We started the day with a walking tour of Hoi An, a registered UNESCO site. The old city is recognized as a well-preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century, its buildings and street plan reflecting a blend of indigenous, Chinese and Japanese influences. The town floods every year and the wet, humid atmosphere is hard on the buildings.
Our first stop was the Japanese Bridge which dates from the 16th–17th century and includes a Buddhist temple. During the 16th century, Japanese merchants began to establish residence in the port city of Faifo (now Hoi An) and established their own enclave. In 1593, one group of merchants began building a covered bridge to cross a neighborhood canal. They finished construction in 1595 and improved access to the Chinese enclave on the other side. Here are pictures of the bridge
Next we went to the Quang Trieu Assembly Hall. It is used as a place for community and religious activities of the Chinese association in the old town. It had a temple inside and a garden out back. There was a large image of three Chinese immigrants from the 2nd century. From left to right they represent strength, intelligence, and honesty. The courtyard out back had a large dragon fountain and a very large statue displaying the backend of goats, representing fertility.
We continued to Tan Ky old house which was built in 1741 and has housed seven generations of the Le family. It is a combination of Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese styles. Here are some pictures of the house.
We walked around the town a little more on our way to the silver shop where I got a necklace with the symbol of Longevity and Happiness. After everyone shopped, we made a quick stop for lychee tea and then rejoined our group for lunch.
After lunch I went to have the second fitting of my Ao Dai. It fit very well but the shoulders weren’t quite right. They tried to fix it several times but eventually told me to come back later that night. Here’s a picture of the tailor shop.
That evening we went to a show about indigenous people of the area. It had a cirque de soleil feel to it. We weren’t allow to take pictures during the show but here is a promotional video. The show was great.
Here is a picture of Rick and me with the cast after the show.
After the show, Mai got us bang mi at the restaurant that Anthony Bourdain when to in Hoi An. It was delicious!
Most people went back to the hotel but I went for a final fitting of my ao dai and it still wasn’t right but a senior tailor got involved and fixed it. I need to get pants when I get home but here’s a picture of it.
You look beautiful!!