#nguyen phung | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

inspiringvacationstours · 5 months

Text

Top 6 Must-See Destinations for Your Vietnam Adventure

Are you looking for a travel destination that perfectly blends beauty, culture, and adventure? Look no further than Vietnam. This Southeast Asian gem is a land of stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, ancient towns, and rich history.

Whether you are an adventure seeker, a culture enthusiast, or a nature lover, Vietnam has something for everyone.

In this blog post, we will explore the top six must-see destinations for your Vietnam Holiday, ensuring you have a lifetime trip.

1. Hanoi - The Enchanting Capital

Our journey begins in Hanoi, the enchanting capital city of Vietnam. Hanoi is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends ancient traditions with modern developments. As you wander through its bustling streets, you will be captivated by the sights, sounds, and smells that fill the air.

One of the most iconic attractions in Hanoi is Hoan Kiem Lake. This serene body of water is surrounded by lush greenery and is a popular meeting spot for locals and tourists alike. Stroll around the lake or visit Ngoc Son Temple, which sits on a small island in the middle.

Another must-visit area in Hanoi is the Old Quarter. Here, you can immerse yourself in the city's rich history as you explore its narrow streets, colonial architecture, and traditional shops. Don't forget to try the street food, as Hanoi is renowned for its delicious and diverse culinary scene. For a unique cultural experience, catch a traditional water puppet show, where intricately carved puppets perform on a water stage.

2. Ha Long Bay - A Natural Wonder

No visit to Vietnam would be complete without experiencing the breathtaking beauty of Ha Long Bay. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a natural wonder that will leave you in awe. Picture yourself surrounded by towering limestone karsts emerging from the emerald waters, creating a magical and surreal landscape.

One of the best ways to explore Ha Long Bay is by taking a cruise. Sail through the karsts, stopping at various islands and caves. You can also hop in a kayak and paddle through the calm waters, getting close to the karsts and exploring hidden caves. Don't forget to bring your camera, as the views are truly unforgettable.

3. Hoi An - A Timeless Beauty

Next on our list is Hoi An, a charming ancient town that will transport you back in time. Hoi An is known for its well-preserved architecture, reflecting the influences of various cultures, including Chinese, Japanese, and European.

One of the highlights of Hoi An is the Japanese Covered Bridge, a symbol of the town. This beautiful bridge, dating back to the 16th century, is a marvel of architecture and an excellent photo spot. As you wander the town, you will encounter other architectural gems, such as the Quan Cong Temple and the Phung Hung Ancient House.

Hoi An is also famous for its tailor shops, where you can get custom-made clothing at affordable prices. The options are endless, from suits to dresses to traditional Vietnamese ao dai. Take the opportunity to get measured, choose your fabric, and have a unique piece of clothing made just for you.

4. Hue - Imperial Splendour

Our next stop is Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Hue is a city steeped in history and is home to numerous significant landmarks that offer a glimpse into its imperial past.

One of the must-visit attractions in Hue is the Imperial City, a vast complex that once served as the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty. Explore the grand palaces, ornate gardens, and intricate architecture as you learn about the dynasty's history. Another notable landmark in Hue is the Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic seven-story pagoda that overlooks the Perfume River. Take a boat ride along the river to reach the pagoda and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Make sure that your Vietnam holiday package includes this city.

No visit to Hue would be complete without indulging in traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Treat yourself to a royal-style meal, where you can savour dishes once served to the imperial family. The combination of flavours and the attention to detail in the presentation will leave you feeling like royalty.

5. Sa Pa - Majestic Mountains

For those seeking adventure and natural beauty, Sa Pa is a destination not to be missed. Located in the mountainous region of northern Vietnam, Sa Pa is renowned for its terraced rice fields, ethnic diversity, and stunning panoramic views.

Embark on a hiking adventure in Sa Pa, where you can traverse the hills and valleys while taking in the breathtaking scenery. The terraced rice fields create a patchwork quilt of vibrant greens, especially during the harvest season when the fields are filled with golden rice. Engage with local communities by opting for a homestay, where you can learn about their traditions, customs, and way of life. Visit the local markets to buy handmade crafts and traditional textiles.

6. Ho Chi Minh City - Bustling Metropolis

Our final destination is Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. This bustling metropolis is the largest city in Vietnam and offers a vibrant mix of history, culture, and modernity.

Start exploring at the War Remnants Museum, where you can learn about Vietnam's turbulent past. The museum provides a sobering look at the Vietnam War, showcasing photographs, artifacts, and memorabilia. Afterwards, head to Ben Thanh Market, a bustling marketplace where you can find everything from local handicrafts to street food. Don't miss the chance to try some of the city's famous dishes, such as banh mi and pho.

If you have time, consider taking a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an intricate network of underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Explore the tunnels, crawl through the narrow passages, and gain insight into the harsh conditions that soldiers endured.

