Quang Nam visitors’ guide

United NationsEducational, Scientific and

Cultural Organization

,Tổ chức Giáo dụcKhoa học và Văn hóa

của Liên Hợp Quốc

Ha Noi OfficeOffice of the Representative tothe Socialist Republic of Viet Nam

Văn phòng Đại diện tại nướcCộng hòa Xã hội Chủ nghĩa Việt Nam

Văn phòng Hà Nội

www.quangnamtourism.com.vn

First edition

HOI AN - MY SON - CHAM ISLAND

Hoi An Tourism Information Office:Address: 45 Le Loi street, Tel: +84 5103 910919Hoi An Tourist Guide Office:Address: 05 Hoang Dieu Street, Tel: +84 5103 861159My Son Management Board:Address: Duy Phu commune, Tel: +84 5103 731757

This guide is based on the input of local people from Hoi An, My Son and Cham Island including local communities, site manage-ment boards and local authorities as part of the UNESCO Public Use Planning approach. We hope that the guide provides you with a deeper insight into the Hoi An region and a memorable holiday and makes a contribution to the preservation of the areas cultural heritage and ultimately benefits the people who call this region home.

Cover photo by Mai Thanh Chuong

IntroductionHoi An Ancient Town Nearby Hoi An My Son Sanctuary Cham IslandBroader region (Western Quang Nam, Danang, Hue) Local food & restaurantsEvents & festivalsHandicrafts & shopping Visitor information Maps of Hoi An region and Quang Nam province

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Credits:Editorial: Quang Nam Department of Culture, Sports & Tourism,SNV, UNESCO Ha Noi Cartography: Brad TybergPhotography: Mai Thành Chương, Nguyễn Quốc Quân, Đặng Khánh Ngọc Design, printing: Thong Nhat Printing Jsc. Publishing license No: 141-2011/CXB/32/02-01/VHTT

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A SPECIAL THANKS TABLE OF CONTENTS Page

United NationsEducational, Scientific and

Cultural Organization

,Tổ chức Giáo dụcKhoa học và Văn hóa

của Liên Hợp Quốc

Ha Noi OfficeOffice of the Representative tothe Socialist Republic of Viet Nam

Văn phòng Đại diện tại nướcCộng hòa Xã hội Chủ nghĩa Việt Nam

Văn phòng Hà Nội

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This Visitor Guide is designed to help you make the most of your holiday by highlighting the important cultural and heritage values of this region. From the WH sites, to the surrounding artisan towns, the emerald green rice fields, the sweeping sandy white beaches to the pristine Cham Island that has long been a fortress to protect Cua Dai beach and Hoi An from both man and nature, making a valuable contribution to the preservation of the cultural heritage and benefiting the people who call this region home. You are sure to receive a warm welcome from the local people and take away memories that will last a life time. World Cultural Heritage Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future genera-tions. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) seeks to encourage the identification, protection and preser-vation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity. Both Hoi An and My Son were listed as

World Cultural Heritage sites in 1999 which has helped to ensure these important sites are protected.

World Biosphere ReservesBiosphere reserves are sites established by countries and recognized under UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme to promote sustainable development based on local community efforts and sound science.

World Biosphere Reserves are places that seek to reconcile conservation of biological and cultural diversity and economic and social development through partnerships between people and nature. Cham Island was designated a World Biosphere Reserve in 2009 as a site of excellence where new and optimal practices to manage nature and human activities are tested and demon-strated.

Travel Responsibly Please remember to travel responsibly when visiting the Hoi An heritage region. You will have a more positive holiday when you:

• respect local customs by dressing and behaving appropriately: avoid wearing singlets/sleeveless blouses and short skirts

when visiting religious and historic sites;

• reduce water and energy consumption wherever possible and taking waste with you and disposing appropriately;

• ask permission before taking pictures of people or religious sites;

• respect historical sites by not touching buildings and artifacts unnecessarily and follow all local laws. Your holiday here helps to generate increased income and additional employment for local people. Eating in local restaurants and shopping in craft villages surrounding Hoi An adds an extra special dimension to your holiday and is a great way to directly benefit those who are in more need.

A great way to contribute to the preservation of the special culture of Hoi An is to buy your Hoi An Entrance Ticket that provides access to five of the 18 ticketed sites in town. This small contribution helps fund a broad range of heritage conservation measures and guides you to some of the most important and interesting sites in Hoi An.

INTRODUCTION Welcome to Hoi An heritage region! Home to the World Heritage (WH) sites of Hoi An Ancient Town and My Son Sanctuary and Cham Island World Biosphere Reserve (BR). All inextricably linked through the shared history of the Cham and the Kinh people. `

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The town maintains a complex of architectural structures in excellent condition with the streets laid out in a chessboard pattern, a popular model of oriental mercantile cities in medieval times. A total of 1,360 culturally significant building and relics have been identified in Hoi An, including houses, assembly halls, temples, pagodas, wells, a bridge, family chapels, wharfs and markets. Hoi An is perhaps at its most captivating at night when only bicycles and other traditional vehicles can enter the town. Visitors can stroll along the streets and alleys, be tempted by the tasty local food and easily imagine themselves living in another time.

