Hoai River: The timeless charm of Hoi An’s cultural heart
Located in the heart of Hoi An ancient town, Hoai River is a gentle flow of poetic beauty and is a cultural and historical symbol of this heritage land. With its peaceful scenery, unique traditional festivals, and attractive tourist activities, Hoai River becomes an ideal destination, leaving visitors with unforgettable memories. Let’s explore the special attraction of the river associated with Hoi An’s many historical ups and downs.
Introduction to Hoai River Hoi An
Hoai River, a gentle branch of the Thu Bon River, is a river that carries within itself the poetic beauty and profound historical imprint of Hoi An ancient town. Flowing through An Hoi ward, Hoi An city, this river winds in the heart of the ancient city, like a source of nourishment and an inseparable symbol of the formation and development of this land.
Hoai River originates from Thu Bon River, the mother river of Quang Nam. With a modest length, Hoai River weaves through small streets, reflecting ancient roofs and riverside shops. Standing from anywhere along the river banks, you can feel the harmony between nature and ancient architecture, a vivid picture of Hoi An through the ages. This geographical location has turned the river into the heart of Hoi An, where the people’s cultural, economic, and daily life activities take place.
According to Chinese characters, “Hoài” means “remember”. This name not only evokes nostalgia but also engraves in the minds of every resident and tourist a peaceful and ancient Hoi An. Legend has it that the name Hoai River originates from the Minh Huong community, a group of Chinese people who migrated to Hoi An in the 17th century. They brought their culture and beliefs and named the river as follows. a way to express nostalgia for one’s homeland, along with a deep attachment to this new land. Over time, Hoai River is not only a place to preserve memories of the ancients but also becomes a symbol of cultural interference and hospitality of Hoi An.
Hoai River has long been closely associated with the lives of Hoi An people. The river not only provides water but is also where important economic activities take place. The traditional boating profession has been maintained for many generations, from ferrying visitors to transporting goods. Small boats, with sparkling lanterns at night, create a poetic scene that visitors can hardly forget.
Moreover, Hoai River also plays an important role in tourism development. Boat trips that take tourists to explore the old town, lantern festivals on special occasions, or simply moments of sitting on the riverbank enjoying local cuisine, all create a special appeal. of Hoi An. Every little corner on the river is a part of memory, a story about the simplicity and authenticity of Hoi An people’s life.
The right time to explore Hoai River
Hoai River, a poetic river flowing through the heart of Hoi An ancient town, is a destination not to be missed for anyone who loves peace and cultural beauty. But to fully enjoy the beauty of this river, choosing the right time to visit is very important. In particular, the dry season lasting from March to August is the ideal time for you to explore and experience the most wonderful things at Hoai River.
From March to August, Hoi An enters the dry season with clear blue skies, mild sunshine, and dry air. This is the time when nature seems to favor the Hoai River as the gentle sunlight adds to the shimmering beauty of the water’s surface. Temperatures during this period usually range from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius, warm enough for you to participate in outdoor activities without worrying about being interrupted by sudden rain.
Instructions for moving to Hoai River Hoi An
To help you easily plan your trip, below is a detailed guide on how to get to Hoai River, starting from Da Nang and Hoi An ancient town.
From Da Nang to Hoi An
Da Nang is about 30 km from Hoi An, and you have many transportation options to suit your needs and budget.
- Private car: If you travel in a group of 4-7 people or simply want to enjoy comfort, a private car is the optimal choice. With costs ranging from 350,000 to 400,000 VND/trip, you can easily book a car through shuttle services or car booking applications. Travel time is about 45 minutes, depending on the traffic situation.
- Bus: This is an economical option with a ticket price of only about 30,000 VND/trip. However, the bus will take longer (about 70-80 minutes) and you need to pay attention to the bus schedule to avoid missing the bus. The popular route is the Da Nang – Hoi An route, with stops near the old town center.
