The Magic of Hoi An, Vietnam
越南会安的魔力
This was my first visit to the central coast of Vietnam, and I was eager to discover what made Hoi An such a favorite among travelers. Every guidebook I picked up seemed to rave about its charm, culture, and beauty, so my expectations were set pretty high. Yet, even with all the hype, I was pleasantly surprised.
Once a bustling trading port between the 15th and 19th centuries, Hoi An has preserved its ancient charm through its architecture, vibrant streets, and scenic surroundings. With its blend of Eastern and Western influences and streets lined with colorful lanterns, Hoi An captures the imagination of every traveler. It’s no wonder that this town remains one of Vietnam’s most treasured destinations.
这是我第一次来到越南中部海岸，我迫不及待地想了解是什么让会安成为旅行者们的心头爱。我翻阅的每一本旅行指南似乎都在夸赞它的魅力、文化和美丽，所以我的期待值相当高。然而，即使有如此多的宣传，我还是感到惊喜。
会安曾是15至19世纪之间一个繁忙的贸易港口，至今仍保留着古老的魅力，通过其建筑、生机勃勃的街道和优美的环境展现出来。融合了东西方的影响，街道两旁挂满了五彩缤纷的灯笼，会安捕捉了每位旅行者的想象力。难怪这个小镇成为越南最珍贵的旅游目的地之一。
Hoi An Culture
会安文化
Hoi An’s unique charm is deeply rooted in its diverse cultural heritage. As a historical trading hub, it welcomed merchants from China, Japan, India, and Europe, each of whom left a lasting influence on the town's architecture, cuisine, and traditions. The town’s Old Quarter, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a fascinating mix of Chinese temples, Japanese merchant houses, and French colonial architecture. Walking through its narrow streets, you can see how centuries of cultural exchange have shaped the very soul of Hoi An.
The cultural richness of Hoi An isn't just found in its buildings. The town is also known for its artisans, particularly its skilled tailors who create beautiful, custom-made clothing in a matter of days. Additionally, local crafts like lantern-making, woodcarving, and ceramics offer visitors a chance to connect with the town’s traditions. You can join a lantern-making workshop or cycle through the surrounding countryside to witness traditional farming methods in action—truly immersing yourself in Hoi An’s way of life.
会安独特的魅力深深植根于其多元的文化遗产。作为一个历史上的贸易中心，它曾迎接来自中国、日本、印度和欧洲的商人，每个国家都在这座小镇的建筑、饮食和传统中留下了深远的影响。如今被列为联合国教科文组织世界遗产的会安古城，是一座融合了中国寺庙、日本商人宅邸和法国殖民建筑的迷人混合体。漫步在其狭窄的街道上，你可以看到几个世纪的文化交流如何塑造了会安的灵魂。
会安的文化丰富性不仅体现在它的建筑上。这个小镇还以其工匠闻名，尤其是那些技艺精湛的裁缝，他们可以在几天内制作出美丽的定制服装。此外，像制灯笼、木雕和陶艺等当地手工艺也为游客提供了与小镇传统相连的机会。你可以参加一个灯笼制作工作坊，或者骑自行车穿越周边乡村，亲眼见证传统的耕作方式——真正沉浸在会安的生活方式中。
Scenic Sites
风景名胜
To explore the historic and cultural heart of Hoi An, you can purchase an entrance ticket for 120,000 VND (around $5 USD). This ticket grants access to your choice of five different sites, including old houses, assembly halls, and museums, as well as an evening performance featuring traditional music and dance. Here are two sites to consider seeing with your ticket:
Japanese Covered Bridge
The Japanese Covered Bridge is one of Hoi An’s most iconic landmarks. Built in the 18th century by the Japanese community to connect their quarter with the Chinese quarter, the bridge showcases intricate carvings and statues, symbolizing Hoi An's multicultural history. It’s a beautiful spot to explore at any time, but visiting in the evening is particularly magical when the bridge and surrounding streets are softly illuminated by lanterns.
The Japanese Covered Bridge
Chinese All-Community Assembly Hall
If you're looking for an impressive example of traditional Chinese architecture, the Chinese All-Community Assembly Hall is a must. Originally built as a gathering place for Chinese merchants, the hall features vivid colors, ornate carvings, and elaborate altars dedicated to various deities. Its peaceful and serene atmosphere provides a lovely contrast to the bustling streets outside. Mornings are the best time to visit when the light enhances its colorful facade and interior details.
Beyond the sites covered by the entrance ticket, there are other cultural gems in Hoi An worth exploring, such as the Chua Phap Bao Temple. This serene Buddhist temple, surrounded by lush gardens, offers a tranquil retreat from the busy streets of the Old Town. Early mornings are ideal for a visit, as the soft sunlight filtering through the trees creates a calm and inviting atmosphere. Although it’s not included in the ticket, it’s a lovely spot for anyone interested in experiencing the spiritual side of Hoi An.