Friends across the water The Japanese Bridge is one of the most famous landmarks in Vietnam and adorns the Vietnam-ese 20,000 Dong note. The 18 meter long covered bridge with its arch-shaped entrance is a clear illustration of the influence of three cultures

Hoi An, with its 80,000 inhabitants, is a thriving living museum that reflects the different cultures that have come to the bustling trading port over the centuries. Major cultural influences have been the Champa (2nd to 15th century), the Dai Viet from the 15th century as well as the Japanese, Chinese and European traders.

HOI AN ANCIENT TOWN in Hoi An, the Japanese, Chinese and Vietnamese. The bridge is made of wood with a yin-yang pan tile roof and is erected on stone foundations. The bridge is connected with a small pagoda that faces the river and can be entered from the middle of the bridge. On the main door of the pagoda is a horizontal wooden panel with three embossed Chinese characters “Lai Vien Kieu”, a “bridge of friends from faraway countries”. There are seven compartments on either side of the bridge which served as a corridor to display goods for sale. At each end of the bridge is a pair of statues, one is dog and the other monkey. Decorative patterns and designs demonstrate a combination of Vietnamese, Sino, Japanese and even Western architecture. In addition to the practical purpose of enabling Hoi An residents to cross the canal, the Japanese bridge had another important role. According to an ancient legend, a dragon whose head was in India, tail in Japan and body in Vietnam caused terrible disasters whenever it moved. The Bridge was also designed to pin down the dragon and keep the town safe.

The Japanese in Hoi An Japanese settled in Hoi An in large numbers following a treaty with local Nguyen lords signed in the early 1600s. The Japanese were allowed to construct streets, pagodas, and other infrastructure, along with hous-ing for merchants. The bridge is one of a handful of architectural treasures still existing from that period. The Japanese returned home following a 1637 Japa-nese Government edict forbid-ding all contact with the outside world.

Japanese bridge

Hoi An ancient town on the Hoai Riverside

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HOI AN ANCIENT TOWN

A meeting place The Chinese in Hoi An

The Fujian Assembly Hall was a place for traders from Fujian Province on China’s South East coast to worship their gods and ancestors. It also served as a local gathering place for the Fujian community in Hoi An. The structure, built on a model of the “Three” character in Chinese, stretches for 120 meters. The Assembly Hall includes a front temple, sanctum, back temple and two rows of houses on the east and west.

The Chinese traders, like their Japanese counterparts, sailed south in the spring, driven by winds from the northeast. They would stay in Hoi An until the summer, when southerly winds would enable them to sail home. During their four-month stay in Hoi An, the merchants rented waterfront houses for use as warehouses and living quarters.

Cool, clean water According to archaeologists, the Ba Le Well was built by the Cham people in the 8th or 9th century when Cham people bartered fresh water for other products from merchants form across the world. When the Kinh (Vietnamese) people moved to the area around the 15th century), the well was restored and contin-ues to be used to provide fresh water for local residents. Local people now burn incense at the well on the first and fifteenth of the lunar month. The hard to find well is located off a lane way running off Phan

Some traders began leaving full-time agents in Hoi An to take care of off-season business affairs which saw Hoi An become the site of the first Chinese settle-ment in southern Vietnam. There are still around 1500 ethnic Chinese still living in Hoi An with the Fujian Assembly Hall still an important place to worship and meet.

Chau Trinh Street and parallel to Le Loi and is 50 meters past a restaurant of the same name.

Tan Ky House is a tube-shaped home characteristic of the architecture of homes in Hoi An which date back more than 200 years. The house was constructed in early 19th century with the front originally a shop and the back connected with the wharf for handling goods. The home also operated as a lodge. The interior of the house represent a combi-nation of Vietnamese, Sino-Japanese archi-tectural styles. The Japanese influence is reflected in the rafter system, the Sino archi-tecture by a sword lying diagonal with silk

strip and rafters. The element of Vietnamese architecture is the yin-yang pan tile roof. The house is decorated with rare timber with complex carvings of dragons, fruits and flowers that reflects the prosper-ity of the home’s owners over generations. Although the house is in a low lying area prone to floods, the strong stone foundations of this home has protected seven generations of owners from flood waters sometimes as high as 2 meters. Today, Tan Ky house now serves as a home and chapel for the Le Chuong family.

