Hoi An: My Son

Although the area was heavily bombed by the Americans during the war, 20 monuments escaped destruction. Currently the Vietnamese government is restoring the remaining sites.

The Champa Kingdom ran from Da Nang to Nha Trang. This culture had many Indian influences. Cham people used the sanskrit language and hinduism was their religion.

My Son was declared a World Heritage Site in 2000 by the UNESCO. My Son was a religious center from the year 900 through 1300. Most of the temples are dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Shiva.

If you rent a private tour to My Son, try getting here first hour in the morning, before the hordes of tourists take the site.

Hoi An, My Son folklore

The visit to the My Son site usually starts with a folklore show. Local dancers and singers will represent a short play. After it, you will visit the ruins in the area.

Hoi An, boat on the river

One of the recommended excursions to do while in Hoi An is a day tour to the Cham site of My Son. You will find tours in agencies throughout the town. You can also ask your hotel for available tours.

Hoi An, Trieu Chau assembly hall

This assembly hall was built by Chinese merchants to worship the God of the oceans in the 19th century. This god protected sailors from the rough South China Sea.

You will have to use another of the coupons to visit it. Try to use one of the other coupons if you have already used your Assembly Hall one. If guards do not accept it, you will have to buy another Tourist Ticket.

Hoi An, beach

I was not very lucky. As soon as I got to the beach, clouds covered the sky, and it started raining. It was the perfect excuse to go to one of the restaurants on the beach. The nice local owner showed us some fishes she said a local fisherman had caught that morning, we chose one, and she cooked it for us. Beautiful!

Hoi An: Resort

In the picture you can see one of the luxury resorts recently opened. A night here can cost you up to 150 US dollars. It sits by the river, and has a great pool, nicely decorated rooms, and a massage parlor with excellent views. A local told me that in a few years, Hoi An would become an exclusive place. You'd better come here before this happens.

Hoi An: Dress shop

In the picture you can see one of the silk shops in Hoi An. Visitors can buy a custom made dress, and have it ready the day after. Silk pajamas are also very popular among tourists. If you bring your own model, tailors will copy it. If you are not sure what you want, ask the clerk to show you his catalogue.