Conclusion

Vietnam is a country that will leave a lasting impression on any traveller. From the enchanting capital of Hanoi to the natural wonder of Ha Long Bay, the timeless beauty of Hoi An, the imperial splendour of Hue, the majestic mountains of Sa Pa, and the bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City, each destination offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

No matter what your interests are, Vietnam has something to offer. Whether you seek adventure, cultural immersion, or a relaxing escape, this Southeast Asian gem has it all. So, start planning your Vietnam holiday and prepare to be amazed by the beauty, culture, and adventure that await you.

Source: Top 6 Must-See Destinations for Your Vietnam Adventure

#Vietnam Holiday

0 notes

phungnguyentheprivia · 9 months

Text

Chuyên Gia BDS Phụng Nguyễn - THE PRIVIA KHANG ĐIỀN

Phụng Nguyễn một chuyên gia môi giới Bất Động Sản làm việc tại Khang Điền - tập đoàn hàng đầu trong đầu tư, kinh doanh và quản lý bất động sản. Hiện tại tôi đang cung cấp các sản phẩm tại dự án Căn hộ The Privia Khang Điền là một dự án tìm năng cho các nhà đầu tư tại Hồ Chí Minh, dự án với quy mô 1,83 ha, cung ứng 2.000 sản phẩm loại căn 1 – 3 phòng ngủ.

Liên hệ với tôi tại Phòng Kinh Doanh Dự Án Privia Khang Điền Land

Địa chỉ dự án: 158 An Dương Vương, An Lạc, Quận Bình Tân, TP Hồ Chí Minh

Website: https://priviakhangdien.land/phung-nguyen/

Mredid: https://www.google.com/search?kgmid=/g/11v66jmb8f

Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=4938242399735651888

Hotline: 0866 86 97 99

Email: [email protected]

#priviakhangdienland #Căn_Hộ_The_Privia #The_Privia_Khang_Điền #Dự_án_The_Privia #Privia_Khang_Điền

1 note · View note

casbooks · 10 months

Text

Books of 2023

Book 41 of 2023

Title: Stalking the Vietcong: Inside Operation Phoenix: A Personal Account Authors: Stuart A. Herrington ISBN: 9780307823809 Tags: A-1 Skyraider, AC-119G Shadow, Buddhism (Religion), Catholic, CHE Geneva Conference of 1954 (French Indochina War), CHE Switzerland, Counter-Terrorism, Interrogator, KHM Cambodia, KHM Cambodian Incursion (1970) (Vietnam War), LAO Lam Son 719 (1971) (Vietnam War), LAO Laos, Military Intelligence, SA-7 Strela SAM, US CIA Central Intelligence Agency, US President John F. Kennedy, US President Richard M. Nixon, US State Department, US State Department - Foreign Service Institute, US USA 25th ID, US USA Fort Benning GA, US USA Fort Benning GA - US Army Infantry School, US USA Fort Bliss TX, US USA Fort Bragg NC, US USA Fort Bragg NC - MATA Military Assistance Training Advisor Course, US USA Fort Holabird MD, US USA Fort Holabird MD - Tactical Intelligence Officers Basic Course, US USA General James Herbert, US USA General James Hollingsworth, US USA MI Army Military Intelligence, US USA United States Army, US USA USSF Green Berets, US USA USSF Special Forces, VNM 1968 Tet Offensive (1968) (Vietnam War), VNM 1972 Easter Offensive / Nguyen Hue (1972) (Vietnam War), VNM An Ninh, VNM Bao Cong, VNM Bao Trai, VNM Bao Trai - Chieu Hoi Center (Vietnam War), VNM Battle of An Loc (1972) (1972 Easter Offensive) (Vietnam War), VNM Battle of Quang Tri (1972) (1972 Easter Offensive) (Vietnam War), VNM Bien Hoa, VNM Bien Hoa - Corps Interrogation Center, VNM Bien Hoa - La Plage, VNM Cao Dai Religion, VNM CIA Phung Hoang / Phoenix Program (1965-1972) (Vietnam War), VNM Con Son Island Prison, VNM Cu Chi, VNM Dong Nai River, VNM DRV Ho Chi Minh, VNM DRV NVA 101st Regiment, VNM DRV NVA 24th Regiment, VNM DRV NVA 271st Regiment, VNM DRV NVA 271st Regiment - D8 Bn, VNM DRV NVA 271st Regiment - D8 Bn - C3 Co, VNM DRV NVA General Vo Nguyen Giap, VNM DRV NVA North Vietnamese Army, VNM DRV VC C1 Duc Hoa Local Force Co, VNM DRV VC N-10 Sapper Bn, VNM DRV VC Viet Cong, VNM DRV VM Viet Minh, VNM Duc Hoa, VNM Duc Hue, VNM French Indochina War (1946-1954), VNM Ha Tinh, VNM Hau Nghia Province, VNM Hiep Hoa, VNM Highway 1, VNM Highway 13 - Thunder Road, VNM Ho Chi Minh Trail (Vietnam War), VNM III Corps (Vietnam War), VNM Loc Giang, VNM Loc Hung, VNM Muoi Lon, VNM Nghe An, VNM Parrots Beak, VNM Phu Hoa Corridor, VNM Phu Loi, VNM Phuoc Tuy Province, VNM Quang Tri, VNM Rach Nhum Creek, VNM Route 7, VNM Route 9, VNM RVN ARVN 25th ID, VNM RVN ARVN 3rd ID, VNM RVN ARVN 83rd Border Range Bn, VNM RVN ARVN Armed Propaganda Team, VNM RVN ARVN Army of the Republic of Vietnam, VNM RVN ARVN General Do Cao Tri, VNM RVN ARVN MSS Provincial Military Security Service, VNM RVN ARVN Province Intelligence Platoon, VNM RVN ARVN Provincial Interrogation Center, VNM RVN ARVN PSDF People's Self Defense Force, VNM RVN ARVN RF/PF 305th RF Bn (Vietnam War), VNM RVN ARVN RF/PF 58th RF Group (Vietnam War), VNM RVN ARVN RF/PF 773rd RF Co (Vietnam War), VNM RVN ARVN RF/PF Regional Forces/Popular Forces (Vietnam War), VNM RVN ARVN Vietnamese Rangers - Biet Dong Quan, VNM RVN Chieu Hoi Program/Force 66 - Luc Luong 66 (Vietnam War), VNM RVN Ngo Dinh Diem, VNM RVN Nguyen Van Thieu, VNM RVN RVNP Can Sat National Police, VNM RVN RVNP CSDB PRU Provincial Reconnaissance Units (Vietnam War), VNM RVN SVNAF South Vietnamese Air Force, VNM RVNP CSDB Can Sat Dac Biet Special Branch Police, VNM Saigon, VNM Saigon - Bay Hien Intersection, VNM Saigon - Ben Thanh Marketplace, VNM Saigon - Brinks Hotel, VNM Saigon - Brinks Hotel Bombing (1964), VNM Saigon - Cach Mang Blvd, VNM Saigon - Cong Ly St, VNM Saigon - Gia Long St, VNM Saigon - Independence Palace, VNM Saigon - Le Loi Blvd, VNM Saigon - MACV Headquarters (Vietnam War), VNM Saigon - Massachusetts BOQ (Vietnam War), VNM Saigon - Ngoc Huong restaurant, VNM Saigon - Nguyen Hue St, VNM Saigon - Tu Do Club Bombing, VNM Saigon - Tu Do St, VNM Saigon - Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, VNM Tan My, VNM Tan Son Nhut Air Base, VNM Tay Ninh Province, VNM Trang Bang, VNM Trung Lap, VNM US MACV Advisory Team 43 (Vietnam War), VNM US MACV Advisory Teams (Vietnam War), VNM US MACV CORDS Civil Operations and Revolutionary Development Support (1967-1975) (Vietnam War), VNM US MACV Military Assistance Command Vietnam (Vietnam War), VNM US USA 3rd Field Hospital - Saigon (Vietnam War), VNM Vam Co Dong River, VNM Vietnam, VNM Vietnam War (1955-1975), VNM Vung Tao, VNM Vung Tao - Cyrno's Restaurant Rating: ★★★★★ (5 Stars) Subject: Books.Military.20th-21st Century.Asia.Vietnam War.ARVN.PRU, Books.Military.20th-21st Century.Asia.Vietnam War.US Army.Advisor, Books.Military.20th-21st Century.Asia.Vietnam War.US Army.Military Intelligence

Description: In a gripping memoir that reads like a spy novel, one man recounts his personal experience with Operation Phoenix, the program created to destroy the Vietcong’s shadow government, which thrived in the rural communities of South Vietnam.

Stuart A. Herrington was an American intelligence advisor assigned to root out the enemy in the Hau Nghia province. His two-year mission to capture or kill Communist agents operating there was made all the more difficult by local officials who were reluctant to cooperate, villagers who were too scared to talk, and VC who would not go down without a fight. Herrington developed an unexpected but intense identification with the villagers in his jurisdiction–and learned the hard way that experiencing war was profoundly different from philosophizing about it in a seminar room.