Built to Last

Tan Ky House

Quand Dong Assembly HallHội quán Quảng ĐôngHai Nam Assembly Hall

Ba Le Well

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HOI AN ANCIENT TOWN

The Sage of Hoi An Hoi An Cultural and Historical Exhibition House

The Tran Family Chapel covers an area of around 500 square meters with a front court yard with shady trees, fragrant flowers and carefully manicured bonsai plants. The chapel is influenced by the architectural styles of Vietnam, China and Japan. The main part of the chapel has three compart-ments and two lean-tos. The middle compartment is dedicated to the ancestors. Other parts of the chapel are used when ceremonies of the family are organised every year, both as a place for the clan’s head to stay and to receive guests. The main doors of the Chapel are only used twice a year, during the Tet new year celebrations and in November, an auspicious day for the Tran family. A member of the Tran family was one of five former sages of Hoi An, therefore the Chapel plays an important role as a place of worship for the Vietnamese and Chinese communi-ties. Horizontal lacquered boards with Chinese characters reflect the history of the family and the influence of different cultures

on Hoi An over time. The porcelain and pottery that you can see in the chapel also demonstrate the cultural-economic interaction between Vietnam and China in previous centuries. During the fight for independence against the French, part of the bell-tower was damaged by bomb-ing. Small repairs to the chapel were made in 1954 and 1974.

Tran Family Chapel

Tran Family Chapel

Hai Nam Assembly Hall

Hoi An Cultural and Historical Exhibition House

Tan Ky House

Displays at the Hoi An Cultural and HistoricalExhibition House

The Hoi An Cultural and Historical Exhi-bition House was originally the Quan An Pagoda and used to be the religious centre of Hoi An. Built prior to 1653, the House now displays porcelain, terracotta, paper and wood exhibits that reflect the develop-ment periods of Hoi An from the Sa Huynh culture (2nd century A.D) to the Champa Kingdom and Dai Viet and Dai Nam cultures (15th to 19th century). One of the highlights of the exhibit is the Chinese Ngu Thu coin (2nd century B.C to 1st century A.D), evidence of business with Chinese in early times. There are also artifacts that clearly demonstrate that wooden boats were being made in Hoi An more than 200 years ago.

Displays at the Hoi An Cultural and HistoricalExhibition HouseDisplays at the Hoi An

Cultural and HistoricalExhibition House

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NEARBY HOI AN ANCIENT TOWN

An Bang Beach An Bang Beach, a little further up the coast from Cua Dai, has a more laid back local feel and is one of the hidden gems of Hoi An. The seafood restau-rants have great food at very reasonable prices.

There are also a couple of beach front bars where you can sit back, relax and enjoy the view.

Vegetables from Tra Que are sought after not only in Hoi An but in the broader region as well. Sea weed found in the nearby lagoon is the only fertilizer used and the alluvial soil is especially rich.

Cua Dai BeachCua Dai Beach is one of Vietnam’s most famed beaches. Only a few kilometers from town, it is a great place to visit for a day or use one of the resorts as a base to explore Hoi An. The three kilometer beach looks out to Cham Island and is lapped by gentle waves and graced by coconut palms.

As dawn breaks, witness fisherman going out in their traditional basket boats to get the catch of the day. At night time, the scene is spectacular with the ocean lit up with the bright lights of squid boats.Deck chairs and water sports equipment are available. While you are there, try out one of the beach side seafood restaurants.

The 200 farming households in the village grow lettuce, cabbage, onions and a broad range of herbs. In addition to enjoying the peaceful surrounds, participate in farming activities, try the local shrimp, mint and pork specialty “Tam Huu” and even have a foot massage using some of the local herbs that have purported medicinal benefits. Tra Que is a great place to experi-ence a traditional farming village and learn about cultivation techniques handed down from previous generations. Less than three kilometers north of the centre of Hoi An, it can be visited by bike, cyclo, taxi or on a tour.

Tra Que Vegetable Village

Japanese tomb in Tra Que Village

Tra Que vegetable villageCua Dai beach

An Bang beach

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NEARBY HOI AN ANCIENT TOWN

Tra Nhieu is a very pretty group of villages that has just recently been opened up to visitors. It can be visited by boat and can also be combined with a visit to My Son. The village has a boardwalk over the water coconuts and is also known for mat weaving and fishing.

This is a great village to explore by bike and experience an authentic and beautiful Vietnamese village.

Kim Bong Woodwork Village Since the 16th century, carpenters of Kim Bong village have been known for their professional skills in building houses, temples, wooden ships and furniture. Much of their creativity can be seen in the ancient houses, pagodas, assembly halls and family chapels in Hoi An.

Located on the southern side of Thu Bon River and a ten-minute boat ride from Hoi An, the village is home to approximately 4,000 residents, many who still make their living from carpentry. Visitors can tour the village and see some of the traditional techniques.

Cam Thanh Water Coconut Village Cam Thanh is famed for the water coconut (Nipa Palm) trees that grow in the brackish waters in the estuaries surrounding the village. The long leaves are used for roofing in the traditional houses and local villagers have a booming trade in making the beach palm umbrellas that are speckled along nearby Cua Dai Beach. Cam Thanh is a great village to cycle around and you can take trips between the water coconuts in row boats. As a revolutionary base during war time, there are still many artifacts in and around the village.

Thanh Ha Pottery Village Located three kilometers from the ancient town and accessible by road or boat, in Thanh Ha witness pottery being made on wheels turned by hand as it has for hundreds of years. In fact, the historical records show that Thanh Ha village flourished in the 17th-18th century making products such as bricks, tiles and day to day items such as earthen pots and piggy banks. Today’s products are even more diverse including children’s toys, vases and lovely ornaments.

