I arrived in Hoi An one golden afternoon, when the sunlight softened and the Thu Bon breeze carried a faint scent of rice. The old town felt like a living painting — mossy roofs, ochre-washed walls, and quiet alleys whispering of centuries past.

Here, time seems to walk slower, giving you space to breathe, to listen, and to love.

Streets that Tell Stories

Strolling along Tran Phu Street, I paused before the Japanese Covered Bridge, the soul of Hoi An. Its curved roof reflected on the Hoai River, connecting two banks that have shared countless memories. Beneath its weathered tiles, a bell chimed softly — a greeting from another era.

Further on stood the Fujian Assembly Hall, glowing red beneath its ornate gate; the Chaozhou Hall with elegant dragons carved in wood; and the Cantonese Hall, solemn yet graceful. Each is a living witness to the 17th-century merchant port where Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and Portuguese traders met and intertwined their cultures.

At the Tan Ky Old House, more than 200 years old, polished ebony pillars and delicate carvings remain untouched by time. Nearby, Phung Hung House opens wide wooden balconies overlooking the street, recalling the bustle of ancient trade. The Tran Family Chapel still keeps its quiet dignity — a rare remnant of Vietnamese ancestral devotion preserved within the town.

Flavors that Linger

Hoi An lingers not only in your eyes, but on your tongue.

In the morning, I savored a bowl of cao lầu on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street — golden noodles made with Ba Le well water, tender pork, and fresh herbs from Tra Que village.

At noon came the delicate white rose dumplings, small translucent flowers crafted by skillful hands. By evening, a Banh Mi Phuong sandwich — crisp, fragrant, overflowing with fillings — reminded me that happiness can be simple.

And a bowl of corn sweet soup from Cam Nam closed the day in the gentle sweetness of home.

Beyond the Ancient Walls

To find the true soul of Hoi An, venture beyond its narrow lanes. I pedaled through Cam Thanh Village, where the Bay Mau Nipa Palm Forest shimmered in morning light and laughter echoed from round bamboo boats.

Further west, Thanh Ha Pottery Village shaped earth into art; to the east, Kim Bong Carpentry Village sang with the rhythm of saws and chisels — a melody of craftsmanship and pride.

As sunset fell over An Bang Beach, the sea turned the color of honey, and the waves whispered softly, as if to hush the world.

Hoi An by Night – City of Memories

When night descends, Hoi An glows like a dream.

Thousands of lanterns light up, shimmering on the Hoai River like fallen stars. Locals and travelers release flower lanterns, each carrying a wish for peace. The air fills with the sounds of bài chòi folk songs, the twang of the monochord, the gentle clatter of wooden clogs — all blending into a tender harmony.

I sat on a stone step, watching time drift by, realizing that Hoi An doesn’t cling to the past — it simply is the past, lovingly preserved.

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Leaving Hoi An – to Remember

Before leaving, I bought a few tiny lanterns, wrapped in old newspaper. The vendor smiled: “Take a piece of Hoi An with you — to remember.” And I did — not just a souvenir, but the warmth of sunlight, the rhythm of the river, and the peace this town quietly offers.

Hoi An taught me to live slowly, to find beauty in small things — a cup of coffee, a greeting, a kind glance. Because somewhere in this restless world, there’s still a place that reminds us how to love life through stillness.
That place is Hoi An.

 “Some cities make you fall in love with their excitement; Hoi An makes you stay for its calm.”

By Phong Viet