Hoian - a Unesco World Heritage

After our farming tour ended we drove to the historic old center of Hoian. Hoian was a major trading port in the 16th and 17th centuries. The influence of both the Japanese and the Chinese is visible in the architecture and some of the buildings. We visited a temple built by the Chinese and a Japanese covered bridge which had been constructed to ward off monsters and typhoons. 

Many of the buildings in Hoian are preserved and no new construction is allowed in the old city.  We toured the perfectly preserved home of an 18th century merchant in which the seventh generation of the family was still living. The interior of the home had exquisite furniture, pillars and beams made out of teak with mother-of-pearl inlay, even in the pillars of the home.

Only pedestrians and cycles/scooters are allowed in the old city so it was reassuring to walk around and not be constantly on the lookout for a runaway motor car or bus. The temperature was a suffocating 39C and most of us were wilting in the late afternoon heat. A brief stop for icecream provided a much needed respite but we were quite ready to head back by the end of the day.

Hoian is known for its fine tailoring shops, artisans and leather handicrafts. Since we have a free day today, many of us are planning a trip back to town after a visit to the beach. Maybe some nice presents will be coming home : )