Tra Nhieu Village

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The predominant style of the architecture sculptures in the My Son temples is derived directly from India. There is however influence from North Vietnam, most significantly the boat shaped roof visible on at least one build-ing. History of My SonThe history of My Son dates back to the 4th century when King Bhadravaman had the first wooden temple built. From the 4th-8th centu-ries, each subsequent king built a temple to worship gods or had damaged temples restored. The My Son temples were built over 10 centuries. Most of the 11th century was a period of ongo-ing warfare and My Son, along with other sacred sites in the Champa Kingdom, were nearly destroyed. Harivarman IV moved his capital to Do Ban towards the end of the century and undertook the restoration of My

Son. From the 13th century the Champa King-dom slowly declined and was absorbed by the growing power of the Dai Viet people. It ceased to exist as an entity in the later 15th century and My Son was no longer used as a religious site.My Son did not escape the impact of the war and in 1969 American troops bombed My Son. A bomb crater and bullet holes are still clearly evident today. The bombing only stopped after the Director of the Cham Museum wrote to President Nixon. In 1976, the Vietnamese Government began carrying out a de-mining program in My Son Sanctuary, however sadly six people died and more than ten other were injured during de-mining operations. From 1980 the government of Vietnam, Poland and UNESCO have cooperating in restoration works, with the Polish architect Kazik playing an instru-mental role.

The most important religious center of Champa Kingdom, My Son is in a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains. Its location in a small valley surrounded by high mountains had strategic as well as religious significance as it was an easily defensible stronghold.

The Restoration of My SonIn 1895, French troops rediscovered My Son and in 1914 the French School of Far East completed detailed research on the architecture and arts of the ancient Champa Kingdom, although it was not until 1937 that the A1 Temple was restored.

MY SON SANCTUARY

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The MonumentsThe French architect and archaeologist Henry Parmen-tier, who studied My Son in the earlier 20th Century, identified nearly 70 monuments which he classified into eight main groups of tower temples logically that are named alphabetically.

Group AThere are thirteen temples within this group and most were built in the 10th century. The main temple, A1, is the highest in My Son (24m). Unfortunately much of the temple was destroyed by the U.S bombing in 1969, however what remains provides a fascinating insight into the grandeur of earlier times.

Groups B,C,D Group B, with the associated Groups C and D, is the largest concentration of temples at My Son, 27 in all. They range in date from the 10th to the 12th century. Temple B1 was built in 1275 and was the largest at My Son, however it has largely been largely destroyed by bombing. Of special beauty is temple B5, an auxiliary structure used for housing offerings.

Group E and F There are two main temples in Group E, one from the 7th century and the other from the 11th century. The

MY SON SANCTUARY

earlier of these, E1, contained a great deal of wood in its original construction. It is noteworthy for the sophis-tication and variety of its carved decoration.Group F has only two temples. Temple F2 has some decorative features which along with its overall archi-tectural style indicates that it dates back to the 9th century.

Group G Jaya Harivarman I built the five temples that comprise Group G on a hill between Groups A and E in the 12th century. One was used for the worship of the monarch's parents and the other was dedicated to his guardian angel. There is extensive use of terra cotta, characteristic of Cham art in the 12th and 13th centu-ries.

Group HGroup H, to the west of the others, consists of four temples from the late 12th and early 13th centuries, among the latest to be built at My Son. Only the main temple H1 has survived wartime bombing.

Group KTemple K or the gate-tower is a single structure situated in the north of the valley. It is located quite independently from the other towers and may have been the first place to receive pilgrims.

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Blessed by Nature Cham Island has picturesque beaches and the highest marine biodiversity in Vietnam including 300 species of coral, six of these endemic to the Island. Together with the abundant fish life, the reefs make Cham Island a great place for diving or snorkeling.

Due to the natural conditions, flora and fauna on the Island are diverse and abundant. The Island is home to 12 species of mammals, 13 species of birds, 130 species of reptiles and 5 species of amphibians. A highlight is the endangered long-tailed macaques monkey, you can sometimes see these mischievous creatures as they come down to the beach first thing in the morning or at sunset.

Stunning rice fields by the ocean are fed by fresh water springs that flow all year round. The forests are home to rare products such as rattan and mulberry and many orchid species that blossom throughout the year. There are also around 20 wild vegetable species on the island which local residents use to prepare tasty local special-ties as well as for medicinal purposes.

History comes alive In the first centuries A.D., Cham Island was on the axis of sea traffic, linking the Silk Route with major trading centers in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. It was a convenient stop-over for merchant ships, where they could stock up on renowned products from the Champa Kingdom including silk, agarwood, pepper and elephants’ tusks.

Archeological relics including ceramics discovered on Cham Island date back to the T’ang dynasty from the 7th to 10th century. Islamic relics from the Middle East as well as from India and elsewhere in Asia have been discovered here as well as the remains of indigenous people from Sa Huynh culture, more than 3,000 to 3,500 years ago.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, Vietnamese communi-ties moved to Cham Island and built temples, pago-das, tombs and wells to meet their daily needs. Many of these structures still exist until today and include the Hai Tang Pagoda, Tien Hien Tomb and the Xom Cam Well which you can visit as you stroll around the Island.

