Vietnam - Hoi An
Vietnam Information
Population: 83.6 million (UN, 2005)
Capital: Hanoi
Major language: Vietnamese
Currency: Dong
Major Religion: Buddhism
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For many visitors, Hoi An really is the ‘Jewel of Vietnam' with few of our guests missing out on the opportunity to wander through the ancient streets, enjoy the countries finest cuisine, visit the famous (and unbelievably cheap!) tailors or just kick-back for some well deserved R&R on the nearby Cau Dai beach.
Hoi An's town centre is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its unique Chinese, Japanese and European influenced architecture is protected for future generations. Motorised traffic is banned on its narrow streets for several days a week and in the evening all electricity is switched off and the town is lit up by hundreds of beautiful traditional silk lanterns.
One of the highlights of any visit to Vietnam is the incredible cuisine and this is especially true in Hoi An. Most Vietnamese people agree that Hoi An is the home of Vietnam's finest food and the town isn't shy about this accolade. You can eat well on almost any budget and many of the most atmospheric restaurants line Hoi An's harbour front. There are several 'must eat' local dishes, such as Cau Lau which can only be made with water drawn from the local well.
The local market is a hive of activity on any day of the week and is the sort of place you can return to day after day, never tiring of the sites and sounds.
We say: 'Hoi An is a truly remarkable destination, combing culture with beach and relaxation. We love to cycle on the maze of quiet lanes that run between the old town and Cua Dai beach. If you get lost you can be sure a friendly farm hand will point you in the right direction....if your Vietnamese isn't up to asking, just try sign language!'
Cau Dai Beach
The local Cua Dai beach is deserted by most other Asian countries standards and you can walk for miles in either direction stumbling over little else other than the odd small fishing village. There are a very limited number of hotels and resorts on or near the beach ensuring this tranquility is likely to remain for sometime. Further north, as you drive towards Danang, you will see far more development.
China Beach and Marble Mountain
Nearby you will find China beach, famous as proving a base of American GI’s during less peaceful times. There is also and ‘marble mountain’ which contains dozens of buddha shrines that you can emplore whilst climbing to the peak to enjoy a magical view across this former Champa kingdom.
My Son
Just an hours drive from Hoi An you will find the often overlooked archaeological site of My Son. Home to incredible, eerie 'tower temples' covered in jungle creepers. In a lush green valley you'll get to explore the dozens of red brick towers and sanctuaries dating from between the 7th and 13th centuries.