Hoi An Old Town is listed as a Unesco World Heritage site. Several buildings of historical and cultural significance are open for public viewing subject to purchase of a ticket at the cost of 75,000 vnd per person. Hoi An is pedestrian-friendly, I don't recall seeing a car in the Old Town. Only motorcycles and bicycles. The admission fee goes to funding the conservation of the place.

"Hoi An Legendary Night" takes place on the 14th day of every lunar month (full moon) from 5.30 pm to 10 pm. At that day, streets will be lit with lantern. Before leaving for Vietnam, no matter how I count, we cant seem to coincide with the day. Reason being we left for Vietnam on the 29th, 1st month and return on the 12th of the 2nd month according to the lunar calendar. We were not there on 14th of either month. So, can kill the idea.

Hoi An gives me the feeling of cozy. It reminded me of Merbok, which is a small town in Kedah where my grandfather used to stay. The old wooden houses, the few or no cars on the streets...

Back to the ticket to visit certain sights in Hoi An Old Town. One ticket entitles you to visit a museum, an assembly hall, an old houses, Hoi An handicraft workshop and a choice between Quan Cong's Temple or the temple within the Japanese Covered Bridge. Mind you that there are 4 old houses, 4 museums and 3 assembly halls to choose from. Which only translates to, if you want to visit it all, you would need to purchase 4 tickets. Hehe.

Armed with Lonely Planet on Vietnam courtesy from a friend, we decided to follow what was recommended - Musuem of Trading Ceramics, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, Tan Ky House and Quan Cong's Temple. The Japanese Covered Bridge is free of charge.

Japanese Covered Bridge at night

A view from Museum of Trading Ceramic

The display items in the museum doesn't interest us as much as the building itself.

Phuc Kien Assembly Hall. I don't even recall seeing an assembly hall this grand in KL

Tan Ky House

Backdoor  of Tan Ky Old House overlooks the Hoai River

This is probably also the reason that Tan Ky Old House was affected by floods during rainy seasons. However, this old house is well-preserved.

Quan Cong's Temple

And the final stop - Hoi An Handicraft Workshop. There is folk music performance daily at 10.15 am and 3.15 pm except Monday. After watching the 20 minutes show, we walked around the Handicraft Workshop.



Aside from sightseeing, Hoi An has contributed much to our heavy backpacks. We didnt buy any of the above, but this small old town is where I added to my load a daypack, a blazer and pants, some souvenirs and the most heavy of all, Banh Dau Xanh, a famous cookie from Hoi An. Not only it's weight cannot be disregard, we had to hand carry to ensure that it is not smashed. My sis also added quite a number of things to her load, including a 30 litre backpack. Should I stayed longer in this cozy old town, I fear I might not be able to lift and carry my backpack :P


They have this kind of shops around town, also shoe shops where your order will be ready within one day. All you need to do is pick a design, the one on display or whatever that you have in mind, convey your message and then pick the materials. The measuring will then start and your clothes/shoes will be ready by evening.

Should anyone decides to visit Vietnam and would travel pass Central Vietnam, this is a place that you should make a stop. Be is to shopping, or relax, or for the history and cultural heritage.
:)


Side note: Despite the luxury of travelling via open bus, I have no regrets going to Hoi An by a public bus with our luggage hog every leg space we have and sitting next to the driver who honks at almost every junction and motorcycles. :)


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