Hoi An was a bustling trading port from the 16th to 18th centuries. While its importance diminished in subsequent centuries as the river silted up, its old town has survived, with plenty of traditional architecture that reflects both local, Chinese, and Japanese influences. Set in a grid of narrow lanes, Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage site today.
The old town is small and perfectly walkable, although some tourists choose to ride bicycles through the crowds.
Various groups of Chinese have made their mark in Hoi An, and many have their own civic facilities. The Cantonese Assembly Hall was built in 1885 and reflects the sizeable influence from the Cantonese community.
The Old House of Tan Ky consists of 4 small rooms that have been stuffed with antique furnitures today. Each room has its own purpose, from welcoming guests to the bedroom.
Quan Thang House is some 300 years old and is still a living home today. It was interesting to wander around looking and finding a family still going about their daily routines inside.
Trung Hoa Assembly Hall was established in 1741 to worship the Goddess of the Sea, Thien Hau. It also once served as a school for the Chinese community.
Fukian Assembly Hall was established in 1697 as a civic facility for this southern Chinese community. Being the grandest of the Chinese assembly halls, it contains many animal symbols, from the dragon that symbolizes power and the phoenix that symbolizes nobility to the turtle that symbolizes longevity.
Linear Mode
