Friday, 28 March 2014

Hoi An - Central Vietnam

Hoi An is a picturesque settlement in central Vietnam. Away from the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City, we enjoyed an idyllic cycle ride through the countryside alongside rice fields and past huge vegetable patches.


Later that morning, we explored the old town which holds many treasures, including examples of Chinese architecture such as this ornate temple.




The streets are full of vibrant colours and lined with hundreds of lanterns gently swaying in the welcome breeze. Shop fronts are bursting with goods, everything from fresh fruit to beautiful & skilful artworks, and of course an abundance of various souvenirs and gifts.    



Everything is embellished and adorned with decorative features.... a feast for the senses! 


Once an old port, the river still plays a major role in local life... persistent boatmen pursue tourists in hope of business selling tours, 'Sir, Lady, boat ride for you?'


Meanwhile fishing nets are ever present and rowing boats float idly at the water's edge.


Mobile markets are also a feature; this lady, laden with fruit, posed happily for a photo - happily as she is about to start negotiating how much the photo was going to cost us - clearly an entrepreneur!


The ancient town glows with a warm yellow hue, juxtaposed with splashes of contrasting colour.


If we thought the glow would end with sundown we were mistaken, by night the town flickered with lanterns, bathing the streets with soft light and creating broken reflections in the water...


... where Vietnamese floating wishing candles drift serenely across the inky surface. 


Less dramatic by day, the lantern stalls come into their own each evening. Row upon row of hovering silk orbs entice browsers and aspiring photographers alike.


From the 16th to 18th centuries, Hoi An was a thriving international commercial port for Chinese, Dutch, French and Japanese merchants. Some of the buildings in the narrow streets have remained unchanged for more than a century. Much of the town is now heritage listed such as the Japanese Covered Bridge.


As the evening wore on the streets were left deserted except for us and the lanterns. Moments after taking this photo someone somewhere flicked a switch and we were plunged into darkness. It was clearly time for bed after a full packed day.

1 comment:

  1. Love the floating wishing candles on the water. Looks like a deluge of sensations and emotions. What a difference from NZ

    ReplyDelete