Review: One of the best books on Vietnam that I've ever read. Published shortly after the fall of Saigon, the book has a timeliness that is readily apparent to the reader. The thoughts are fresh, the memories are crystal clear, and the painful mental wounds of the experience are sharp. This is a book about the Phoenix program that is 100% about everything BUT the phoenix program. There is very little mention of the PRU teams, and the author is brutally honest about his failure to actually get a phoenix program working in his area. Instead he uses a mix of other tools to attack the viet cong infrastructure and spends much of his time crafting his skills as an interrogator and on the military intelligence he is able to exploit from those discussions. The book is above all else, one of the best on ARVN/US relations at this level, on how to interrogate and exploit that info, and a really good look at the 72 Easter Offensive.

#Books #Ebooks #Booklr #Bookblr #history #military history #interrogator #vietnam war #advisor #us army #phoenix program #1972 easter offensive #non-fiction

0 notes

killkillalltreasonouchargedalien · 11 months

Text

Vietnamese officials, however, never followed up on Phung's newsworthy announcement. Instead, Washington and Hanoi announced a comprehensive partnership in 2013—a relationship that implies a less-serious geopolitical alignment for Vietnam. The United States has been left wondering why.

The Biden administration—like at least two administrations before it—is convinced that U.S.-Vietnamese ties should be intensified, precisely because both countries share long-term strategic interests. Both countries want to prevent China from dominating the Indo-Pacific; and both have a strong interest in upholding the rules-based international order. In its 2021 Interim National Security Strategic Guidance, the Biden administration mentioned (PDF) Vietnam alongside Singapore, a de facto U.S. ally in Southeast Asia, stating that both countries would help “to advance shared objectives” in the Indo-Pacific. In the administration's 2022 Indo-Pacific Strategy (PDF), Vietnam also made the prominent list of “leading regional partners,” on par with India, New Zealand, Taiwan, and other critical countries.

In late March this year, the United States may finally have achieved a breakthrough. U.S. President Joe Biden held his first call as president with his Vietnamese counterpart, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. While little was revealed about the content of the call, a trip to Hanoi by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken soon followed. There, Blinken told reporters “Our conviction is that [the U.S. partnership with Vietnam] can and will grow even stronger…in the weeks and months ahead.” Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, in turn, said Hanoi sought to take the relationship “to a new height.” Speculation is now rife in Washington that the stage is set for the two countries to finally establish formal strategic partnership status, maybe at the White House during Trong's possible visit this July.

But the Biden administration would be wise to manage expectations for now. There are good reasons why Vietnam has been delaying the upgrade for so long—and why it may ultimately decide that elevating to a strategic partnership simply isn't worth it. Of course, deepening U.S.-Vietnamese ties does not fundamentally depend on any official diplomatic status. But if Hanoi forgoes strategic partnership status with Washington, it would validate Beijing's view that Vietnam remains firmly ensconced in China's geostrategic orbit—and that U.S. attempts to leverage Vietnam against China not only have limits, but are futile over the long-term.

The most important obstacle to a more-formalized U.S.-Vietnamese alignment is Beijing's likely reaction.Share on Twitter

Of course, the most important obstacle to a more-formalized U.S.-Vietnamese alignment is Beijing's likely reaction. In its long history, Vietnam has been invaded multiple times by its much larger northern neighbor—most recently in 1979—and is highly reluctant to unnecessarily antagonize Beijing. Although foreign partnerships are certainly important to help Vietnam balance against China, the Vietnamese are mindful of an ancient Chinese saying: “Distant water will not quench the fire nearby.” In other words, Vietnam cannot count on faraway partners to help manage problems with China. In the end, only Vietnam can ensure that bilateral ties preclude trouble.

From Hanoi's perspective, raising U.S.-Vietnamese ties to strategic partnership level may simply be asking for trouble. After the bloody Sino-Vietnamese war in 1979, Hanoi and Beijing normalized relations in 1991; and as part of their agreement, Vietnam imposed limitations on its own future security engagements to appease Chinese leaders. Originally known as the “Three Nos” (before becoming “Four Nos and One Depends,” more on that below), Vietnam's post-agreement defense policy committed it to forgoing formal military alliances, military basing on its territory, and military activities aimed at a third country. Hanoi very likely worries that elevating to strategic partnership with Washington might give Beijing the impression that it is establishing a military alliance, perhaps putting it on course to violating the other Nos as well.

Chinese retaliation to a U.S.-Vietnamese strategic partnership could be severe, particularly in the South China Sea, where China and Vietnam have substantial overlapping sovereignty claims and Beijing has overwhelming military strength to enforce its side of the dispute. This leads to another reason Hanoi is likely hesitant to bolster ties to Washington: Despite Beijing's encroachments in the South China Sea, things have been relatively quiet there since 2019, when China and Vietnam had a standoff at Vanguard Bank in the Spratly Islands. Why potentially rock the boat?

