Hoi An, located at the estuary of Thu Bon River, grew from a declining port to one of the most active international commercial center in Southeast Asia in mid-16th century. The port city of Hoi An then attracted vessels from numerous countries, including Spain, India, China and Japan.
Since the end of the 19th century, the Hoi An port city gradually declined, allowing the Da Nang mechanical port to become the new international commercial center. Nevertheless, Hoi An remained to be the political, economic, military and cultural center of Quang Nam Province.
Following Vietnam’s reunification in 1975, Hoi An became a town of Quang Nam-Da Nang Province. Quang Nam and Da Nang later separated on Nov. 6, 1996, and Hoi An became a part of Quang Nam. Hoi An eventually became a city in January 2008.
A corner of Hoi An, an intersection between Le Loi and Bach Dang streets, can be seen in the photo above.
The Hoi An Market in 1930.
The market had its beginning in 1841. It was first located in the Ong Voi communal house area, before being relocated to near the Bach Dang River in 1848. The market is an international commercial hub, where imported products were usually traded.
The Guangdong Club was located at 176 Tran Phu in mid-19th century. The club was built in 1885 as a communal space for Guangdong people in Hoi An.
Thanks to its unique architectural features, a mix between Guangdong and local use of wood and rock materials, the club is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
The riverine road next to the Bach Dang as seen in 1950. Not much has changed over 75 years, with pavements being built along the river for pedestrians.
Hoi An has 1,439 relic sites, including houses, wells, markets, pagodas and other infrastructures.