La Stampa, Italy’s third most popular newspaper, called the ancient town
of Hoi An in central coastal Quang Nam province an ideal Asian
destination in 2015 in an article titled “Hoi An, a multinational
Vietnam”.
La Stampa introduced readers to the
town’s history since it was a busy trading port on the north bank of
Hoai River between the 16 th and 17 th centuries, saying that a
fusion of indigenous and foreign cultures, which has been carefully
preserved to date, is what makes the town attractive to visitors.
It appeals to visitors with beautiful tiled-roof houses embellished
with unique details and carved wooden pillars alongside folk symbols to
protect the owners from misfortune.
Both Eastern
and Western influences can be seen in Hoi An, ranging from pagodas and
bridges in Chinese and Vietnamese designs to remains of the French
colonial mansions, the newspaper said.
Tourists
should not miss Hoi An during its magical full moon nights as electric
lights are switched off and the streets sparkle in the light of silk
lanterns hung from houses to shops.
The
article also recommended several restaurants, coffee shops and hotels to
its readers where they can experience local cuisine without breaking
the bank.
Hoi An was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999.
Vietnam’s towns and landscapes have been recommended by foreign
newspapers and travel magazines, such as La Repubblica, La, Stampa,
Dove and Conde Nast Traveller.
Sapa, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, the Mekong Delta and Hoi An are the most-frequently mentioned favourite destinations.
Vietnam welcomed around 50,000 Italian travellers and some 7 million international arrivals in 2013.-VNA