- Motorbike: For those who love freedom and want to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way, the motorbike is the ideal choice. Motorbike rental price in Da Nang is about 100,000 VND/day, and you can choose the beautiful sea route: Vo Nguyen Giap – Truong Sa – Lac Long Quan. This route is not only short but also brings an enjoyable experience as you walk along the cool green coast. Note, carefully check the car before renting and bring all documents to ensure safety.
From Hoi An ancient town to Hoai river
Once you arrive in Hoi An, moving to Hoai River becomes very easy because the river is located right in the center of the old town. You can choose one of the following two ways:
- Walking: Hoai River is only an 8-10 minute walk from the old town’s central areas. Suggested routes like Cao Lanh or Phan Chu Trinh are not only short but also help you discover more ancient street corners, beautiful small cafes, or typical souvenir shops. Walking is not only a simple way to move, but also helps you fully feel the peaceful space of Hoi An.
- Rent a bicycle: If you want a more enjoyable experience, rent a bicycle for about 40,000 VND/bike. Cycling through small paved roads, under rows of green trees, you will have the opportunity to enjoy fresh air and explore the old town in your own way. Many hotels and guesthouses in Hoi An offer bicycle rental services, making it easy to plan your itinerary.
Great experiences when coming to Hoai River Hoi An
Hoai River, the symbolic river of Hoi An, brings rich and attractive experiences to visitors. From unique cultural activities to wonderful relaxing moments, Hoai River will definitely leave an unforgettable mark in your heart. Below are the most detailed experiences you should try when visiting this river.
Take a boat trip on Hoai River
Non-motorized boat service at Hoai River is an activity loved by many tourists. With costs ranging from 30,000 – 100,000 VND depending on time and route, you will experience the feeling of gliding gently on the water in the peaceful setting of the old town.
Sitting on the boat, you can admire the ancient houses, beautiful small cafes along the shore, and the sparkling lanterns in the evening. What’s most special is that boatmen are often friendly locals, ready to share interesting stories about Hoi An’s history, traditional customs or special events that have taken place on the river. river. This is not only a relaxing trip but also an opportunity for you to learn more deeply about the culture and people of Hoi An.
Release flower lanterns
The lantern festival is an experience not to be missed when coming to Hoai River, especially on the 14th and 15th days of every lunar month. Beautiful little flower lanterns are made from colored paper and candles, carrying wishes of peace, happiness and luck.
When participating, you can release the lights yourself and watch hundreds of sparkling lights floating along the river, creating a magical and emotional scene. This is not only a cultural activity but also an opportunity for you to feel the sacredness and tranquility in the old town. The price of each lamp is usually only from 10,000 – 20,000 VND, and people will guide you on how to release the lamp properly and bring the fullest meaning.
Check-in with famous bridges
Hoai River is adorned with bridges with symbolic value and unique architecture, most notably Cam Nam Bridge and Impression bridge.
- Cam Nam Bridge: With a simple but charming design, this bridge is the ideal spot to enjoy a panoramic view of the Hoai River. From here, you can see small boats floating on the water and ancient roofs reflecting their reflections. In particular, the sunset scene at Cam Nam bridge brings an indescribable feeling of peace.
- Impressive Bridge: This is a more modern designed bridge, featuring bright color-changing lights at night. Not only is it a place connecting the two banks of the river, Impression Bridge is also a favorite “virtual living” photography spot for young people.
Enjoy riverside cuisine
The space along Hoai River is home to many local restaurants with typical dishes of Hoi An. Delicious dishes such as Cao Lau, Quang noodles, Cauldron dumplings… not only satisfy the taste buds but are also served in a poetic, peaceful space.
Sitting at a small riverside restaurant, enjoying the rich flavors of the food and listening to the sound of quietly flowing water, you will clearly feel the connection between cuisine and nature. Prices at riverside restaurants are often very affordable, suitable for both domestic and foreign tourists.
Admire the ancient house architecture
The ancient houses along the Hoai River are living proof of the interference between Vietnamese, Japanese and Chinese cultures. Built hundreds of years ago, these houses still retain their original beauty with tiled roofs, wooden door frames and sophisticated decorative motifs.