Moreover, Hanoi may believe it has already handled the situation effectively without needing Washington's support. Following the Vanguard Bank standoff, Vietnam released a defense white paper pledging never to unilaterally use or threaten force—the fourth “No” meant to be another reassurance to Beijing. It also added the “One Depends” clause, stating that “depending on the circumstances and specific conditions, Vietnam will consider developing necessary, appropriate defense and military relations with other countries.” By adding the One Depends clause, Hanoi drew a causal link between the deterioration of Vietnam's external security environment and the nations with which it chooses to deepen defense cooperation. A reasonable interpretation of this is that, if China's bullying behavior in the South China Sea continues, Vietnam might finally promote the United States' status to that of strategic partnership. Given recent stability, there has been no impetus to do so. If this interpretation is correct, Hanoi will find a potential status upgrade more useful when it is not exercised.

Another reason Hanoi might drag its feet is due to domestic politics. Over the last few months, Trong's anti-corruption campaign has removed several high-ranking members of the Vietnamese Communist Party and state apparatus, including deputy prime ministers Pham Binh Minh and Vu Duc Dam, along with state president Nguyen Xuan Phuc. Some Western observers worry that the purge is bad news for U.S.-Vietnamese ties, since these three officials leaned toward Washington. Most significantly, Trong appointed his young conservative ally, Vo Van Thuong, to replace Phuc as president. Thuong reportedly favors China over the United States, as does Trong. Vietnam is unlikely to drift away from the United States toward China, since it seeks good ties with both. But an internal recalibration of Hanoi's delicate balancing act between the two great powers may be underway—especially as geopolitical competition continues to intensify.

Yet another potential explanation for Vietnamese inaction on a strategic partnership is that U.S.-Vietnamese relations are already operating at a de-facto strategic level, even if without the official label. For example, Vietnam has expressed implicit support for the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy; in recent years, it has received additional diplomatic and economic support—as well as military hardware and training—to counter China. What would Vietnam substantively gain, that would also be within the bounds of its strict defense policy, from elevating the partnership? Virtually anything that the U.S. military would like to do—and has done, for example, in the Philippines—such as accessing Vietnam's bases to help it better deal with South China Sea contingencies or joint training focused on lethal operations against a third nation, could violate these rules.

On the economic side in particular, Vietnam still feels spurned by the Trump administration's decision in 2017 to withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) multilateral trade agreement forged under the Obama administration. In order to become eligible to join the TPP, Hanoi had to implement deep and risky systemic reforms to its economy; and in the end, these good-faith efforts went unrewarded. Washington left Hanoi (and many others) standing at the altar in a massive breach of trust. Today, the deal has been renamed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP); but without the United States as a member, it carries less economic and especially strategic heft as a counterbalance to China.

To date, the Biden administration has not offered a viable alternative that would allow Vietnam to bank on future U.S. economic ties, which is a serious gap in the partnership. To be sure, the United States is Vietnam's number two trading partner after China. But the Trump administration's TPP withdrawal not only confused and frustrated Vietnamese leaders, but also made them question Washington's staying power in the region, particularly as Beijing's profile—economic and otherwise—is ascendant.

Finally, it is widely known that Trong suffered a stroke in 2019 and may be too weak to travel from Hanoi directly to Washington in July. This has created a logistical dilemma and ultimately a political one: It is difficult to envision who in the Vietnamese leadership, other than Trong, would be able to announce a decision of such political and strategic magnitude. Indeed, Vietnamese interlocutors have recently linked a possible announcement of a relationship upgrade to Trong's presence at the White House. Given the size of the strategic prize, Biden could of course travel to Vietnam, but there are no concrete plans to do so yet.

Hanoi continues to be intentionally vague and has not publicly commented on the issue of strategic partnership, probably to allow itself some wiggle room.Share on Twitter

All these obstacles aside, there are still many encouraging signals coming out of Hanoi that the relationship upgrade may very well happen—even if not this summer, as Washington hopes.

That said, the reality is that Hanoi continues to be intentionally vague and has not publicly commented on the issue of strategic partnership, probably to allow itself some wiggle room. Vietnam also knows that the United States has been wanting to elevate ties for some time, and in order to placate Washington and benefit from continued U.S. support against Beijing, Hanoi is smart to at least begin negotiations. Vietnam seems perfectly fine with things dragging on for years, avoiding a final decision, or even getting cold feet in the end. Avoidance is actually more of a feature than a bug of Vietnam's decisionmaking process. The Biden administration should manage expectations by remaining skeptical until the ink is dry on any new agreement.

0 notes

tripplanonline · 1 year

Text

This ancient house is located at 4 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street, Hoi An ancient town. Phung Hung ancient house was built by a rich Vietnamese man more than 240 years ago. The name “Phung Hung” also implies the owner’s wish for the prosperity of the family, favorable business.

The house was originally built with the purpose of becoming a place to exchange valuable items such as cinnamon, pepper, salt and porcelain… person looking to buy.

