According to history books, during the 15th and 16th centuries Hoi An (previously called Hai Pho and later mispronounced as Faifo by Europeans) was a sea port known to many foreign merchants. Ships from China, Japan, Portugal, Spain, Britain and France frequently called at the port for trading purposes. Throughout the 17th and into the late 18th century, it became a busy trading centre, the biggest sea port in Central Vietnam and the location for many foreign emporia. .jpg "Hoi-An-Little-shop(Look-at-the-roof)")
Still found in Hoi An nowadays are nearly 20 communal houses, pagodas and other places of worship built by Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese people. Visitors to Hoi An today, have the chance to contemplate several Hoi Quan (meeting hall for congregations) of the Chinese community or churches of primitive construction.
Some changes have been made after repeated renovations but the wood frames of ancient houses, the bas-reliefs and sophisticated carvings on pillars, rafters and doors are testimony to the skills and beliefs of the craftsmen of several centuries ago.
Hoi An's beauty lies not only in its architecture, relics and ancient streets, but also in the harmony between people of different nationalities who one lived and worked together to build the prosperity of the town. It also has some beautiful beaches that are perfect for honeymoon tours and leisure travels in Vietnam.
Places to visit:
♦ Hoi Quan Phuc Kien (Fukien Meeting Hall):
Located on Tran Phu Street. It was built in 1792 and rehabilitated in 1900, and is dedicated to the cult of Lady Thien Hau who performed great service to the local fishery industry. The place still retains many extraordinary wood carvings.
♦ Chua Cau ( Japanese Bridge/ Bridge pagoda): lies in the heart of the town. It is an 18 m long roofed wooden bridge flanked by a shrine, hence its name. It was built in the Japanese style with money contributed by Japanese traders, and was rehabilitated in 1817.
♦ Mieu Quan Cong (also called Mieu Ong): this shrine is situated on Tran Phu Street. Built in 1904, it is dedicated to Quan Cong, a talented general in the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history.
♦ Phuc Thanh Pagoda: on the outskirts of Hoi An. Built in the 15th century, this is one of the oldest pagodas in the region, although its present structure dates back to only 1911. There are many beautiful statues in the pagoda.
♦ Nha tho Ho Truong (The place of worship of the Truong family): built in 1840, this is one of the most beautiful houses of its kind in Hoi An.
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My Son is in a valley about 2km each side, 70km southwest of Danang. In the 4th century King Bhadravarman I ordered the building in this remote area of temples and towers dedicated to the power of deities, hence turning My Son into the religious center of the kingdom of Champa. There were about 70 monuments in different styles in My Son, but less then 20 remains due to wars and the passing of time. They date was from the 7th century.
A half-day visiting My Son is just enough so please do add this to your Vietnam holidays.
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♦ See more:
> What to eat in Hoi An - Hoi An Restaurants
> Hoi An Hotels
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♦ You may also be interested in:
Vietnam Heritage Tour 10 Days
Our 10-day tour give you an introduction to Vietnam's rich heritage - includes four cultural World Heritage sites: Ha Long Bay, Hue, Hoi An and My Son Sanctuary.
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♦ Hue - Imperial City and the Royal Tombs
♦ Danang city
♦ Nha Trang Beach city
♦ Dalat city
♦ Phan Thiet - Mui Ne Beach
♦ Buon Me Thuot
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