The Ancient Town of Hoi An

Hoi An is located downstream of Thu Bon River, in the coastal plain of Quang Nam Province, Vietnam, about 30km to the south of Da Nang City. Hoi An ancient urban town, also known by the familiar name of Hoi An Ancient Town, is a typical example of a traditional port in Southeast Asia preserved intact and thoughtfully.

The majority of houses and buildings such as pagoda temples here are traditional architecture dating from the 17th to the 19th century, distributed along narrow streets. Hoi An is also the land of many imprints of mixed and Eastern and Western cultural intercourse with assembly hall, temples, and shrines bearing traces of Chinese or Japanese people located beside traditional townhouses of Vietnamese people and houses with French-architectural style.

Each type has its own function, specific characteristics, and nuances. From two values, including the combination of cultures through the ages in an international port and the perfectly preserving management almost intact until today.

The UNESCO organization has recognized the Hoi An ancient urban town a world cultural heritage on December 4, 1999.

The bridge part of Cau Pagoda is about 18m long, using yin and yang tiles in roofing, the design of a tile bridge style which is typical in Vietnamese architecture.

In the middle of the bridge, there is a roundabout passageway, divided into seven wooden sections, with narrow corridors on both sides.

In the middle space of the pagoda is the altar worshiping the North Emperor Tran Vo, the country guardian who would brings joy and happiness to the people.

On the west side of the bridge is a stone monkey statue, and on the east is a dog statue. These two are believed to be the guardian animals of the bridge.

Although there are many myths about these statues, the most popular one saying that when the Japanese built the bridge, they want to control the Namazu, a giant sea monster in Japanese myth that cause disaster. The bridge represents a sword that pin into the back of the creature, keeping it from harming Hoi An people. The the statues was placed to strengthen the power.

The image of Cau Pagoda is printed on a 20,000 VND polymer bill. Cau Pagoda was granted by the Vietnamese government with a National Historical and Cultural Monument on February 17, 1990.

The Assembly Hall has the word “Tam” (means three) style architecture in orders: gate - yard - lake - bonsai - two blocks of east and west - main hall - backyard - and post-hall.

Inside the hall, there are lots of worshiping statues, bronze drums, bronze bells, large incense burners, 14 horizontal lacquered boards, and many other valuable artifacts.

The main hall worships Thien Hau Holy Mother, Avalokiteśvara, God of wealth, 3 princesses giving birth and 12 midwives.

Annually, in the Lantern Festival (on the 1st or 15th of the lunar month), Six General Luc Tanh’s birthday (16th of February lunar year) and Thien Hau Goddess’ birthday (23rd of March lunar year), many activities are organized in Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, attracting a lot of foreign as well as domestic tourists.

On the 17th of February 1990, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall was listed a national historical-cultural heritage.

Tan Ky Ancient House was built in 1714, home of 7 generations of Le family. The house is designed according to typical Hoi An ancient tubular houses, using the main material is wood. Besides, it also uses Bat Trang stones and bricks.

This design makes the house feel warm in winter and cool in summer. The house’s structure uses the side of the house to be the link between the rafters through the connection of bars, rafters, ke (wooden bars connecting two pillars) or con ruong (wooden box girders).

The roof of the living room of the house is made of jackfruit wood, according to the architecture of "the roof for martial arts" helps to expand the living room space. Many floral motifs are intricately carved, full of humanistic meaning such as: Scroll of poetry, pen, book box,... that the owner wishes his children to have a lot of knowledge forever.

Pillar to record flood levels rising in Tan Ky Ancient House

Inside, the ancient house displays a lot of antiques and sailboats, symbolizing a crowded Hoi An port 400 years ago. The interior is also decorated with many horizontal lacquered boards, distich, paintings of the four spiritual animals, carved paintings,...

Cao Lau is one of Hoi An signature dishes. The yellow noodle is served with prawn, meat, herbs and little broth. The name Cao Lau, means high floor, came from the origin of the dish, often serve to wealthy merchant and high-profile guests who would order the dish from the upper floor.

Along with Cao Lau, Quang Noodles is a typical dish of Quang Nam province, Vietnam. Noodles are usually made from finely ground rice flour and spread into thin layers, then sliced ​​horizontally to become thin strings of noodle.

Chicken rice is a popular dish in Vietnam, prepared and presented in the form of rice and chicken. Rice can be used as white rice or fried rice, fried rice and chicken is usually presented chicken drumsticks or chicken wings. Hoi An is famous for its chicken rice dishes with its own special flavor.

Bread is a popular street food in Vietnam, also said to be one of 10 best street-foods in the world. Unlike ordinary bread, Hoi An Bread has a secret sauce made with a unique recipe. Crispy bread crust, mixed with the scent of grilled meat, patties, pate, cheese, added with a little cucumber, herbs, hot peppers, makes up "the world's best bread".