Beautiful Hoi An

Video from a private boat charter along the Hoi An riverfront.

The river front in Hoi An.

The Japanese Covered Bridge, built in the early 17th century,
is one of Hoi An's most important landmarks.

Hoi An is also known as a lantern making town.

Electric switches by the altar in a Chinese Assembly House.

Chinese Assembly House detail.

Tran Phu Street.

At the market.

Intersection in the new part of Hoi An.

In the Main Market.

Popular street food place.

Balcony view of Tran Phu Street from an old family house.

ONCE A CROSSROADS for maritime trade Hoi An is a popular spot for tourists these days. This Unesco World Heritage site was of immense importance as thriving international seaport. In the 16th and 17th centuries, traders came from as far away as China, India, Europe, as well as elsewhere. Their many ships were not only anchored here but some of the foreigners even established permanent quarters in Hoi An too. It could be argued that in the context of today's international banking and trade, Hoi An was an early hotspot in the economic evolution towards globalization.

In recent decades many buildings have been renovated, strict zoning laws have been imposed and so Hoi An has become something of a living museum. The question I had to ask myself was why could i not stayed longer in this beautiful place.