(QNO) - Hoi An ancient town in Quang Nam is home to more than 1,100 heritage sites. Despite the passage of time and external influences, the town has been remarkably well-preserved.
Situated at the mouth of the Thu Bon River, Hoi An was once known as Lam Ap Pho. By the mid-16th century, under the rule of the Nguyen Lords, it transformed from a declining port into a thriving international trading hub.During its golden era, Hoi An welcomed merchant ships from Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands, England, France, India, China, and Japan. This made it a vibrant center of global commerce and cultural exchange.However, by the late 19th century, its port declined due to unfavourable conditions, losing prominence to Da Nang. Despite this, Hoi An remained the political, military, economic, and cultural heart of Quang Nam.The town’s rich heritage includes markets, assembly halls, and religious sites. The Guangdong Assembly Hall, built in 1885, initially honoured Mazu and Confucius but later became a shrine to Guan Yu, the legendary warrior.The Bach Dang riverside road, once a picturesque scene in the 1950s, has evolved with modern touches while maintaining its historic charm. Today, it features pedestrian-friendly walkways that enhance its appeal.Hoi An's heritage includes 1,439 historical sites, mainly concentrated in the old town. These consist of ancient houses, bridges, wells, markets, temples, shrines, and other cultural landmarks.Tourism has flourished, with an average of 2,000 to 5,000 visitors per day, reaching nearly 10,000 on weekends. In 2024, the city welcomed 4.4 million tourists, generating over VND 5.23 trillion in revenue.On December 4, 1999, UNESCO designated Hoi An’s ancient town as a World Cultural Heritage Site, recognizing it as one of the best-preserved traditional Asian trading ports.Over the past three decades, while the ancient town has retained its historical essence, its surroundings have evolved. Strict urban planning ensures that new developments harmonize with the town’s signature architecture, safeguarding Hoi An’s unique charm.