The ancient town Hoi An lies on the banks of the Thu Bon River. Hoi An was one of the major trading centers of Southeast Asia in the 16th century.
In 1999, the riverside town was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in an effort to preserve its core of historic architecture, a unique mix of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and European styles. The listing gave Hoi An the resources and impetus to better protect and maintain its wonderful architecture, and to market itself as a tourist destination. It worked, and the town now attracts visitors by the droves.


 
When at this charming town, it’s quite convenient for visitors to walk around the Old Streets exploring the ancient merchant houses, pagoda... or cycling to the UNESCO site of My Son Sanctuary which is 40km away. Traditional villages near Hoian are worth a visit like Tra Que Vegetable Village, Thanh Ha Pottery Village, Kim Bong Carpentry Village... Further to the East Sea, Cham Island where camping, swimming and scuba diving are available.


 
While many are attracted to Hoi An by the graceful pastel-coloured buildings, others are lured by an abundance of shopping. For many, getting something tailor made is one of the key things to do in Hoi An where is considered of “father” of Vietnamese garment industry. Most shops offer a make-to-measure tailoring service within a day! It is, your clothes will be ready to put on in the afternoon if it’s ordered in the morning!