Hoi An City

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Hoi An Culture

 

 

Hoi An Ancient Town

The ancient town of Hoi An, 30 km south of Danang, lies on the banks of the Thu Bon River, Quang Nam Province.

 

Hoi An Ancient Town is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. Its buildings and its street plan reflect the influences, both indigenous and foreign, that have combined to produce this unique heritage site.

 

The town has a distinct Chinese atmosphere with low, tiled-roof houses and narrow streets; the original structure of some remain intact. All the houses are made of rare wood and decorated with lacquered boards and panels engraved with Chinese characters. Pillars are also carved with ornamental designs. Nearby are impressive ruins of the Sa Huynh and Champa cultures.

 

 

My Son

My Son Holy Land is a valley. Several temples, among which the biggest in the Champa Kingdom and more than 70 constructions made of bricks and stone were built between the 7th and the 13th century in accordance with different architectural styles, showing how talented Champa artists were. The main temples are devoted to the protector of the Champa Kings. My Son was recognised as a world heritage site in 1999.

 

 

Japanese Covered Bridge

A local favorite, construction on this covered bridge began in the Year of the Monkey (1593) and was finished in the Year of the Dog (1595), hence the monkey and dog sculptures at either end.

 

The bridge curves over the Thu Bon River which provides the local restaurants with fresh fish daily. Hoi An attracts many tourists.

 

 

Phuc Kien Assembly Hall

Phuc Kien Assembly Hall is used for genies and ancestors worship and a meeting place of the Chinese Phuc Kien people as well.

 

In the main sanctuary, the Thien Hau Holy Mother is worshipped. The rear house is divided into 3 parts, the left one is for the God of fortune, the middle one for the ancestors of Phuc Kien people and the right one for 3 Fatality Queens and 12 Heavenly Midwives.

 

Annual festivities are held every year to honor them, especially important being that dedicated to the 6 ancestors on the 16th of the 2nd lunar month when a great number of Chinese Phuc kien people from everywhere in South Vietnam come back for such an important event.