Hoi An’s Traditions and Customs – A Photographer’s Cultural Insight

Hoi An’s Traditions and Customs: A Photographer’s Cultural Insight
It’s easy to imagine that Hoi An is an outdated museum of a past Vietnam “frozen in time”, but this ancient city is actually very much alive, with people living their lives in a way that feels surprisingly authentic. The streets are buzzing with bicycles and scooters, shoppers and diners fill the cafes and shops and the markets are an incredible hive of activity. At night the Old Town is lit up with soft lantern light and laughing families lean their bikes against the faded paint, grazing on street food and people-watching  Hoi An Photographer .

Hoi An is a cultural melting pot and this is especially evident in the local cuisine and architecture. The Tran Family Chapel, for example, is an amazing blend of 3 different architectural styles (Japanese – Chinese – Vietnamese) and is imbued with history and culture.

Another example of the city’s culture can be found in the way fabric, particularly silk, is woven into Hoi An’s history. The famous Hoi An Cloth Market is a sensory experience where you will find yourself in a sea of colourful fabrics as sellers entice customers with their samples and prices. For a more genteel experience, you can visit one of the many tailors in the city and get an outfit, shoes or bag fashioned to your exact specifications, often at a very affordable price.

In fact, a trip to the local market is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture and you will easily be able to sample some of the delicious foods and drinks on offer here. Just be aware that some of the local superstitions can seem a little odd – such as not getting your haircut before an exam, or believing that if you flip fish on your plate during a meal it will bring bad luck.