Hội An , formerly known as Fai-Fo or Faifoo, is a city with a population of approximately 120,000 in Vietnam's Quảng Nam Province and noted since 1999 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Old Town Hội An, the city's historic district, is recognized as an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century, its buildings and street plan reflecting a unique blend of influences, indigenous and foreign. Prominent in the city's old town, is its covered "Japanese Bridge," dating to the 16th-17th century.

In 1999, the old town was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO as a well-preserved example of a south-east Asian trading port of the 15th to 19th centuries, with buildings that display a unique blend of local and foreign influences.

The first lasting contact between Vietnam and Europe resulted from the arrival in 1535 of Portuguese explorer and sea captain Antônio de Faria. His attempt to establish a major trading centre at the port village of Faifo (now Hôi An), about 15 miles south of present Da Nang, floundered. The Portuguese labelled the area "Caucichina".

Due to the increased number of tourists visiting Hoi An a variety of activities are emerging which allow guests to get out of the old quarter and explore by motorbike, bicycle, Kayak or motorboat. The Thu Bon River is still essential to the region more than 500 years after António de Faria first navigated it and it remains an essential form of food production and transport.

Haiphong region, Vietnam

Haiphong region, Vietnam

60 postcards from Vietnam. From Hanoi to Hoi An