If you're looking for a destination that seamlessly blends the best of both worlds, then Hoi An is for you. This charming city showcases a harmonious fusion of French colonial influence and traditional Vietnamese culture, making it a unique travel destination in Vietnam that will engage your senses (especially that of taste).
Read on to discover Hoi An and see if it's a place you want to visit - I'm confident it will be.
Discover Hoi An - History and Architecture
Hoi An was once a major port city, acting as a stopover for sailors en route to China and India. The French occupation of Vietnam that lasted over half a century also left an elegant stamp on the town's architecture, further contributing to its unique fused design.
Take a leisurely stroll through Hoi An's old quarter, and find yourself surrounded by oriental temples, historic tea houses, and French patisseries. The vibrant lanterns peppered throughout the streets add an atmospheric touch to the already picturesque scenery.
Discover Hoi An - Culinary Scene
One of the most fascinating aspects of Hoi An is the way in which its cuisine blends both Vietnamese and French influences. The town’s location on the banks of the Thu Bon River makes it an ideal place to sample fresh seafood, which is a staple of Vietnamese cuisine. However, the town’s colonial history has also left its mark on the local culinary scene.
One example of this fusion is banh mi, a Vietnamese sandwich that has been influenced by French baguette culture. The crispy baguette is filled with a variety of ingredients such as grilled pork, pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber, cilantro, and chili peppers.
Another example is pho (pronounced "fuh" or "fur" [with a short "u" sound]), the quintessential Vietnamese noodle soup often served with French-style beef broth. It also includes spices, thin rice noodles, and a variety of toppings such as thinly sliced beef, bean sprouts, basil, and lime.
Hoi An is home to some of Vietnam’s best pho. Visit Pho Lien, a humble street stall that has been serving up delicious pho for over 30 years. The secret to their broth lies in the slow-cooking process, which allows the flavours of the beef bones, charred onions, and spices to meld together. This creates a rich and complex soup.
There is often secrecy surrounding the recipe for pho broth, with each restaurant having their own closely guarded method for making it. Some believe that the key to a great bowl of pho is not in the recipe itself, but in the skill of the cook. What do you think?
Enough about pho. It’s always a welcome distraction (particularly on cold winter days). Back to the fusion.
The French influence is also evident in the use of pate and mayonnaise in some Vietnamese dishes (such as pâté in banh mi sandwiches and bánh patê sô)
In Hoi An, you will also find French-inspired patisseries and bakeries offering treats such as croissants, eclairs, and tarts. They’re made with locally sourced ingredients and served with a Vietnamese twist. For instance, a croissant may be filled with coconut cream (the French component) and served with Vietnamese coffee.
Hoi An’s food scene is renowned for its street food, with local vendors offering an array of dishes such as banh xeo (Vietnamese crispy pancake), cao lau (a noodle dish made with pork and fresh herbs), and mi quang (a noodle dish with meat, vegetables, and peanuts). These dishes are perfect for sampling the unique blend of Vietnamese and French flavours in Hoi An.
Whether you are a foodie or just looking for a taste of something new, Hoi An's cuisine is sure to impress. The fusion of French and Vietnamese influences creates a unique and very satisfying culinary experience.
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Discover Hoi An through Shopping
If you're looking for a unique shopping experience, Hoi An is renowned for its tailor-made garments. Have your dream outfit made, perfectly fitted to suit your unique form, and feel like a model straight off a Parisian runway.
Discover Hoi An on a Bicycle
Exploring Hoi An on a bike or scooter is another fantastic way to witness the fusion of French and Vietnamese culture.
As you cycle through the narrow streets, you’ll pass colonial-style buildings that are juxtaposed with traditional Vietnamese architecture. The yellow-washed walls and red-tiled roofs of ancient temples and communal houses sit beside pastel-coloured shop-houses with wooden shutters and balconies. You may also spot French-style villas with ornate iron balconies and shuttered windows that exude an air of elegance and sophistication.
As you venture further out of the town, you’ll find yourself amidst lush green rice paddies that stretch to eternity. This peaceful countryside provides a perfect contrast to the lively and bustling streets of the town centre. Along the way, encounter locals tending to their fields.
In Hoi An, you can breathe in the fresh air and appreciate the natural beauty of your surroundings (unlike in other Vietnamese cities where the sounds of honking horns and the smell of exhaust fumes can be overwhelming).
Ready to Discover Hoi An?
Hoi An's diverse character casts a spell that will make you want to stay longer; it did to me. The fine blend of oriental and French flavours will satisfy your intrepid spirit, while the town's features may entice you to stay and explore. It's no wonder Hoi An has become a popular destination, attracting tourists from all over the world.
If you're traveling to Vietnam, don't miss out on the opportunity to discover the charm of Hoi An.
