What is so special about Hoi An is that this little
port town is in an incredible state of preservation. It offers some of
the most densely-concentrated sights in Vietnam with its old streets
bordered with ancient houses and assembly halls, its pagodas, temples,
ancient wells and tombs. In total, more than a thousand places of
interest. The architecture of Hoi An is characterised by a harmonious
blend of Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese influences. After many
centuries, Hoi An is still respectful of its traditions, folk festivals,
beliefs and of its sophisticated culinary art. Set in a quiet
environment, Hoi An is surrounded by peaceful villages that have crafts
such as carpentry, bronze making, ceramic...
Researchers said most of the buildings in Hoi An
underwent restoration at the beginning of the 19th century, even if they
might be constructed long time ago. The ancient architecture shown most
clearly in the Ancient Town that located in Minh An Ward. It covers
about 2 square kilometres and almost of all famous relics in Hoi An are
gathered here. The streets are very short and narrow, having a winding,
crossing as the chessboard style. The topography of the ancient town
tilt gradually from north to south. The buildings in the old town is
built mostly with traditional materials such as: brick, wood and no more
than two floors. The traces of time is able to find not only on the
architectural design of each building but also everywhere like: on the
yin-yang roof tiles covered with moss and plants; the old gray mold
walls; the pictures carved on a strange animal, or describing a old
story… Having inherited a multi-cultural architecture so varied and
sophisticated, Hoi An must have attracted numerous and talented workers
in carpentry, ceramics, and woodcarving from China, Japan and other
regions of Vietnam.
