Hong Kong media outlet advises tourists to come to Hoi An

The news outlet pointed out that located along the coast of Quang Nam, Hoi An, a world cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO in 1999, has developed on the banks of the Thu Bon river as a well-preserved example of a trading port dating back to the 15th century.

Much of its charm can be found in the old quarter characterized by its unique culture, indigenous architecture and design, Chinese and Japanese influences, and French colonial touches.

The market in Hoi An, according to Julian Ryall, the author of the article, is an array of sounds, colours, and scents marked by the beeping of tuk-tuk horns and the image of elderly women squatting alongside stalls piled high with fruit or vegetables. Ryall describes the sounds of pans sizzling and fish being gutted at the bustling location.

“A few years ago, the market used to be full of foreign visitors at this time of the morning, but now it is virtually all local people,” he says. “Now, I estimate that there are around 30% of the tourists that we had back in 2019. That’s not enough for Hoi An. We need the tourists to come back again, for the jobs and the town’s economy.”

As afternoon in Hoi An stretches into evening, the waterfront district comes into its own. Trees overhanging the water feature coloured lanterns and shallow-bottomed skiffs float across the dark waters as lamps hang from their bows.

The terraces of restaurants and bars are buzzing with couples and families soaking up the atmosphere amid the cool evening breeze.

“Lessons have been learned in the last two years and much has been done to improve facilities and infrastructure in the town so it provides a better experience for visitors,” says Pham Van Dung, general manager of the 109-room Victoria Hoi An Resort, a site which is modelled on a traditional fishing village.

“I believe the central area that attracts most of the tourists should be enlarged to provide new opportunities for businesses,” Dung concludes.