Hoi An River

The Bridge across this side stream of the Thu Bồn was built by Japanese residents Go to another site.

at the end of the 16th Century to connect their part of the town to the main areas Hội An Go to another site.

is a (indeed yet another) World Heritage Site situated on the estuary of the River Thu Bồn about 30 kilometres south of Da Nang. In the 17th Century the sheltered anchorage made it one of the largest foreign trade ports of the region. Streets were named after the various countries with which the town traded. However, in the inward looking period of the 19th Century the river changed course and was allowed to silt up. It has now re-emerged as one of the principle tourist centres of Vietnam. Japanese Bridge from downstream.

The Bridge is covered to provide a place of shelter from bad weather, but it is also unique... Entrance to the Japanese Bridge and Pagoda.

...as it is reputed to be the only bridge anywhere which was constructed with a Buddhist Pagoda within it Low vehicle bridge.

A more orthodox bridge sets the limit on travel upstream Carnival mythological decorations.

There were various creatures of mythological importance decorating a placid area of the river... Models of crocodiles on the river

...including crocodiles, fish...

...dragons and cockerals... Riverside lanterns.

...and topped out with lanterns... Giant children's toys.

...and giant children's toys Coracle.

Coracles

are seen everywhere in Vietanm, the areas of quiet water making them practical. Traditionally they were found in a curious distribution of countries which included India, Iraq and Tibet, as well as being built in Wales and Ireland Turqoise boat.

Shades of turqoise and sea green are often used on boats in Vietnam Canoe.

Canoes are more practical if the water is not dead calm Wider rowing boats.

Wide bodied rowing boats are used for moving people and goods around Sailing boat.

And for those going further, sail power assists Women in boats conversing.

Nowhere in Vietnam is conversation absent A double decker tourist boat.

A tourist boat to take in the sites and allow refreshments A boat with eyes.

Many boats have eyes on their prows A sailing boat with cargo.

A sailing boat for cargo Cafes by the river at dusk.

But it is at dusk... Eyes painted on a larger vessel.

Again eyes on a larger craft Dusk along the river.

...that Hoi An's water starts to come into its own... Night by the river.

...and after that brief, maybe 10 minute period - for such is the length of twighlight in the tropics - the coloured lights and dark recesses take over to create another town, one suited to sautering between shops and sitting for slow meals in restuarants The next page stays here in Hội An taking you to some of the streets of the picturesque old town.

Hội An and the River Thu Bồn