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Hoi An, the former city of FaiFo, located on the Thu Bon river about 18
miles south of Danang, is, for us, one of the most charming cities in
Vietnam. More than anywhere else in the country, it's as if time had just
stopped several decades ago, and you will be left with some unforgettable
memories.
Hoi An was a prosperous city, located on the sea routes used in the
silk trade. The city began to develop in the 15th century when rich merchants
set up trading posts there, and built their large, solid wooden houses.
Just walking around in this city is a real pleasure. You'll find many
different styles of architecture in its streets: Chinese, Japanese, and
even French in Hoi An, one of UNESCO's World Heritage sites. 844 buildings
in Hoi An have been classed for their historical and architectural value.
Some roofs are covered with thousands of convex and concave tiles, in
the "ying yang" style. You can also find this symbol on the
doors of houses, as the locals believe that it protects the house's inhabitants.
One of the most interesting monuments is the covered Japanese bridge,
built in 1593 to connect the Chinese and Japanese communities in the city.
At each end of the bridge there are two "guard" dogs
and monkeys!
There are a number of houses made of very hard black wood (teak) that
are worth a visit. Don't hesitate to go inside if you are invited. The
older people who live in these homes will ask nothing of you but a little
of your time and company. |
The houses with their yellow
facades and turquoise shutters reflect off the water. The coming and going
of sampans on the river, the gorgeous market with a thousand different
products, smells and tastes... just a few reasons to visit Hoi An.
Since the port became sanded up in the 19th century, the port at Danang
has taken its place. The only boats that come there now are the sampans
which are protected from evil spirits by a benevolent eye.
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LACQUER
Many traditional wooden objects are coated with lacquer. The "lacquer"
tree produces a resin called sumac. After the resin is left to dry
for at least two days, it is mixed with different vegetable dyes
that give its black, beige, ochre or red colors.
This mixture is then painted on to the wood, (usually teak) in
several different layers. It can take up to several weeks for each
layer to dry. The wood is sanded down and polished between each
layer of lacquer. |
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France :