This house has passed through 8 generations, and now the owner’s 8th generation descendants still live here. Now the house has become a sewing and embroidery facility for the family. On March 29, 1993, Phung Hung’s ancient house was ranked as a national historical and cultural relic.

Read more: https://tripplanonline.com/phung-hung-ancient-house/

#hoian #travel #vietnamtravel

1 note · View note

goldencrownofsorro · 7 months

Text

#109

#puiul de căprioară care alerga după soare #the fawn who chased the sun #joanna mcInerney #phung nguyen quang #huynh thi kim lien #children's book #illustrations #books read in 2023 #cover art

0 notes

alsaharhoianvilla · 1 year

Text

A SPECIFIC GUIDE FOR YOU TO EXPLORE HOI AN ANCIENT TOWN

Hoi An Ancient Town has long become a beautiful and attractive tourist destination. The things that make tourists remember this place forever are the ancient and warm atmosphere of Hoi An, the friendly, likable people and countless other things. Now, come with us to discover Hoi An!

1. About the Ancient Town in Hoi An Vietnam

1.1. Introduction of Hoi An Ancient Town

Just downstream from Thu Bon River, Hoi An Ancient Town is located in the heart of Quang Nam province, about 30 kilometers to the south of Da Nang city. Not only is it a famous tourist attraction, but also an architectural relic complex.

Reflecting a unique cultural fusion, Hoi An old town was listed as a World Cultural Heritage by Unesco in 1999. It is a living museum of world-wide construction designs and urban lifestyle. From the 15th till the 20th century, Hoi An was an exclusive trading port between European and Asian businessmen. This is where Chinese, Japanese, and Portuguese traders have left their own vestiges via diverse architecture patterns. To this day, Ancient Town Hoi An Vietnam remains notably well-preserved, almost in its original state, retaining its pure and oriental medieval style.

1.2. Hoi An Ancient Town – Location, opening hours, and entrance fees

If you just want to take a chill walk around the old town, enjoy Hoi An’s specialties or take beautiful pictures, there is no entrance fee. However, there are several cultural monuments that require entry tickets:

Cultural constructions: Quan Cong Temple, Cau Bridge, etc…

Ancient houses: Phung Hung ancient house, Duc An ancient house, etc…

Church: Church of the Tran family, Church of the Nguyen family.

Museums

In addition, tickets also include a wide range of activities, namely folk games, street performances (every day from 7pm to 8.30pm), art shows (at 10.15 a.m. and 3.15 p.m. daily). The ticket prices for Vietnamese and foreigners differ, which are 80,000 VND/person and 150,000 VND/person respectively.

Don’t hesitate to buy tickets as the experience will provide deep insights of the town’s history. Moreover, the money contributes to the repair and preservation of the old town for future generations.

2. How to get to Hoi An Ancient Town from Da Nang?

Hoi An is only 30 kilometers from Da Nang, so the most convenient route will be to come to Da Nang, then move from Da Nang to Hoi An by taxi or ride a motorbike by yourself.

How to get to Da Nang?

By plane

Currently, national airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar, and Vietjetair all have direct routes from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi to Da Nang. Keep in mind that if you want cheap tickets, you should book about 3 to 6 months in advance.

By train

Train is a slightly cheaper option compared with traveling by airplane. From Hanoi or Saigon, there is a railroad-track to Da Nang (North – South route). The fare ranges from 400,000 VND to 1,200,000 VND depending on the train and seat class. It takes roughly 14 to 20 hours to travel from these two cities to Da Nang.

By motorbike

You can rent a motorbike in Da Nang to ride to Hoi An for 120,000 – 150,000 VND/day. Follow Vo Nguyen Giap road alongside the coastline from My Khe beach to Cua Dai beach. After arriving at Cua Dai, you will see an intersection, turn right to Ancient Town Hoi An or turn left to An Bang beach.

By Bus

This is an extremely economical means of transportation, but not necessarily the most convenient. From Da Nang, there is a bus route that runs directly to Hoi An. The buses depart continuously every 10 minutes. However, around 5:30 pm, the last bus will leave Hoi An, so if you plan to return to Da Nang in the evening, you need to pay special attention to the time.

By Taxi

If you go in a large group, this will be the most convenient and reasonable choice. The price for a ride from Da Nang to Hoi An will be about 200,000 VND – 250,000 VND.

3. Where to visit: Attractions in Ancient Town Hoi An

3.1. Hoai River

Hoai River is a tributary of Thu Bon river which flows across the Ancient Town and connects to other tourist attractions. A chilling boat trip on Hoai River is a popular activity on tourists’ must-do list. It is highly recommended that you go to Hoi An Ancient Town at night as with the lights from the houses, the whole riverbank becomes a glowing fairy land. Visitors can clearly feel the peaceful, gentle, and romantic vibe of Ancient Town Hoi An.

