Vietnam | Hoi An, the City of Lanterns

In the central region of Vietnam, near Da Nang, a quaint city painted mostly in shades of yellow is waiting to tell you its stories. Its name? Hoi An. It’s one of the few places untouched by war.
Situated on both banks of the Thu Bon River, it was a vital trading port in Southeast Asia from the 17th to the 19th century. Although mainly made of wood, around 1000 authentic houses, of which 844 are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, line its streets, exuding a sense of nostalgia. With deep rooms adorned with colourful ornaments, many of these houses have been transformed into museums, cafes, tailoring shops, or leather workshops, eagerly waiting for you to step inside.

Walls adorned with intricate mould patterns tell entire stories. Layers of moist flowers adorn the ancient homes. Lanterns hanging at entrances contrast with the yellow façades, sometimes cleverly concealing them.

Amidst the bustling crowds of tourists, bicycles, and scooters carrying everything you could ever imagine, you’ll see women carrying bamboo poles with two baskets filled to the brim with fruits on their shoulders. From beneath their conical hats, a sincere smile always shines through. The positive energy radiated by the Vietnamese people is contagious, let me tell you! You can’t resist the temptation to shop. It’s impossible!

The most iconic symbol of Hoi An is the Japanese Covered Bridge. Entirely made of wood, lacquered, and covered with ceramic tiles, it gracefully arches over the tranquil Hoai River. Rich in intricately carved details in a traditional style, representing architectural features of the Nguyen Dynasty with Japanese influences, the bridge has undergone at least 6 renovations, with its current appearance dating back to the 18th century.
Over 400 years old, it stands as a meeting point between history and the present day. Numerous shops nearby invite visitors to choose specialities from Hoi An, from artisanal products to unparalleled culinary flavours.

The Thu Bon River, witness to many historical events, is one of the most beautiful waterways in Vietnam. The best way to enjoy the sunset spectacle is by taking a boat ride among hundreds of lanterns that gently glide, carrying with them memories, yearnings, desires, or prayers to the heavens.
The fresh aroma of coffee and soft music beckon you. All you have to do is sit at one of the terraces lining both sides of the river, letting your barefoot thoughts get lost in the bustling street.
Vietnamese coffee is one of the best in the world (Vietnam is the second-largest coffee producer after Brazil). Coconut coffee, egg coffee, pink beetroot latte, or ice cube coffee – which one resonates with you? If none seem to suit your taste, Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk might be just what you’re looking for.

The story of the lanterns?

The first lanterns appeared in the 16th century, during the Nguyen Dynasty, with the arrival of Chinese immigrants.
Crafting them, passed down through generations, has become an attraction in Hoi An, also known as the “City of Lanterns.” Bamboo and cloth are the two main components. Among the fabrics, silk stands out, highlighting the elegance of a lantern made here. In contrast, the craftsman’s imagination, who sometimes spends hours creating intricate ornamental patterns, makes all the difference. Colour plays both an aesthetic and symbolic role: red is for luck, violet-chic, and yellow symbolizes joy.
To turn a lantern into a work of great finesse, the craftsman plays the role of a painter or skilled artisan. A beginner can make one or two a day, while a professional can make 20.

Where did we stay in Hoi An?
At Nostalgia Hotel and Spa. The warmth of the place and the feeling that we were part of the family, the tranquillity and cleanliness, the pool where we cooled off on hot days, the tasty breakfast, the ideal location, and the promptness of the staff, all of these make me tell you that Nostalgia Hotel and Spa is worth your attention. I’ve described it in detail in this article.

How to get to Hoi An?
Most visitors arrive in Hoi An from the city of Da Nang, located 29 kilometres away. If you land at Da Nang airport or spend a night or two in Da Nang, you can get to Hoi An by bus, minivan, or taxi, and I recommend using the Grab app (similar to Uber in Southeast Asia).

There are two routes: along the coast or on DT607. The travel time depends on the route the driver takes and the type of vehicle (obviously, a car/taxi is faster than a minivan or bus).

Ticket price:
Minivan: $6.49/person. Schedule and tickets, here. Travel time: 1 hour and 15 minutes. The first ride from Da Nang is at 07:15, and the last one is at 21:15. Pickup: Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture, Drop-off Hoi An office.

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