Cham Island was also of strategic military importance with countries vying to control this strategic point which provides access to central Vietnam. The Island maintains a military base to this day.

Cham Island is a cluster of eight islands, each breathtakingly beautiful, and just off the coast of Hoi An. It was once one of the most famous trading of the Champa kingdom. You can visit the island on a day trip or choose to stay overnight at one of the comfortable local homestays.

CHAM ISLAND

Bà Mụ temple

Hai Tang pagoda

CHAM ISLAND Xom Cam Well Xom Cam Well is in a residential area of Cam Hamlet, a few minutes walk from the main jetty. It is an ancient well built in the Champa style with historical documents showing that merchant ships stopped on the Island for provisions of fresh water and food. It was probably restored by the Vietnamese when they landed on the Island. The local people still use this well with is abun-dant supply of cool and clean water.

A delicacy favoured by Kings Bird’s nests were a delicacy traditionally favored by kings and aristocrats and remain an important source of income for the Islanders. Today, bird’s nest is valued for its purported health benefits and served at expen-sive restaurants around the country.

The nests are made by the Salangane, a sea swift that is renowned for its speed and ability to fly over water for a day and a half without rest. As spring approaches, Salanganes return and build nests high up on the cliffs of Cham Island using saliva from two glands under their tongue. The nests, which are no larger than half a chicken egg in size, are removed by the islanders before the salanganes lay their eggs, The birds have to quickly rebuild their nests prior to the arrival of their young. After the baby birds leave there nests, they are harvested for second time but the quality of these nests is not as high as those from spring.

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Visitors can take a boat trip to witness the hair raising job of retrieving the bird nests using bamboo ladders on boats anchored close to the cliffs or using a string ladder.

Community Spirit Many of the locals on Cham Island still live a very traditional lifestyle of fishing and rice cultivation. You can also still see the process of hammock making and other practices that utilize natural materials from the forest. An indication about how passionate the local community is about protecting the pristine nature of the Island, is that Cham Island is the first place in Vietnam to ban plastic bags. The Island also produces its own electricity through a solar energy plant that was supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency.

Bai Huong village Homestay A great way to experience life on Cham Island is a home-stay in the traditional fishing village of Bai Huong Village. The village of 500 people lives as one large family and is very welcoming of visitors. The nine homestays offer meals, simple accommodation with mosquito nests and western style toilets. It is a great way to get a feel for local life on the island. With a local guides, explore the beauty of Cham Island and try your hand at rowing one of the traditional round bamboo boats, fishing and swim-ming or snorkeling. Please contact a responsible Hoi An based tour operator to book your trip.

Xom Cam Well Volunteers and local communities

A Bird’s nest cave in Cham Island` Homestay in Bai Huong village

Coral reef around Cham Island

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ATTRACTIONS IN THE REGIONCentral Highlands and Ho Chi Minh Trail Visit western Quang Nam to learn about the rich culture and daily of ethnic minority groups of Co Tu, Gie Trieng, Monong and Xe Dang. Also enjoy the breathtaking mountain scenery and delve into history by visiting the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail, a complex web of different jungle paths that enabled troops to travel from North Vietnam to the South.

Hue citadel

Thanh Toan cover bridge, Hue Tay Giang, western Quang Nam

Ancient RelicsThroughout Quang Nam Province, there are hidden treasures that are often missed by visitors. These include the Chien Dan Towers, five kilometers north of the Provincial capital Tam Ky and just off National Highway 1A. This group of three towers were built in 11th and 12th century and were dedicated to the deities of the Champa Kingdom, Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. At the site there is a small display with a fascinating array of statues. Also close by to Tam Ky are the Khuong My Towers and 12 kilomters to the west of Hoi An is another relic of the Champa times, the octagonal shaped Bang An Tower.

Bho Hoong VillageBho Hoong village, 80 kilometers to the North West of Hoi An, is home to the Katu people. Visitors can enjoy the local food and rice wine as well as see traditional Katu handicrafts being made. The gong music and the Tung Tung Zu Zu dance are highlights.

Fireworks festival on Han river, Danang city

Danang Danang, with the nearest airport to Hoi An, is a transit spot for many visitors. It is blessed with beautiful beaches and is also home to the excellent Danang Museum of Cham Sculpture, a great place to visit in conjunction with a trip to My Son. The museum displays approximately 300 sculptures dating from the 5th to 15th century that were collected from Cham temples and towers throughout central Vietnam. Danang was home to a major US air force base, one of the world’s busiest during the war, and the old hangers are still visible as you drive down the coast. The Ho Chi Minh Museum also has a fascinating array of helicopters, planes, tanks and other war artifacts.

