Hoai River in Hoi An (Photo: VNA)Quang Nam (VNA) - The popularity ofHoi An, which has been a top tourist destination in Vietnam for decades now,continues to grow.
It’s latest landmark achievement is makingit to second place on the list of 13 most exciting places on this earth forsolo travellers compiled by travel editors at Momondo, a UK based travel site.
Unlike Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, Hoi An in the central province of Quang Nam,is a charming spot with peaceful and natural beauty.
“A well-preserved former trading port on Vietnam’s central coast, Hoi An is amelting pot of cultures and architecture,” the site wrote.
“Cars are banned from the city centre, so stroll through the old town on footand admire the street-side cafes and picturesque historical homes lining canalsand winding alleyways.”
It’s best to cycle to the pristine An Bang Beach around 3km away from the town,according to the site.
The beach, home to fishing villages andproviding a romantic setting for couples, is best enjoyed between May andSeptember and has been raved about by leading global travel magazines.
For many, Hoi An is not just a collectionof 16th century houses for which the former port city has been recognised byUNESCO as a world heritage site.
A cuisine native to the ancient town,influenced by many different cultures from Japan, China and Portugal, is a majorpart of its attraction too.
“Hoi An’s diverse culinary scene stems from Japanese, Chinese and Portugueseinfluences, and many restaurants offer their own cooking classes,” it said,suggesting trying a bowl of cau lao, the signature noodle dish only found in HoiAn.-VNA
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