Hoi An is a charming town in central Vietnam known for its well-preserved ancient buildings, beautiful beaches, and delicious cuisine. While the popular tourist attractions are worth a visit, there are also many architectural gems of Hoi An that are waiting to be discovered. Here are some of the lesser known but fascinating places to explore in Hoi An.
Hidden Temples in The Architectural Gems of Hoi An
Hoi An is home to many beautiful temples that are often overlooked by visitors. These temples are not only important religious sites but also significant cultural and historical landmarks. Hoi An is home to a number of hidden temples that are worth visiting. These temples are often tucked away in quiet corners of the town, away from the tourist crowds.
Quan Cong Temple
The Quan Cong Temple is located in the heart of Hoi An’s Old Town and is one of the city’s most well-known hidden gems. The temple is dedicated to Quan Cong, a famous Chinese general who is revered for his loyalty, integrity, and righteousness.
The temple was built in the 17th century and is a beautiful example of Chinese architecture. The temple’s entrance is marked by a pair of stone lions, and inside, visitors can admire intricate carvings, paintings, and statues. The temple also houses a small museum that displays artifacts related to Quan Cong and his life.
The Quan Cong Temple is an important cultural and historical site in architectural gems of Hoi An and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in learning more about the city’s rich history and culture.
The Cam Pho Temple
The Cam Pho Temple is one of the hidden gems of Hoi An, located on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street in the Cam Pho Ward. The temple was built in the 18th century and is dedicated to the goddess Thien Hau, who is believed to protect fishermen and sailors. The temple is a mix of Chinese and Vietnamese architectural styles, with colorful roof tiles and intricate wood carvings. Visitors can see statues of various deities and burn incense for good luck and blessings. The temple is especially busy during the Lunar New Year when locals come to pray for prosperity and good fortune.
The Trieu Chau Temple
The Trieu Chau Temple, also known as the Chaozhou Hall, is another hidden gem in Hoi An. It was built in the 19th century by Chinese traders from the Chaozhou region of Guangdong province. The temple is dedicated to Thien Hau, the goddess of the sea, who is believed to protect sailors and fishermen.
The architecture of the Trieu Chau Temple is a blend of Chinese and Vietnamese styles, with a bright red façade, intricate carvings, and colorful ceramic figurines. Inside the temple, visitors can see altars adorned with offerings and burning incense, and statues of Thien Hau and other deities. The temple also houses a small museum with exhibits on the history and culture of the Chaozhou people.
The Trieu Chau Temple is located on Tran Phu Street in Hoi An’s Old Town and is open to visitors daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. Visitors are advised to dress respectfully and remove their shoes before entering the temple.
Discovering Handicraft Villages
Hoi An is also home to several handicraft villages where visitors can watch artisans at work and purchase unique souvenirs. The Cam Thanh Village is known for its traditional mat weaving, while the Thanh Ha Village is famous for its pottery. The Kim Bong Village is known for its wood carving, and the Tra Que Village is famous for its organic vegetable gardens.
Kim Bong Carpentry Village
Kim Bong Carpentry Village is a hidden gem located just a short boat ride from Hoi An. The village is known for its traditional wooden furniture and intricate carvings, which have been passed down through generations of craftsmen. Visitors can watch the artisans at work and even try their hand at carving.
Tra Que Vegetable Village
Tra Que Vegetable Village is a small farming community located just outside Hoi An. The village is known for its organic vegetables and herbs, which are used in many of the local dishes. Visitors can take a guided tour of the village, learn about traditional farming methods, and even participate in a cooking class.
Co Tu Village
Co Tu Village is a hidden gem located in the mountains near Hoi An. The village is home to the Co Tu ethnic minority group, who have preserved their traditional way of life for centuries. Visitors can explore the village, learn about Co Tu culture, and try traditional foods.
Tam Thanh Mural Village
Tam Thanh Mural Village is a hidden gem located just outside Hoi An. The village is known for its colorful murals, which were painted by a group of Vietnamese and South Korean artists as part of a community art project. The murals depict daily life in the village and have become a popular attraction for visitors.
Tips for Exploring Architectural Gems of Hoi An
- Plan your visit in advance: Hoi An can get crowded, so it’s a good idea to plan your visit in advance and book accommodations and tours early.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Hoi An is a walking town, so wear comfortable shoes to explore the streets, markets, and temples.
- Dress appropriately: Many of the temples in Hoi An have strict dress codes, so dress modestly and respectfully.
- Try the local cuisine: Hoi An is known for its delicious street food, so be sure to try some local specialties while you’re there.
- Bargain at the markets: Bargaining is a common practice at the markets in Hoi An, so be prepared to negotiate prices for souvenirs and other items.
- Bring cash: Many small shops and vendors in Hoi An may not accept credit cards, so bring plenty of cash to avoid any issues.
- Stay hydrated: Hoi An can get hot and humid, so make sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Be respectful of the culture: Hoi An is a culturally rich town with many traditions, so be respectful of the local customs and traditions during your visit.