Hoi An | Hello from the Five Star Vagabond

Ancient Town Vietnam Central Coast is Hoi-An featuring wonderful French colonial buildings including this beautiful Japanese covered bridge which dates back to the 18th century. Probably the most photographed place in Hoi-An.

Crossing the bridge

I’m not sure what the ladies are selling.

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This is my favourite photo.

The culture & heritage is mostly from the Cham people whose kingdom originally stretched from Hue South to Phan Thiet (South of Nha Trang) – the Champa’s most likely originally from Java. The original Cham political capital was Tra Kieu, the commercial capital was Hoi An and the spiritual capital was My Son (Hindu). The Cham people were Hindu, and by the 10th century the influence of Arab traders to Hoi An resulted in some converting to become Muslims.

The second major influence was from the Chinese, firstly from traders but especially the escaping Ming Dynasty armies who after settling in Hoi An for some years moved further south and created Saigon as a major trading port.

Beautiful faces

Hoi An is midway between Hanoi & HCMC, you can fly into Danang then take a taxi south, on the way make sure you visit Marble mountain where you can watch beautiful statues being made and perhaps even order one to be shipped home.

Here I am at Marble Mountain just north of Hoi-An.

Marble Mountain Vietnam where the statues are hand carved by certified and regulated stone mason artists. These artist begin a lifelong apprenticeship from a very young age and spend their life learning the trade.

Travel Tip. Hoi-An has the reputation as the place to go to have clothes made, I think one of the best strategies is to take some of your favourite items and have them copied at a fraction of the price you would pay at home.

Hoi-An French colonial buildings

One of the many Hoi-An French colonial buildings.

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Fu kien restaurant

A typical Hoi-Ann street scene.

Beautiful buildings

There are so many wonderful buildings.

Lanterns

There is a photo opportunity around every corner.

We asked where he was taking the duck?

He said I am taking it home to eat it.

Hoi Ann timber delivery

Firewood for cooking I imagine.

Ancient Town Vietnam Central Coast Hoi Ann market

Morning gossip at the market.

Banana anyone?

It is a hive of activity on the waterfront.

Happy faces

Non la (palm-leaf conical hat) is a traditional symbol of Vietnamese people.

Great looking kids in Hoi Ann.

Another couple of great Vietnamese smiles.

China Beach

During the war the Americans used the name China Beach to refer to the beautiful 30 km sweep of fine white sand that starts at Monkey Mountain and ends near Hoi An. Soldiers would be sent here for some R&R from bases all over the country.

Pothole shopping for art

Pothole aka John Martin shopping for some genuine reproductions. 🙂

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Hanoi to Bangkok

It was the start of the Sars problem.

Thanks for visiting my Hoi-An French colonial buildings photo blog, one of my favourite places in Vietnam, however the image that sticks in my mind most of all are the beautiful faces of the people and their children in this amazing country. Have a look at some of my other Vietnam posts.

For a great hotel rate in China Beach just book through THIS LINK.

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