HOLIDAY ADVICE
Along a seemingly infinite stretch of land and amidst some of the richest cultural heritage Central Vietnam has to offer lies the idyllic Ha My Beach. Sand runs uninterrupted all the way along the Danang coast to the historic 15th century town of Hoi An. With morning mist often hanging over the water, Hoi An provides travellers a glimpse at this visually stimulating region of Vietnam.
The drive to Hoi An from Danang passes through rice fields and past the unusual Marble Mountain. Passing by Buddhist pagodas, royal tombs and historic citadels, endless rows of giant marble lions, line the way. Nearby, the magnificent ruins of Hue and My Son, considered the most sacred place during the ancient Champa Kingdom rise up against the skyline.
Hoi An itself is a quaint town currently undergoing regeneration. Over two hundred tailors and cobblers can be found here offering bespoke clothing with high-quality tailoring. Travellers can also indulge their needs in the many fine silk shops and restaurants.
With many parts of the town in a preserved heritage zone, brightly-hued two storey shop houses intermingle among meandering cobbled streets. At the western corner is the covered Japanese Bridge which was built in the 16th Century which is one of the most popular tourist landmarks. There are tickets at modest prices for entry into some of the historic buildings and assembly halls.
HOI AN HIGHLIGHTS
Visit the quaint and historic Japanese Bridge, built in the 16th Century and walk over into a slice of preserved history.
Visit the endless street of silk shops selling wonderful souvenirs, crafts, handbags and Vietnamese ao dais (a tight-fitting silk tunic worn over pantaloons). Though in general prices are decent, you may wish to practice you bargaining skills to get better deals.
Pick up a ticket at a modest price for entry into one of the historic buildings and assembly halls.
