![Hoi An, Vietnam cover page.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/108737918.7yCq49vW.jpg) Hoi An, Vietnam cover page. |
![Map of Vietnam with the star indicating Hoi An.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108737919.vgqKUHMd.jpg) Map of Vietnam with the star indicating Hoi An. |
![Hoi An is a harbor town located at the estuary of the Thu Bon River.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738248.sxwEhk22.jpg) Hoi An is a harbor town located at the estuary of the Thu Bon River. |
![Hoi An doorway with interesting masks and lanterns.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738246.n89wKGbj.jpg) Hoi An doorway with interesting masks and lanterns. |
![Close-up of the masks.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738243.nn053xPc.jpg) Close-up of the masks. |
![View from the restaurant where I had lunch in Hoi An of the Thu Bon River.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738254.hHhMwlBQ.jpg) View from the restaurant where I had lunch in Hoi An of the Thu Bon River. |
![Another view of the river from the restaurant.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738250.DinkWM5k.jpg) Another view of the river from the restaurant. |
![A bucolic scene looking down the river.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738252.P6Ly4kes.jpg) A bucolic scene looking down the river. |
![A bicycle rickshaw driver protecting himself from the rain on Bach Dang Street in Hoi An.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738256.POey49QB.jpg) A bicycle rickshaw driver protecting himself from the rain on Bach Dang Street in Hoi An. |
![Wooden boats moored on the Thu Bon River.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738258.5QvUyRTY.jpg) Wooden boats moored on the Thu Bon River. |
![A craggy-faced old woman with rain gear in a rowboat.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/108738260.7UPeGb5R.jpg) A craggy-faced old woman with rain gear in a rowboat. |
![The old woman is doing something with her hands.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738262.2Q7RTS8X.jpg) The old woman is doing something with her hands. |
![The Japanese Covered Bridge connects Tran Phu Street and Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738264.mD5DRrEt.jpg) The Japanese Covered Bridge connects Tran Phu Street and Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street. |
![Me standing on the Japanese Covered Bridge. It was built in the 16th century by Japanese merchants.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738266.NzYLiENB.jpg) Me standing on the Japanese Covered Bridge. It was built in the 16th century by Japanese merchants. |
![View from where I was standing on the Japanese Covered Bridge.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738270.rH4irCYC.jpg) View from where I was standing on the Japanese Covered Bridge. |
![A monkey idol on the Japanese Covered Bridge of Hoi An.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738272.ChjJsa08.jpg) A monkey idol on the Japanese Covered Bridge of Hoi An. |
![A small Buddhist shrine with incense offerings on the Japanese Covered Bridge.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/108738268.ZDlkKRsw.jpg) A small Buddhist shrine with incense offerings on the Japanese Covered Bridge. |
![The ground floor of the historic Phung Hung Merchant House located near the Japanese Covered Bridge.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738659.C9MuB175.jpg) The ground floor of the historic Phung Hung Merchant House located near the Japanese Covered Bridge. |
![The 2nd floor of the Phung Hung Merchant House. The house has been home to the same family for 8 generations.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738661.AVSzEZb7.jpg) The 2nd floor of the Phung Hung Merchant House. The house has been home to the same family for 8 generations. |
![Looking down from the 2nd floor balcony. The house is built in the Vietnamese style with Japanese and Chinese influences.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738667.iFINN34M.jpg) Looking down from the 2nd floor balcony. The house is built in the Vietnamese style with Japanese and Chinese influences. |
![Suspended from the ceiling is a shrine to the ancestors as well as the protector deity, Thien Hau.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738663.fv7G7kON.jpg) Suspended from the ceiling is a shrine to the ancestors as well as the protector deity, Thien Hau. |
![Ancient looking wooden statues in the Phung Hung Merchant House.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738665.kAEbMilD.jpg) Ancient looking wooden statues in the Phung Hung Merchant House. |
![A traditional Vietnamese lantern hanging in the Phung Hung Merchant House.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/108738669.VjBnBsZ5.jpg) A traditional Vietnamese lantern hanging in the Phung Hung Merchant House. |
![I got a photo of this toothless Vietnamese woman outside of the Phung Hung Merchant House. I had to tip her to get the picture.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738675.uN1V6FQk.jpg) I got a photo of this toothless Vietnamese woman outside of the Phung Hung Merchant House. I had to tip her to get the picture. |
![Me posing with my new girl friend. She was tiny!](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/108738673.xv30X9fk.jpg) Me posing with my new girl friend. She was tiny! |
