As part of Project Miro, Aruna and I wanted to explore UNESCO sites around the world. We had been trying to visit Vietnam and Cambodia for several years, but each time, something came up, forcing us to cancel at the last moment. So, this time, we decided to start our journey on an auspicious day, ensuring it would finally happen! We chose to skip Pongal in India and head straight to the UNESCO-listed town of Hoi An, Vietnam.

We were especially excited about experiencing the Lantern Festival, which takes place on the full moon night every month and coinciding with Pongal in India. Online photos made it look magical—the entire city darkened, illuminated only by lanterns. It seemed like the perfect place to begin our UNESCO journey.

 

Hoi An is renowned for its well-preserved ancient town, where Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and European influences blend seamlessly. Here are some must-visit experiences in Hoi An, we did. There are more but with limited time we missed the cycle tours and few others. This place is also great for Golfing – though staying in Danang maybe better for those activities. Some of these require tickets, but everything is within walking distance:

 

Architectural Fusion: The town’s architecture showcases intricate wooden structures, tiled roofs, and delicate carvings, reflecting centuries of cultural exchange.

 

Japanese Covered Bridge: One of Hoi An’s most iconic landmarks, this 16th-century bridge—built by the Japanese community—features a small temple and symbolizes the town’s historical multiculturalism.

 

Culinary Delights: A paradise for food lovers, Hoi An offers a variety of dishes, including vegetarian options. There are also excellent Indian restaurants if you need a backup!

 

Ancient Houses: Well-preserved homes like the Tan Ky House and Phung Hung House provide a glimpse into the lives of wealthy merchants from centuries ago. We visited one where the residents still live, and they showed us the water levels reached during the rainy season—quite an eye-opener!

 

Riverside Charm: The Thu Bon River runs through Hoi An, adding to its picturesque appeal. The riverside is lined with cafés, shops, and markets. Here’s where we made a small mistake—we skipped the popular paddle boats (which had long queues) and opted for a motorboat instead, not realizing it would take us to the quieter side of the river, away from the action. But we made the most of it by blasting some Tamil boat songs!

 

Cultural Performances: Traditional music and dance shows provide insights into Vietnamese culture and history. We attended one—a short but engaging 45-minute performance showcasing their art forms.

Tailoring Tradition: Hoi An is famous for its custom tailoring. This was a highlight of our trip! We visited Yale Tailoring, where they can custom-make anything in just 24 hours. Some of our friends had suits tailored for about $150—great quality and a perfect fit. You choose the design and fabric, have a trial fitting the next day, and by evening, your outfit is ready for delivery to your hotel.

 

Lantern Festival – The Reality Check: This part was a bit of an anti-climax. We planned our trip around the Lantern Festival, expecting to see lanterns floating up into the sky, as shown in many online pictures. While the city was indeed beautifully lit with lanterns, they were all grounded or hanging—not floating. The biggest surprise? The lanterns are up every night, not just on full moon nights! So, if you’re planning a visit, don’t stress about the dates—you’ll get the same experience any day of the month.