要探索会安的历史文化核心，您可以购买一张门票，价格为120,000越南盾（约5美元）。这张门票允许您参观五个不同的景点，包括古宅、会馆和博物馆，还可以观看一场传统音乐和舞蹈表演。以下是您可以选择参观的两个景点：
日本廊桥
日本廊桥是会安最具代表性的地标之一。它由18世纪的日本社区修建，用于连接日本和中国的社区。廊桥上雕刻着精美的图案和雕像，象征着会安的多元文化历史。无论何时前往，这里都是一个美丽的探索之地，但傍晚来访尤其迷人，届时桥梁及周围的街道在灯笼的柔和灯光中显得格外梦幻。
中华会馆
如果你想寻找传统中国建筑的杰出范例，那么中华会馆绝对不容错过。它最初是为中国商人聚会而建，里面有鲜艳的色彩、精致的雕刻以及供奉各种神灵的精美祭坛。这里的宁静氛围与外面熙熙攘攘的街道形成了鲜明的对比。上午是参观的最佳时刻，因为光线能更好地凸显它那色彩斑斓的外墙和内部细节。
除了门票包含的景点外，会安还有其他值得探索的文化瑰宝，比如法宝寺。这座宁静的佛教寺庙被郁郁葱葱的花园环绕，是远离古城繁忙街道的宁静之地。清晨是前往参观的理想时间，柔和的阳光透过树叶洒下来，营造出平和而迷人的氛围。虽然它不在门票的范围内，但对任何想要体验会安精神一面的游客来说，这里都是一个绝佳之选。
Hoi An’s Best Kept Secret: The Beaches
会安最佳保留的秘密：海滩
When you’re ready to take a break from exploring the town, Hoi An’s nearby beaches provide a perfect retreat. An Bang Beach is the most popular, with its long stretches of white sand and clear blue waters. It’s lined with cozy beachside cafes where you can relax with a drink and watch the waves roll in. The best time to visit is in the late afternoon, when the temperatures are cooler, and you can catch the stunning sunset views.
For a more tranquil experience, head to Cua Dai Beach, where you’ll find a quieter setting with fewer crowds. It’s a peaceful spot to enjoy the sound of the surf and the beauty of the coast. Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for visiting, as the lighting adds to the beach's scenic allure, and the sun is far more forgiving.
当你准备好从城镇的探索中稍作休息时，会安附近的海滩是完美的度假胜地。安邦海滩是最受欢迎的，以其绵延的白色沙滩和清澈的蓝色海水而闻名。这里排列着舒适的海边咖啡馆，你可以在其中放松，喝一杯饮料，欣赏海浪滚滚而来。最好的参观时间是下午晚些时候，那时气温较低，还能欣赏到壮丽的日落美景。
如果想要更宁静的体验，可以前往瓯带海滩，在那里你会发现一个更安静的环境，人群也较少。这是一个享受海浪声和海岸美景的宁静之地。清晨或下午晚些时候是参观的理想时间，因为那时的光线为海滩增添了迷人的魅力，阳光也更加温和。
Mid-Autumn Festival in Hoi An
会安的中秋节
One of the most enchanting times to visit Hoi An is during the Mid-Autumn Festival, which usually takes place in September or October. I was fortunate enough to visit Hoi An then, and although it was also during the rainy season—complete with showers before and after the festival day—the skies mercifully cleared just in time for the celebration. A little luck amidst the rain made the experience all the more magical!
Unlike the celebration in China, which focuses on mooncakes and family gatherings, Hoi An’s version is all about lanterns and festivities. During this period (and generally every night), the town is beautifully decorated with thousands of lanterns, illuminating the streets with a rainbow of colors. Locals and visitors alike release paper lanterns onto the Thu Bon River, creating a stunning and serene scene. The festival also features traditional music performances, dragon dances, and games, adding to the vibrant and joyful atmosphere.
参观会安最迷人的时刻之一就是中秋节，这个节日通常在九月或十月举行。我很幸运能在中秋节期间造访会安，尽管那时正值雨季——在节日前后下了几场雨——但庆典时天空却慈悲地放晴了。雨中的一点好运让这次体验更加神奇！
与中国以月饼和家庭团聚为主的中秋节不同，会安的中秋庆典更注重灯笼和各种活动。在此期间（通常每晚如此），整个小镇被成千上万的灯笼装点得美轮美奂，街道被五彩缤纷的灯光照亮。当地人和游客们在秋盆河上放纸灯，形成一幅令人惊叹而宁静的画面。节日期间还会有传统音乐表演、舞龙和各种游戏，使整个氛围既充满活力又欢乐无比。
The Bottom Line
总结
Hoi An is truly one of the highlights of any trip to Vietnam. Its unique blend of cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and captivating evening ambiance make it an unforgettable destination. To make the most of your visit, avoid the rainy and hottest months by visiting from February to April, or consider timing your trip to coincide with a full moon like I did, especially during the Mid-Autumn Festival. The town’s lantern-lit streets and lively festivities during this time are an experience you won’t want to miss.
会安绝对是越南之行中最值得一去的亮点之一。它独特的文化遗产、秀丽的风景和迷人的夜晚氛围使其成为一个令人难忘的目的地。为了充分体验会安，最好避开雨季和最热的月份，在二月至四月之间前往，或者像我一样将你的行程安排在满月期间，尤其是中秋节期间。此时，小镇灯火通明的街道和热闹的节庆活动是你不容错过的体验。