Some houses are also open to visitors, where you can discover the historical stories attached to each architectural detail. In addition, this is also the perfect backdrop to take unique commemorative photos.
Watch the sunrise and sunset on Hoai River
Sunrise and sunset on Hoai River are the two most beautiful moments of the day, when natural light covers the river with warm and romantic colors. In the morning, you can see people rowing boats, preparing for a new day. Meanwhile, in the afternoon, sunset creates a beautiful picture with brilliant sky and sparkling water.
Sip coffee at a riverside restaurant
The cafes along the Hoai River provide a peaceful space where you can sit, relax, enjoy a rich cup of coffee and admire the surrounding poetic scenery. Some shops are designed in a classic style, with wooden furniture and lanterns, creating a feeling of closeness and warmth.
Participate in traditional festivals
Hoai River is the center of many traditional festivals in Hoi An. On full-moon days, you can enjoy traditional singing performances, lion dances, or admire the colorful boat parades on the river. These festivals are not only an occasion for fun but also help you understand more about the cultural values of the local people.
Read more: Exploring Hoi An’s river culture: A unique Hoi An Coconut Boat adventure
Things to note when exploring Hoai River in Hoi An
To have a complete and meaningful tour, you need to note the following important things:
Respect local culture and customs
When participating in festivals or traditional activities on the Hoai River, such as floating lanterns or singing choi songs, always respect the culture and customs of the local people. Avoid making loud noises or acting inappropriately during solemn events. See this as an opportunity for you to learn and immerse yourself in the unique cultural beauty of Hoi An.
Ensure safety when visiting
Although Hoai River is gentle, you still need to pay attention to ensuring safety, especially when visiting in the evening or boating on the river. Always:
- Do not stand too close to the edge of the river to avoid the risk of slipping and falling, especially when taking photos.
- Wear a life jacket when boating, whether the journey is short or long. This is a basic but extremely necessary protection measure.
Limit bringing valuables
When visiting Hoai River by boat, avoid bringing too many valuable items, such as expensive watches, cameras or phones. The risk of falling into the water is possible, especially when you move or participate in crowded activities. Pack your belongings in a waterproof bag for added peace of mind during the trip.
Fully equipped with personal belongings
The weather in Hoi An is often quite sunny, especially in the dry season from March to August. Therefore, if you visit during the day, you should prepare:
- Sunscreen to protect skin.
- Hat and sunglasses to avoid direct sunlight.
- Comfortable, low-heeled shoes for moving easily on paved paths and around riverbanks.
Maintain urban hygiene and aesthetics
Hoai River is not only a tourist destination but also a living space for Hoi An people. Therefore, please maintain general hygiene by not littering, even small things like wrapping paper or water bottles. If possible, bring personal trash bags and dispose of trash properly. This is a practical action to protect the landscape and environment of the river.
Choose appropriate clothing
Hoi An has a classic and romantic style, so the outfit you choose when exploring the Hoai River also helps highlight the experience. Prioritize light, comfortable dresses or vintage style outfits to fit the old town space. Simple but sophisticated outfits not only help you blend into the space but are also a great choice for taking photos.
Note about visit time
If you plan to visit in the evening to see the lanterns or participate in the lantern festival, come early to choose the best spot. During the day, the ideal time is early morning or late afternoon, when the weather is cool and the light is beautiful, helping you fully enjoy the beauty of Hoai River.
After your journey to explore the poetic beauty of Hoai River in Hoi An, take time to relax and enjoy moments of relaxation at Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness. Located in a peaceful space by the beach, the resort offers the perfect combination of modern amenities and typical Hoi An culture. With classy services, a relaxing spa and beautiful natural space, Bliss Hoi An is the ideal stop to help you recharge and prepare for memorable experiences in the old town.
Read more: Exploring lantern market Hoi An: Immerse yourself in a magical space