Lanterns releasing on Hoai River is also a meaningful ritual as it is to express gratitude to ancestors and to wish for a prosperous year. Full moon days (the 1st and 15th of the month according to the lunar calendar) arewhen “the old town trades its electric lights for traditional colorful lanterns”. Hoai River twinkles with the soft light of the lanterns, while thousands of candlelit paper flowers float across the water at night.

3.2. Japanese Covered Bridge (Chua Cau)

Your trip to Hoi An will be incomplete if you miss out on the Japanese Covered Bridge, one of the most alluring attractions in Hoi An. Also known as a Japanese Temple, the Covered Bridge is located adjacent to Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street and Tran Phu Street. The bridge is an excellent example of traditional Eastern architecture. Despite being built by Japanese merchants around the middle of the 16th century, through restoration, the Japanese Covered Bridge has become a harmonic architectural combination between Vietnamese, Japanese and Chinese cultures.

From the distance, the Covered Bridge stands out with a rainbow-like softly curved roof brightening up a corner of the ancient yet modern, quiet yet vibrant old town. The entire pagoda and bridge are made of vermilion wood, carved with many meticulous Japan-infused details. In the evening, when the lanterns are lit up, the bridge’s shadow is imprinted on the water surface, shimmering in the midst of the hustle and bustle of Hoi An.

3.3. Assembly Halls

Cantonese Assembly Hall

Built in 1885, the Cantonese Assembly Hall is located in the center of Hoi An old town. This assembly hall is a harmonious blend of materials of wood and stone. This place conserves many ceramic artifacts, which simulate and document the cultural life of the Cantonese community in Hoi An.

Fujian Assembly Hall

Among the 5 ancient assembly halls, Fujian, located at 46 Tran Phu, is the largest and most well-known. Visitors tend to light large incense rings and often hang wishing paper sheets to pray for health and fortune. The Hall was granted a national historical – cultural relic certification (February 17, 1990), adorning Hoi An ancient urban architecture.

Trieu Chau Assembly Hall

Trieu Chau Assembly Hall was built by the Chaozhou community in 1845 to worship the god Phuc Ba for safe voyage and smooth sailing. Architectural motifs are decorated according to the folk legends, many of which are embossed with porcelain.

3.4. Ancient houses

Tan Ky Old House

This was the first house to be honored as a national heritage site and is also frequently visited by various governors. Over centuries, even after the historic flood of 1964, the ancient house remains miraculously intact. The wooden East Asian-inspired decorative patterns in the house are delicately carved, indicating the exchange between different architectural styles.

Phung Hung Old house

The house is completely built of expensive ironwood, bearing a traditional beauty and displaying the owner’s well-off life. Phung Hung Old House is the guardian of the rich knowledge about the merchants’ lifestyle in Hoi An old trading port. This ancient house was granted the certificate of historical – cultural relic in June 1993.

Quang Thang House

Built approximately around 300 years ago, Quang Thang House is definitely one of the oldest houses in Hoi An. Walking in, you can easily notice stunning wood carvings of peacocks and flowers on the walls. Those sculptures are the products of the Kim Bong carpentry village’s craftsmen, who are renowned for their sophisticated craftsmanship of the Hue garden houses.

3.5. Sacred temples

Quan Cong Temple

Quan Cong Temple, also known as Kong Pagoda, is one of the biggest Hoi An tourist destinations with great spiritual and religious significance. Tourists are captivated by the extraordinary classical Chinese-influenced architecture of the temple. The ancient shrine with mossy tiled roof has vividly portrayed the traditional charm of cultural heritage in Hoi An.

Ba Mu Pagoda

Since its renovation, Ba Mu Pagoda has become one of the most popular check-in locations. Situated right in the heart of Ancient Town Hoi An, the pagoda is endowed with exquisitely carved golden walls, bunches of flowers blooming with shimmering colors, a clear lake reflecting the aquarium-blue sky. Blessed with antique charm and an open space, the pagoda is the perfect background for visitors to take impressive photos.

Minh Huong Pagoda

Minh Huong Pagoda is a place of ancestor worship for Chinese people living in Hoi An. It is the only remaining Buddhist temple in the heart of Ancient Town Hoi An. It preserves substantially intact wooden sculptures carved by the artisans of Hoi An Kim Bong carpentry village.

3.6. Hoi An Central Market

Unlike the calmness and tranquility of the old town, Hoi An Central Market is a distinct highlight of the ancient town, attracting a large number of tourists thanks to its bustling and lively atmosphere. The Market itself is divided into several areas for fresh seafood, vegetables, fruits, souvenirs… but perhaps the most appealing place must be the food court. Here, visitors will have the chance to try various delicacies of Central Vietnam cuisine such as Cao lau, Quang noodles, etc.