HueEstablished as the capital of unified Viet Nam in 1802, Hue was not only the political but also the cultural and religious centre under the Nguyen dynasty until 1945. The Perfume River winds its way through the Capital City, the Imperial City, the Forbidden Purple City and the Inner City, giving this unique feudal capital a setting of great natural beauty. The Hue Citadel was recognizes as a World Heritage site in 1993. Hue is a beautiful three hour drive up the coast from Hoi An past Lang Co Beach and the Tam Giang – Cau Hai lagoon system, one of the largest in Asia. Hue can be visited as a day trip if you are really short of time, however there is plant of things to keep you occupied for a few days.

Katu traditional textile weaving

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The international influence on the food of Hoi An is unmistakable. A tasty treat is the White Rose, a prawn dumpling similar to Chinese dim sum. Other specialties of Hoi An and the broader region include chicken rice, large fried wontons served with a tangy sauce and Cao Lao, a tasty pork noodle dish that is best made using water from the Ba Le well. Not to be missed is My Quang, a dish that combines delicious noodles with the freshest vegetables from Tra Que village and juicy prawns from Cua Dai beach.

There are many local and tourist restau-rants that serve up these local specialties as well as other dishes from around Vietnam and the world. The fresh seafood shouldn’t be missed and features on the menu of most restaurants in town as well as the beach side cafes in Cua Dai and An Bang Beach.

Hoi An is a great place to learn more about Vietnamese cuisine by taking a cooking class. Learn some new skills, meet new friends and enjoy the fruits of you labour at the end of the class!

LOCAL FOOD

Local river mussels salad

Local noodle “My Quang”

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Legendary Night of Hoi AnThe Legendary Night of Hoi An is held on the 14th night of each lunar month. The town is lit by traditional lanterns as the power is turned off and only push bikes and cyclos can enter the town Traditional entertainment and games spill out onto the streets and colorful lanterns are floated down the river to bring good luck.Mid-Autum FestivalThe Mid-Autum Festival on the 14th and 15th of August in the lunar calendar is celebrated through-out Vietnam but perhaps nowhere as passionately as Hoi An. The streets teem with visitors and locals alike following processions of lanterns and dragon dances. Tet or the Lunar New YearIn Hoi An, Tet or the Lunar New Year is celebrated by dragon dances and other forms of entertainment. Unlike elsewhere in Vietnam, many shops and restaurants remain open over the holiday period. Quang Nam Heritage FestivalEvery two years, the Quang Nam Heritage Festi-val showcases tradional folk games, arts and other activities and is held in locations across the Prov-ince including Hoi An, My Son, Cham Island and Phu Ninh Lake.

EVENTS & FESTIVALS

Miss VN Diem Huong in the Hoi An Legendary Night

Dragon Dance at the Lunar New Year

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The many tailors in town can produce custom made clothes that fit both yourself and your onward travel plans. If you prefer to spend more time walking around the Ancient Town or relaxing on the beach, a good idea is to bring clothes for the tailors to reproduce which cuts down on the number of fittings.

There are number of places in town where the process of producing silk is explained from cultivating the silk worms to the final product. Delicate embroidery from silk which sometimes takes months to produce makes a great gift.

Learn how to make pottery the traditional way in Thanh Ha village or purchase some of the pottery in the handicraft shops in town. Tradi-tional lantern making is also a fascinating activ-ity as well a great memento of Hoi An. Tradi-tional woodwork from Kim Bong village also makes a great souvenir. The Hoi An Handicraft Workshop is a great place to both learn about and purchase traditional handicrafts.

Hoi An is justifiably famous for its tailoring and the town has had a long history of trading in silk and textiles.

HANDICRAFTS AND SHOPPING

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Getting AroundWalking and bicycle are great ways to explore Hoi An. As Hoi An is surrounded by a network of waterways, local boats and kayaks are also a great way to get around and visit some of the nearby villages. Most hotels along Cua Dai beach free shuttles to the Ancient Town and taxis, motor bike taxi and cyclos are readily available. Day ToursUse this guide to get off the beaten track or contact one of the many tourism operators to book tours or activities.AccommodationThere is a broad range of accommodation available from simple hotels and guest houses to five star resorts.

Danang airport, 30 minutes taxi ride north of Hoi An is serviced by regu-lar flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh and a number of other destinations in Vietnam. Danang is also home to the closest train station and there is regular bus services to Danang, Hue, Nha Trang and further afield.

