Hoi An Ancient Town

It's no surprise that Hoi An Ancient Town is regarded as one of the most beautiful historical cities in Vietnam, with its old-world architecture, cobblestone alleyways, and unique yellow storefronts draped with bright lanterns. At the World Travel Awards in 2021, Hoi An, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site since 1999, was voted Asia's Leading Cultural City Destination. But it's more than just prizes and postcard-perfect scenery. The town has a long history of attracting visitors from all over the world.

Archaeological evidence shows that trade occurred in the region as early as the second century BC. Hoi An developed as a thriving trade harbor. It was an economic hub for traders from Asia, Persia, and Arabia during the Cham Dynasties (7th-10th century). Later, ships from Europe began to swarm to the harbor along the legendary Silk Road maritime route. Hi An was a prominent Southeast Asian commercial center from the 15th to the 19th century. Goods were traded here, and ideas and civilizations were exchanged.

The original and undamaged wooden houses and street designs depict a classic townscape of the 17th and 18th centuries, the survival of which is unusual in the region. The town is still populated and used as a trade port and commercial center today. The living legacy, which reflects the different communities of the town's indigenous people as well as outsiders, has also been conserved and is being passed down. Hoi An Ancient Town is a superbly maintained example of a Far Eastern harbor.

Tourism is now the town's main source of income. However, proof of its intriguing history can be seen everywhere. Any of its gorgeous, pedestrian-friendly streets will reveal influences from various ages, regions, and cultures. And, with its numerous shop-houses, it is still regarded as a paradise for acquiring silk and other valuable products.

Location: Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province.