4. What to eat: Must-eat food in Old Town Hoi An

Banh mi – The most famous Vietnamese street food

Despite being a common household dish, Hoi An Banh Mi has a very distinct taste, so much that it is considered as “the best bread in the world”. Among many, Banh Mi Phuong is the most popular food shop. The menu here is extremely diverse with more than 20 different fillings: burgers, spring rolls, pate, chicken with avocado and salad… However, the selling point of these small bread loaves is the special homemade sauce. Each loaf costs around 20,000 – 40,000VND depending on the fillings.

Quang noodle – A signature dish of Hoi An cuisine

Quang noodles is believed to be the “soul” of Da Nang and Quang Nam cuisine. The perfect combination of soft rice flour noodles, delicious chicken with rich broth is what makes this dish irresistible. The price for each bowl is about 15,000 – 25,000VND.

Cao Lau – A yummy Hoi An specialty in the Ancient Town

Cao Lau has a Chinese-influenced taste with golden noodles, topped with char siu, deep-fried pork skin, and bean sprouts, drizzled with a bit of gravy. Chilling on the balcony watching Hoi An streets with a bowl of Cao Lau in front of you is truly an unforgettable culinary experience that only Hoi An can bring to visitors. Relatively more expensive compared to other dishes, a bowl of Cao Lau costs about 30,000 – 60,000 VND.

Chicken rice – A tasty Vietnamese food in Hoi An style

The taste of Hoi An chicken rice is one-of-a kind thanks to its special sauce. The light yellow sticky rice grains, delicious chicken with sweet and sour pickled salads never fail to amaze diners. With only 20,000 VND, you can order a delicious Hoi An shredded chicken rice dish.

Banh Dap (smashed rice pancake)

Treat your taste buds with Banh Dap! The crispy rice pancake covered with mussels are dipped with delicious seasoned fish sauce. The mussels here are particularly juicy as when stir-fried, the fishy taste disappears and is replaced with the sweetness of the seafood. The price usually ranges from 15,000 to 50,000 VND.

Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese Pancake)

Tourists are captivated by the crispy golden pancake and the savory flavour of fresh shrimp and meat filling. The sauce is a mixture of rich soy sauce and fragrant peanuts, which can please even the most demanding customers. It will usually cost you 10,000 – 20,000 VND/serving.

5. Where to have a coffee Hoi An?

For some, Faifo Coffee or Faifoo Hoi An has the best coffee in Hoi An. It is piping hot, strong and full of flavor. The full range of Western and Vietnamese styles is available – cappuccino, late, espresso – even ristretto – alongside the standard Vietnamese options including egg and coconut.

But it’s the views from the top floor that have visitors flocking. Rated as offering the best panorama over Hoi An Old Town’s rustic rooftops, Faifo Coffee is a must see location for ‘instagramers’. Be warned, queues of happy snappers may form around the rooftop entrance.

The heart of Faifo Coffee is found below the rooftop splendor in a sympathetically renovated building in the Old Town. The ground floor is perfectly set up for people watching from the front windows, the second is relaxed and breezy with large lounges. These spaces have been tastefully decorated – the net result is a dark, romantic setting with a touch of mystery, the constant march of ‘instagramers’ aside.

6. Where to stay: Accommodations near Hoi An Ancient Town

Alsahar Hoi An – THE MIRACLES IN HOI AN

If you’re looking for a private, comfortable, high-quality resort villa, this is exactly the place you should be. From afar, Alsahar Hoi An impresses visitors by the design of a Moroccan castle. The combination of bright red tiled roofs, emerald green pointed arched doorways on a sandy background creates associations of a distant Mediterranean oasis.

Alsahar Hoi An is designed to be friendly and in harmony with nature. It is not difficult to see trees in the villa’s premises. From the garden, to the corner of the house, to each bedroom, to the kitchen, the green color of trees always appears to make people’s minds more peaceful and happy.

When coming to Alsahar, you are completely immersed in your own world because the house is designed to be separate from the outside environment, extremely quiet and peaceful. In particular, you also treat your body, dispel fatigue with a jacuzzi hydromassage pool and soak in a waterfall pool in the cool, clear green garden of areca trees. The experience is further enhanced by having fun with the flamingos together, sipping some cake and afternoon tea, talking about fun stories and taking a few photos to save memories.

Villa has all 7 bedrooms, maximum capacity of 14-16 guests. All rooms have a balcony overlooking the garden and jacuzzi. The special thing is that also from here, you can see the Thu Bon river in the distance. Each room is equipped with a private bathroom, smart TV with Netflix Premium, Free Wifi, an air-conditioner, a ceiling fan and a big wardrobe. In addition, catering services and BBQ party set up are also available. Just contact the reservationist and inform the housekeeper of your plans, let the rest to the staff to take care of you.

0 notes