VISITOR INFORMATION

In Hoi An: Hoi An Tourism Information OfficeAddress: 45 Le Loi street, Tel: +84 5103 910919

Hoi An Tourist Guide Office:Address: 5 Hoang Dieu street, Tel: +84 5103 861159

Quang Nam Tourism Promotion and Information Center:Address: 118 Tran Hung Đao street, Tel: +84 5103 916961

Quang Nam Tourism Association:Address: 118 Tran Hung Dao, Tel: +84 5103 623260

Hoi An Public Security:Address: 8 Hoang Dieu street, Tel: +84 5103 861204

Hoi An hospital:Address: 4 Tran Hung Dao street, Tel: +84 5103 864750

Hoi An Traditional Art Performance Theatre Address: 75 Nguyen Thai Hoc street, Tel: +84 5103 863873

In Tam Ky:Quang Nam Department of Culture, Sports & TourismAddress: 2 Tran Phu street, Tel: +84 5103 859879

Quang Nam Provincial Public SecurityAddress: 11 Tran Hung Đao street, Tel: +84 5103 852579

Tam Ky railway station:Address: Nguyen Hoang road, Tel: +84 5103 828488

In Duy Xuyen:My Son World Heritage management boardAddress: Duy Phu commune, Tel: +84 5103 731757

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Hoi An Eco-tour is the local fishing Family run business whose owner is Mr. Tran Van Khoa (Jack Tran) providing a privileged opportunity for travelers to experience the first hand, the authen-tic day-to-day lives of the local hard-working, fun-loving Vietnam-ese people.

Contact information: T: 05103 928 900- Fax: 0510 3 928 901H: 0914 082 850- 01234 33 11 11W: www.hoianecotour.com.vnE: jacktran@hoianecotour.com.vn

The Zero Seamile Club is located on Cua Dai Beach , Hoi An City, and Quang Nam Province. The traveling time to the Club is 25 minutes by car from Da Nang International Airport and another 5 minutes to Hoi An Ancient Town .The Zero Seamile Club is landscaped with several unique species of coconut trees, as well as furnished it with selective Vietnamese products of silk, wood, and natural ceramics.Add: Cua Dai Beach-Hoi An-Viet Nam Tel:++84.510.3 911 911Fax: ++84.510.3 928 911 Email: sales@ zeroseamile.com

Phu Thinh II hotel

Hoi An Eco-tour

Zeroseamile Restaurant

Indochine Hotel Hoi An was designed to recall the French colonial style at the turn of the 20th century - so while it might look nostalgic, the reality is that the hotel is one of the newest in Hoi An.The Indochine Hotel Hoi An has a perfect blend of atmosphere that draws from a number of attractive details: green garden; riverside fishing villages, Cua Dai beach, ancient town and period architecture. Address: 87 Cua Dai road, Hoian town, Quang Nam province, VietnamTelephone: ++84 510 392 3601 / 392 3602 / 392 3603 Fax: ++84 510 392 3400Email: info@hoianindochine.com Website: http://www.hoianindochine.com

Indochine Hoi An

Hoi An Beach Resort is a four-star resort situated between the romantic De Vong river and famous Cua Dai Beach. It consists of luxurious old Vietnamese-style houses and villa rooms. It is recognised by travelers worldwide as "an oasis of peace where the river meets the ocean". It is just four kilometers from the historic town of Hoi An. 35 km (a 45 minute drive) from Danang International Airport and railway station.

In its day the principal trading port for the whole of central Vietnam, Hoi An has long been proud of its reputation for gracious hospitality. W eare dedicated to continuing this tradition today in our new and luxurious beach resort. There is so much to see in the area - historic Hoi An town, the My Son temple complex, the Cham Museum in Danang and, just over the pass, the former royal capital of Hue - that you could easily stay an extra day.

Address: 01 Cua Dai street, Hoi An town, Quang Nam province, Viet NamWebsite: http://www.hoianbeachresort.com.vn/Tel: (++84 510) 3927011 Fax: (++84 510) 3927019

Hoi An Beach Resort

Set on 5 hectares of landscaped tropical garden in an enviable beach location, the Palm Garden Resort offers a green environment with over 400 species of palm trees and plants right along a 220-meter stretch of the famous Cua Dai Beach in the UNESCO-recognized world heritage site of Hoi An Ancient City. Hoi An's most glamorous and indulgent retreat, Palm Garden Resort has been awarded as the Green Hotel Standard 2010-2011 by ASEAN and since 2006 during five consecutive years for The Excellent Performance by Vietnam Economic Times and The Guide Magazine. Add: Lac Long Quan Street, Cua Dai Beach, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province, VietnamTel: (84.510) 3.927.927 Fax: (84.510) 3.927.928E-mail: info@pgr.com.vn Website: http://palmgardenresort.com.vn

Palmgarden Resort

Phu Thinh II Hotel style is simple, uncluttered, and stylized, which would offer you a comfortable space. From each room’s balcony, you can have nice view of the hotel’s garden and Lotus Lake, the rice field or enjoying the gentle breezes from the Thu Bon river. At the same time, you can watch either the early morning sunrise or the romantic passionate- red sunset.Phu Thinh II Hotel provides conveniences for transportation, only 5 mins to either the ancient town of Hoi An, Cua Dai beach or other local tourist spots.

Add: 488 Cua Dai street, Hoi An city, VietnamEmail: sales.phuthinhhotels@gmail.com Tel: (84)510 - 923923

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The over-arching design philosophy behind a Colin Montgomerie golf course is to work closely with natural characteris-tics of the site. Montgomerie Links Vietnam has the good fortune of having truly outstanding natural features. The sandy soil, wind-blown dunes, and indigenous vegetation combine to create the framework for a very strong links golf course. The course routing is an exciting mixture of heathland and links style holes which cater to players of all abilities.

General Enquiryinfo@.montgomerielinks.comTel: +84 (510) 3941 942Fax: +84 (510) 3941 940

For Driving Range & Tee Time BookingsGolf Reservations:Tel: +84 (510) 3942 942Email:reservations@.montgomerielinks.com

Add: Dien Ngoc Commune, Dien Ban Dist,Quang Nam Province, VietnamTel: +84 (510) 3941 942Fax: +84 (510) 3941 940Email: info@.montgomerielinks.com

Montgomerie Links Golf Course

Located 4 km to the east of Hoi An old town, the beach of Cua Dai is about 3 km long, 1 km of which is ideal with white sand, blue sea, clear, sunshine, cool water and sloping sea floor. Therefore it is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Central Viet Nam. Along the beach is a stretch of willow trees. From very early in the morning, the living force of fishing villages is going on vividly and impressively while early swimmers from town come to the beach in great numbers.Spending your weekends or holidays in our Resort, you will have a great time to swim in the cool stream of Cua Dai Beach or an helpful exercise in the gym, a game at billiards. Or you just lay down by the sea to refill your energy, keep your health stronger and fully relax with fresh ocean wind.Name of sports RatesParasailing 33 USD/1person/15 munitesJet Ski 35 USD/ 30 munitesBanana Boat 33 USD/1–5 people/15 munitesWindsurf :+ Beginner 35 USD/1 person/2 hours+ Experienced 15 USD/1 person/2 hours

Cua Dai Beach

LÊ NGUYỄN INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL LIMITED COMPANYOne of tour operators in Vietnam since 2002 in Hoi An, Le Nguyen interna-tional travel limited company is operating inbound and outbound tours in Indochina. We also do some tourist services such as: Passport making, visa application, hotel reservation, Air and train tickets booking, roadway and waterway transportation….

CINNAMON CRUISESCinnamon Cruises belongs to Le Nguyen international travel company operating tours on the water in Hoi An such as:• Hoi An Sunrise experience.• Sunset dinner cruise• Sunset cocktail cruise• Cooking class on board Cinnamon Cruises• My Son heritage and cooking cruise• Dinner cruise• Cham island discovery

Chu Lai Eco - resort

Le Nguyen Travel

Add: 32 Le Loi street, Hoi An cityTel: +84 5103 8505605 (English) +84 5103 699699 (Vietnamese)Fax: +84 510 3916427 - 3910825Email: sales@cinnamoncruises.comhttp://www.cinnamoncruises.com

Sinh Open tour

The main feature of the "OPEN TOUR" is a daily bus service. Moreover, on the journey, at your demand and interest, the traveller could stop by and visit any famous destinations nation wide.At each of your stop place, you should reconfirm in advance (24 h) at our nearest booking office your departure time so that we arrange the next trip for you.With a motto "To maximize the satisfaction of diverse needs of the traveller" - We are pleased to serve you.Sinh office in Hoi An: 587 Hai Ba Trung Str., Tel: 0510.3863948

Chu Lai Eco-resort which locates in the Chu Lai economic zone, Quang Nam province is not only a stop over for visitors on their discovery journey along the central coast of Vietnam, but also an ideal relaxation place with its 2km long white sandy beach.The resort which has a museum where over 3000 artifacts are displayed, provides an overview of Vietnam’s history. Visitors can also explore the evolution of the nine ancient civilizations, including the Sa Huynh - Oc Eo.

Chu Lai Eco-resortCentral region investment Jsc.,Chu Lai economic zone, Tam Nghia commune, Nui Thanh district, Quang Nam province, VietnamTel: +84 510 2474 782Email: chulairesortvn@gmail.comwww.chulairesort.vn

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Hoi An Ancient Town tourist map

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Tourism Information

Pagoda / temple / Shrine

Japanese Covered Bridge

Ancient House

Walking Avenue

Market

Parking

Port / Dock

Traditional Music Theatre

Museum

Hoi An vicinity tourist map

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Hoi An Ancient Town Beach

Scuba Diving / Snorkelling

Nature Reserve

Bicycle Route

Bus Station

Tourism Information

Pagoda

Handicraft Village

Japanese Tomb

Port / Dock

Quang Nam provincial tourist map

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14B

14B

Phong Nam (Ancient Village)

Bản đồ du lịch phố cổ Hội An

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UNESCO World Heritage Site

Tourism Information

Cham Temple / Heritage

Pagoda

Handicraft Village

Historic War Site

Ethnic Village

Beach

Scuba Diving / Snorkelling

Nature Reserve

Mountain

Thermal Spring

Waterfall

Gondola

Dock / Port

Airport

Border Crossing

Hoi An regional tourist map

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UNESCO World Heritage Site Beach

Scuba Diving / Snorkelling

Nature Reserve

Mountain

Gondola

Airport

Port / Dock

Tourism Information

Cham Temple / Heritage

Pagoda

Handicraft Village

Historic War Site

Thermal Spring