![Monkey-face carving in a sandalwood carving and incense shop I went into in Hoi An.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738677.XWWsePci.jpg) Monkey-face carving in a sandalwood carving and incense shop I went into in Hoi An. |
![This woman was making sandalwood incense sticks.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738680.GZVuOX2i.jpg) This woman was making sandalwood incense sticks. |
![The sandalwood incense sticks ready to be sold.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738682.i4wMRtiX.jpg) The sandalwood incense sticks ready to be sold. |
![A sandalwood tree trunk ready to be carved in the shop.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738685.CGX2Oxjx.jpg) A sandalwood tree trunk ready to be carved in the shop. |
![Entrance to the Assembly Hall of the Cantonese Chinese Congregation on Tran Phu St. in Hoi An.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738688.rsQLhCyD.jpg) Entrance to the Assembly Hall of the Cantonese Chinese Congregation on Tran Phu St. in Hoi An. |
![A stone guardian protecting the Cantonese Assembly Hall.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738692.1yySLK8n.jpg) A stone guardian protecting the Cantonese Assembly Hall. |
![A mythical looking bird and tortoise carving at the Cantonese Assembly Hall.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738694.08EmXp7S.jpg) A mythical looking bird and tortoise carving at the Cantonese Assembly Hall. |
![Work was being done on the Chinese letters. This Assembly Hall was built by Cantonese merchants in 1885.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738696.hOOoFRoT.jpg) Work was being done on the Chinese letters. This Assembly Hall was built by Cantonese merchants in 1885. |
![Parts of the building were made in China and transferred to Hoi An.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738701.TgWEA1OG.jpg) Parts of the building were made in China and transferred to Hoi An. |
![A Cantonese shrine at the Assembly Hall.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738703.es2oLA8q.jpg) A Cantonese shrine at the Assembly Hall. |
![Details of the shrine. The fruit is probably an offering.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738705.MHZe8IlL.jpg) Details of the shrine. The fruit is probably an offering. |
![This Cantonese statue is also part of the shrine.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738917.OBLWvuIK.jpg) This Cantonese statue is also part of the shrine. |
![Interesting Cantonese wooden statue protected in plexiglas.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738915.TKQCEIr6.jpg) Interesting Cantonese wooden statue protected in plexiglas. |
![Some of these statues reflect the musical dramas of Cantonese culture.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738916.o7g4NwoB.jpg) Some of these statues reflect the musical dramas of Cantonese culture. |
![The Assembly Hall has an amazing fountain that features a dragon.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738918.0qN1ABl7.jpg) The Assembly Hall has an amazing fountain that features a dragon. |
![The dragon is a beautiful creation made out of pottery.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738919.33TYk7NX.jpg) The dragon is a beautiful creation made out of pottery. |
![I noticed this Chinese warrior by the entrance as I was getting ready to leave.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738920.e1UXbWI6.jpg) I noticed this Chinese warrior by the entrance as I was getting ready to leave. |
![This beautiful and ethereal painting was hanging by the entrance of the Cantonese Assembly Hall.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738921.afjTwf3M.jpg) This beautiful and ethereal painting was hanging by the entrance of the Cantonese Assembly Hall. |
![View of a rainy Tran Phu Street in Hoi An.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738925.w2vJGyW2.jpg) View of a rainy Tran Phu Street in Hoi An. |
![There are many shops and markets there. It is very touristy.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/108738926.EHmxEQOw.jpg) There are many shops and markets there. It is very touristy. |
![My next stop was at a silkworm breeding factory and tailor shop on Le Loi Street.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738928.W5HmwfvM.jpg) My next stop was at a silkworm breeding factory and tailor shop on Le Loi Street. |
![The silkworms breeding. I was given the standard tour with the ultimate intention to sell me something!](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738929.pAGiZ7F1.jpg) The silkworms breeding. I was given the standard tour with the ultimate intention to sell me something! |
![Here you can see the cocoons of the silkworms from which the silk is extracted.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738930.k5mgywrL.jpg) Here you can see the cocoons of the silkworms from which the silk is extracted. |
![In this process, the silk is being extracted. The sales pitch worked, I wound up buying two custom-made shirts there!](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738931.Dw2SFszp.jpg) In this process, the silk is being extracted. The sales pitch worked, I wound up buying two custom-made shirts there! |
![For the second time that day, I ran into the toothless woman. She was posing again for tips.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738932.LUk3kTvo.jpg) For the second time that day, I ran into the toothless woman. She was posing again for tips. |
