Hoi An comes under spotlight in Italy

La Stampa introduced readers to the town’s history since it was a busy trading port on the north bank of Hoai River between the 16th and 17th centuries, saying that a fusion of indigenous and foreign cultures, which has been carefully preserved to date, is what makes the town attractive to visitors. 

It appeals to visitors with beautiful tiled-roof houses embellished with unique details and carved wooden pillars alongside folk symbols to protect the owners from misfortune. 

Both Eastern and Western influences can be seen in Hoi An, ranging from pagodas and bridges in Chinese and Vietnamese designs to remains of the French colonial mansions, the newspaper said. 

Tourists should not miss Hoi An during its magical full moon nights as electric lights are switched off and the streets sparkle in the light of silk lanterns hung from houses to shops. 

The article also recommended several restaurants, coffee shops and hotels to its readers where they can experience local cuisine without breaking the bank. 

Hoi An was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999. 

Vietnam’s towns and landscapes have been recommended by foreign newspapers and travel magazines, such as La Repubblica, La, Stampa, Dove and Conde Nast Traveller. 

Sapa, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, the Mekong Delta and Hoi An are the most-frequently mentioned favourite destinations. 

Vietnam welcomed around 50,000 Italian travellers and some 7 million international arrivals in 2013.