Travel Guide to Hoi An Ancient Town

• HelloXin chào
  [sin chow]
• GoodbyeTạm biệt
  [tam byet]
• YesCó
  [gaw]
• NoKhông
  [kohng]
• Please/You're welcomeXin vui lòng
  [sin vwee long]
• Thank youCám ơn
  [kahm uhn]
• Excuse me/SorryXin lỗi
  [sin loy]
• How are you?Bạn khỏe không?
  [buhn khwee kohng?]
• Fine. And you?Khỏe. Còn bạn?
  [khwee. kawn buhn?]
• Do you speak English?Bạn có nói tiếng Anh không?
  [buhn gaw noy tyeng ang kohng?]
• I don't understandTôi không hiểu
  [toy kohng hee-uh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCho xem menu, vui lòng
  [cho sem menu, vwee long]
• I don't eat meatTôi không ăn thịt
  [toy kohng an tit]
• Cheers!Dô!
  [daw]
• I would like to pay, pleaseTôi muốn thanh toán, vui lòng
  [toy moon thanh twan, vwee long]

• Help!Cứu!
  [kew]
• Go away!Đi chỗ khác!
  [dee chaw khak]
• Call the Police!Gọi cảnh sát!
  [goy keng saht]
• Call a doctor!Gọi bác sĩ!
  [goy bahk see]
• I'm lostTôi lạc đường
  [toy lak doong]
• I'm illTôi ốm
  [toy ohm]

• I'd like to buy...Tôi muốn mua...
  [toy moon mwa]
• I'm just lookingTôi chỉ xem
  [toy chee sem]
• How much is it?Bao nhiêu tiền?
  [bow nyew tee-en]
• That's too expensiveĐắt quá
  [dat wa]
• Can you lower the price?Giảm giá được không?
  [yem zah dwoc kohng?]

• What time is it?Bây giờ là mấy giờ?
  [by zoh la may zoh]
• It's one o'clockBây giờ là một giờ
  [by zoh la moot zoh]
• Half past (10)Mười giờ nửa
  [moo-ee zoh nwa]
• MorningBuổi sáng
  [bwowee sang]
• AfternoonBuổi chiều
  [bwowee chee-ew]
• EveningBuổi tối
  [bwowee toy]
• YesterdayHôm qua
  [hohm kwa]
• TodayHôm nay
  [hohm nai]
• TomorrowNgày mai
  [ngai my]
• 1Một
  [moot]
• 2Hai
  [high]
• 3Ba
  [bah]
• 4Bốn
  [bohn]
• 5Năm
  [nam]
• 6Sáu
  [sow]
• 7Bảy
  [bahy]
• 8Tám
  [tahm]
• 9Chín
  [cheen]
• 10Mười
  [moo-ee]

• Where's a/the...?Chỗ ... ở đâu?
  [chaw ... uh dow?]
• What's the address?Địa chỉ là gì?
  [dee-uh chee la zee?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Bạn có thể chỉ cho tôi (trên bản đồ) được không?
  [buhn gaw te chee chaw toy (trern bahn doh) dwoc kohng?]
• When's the next (bus)?Khi nào là chuyến xe (bus) tiếp theo?
  [khe now la chwee-en se (bus) tyep the-aw?]
• A ticket (to ....)Một vé (đi ...)
  [moot vay (dee ...)]

Hoi An, known historically as Faifo, emerged as a prominent trading port in the 15th century. Its strategic location along the South China Sea made it a crucial hub for merchants from various regions, including China, Japan, and Europe. The town flourished as a center for the spice trade and silk production, drawing a diverse population that contributed to its rich cultural tapestry.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, Hoi An became a melting pot of cultures due to the influx of foreign traders. The influence of Japanese and Chinese merchants led to the construction of iconic wooden houses and assembly halls, such as the Japanese Covered Bridge and the Quan Cong Temple. This period marked the height of Hoi An's prosperity and the blending of various architectural styles.

The late 18th century saw a decline in Hoi An's maritime trade as the river silted, making it difficult for larger ships to access the port. This led to a gradual economic downturn, with many merchants relocating to nearby Da Nang. Despite this decline, Hoi An's historical architecture remained largely intact, preserving its unique heritage.

The French colonial period in the 19th century brought significant changes to Hoi An. French architecture began to merge with traditional Vietnamese styles, resulting in the construction of new public buildings and infrastructure. The establishment of French colonial rule also influenced local culture, as Western customs and practices were introduced.

In 1999, Hoi An Ancient Town was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its well-preserved architecture and cultural significance. This status has prompted extensive preservation efforts, aimed at maintaining the town's historical integrity while promoting sustainable tourism. Today, Hoi An attracts millions of visitors who come to explore its ancient streets, vibrant markets, and rich history.

Hoi An Ancient Town is accessible from various neighborhoods in Hoi An. For those arriving from Da Nang, the nearest city, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus, which takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes. Local buses also operate between Da Nang and Hoi An, making stops at major points in the city. Within Hoi An, you can walk or take a bicycle from nearby neighborhoods like Cam Pho or An Hoi, as the town is pedestrian-friendly.

Within Hoi An Ancient Town, the best way to explore is on foot or by bicycle, as the narrow streets are not suitable for cars. Several bicycle rental shops are available throughout the town, providing an eco-friendly option for getting around. You can also hire a cyclo (a bicycle taxi) for a more leisurely tour. For longer distances or trips outside the town, taxis and motorbike taxis are readily available.

Hoi An is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, standard precautions should be taken. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, can occur in crowded areas, especially during festivals. Areas around the night market and popular tourist spots should be monitored closely. Avoid leaving valuables unattended and be cautious when using ATMs.

In case of emergency, dial 113 for police, 114 for fire, and 115 for medical assistance. The local hospital is available for serious health issues, and pharmacies are scattered throughout Hoi An for minor ailments. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable, breathable clothing suitable for the tropical climate. Avoid wearing swimwear in public areas. Religion: Do respect local customs by dressing modestly when visiting temples. Public Transport: Do give way to locals when using public transport. Don't engage in loud conversations. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly smile. A slight bow is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like Cao Lau and Banh Mi. Don't waste food or show disinterest in offered dishes.

To experience Hoi An Ancient Town like a local, visit the early morning markets for a glimpse of daily life and fresh produce. Engage with local artisans, especially in the lantern shops, to understand the craft. Attend a cooking class to learn about local cuisine. For a unique experience, wander off the main tourist paths to discover hidden cafes and shops that offer authentic Vietnamese coffee and street food.