visitors to see and to study the traditional architecture.

Hoi An city was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1990 as a well-preserved example of Southeast Asian Trading Port. Today, it is one of famous tourist attractions of Vietnam.