Hoi An, located on Vietnam’s central coast, is a riverside town known for its well-preserved architecture and layered trading history. Between the 15th and 19th centuries, it was one of Southeast Asia’s busiest international ports, drawing merchants from Japan, China, India, and Europe. This legacy lives on in the Old Town, where tiled-roof shophouses, wooden Japanese bridges, and Chinese assembly halls line the lantern-lit streets. Unlike many urban centers, Hoi An’s historic district restricts motor traffic for much of the day, allowing visitors to explore its alleys and waterfront markets on foot or by bicycle.

Cultural influences in Hoi An are visible at every turn. The Japanese Covered Bridge connects two of the town’s oldest neighborhoods and remains one of the most photographed sites in Vietnam. Meanwhile, the Phuc Kien and Trieu Chau assembly halls reflect Chinese craftsmanship with intricate altars, dragon sculptures, and incense spirals. Every month during the full moon, the town holds a lantern festival where electric lights are dimmed and handmade lanterns glow along the Thu Bon River. Small paper boats carrying candles are released into the water, each one carrying a silent wish.