Day Trips In Hoi An

Why should you make day trips in Hoi An if being due to arrive in Vietnam for your coming holiday? Apart from being the Vietnam’s famed ancient town with historic marks, Hoi An carries irresistible charm created from unique cultural characteristics: festivals, architecture, and traditional villages. Situated on the banksides of Thu Bon River, about 30 km to the south of Da Nang City, Hoi An – now an Eastern oriental marvel – used to be emerging as one of the key trading harbors in Southeast Asia in the 16th century. Then, to explore the ancient and seductive beauty of this town is utterly what you never want to miss when arriving in Vietnam.

Day trips in Hoi An: Top things to see and do

Japanese Covered Bridge

The most outstanding landmark as well as a unique symbol of Hoi An, Japanese Covered Bridge was constructed in the early 17th century and regarded as a quintessential example of Japanese architecture. Until now the bridge’s designer has still been a question to all Hoi An’s children. The structure is strongly influenced by Japanese culture; for instance, two stone sculptures of monkey and dog are put at the end of the bridge because they are mascots of Japanese people and belong to Asian zodiac signs of the Japanese emperors.

Tan Ky Ancient House

Lying at Nguyen Thai Hoc Street of the Old Quarter, Hoi An is Tan Ky Ancient House. In the previous century, Hoi An was one of the most bustling trading harbors in Asia, and the ancient house was supposed to be evidence of this prosperous period. It was exactly the house of the Le family as well as a rich merchant in the contemporary society. The harmonious combination of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architectural styles makes the house a precious treasure of Hoi An Ancient House. This quintessential feature is found in the way of designing and arranging beams of roof for hidden messages of Chinese culture, at the peak roof with Japanese characteristics, and the Vietnamese crosshatch patterns, all of which implies the wish of the harmony between human and nature.

Fukian Assembly Hall (hoi quan Phuc Kien)

Of all irresistible attractions for day trips in Hoi An is Fukian Assembly Hall for sure. Viewed as a significant historical heritage of the ancient town, the hall is outstanding as an exquisite architectural work dating back since 1697. The marvel carries typical features of Chinese architecture because it is believed that it was established by Chinese merchants of Fukian Province at this time. As for patterns and architectural details, animal symbols in Chinese culture seemingly spread every corner, ranging from fish sculpture (representing the achievement), dragon (signifying the power) to turtle (the symbol of endurance).

Cham Island

Indeed deserving a World Biosphere Reserve designated from UNESCO, Cu Lao Cham (Cham Island) is supposed to be an ideal spot for day trips in Hoi An as it is blessed with biodiversity and phenomenal topography of slopes. Reaching this place is by express boat or joining tours. Apart from the imposing landscapes, the island also draws lots of people due to fascinating activities, such as swimming, sunbathing, discovering the forest, kayaking, water skiing, paragliding, kite flying, scuba diving, and boat racing.

Tra Que Herb village

Lucky to be situated between Tra Que alga pond and De Vong River, Tra Que Herb Village is endowed with advantageous conditions about water and soil for cultivating herbs and vegetables, such as salad, basil, coriander, lettuce, fragrant knoutwed, etc. Those kinds of herbs and vegetables are found in specialties of Hoi An. Visits to the village allow tourists to understand organic farming techniques contributing to the safe food the ancient town brings for them while they enjoy here. Additionally, come here to experience the feeling of a farmer at the traditional village of Vietnam.

Kim Bong Carpentry Village

Kim Bong Carpentry Village has been famed since the 16th century thanks to its brilliant style which is supposed to be the unique mixture of Chinese, Cham Kingdom, and Japanese factors polished by clever hands of Vietnamese artisans. Until now, the marks of Kim Bong have been found through the country, from architectural structures in Hanoi, royal tomb in Hue, to marvels in Hoi An. The carpentry is divided in following key groups: civil wooden furniture, ancient architectural construction, and shipbuilding. Day trips in Hoi An are chances to absorb interesting things about this work.

Thanh Ha Pottery Village

Don’t ignore the visit to Thanh Ha Pottery Village when this spot is considered as a famed example of the pottery in Vietnam. The village dates back to the age when artisans of this land were invited to create potteries and provide them for the palace of the Nguyen dynasty. Due to this invitation, the village’s reputation was made in the contemporary time. Until now, the potteries from the village have still been manually created and exported to other areas in the world since techniques they use are totally different from those of other provinces. It is possible to state that pottery is not just an essential craft here, but the key means of livelihood of the locals.

Top must-try food for day trips in Hoi An

Food is an indispensible detail contributing to the brilliance of a day trip in Hoi An. It is sure that specialties of this land will stimulate your tongue so much. Each dish carries its specific values formed from ingredients and the way people cook it; that is the reason why tourists coming here and tasting the Hoi An cuisine will never forget its fragrant and special flavor. There are so many dishes to enjoy that you don’t know which one should be chosen. Then, give a try at some hints, such as: Quang noodle soup (Mi Quang), Noodle with Pork and Greens (Cao Lau), Banh beo (water fern-shaped cake), Com ga (chicken rice), Hoanh thanh (wonton), Banh xeo (Hoi An pancakes), etc.

With a journey through Vietnam, day trips in Hoi An will be actually meaningful if you can join cooking classes to understand more the cuisine of the central region as well as the culinary art of cooking of the locals.

Experience a day trip in Hoi An ancient town