Hoi An Ancient Town: A Timeless Vietnamese Gem

• HelloXin chào
  [sin chow]
• GoodbyeTạm biệt
  [tam byet]
• YesVâng
  [vang]
• NoKhông
  [kohng]
• Please/You're welcomeXin vui lòng
  [sin vui long]
• Thank youCảm ơn
  [kam uhn]
• Excuse me/SorryXin lỗi
  [sin loy]
• How are you?Bạn khỏe không?
  [bahn kweh kohng]
• Fine. And you?Khỏe. Còn bạn?
  [kweh. kuhn bahn]
• Do you speak English?Anh/Chị có nói tiếng Anh không?
  [anh/chi koh noy tyeng ang kohng]
• I don't understandTôi không hiểu
  [toy kohng hyehu]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseTôi muốn xem menu, vui lòng
  [toy muhn sem menu, vui long]
• I don't eat meatTôi không ăn thịt
  [toy kohng un tit]
• Cheers!Chúc sức khỏe!
  [chuk sook kweh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseTôi muốn thanh toán, vui lòng
  [toy muhn thanh toan, vui long]

• Help!Giúp!
  [yoop]
• Go away!Đi đi!
  [dee dee]
• Call the Police!Gọi cảnh sát!
  [goy kahn saht]
• Call a doctor!Gọi bác sĩ!
  [goy bahk see]
• I'm lostTôi lạc đường
  [toy lahch doong]
• I'm illTôi ốm
  [toy ohm]

• I'd like to buy...Tôi muốn mua...
  [toy muhn mwa]
• I'm just lookingTôi chỉ xem thôi
  [toy chi sem toy]
• How much is it?Giá bao nhiêu?
  [jah bao nyew]
• That's too expensiveĐắt quá
  [daht kwa]
• Can you lower the price?Bạn có thể giảm giá không?
  [bahn koh thee yem jah kohng]

• What time is it?Bây giờ là mấy giờ?
  [bye yuh lah mye yuh]
• It's one o'clockMột giờ
  [moot yuh]
• Half past (10)Mười giờ rưỡi
  [mooy yuh rooy]
• MorningBuổi sáng
  [boo-ee sang]
• AfternoonBuổi chiều
  [boo-ee chee-oo]
• EveningBuổi tối
  [boo-ee toy]
• YesterdayNgày hôm qua
  [nye hom kwah]
• TodayHôm nay
  [hom nye]
• TomorrowNgày mai
  [nye mye]
• 1Một
  [moot]
• 2Hai
  [high]
• 3Ba
  [bah]
• 4Bốn
  [bohn]
• 5Năm
  [nahm]
• 6Sáu
  [sow]
• 7Bảy
  [by]
• 8Tám
  [tahm]
• 9Chín
  [cheen]
• 10Mười
  [mooy]

• Where's a/the...?Chỗ...ở đâu?
  [cho...uh doh]
• What's the address?Địa chỉ là gì?
  [dih chih lah zee]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Bạn có thể chỉ cho tôi (trên bản đồ) không?
  [bahn koh thee chee cho toy (trern bahn doh) kohng]
• When's the next (bus)?Khi nào là chuyến xe buýt tiếp theo?
  [khee now lah chuyen seh bwit tyep theo]
• A ticket (to ....)Một vé (đến ....)
  [moot veh (den ....)]

Hoi An Ancient Town, situated on the Thu Bon River, was established as a bustling trading port in the 15th century. Its strategic location made it accessible to merchants from China, Japan, India, and Europe, fostering a diverse and vibrant trading community. The town's architectural and cultural landscape began to take shape during this period, influenced by various international styles and traditions.

Between the 16th and 18th centuries, Hoi An reached its zenith as a major trading hub. Chinese and Japanese merchants established settlements in the town, bringing with them their unique architectural styles, which are evident in the town's historic buildings. European traders, including the Portuguese, Dutch, French, and English, also frequented Hoi An, adding to its multicultural character. The town's prosperity during this period is reflected in the grand merchant houses, temples, and assembly halls that still stand today.

The 19th century marked the beginning of Hoi An's decline as a trading port. The silting of the Thu Bon River made it difficult for large ships to navigate, leading to a decrease in trade. The rise of nearby Da Nang as the new center of maritime trade further contributed to Hoi An's decline. Despite this downturn, the town's architecture and cultural heritage remained largely intact, preserving its historical charm.

Recognized for its historical and cultural significance, Hoi An Ancient Town was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. The town's well-preserved architecture, including timber-frame buildings, narrow streets, and traditional houses, offers a glimpse into its rich past. Efforts to preserve and restore these historical structures have been ongoing, ensuring that Hoi An continues to be a living museum of its storied history.

Hoi An's architectural landscape is a testament to the influence of Japanese and Chinese traders who settled in the town. The iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, built in the early 17th century, is one of Hoi An's most recognizable landmarks. Chinese Assembly Halls, such as the Fujian Assembly Hall and the Cantonese Assembly Hall, showcase intricate designs and serve as cultural hubs for the Chinese community in Hoi An. These structures highlight the town's multicultural heritage and its role as a melting pot of different cultures.

The surrounding areas of Hoi An are home to several traditional craft villages that have been integral to the town's economy and culture. Villages such as Thanh Ha (pottery), Kim Bong (carpentry), and Tra Que (vegetable farming) have maintained their artisanal traditions for centuries. These villages offer visitors a chance to witness traditional craftsmanship and understand the local way of life that has sustained Hoi An's community through the ages.

Hoi An played a significant role in Vietnamese maritime history, serving as a crucial port for the Champa Kingdom before becoming a major trading center. The town's strategic location along the maritime Silk Road facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and culture between East and West. Maritime activities have shaped the town's development and left an indelible mark on its history and identity.

Hoi An Ancient Town is located in Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam. The nearest international airport is Da Nang International Airport, approximately 30 kilometers away. From Da Nang, you can take a taxi, private transfer, or a local bus to Hoi An. The journey typically takes around 45 minutes by road. Alternatively, you can take a train to Da Nang from major Vietnamese cities such as Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City and then proceed to Hoi An by taxi or bus.

Hoi An is best explored on foot or by bicycle due to its compact size and pedestrian-friendly streets. Bicycles can be rented from numerous shops and hotels around town. For longer distances, you can use taxis or motorbike taxis (xe om). There are also local buses that connect Hoi An with surrounding areas, including Da Nang. If you wish to explore further afield, consider renting a motorbike or hiring a private car with a driver for the day.

The official currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Credit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are widely available in Hoi An, but ensure you withdraw sufficient cash for your needs, as some ATMs might run out of money during peak tourist seasons.

Hoi An is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in secluded areas and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded places such as markets and tourist spots. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it's always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 113 for police, 114 for fire, and 115 for medical emergencies. The local hospital in Hoi An can handle most medical issues, but for more serious conditions, you may need to go to a larger hospital in Da Nang. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. There are also several pharmacies in town for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes when entering temples and pagodas. Public Transport: Do be respectful and polite. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a slight bow or nod; a handshake is also acceptable. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Hoi An like a local, visit the local markets early in the morning when they are bustling with activity. Engage with the locals, who are often very friendly and willing to share stories about their town. Don't miss out on a boat ride on the Thu Bon River at sunset for a unique perspective of the town. For a special treat, take a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes.