Japanese Karaoke History
Step back in Time in Vietnam’s Hoi An
Vietnam offers an intoxicating blend of incredible scenery, idyllic coastline, vibrant cities and fascinating history and culture. Add to that some great cuisine and Vietnam surely makes an ideal destination for travelers seeking something a little different, off the usual tourist’s well-trodden path.
The ancient port city of Hoi An oozes charm and history and miraculously escaped largely unscathed from the Vietnam War. Whilst very obviously carrying on its traditional life, it caters wonderfully to western visitors with smart hotels, restaurants, bars, tailor’s shops and souvenir stalls all packed into the old town center. Thanks to the local People’s Committee who clamp down from time to time on touts, a stroll down the street is relatively hassle-free. The Old Town is closed to cars, although not to motorbikes, and most hotels are within easy walking distance of the main attractions. If you want to go really native, then hire a bicycle to explore the area at a gentle pace.
Although no longer a port of any significance, the foreign influences can still be evidenced around the city. The Old Town is full of winding streets and Chinese-style shophouses. As tourism has only just begun to discover Hoi An, the area has been largely preserved and renovations are slow, carefully avoiding high-rise concrete blocks and karaoke bars.
Hoi An is easy to reach by air. The local airport at Danang has frequent connections to Hanoi, Ho Chi Min City. A local minibus will transport you to your chosen hotel for around $5, and private taxis charge a little more.
Things to Do in Hoi An
Everything in Hoi An is very affordable. Rent a motorbike for around $5 a day but don’t expect it to have any gas in it. You will have to fill up immediately! Take a trip through the local countryside and paddy fields to Cua Di Beach. Rent a deckchair and enjoy a snack and drinks at one of the beach restaurants and enjoy the day out. Boat hire, a rip-off elsewhere, can be enjoyed from $1 an hour. Enjoy exploring the local river system and see the real countryside around Loi An. Bicycle hire is even cheaper, and a visit to the ruined temple complex at My Son is a gentle one-hour’s pedaling away, or head for the Marble Mountains towards Da Nang. The nearby islands south of the town, An Hoi and Cam Nam across the Thu Bon River, are reachable from Hai Ba Trung and Hoang Dieu. Alternatively, organized tours of the area are available through hotels and travel agents.
On the 14th and 15th of each month the streets of the Old Town are completely closed to traffic and out come all the traditional street games. Bai choi, trong quan, dap nieu and other cultural pastimes can be seen all over the town and spectators are welcome.
The rich historical sites in Hoi An include the Japanese Covered Bridge which dates back to the early 1600s and is guarded at either end by a pig statue and a dog statue. There are four museums in Hoi An: the Museum of Folk Culture, the Museum of Trade Ceramics in a traditional Hoi An home; the Museum of History and Culture with some interesting 20th century photographs among the local exhibits, and the Museum of Say Huynh Culture which also incorporates the Museum of the Revolution, complete with grenade launchers and machine guns.
There are three old houses which are open to the public, the best of which is the Tan Ky House with its crab shell-shaped ceiling and poems written on mother-of-pearl. More local culture is offered at the Traditional Theater and at the Handicraft Workshop. For those with a keen philanthropic interest there is a local orphanage next to the Catholic Church run by the Kianh Foundation which can be visited.
One final unique experience is the Eco Tour which shows you how to row a basket boat, and how to catch fish. It is a wonderful cultural trip with plenty of local interaction which really sums up the whole of Hoi An – wonderful culture and plenty of opportunity to interact with the friendly locals.
Visit this website for more information.
About the Author
Veronica Ho is the owner of Travel Haven, a travel agency totally dedicated to organising creative and luxury packages. Get a COMPLIMENTARY Destination Guide when you join Travel Haven Email Club. Also be the FIRST to receive Special Promotions, Destinations Update and much more. http://www.TheTravelHavenOnline.com
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