EXPLORE THE UNIQUE ARCHITECTURE OF HOI AN ANCIENT TOWN
Hoi An Ancient Town is not only characterized by its picturesque blend of ancient and modern scenery along the poetic Thu Bon River but also by its distinctive architectural structures that have been preserved to this day.
Overview of Hoi An Ancient Town
Located about 30km south of Da Nang city, Hoi An Ancient Town is considered a historic urban area situated along the lower reach of the Thu Bon River. In the 17th and 18th centuries, it was a bustling international trading port and a hub for the exchange of goods between Japanese, Chinese, and Western merchants. Hoi An Ancient Town is regarded as a distinctive example of the traditional port town system in Southeast Asia. The region also represents a convergence of architectural styles from various cultures and nations, contributing to the unique character of the old town today. Recognizing its invaluable cultural value, UNESCO designated Hoi An as a World Heritage Site in 1999.
Distinctive Architecture of Hoi An Ancient Town
Once visitors have experienced Hoi An, they are likely to be impressed by the ancient architecture of its houses, streets, and alleys. The blend of architectural styles gives Hoi An a truly special, beautiful, and charming appearance. Influenced by historical events and the impact of diverse cultures, Hoi An Ancient Town is a perfect fusion of multiple architectural traditions, creating unique values and a captivating ambiance.
Hoi An Tourism - The most attractive tourist destination in Vietnam
Characteristics of House Architecture in Hoi An Ancient Town
The first notable feature is the architectural style of the houses in Hoi An. These houses have a long history and, for the most part, have preserved their original architectural design, with minimal changes over time. Generally, the ancient houses in Hoi An follow a two-story structure, typical of classical tube houses, with either yin-yang tile roofs or traditional fish scale tile roofs. The houses are divided into different areas, including the main house, auxiliary house, veranda, bridge house, three-compartment back house, and sidewalk. One distinctive aspect of house architecture in Hoi An is the use of wooden columns, which are built on stone foundations.
Phung Hung ancient house was built in 1780
Characteristics of Architectural Heritage in Hoi An Ancient Town
Hoi An was once a center of Buddhism with many famous pagodas, and it quickly became a gathering place for various cultural and religious beliefs both domestically and internationally. To this day, Hoi An's ancient town still preserves architectural landmarks with a strong religious influence, such as temples, assembly halls (Quang Dong Assembly Hall, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, Trieu Chau Assembly Hall, Duong Thuong Assembly Hall, Hai Nam Assembly Hall), ancestral houses, and most notably, the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge spanning the Thu Bon River.
Distinctive Roofing Style: The roofing style in Hoi An's ancient architecture is considered diverse. The roofs are designed with curved vaults and covered with yin-yang tiles, similar to residential buildings. The roofing structure in the historical sites of Hoi An is intricate, meticulously designed, and pays attention to every detail, shape, and color.
Distinctive Column System: The columns are made from precious and durable woods, and the majority of them have retained their original shapes, colors, and ornate carvings. These large columns feature intricate and beautiful details, such as dragon and phoenix motifs, Confucian philosophical symbols, and life lessons.
Hopefully, the sharing about the architectural features of Hoi An ancient town will help you better understand this cultural land that is both classic and modern.
Ngoc Nguyen