![Her friends saw what a good thing the toothless women had going and got in on the picture taking (and tipping)!](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738933.7IdMnG8T.jpg) Her friends saw what a good thing the toothless women had going and got in on the picture taking (and tipping)! |
![Next, I went to the Museum of Trading Ceramics in Hoi An and saw this amazing 3-dimensional ceramic wall artwork.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738936.dvlQN97e.jpg) Next, I went to the Museum of Trading Ceramics in Hoi An and saw this amazing 3-dimensional ceramic wall artwork. |
![View of the Ngu Bang Hoi Quan (All Chinese) Assembly Hall. It was open to any Chinese trader or seaman, despite their ethnicity.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738937.3uKbpZnw.jpg) View of the Ngu Bang Hoi Quan (All Chinese) Assembly Hall. It was open to any Chinese trader or seaman, despite their ethnicity. |
![Closer view of the Ngu Bang Hoi Quan Assembly Hall.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738938.JIVY2RPe.jpg) Closer view of the Ngu Bang Hoi Quan Assembly Hall. |
![Beautiful ceramic figures are enshrined in the Ngu Bang Hoi Quan Assembly Hall.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738963.hktOm8hQ.jpg) Beautiful ceramic figures are enshrined in the Ngu Bang Hoi Quan Assembly Hall. |
![Close-up of one of the ceramic figures.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738964.IG5lk1C1.jpg) Close-up of one of the ceramic figures. |
![Nice view of the Thu Bon River in the afternoon.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738982.VEsktmF8.jpg) Nice view of the Thu Bon River in the afternoon. |
![The Thu Bon River with pedestrians walking and biking across the bridge.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738984.rWRK8kNo.jpg) The Thu Bon River with pedestrians walking and biking across the bridge. |
![A mix of wooden tourist boats and fishing boats on the Thu Bon River.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738985.TqLeh4AY.jpg) A mix of wooden tourist boats and fishing boats on the Thu Bon River. |
![The Fukien Assembly Hall. Hoi An had a lot of maritime trade by the 1700s, thus, ethnic Chinese built numerous assembly halls.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738990.kYGNUNsU.jpg) The Fukien Assembly Hall. Hoi An had a lot of maritime trade by the 1700s, thus, ethnic Chinese built numerous assembly halls. |
![Potted plants decorate a patio garden inside the Fukien Assembly Hall compound at Hoi An.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738991.A1650sGu.jpg) Potted plants decorate a patio garden inside the Fukien Assembly Hall compound at Hoi An. |
![A ceramic face decorating the Fukien Assembly Hall.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738992.3rQDzRjf.jpg) A ceramic face decorating the Fukien Assembly Hall. |
![A ceramic fish sculpture in a pond in the Fukien Assembly Hall.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738993.zFvWI2uc.jpg) A ceramic fish sculpture in a pond in the Fukien Assembly Hall. |
![I walked down Bach Dang Street and passed by this boat with many rubber tires on it.](https://a4.pbase.com/g3/73/691773/3/108738965.Kx2glcvV.jpg) I walked down Bach Dang Street and passed by this boat with many rubber tires on it. |
![I was approaching the large open air market in Hoi An.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738966.366x5DcX.jpg) I was approaching the large open air market in Hoi An. |
![Hoi An women selling fruit and vegetables.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738967.u0NCrSGR.jpg) Hoi An women selling fruit and vegetables. |
![This women was looking for customers.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738968.LH6gCGdb.jpg) This women was looking for customers. |
![A Hoi An fish vendor. I tried the local catch, and it was delicious!](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738970.eOAA0yZn.jpg) A Hoi An fish vendor. I tried the local catch, and it was delicious! |
![These women were doing some washing in the Thu Bon River.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738971.n3POseqB.jpg) These women were doing some washing in the Thu Bon River. |
![Some of the customers were very picky when buying fish.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738972.V7UKUB6B.jpg) Some of the customers were very picky when buying fish. |
![The fruit and vegetable market was very extensive.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738973.7sijWkBD.jpg) The fruit and vegetable market was very extensive. |
![A vendor selling her vegetables.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738975.tOrg5MiS.jpg) A vendor selling her vegetables. |
![Close-up of another vendor selling eggs and vegetables.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738976.HHDMQVPg.jpg) Close-up of another vendor selling eggs and vegetables. |
![People eating at the open-air market since it was late in the afternoon and close to dinnertime.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738978.NnMWjtCQ.jpg) People eating at the open-air market since it was late in the afternoon and close to dinnertime. |
![This cyclo driver was taking a late afternoon nap. That's how I felt after spending the day touring Hoi An!](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/108738980.BvSOeZmM.jpg) This cyclo driver was taking a late afternoon nap. That's how I felt after spending the day touring Hoi An! |