Lights and lanterns at Hội An

The ancient town of Hội An in Vietnam was a trading port in the 15th - 19th century. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site; with its houses, streets and shops preserved over the centuries. The architectural and other influences combine mostly Chinese and Japanese styles. The Thu Bồn river runs through the town.

In the olden days, the town traded in spices and silks and was home to wealthy merchants. Now-a-days, it caters to tourists and is filled with cafes and tailoring shops. Colourful handcrafted lanterns are everywhere, lending an air of tranquility and romance.

Inside a Chinese temple

Streets of Hội An are filled with shops, cafes and tourists on cycles

There are many Chinese temples and other attractions. A 1-day 5$ pass lets you visit any 5 attractions.

Painting inside a temple

Spiral incense sticks can be bought outside the temples for offerings

Narrow streets between houses

A well-preserved town

The "Japanese Bridge" originally separated the Japanese houses from the Cantonese ones. It still remains a unique structure, that has a Buddhist temple on one side of it.

Cycles lined up against a Japanese house

An old house of Hội An

A holder for incense sticks

A little space in the town centre, where traditional Vietnamese dramas and music are performed in the evenings

The riverfront

Some of the ships have been converted into tourist boats and floating restaurants

Tourists can take a boat ride up and down the river to see the town, and to float candles on the river

Cheap food and drinks at a floating restaurant

Cute Vietnamese children selling candles, which can be floated on the river

The lights and lanterns come alive at night, giving the town a fairy tale appearance!