International Traveller

CRAFTING MEMORIES

Central Vietnam | POSTCARDS

The sky is turning to bronze as the sun dips beyond the roofline of the merchant houses along the edge of the canal. Here in Hội An, the ‘Venice of the East’ in Central Vietnam, there is a bit of a moment – almost a collective breath held for a split second by the gathering throngs. As with every evening in the night markets, that collective breath is expelled with a soft, joyful “aaaah” as the town's famous silk lanterns crisscrossing Nguyen Phuc Chu Street come alive with light.

The many lantern stores are suddenly the most popular shops as the last of the twilight fades. Families pose for photos amid the jewel-toned hues, then eagerly sign up for the next day's lantern-making workshops offered throughout the Old Town area.

I have brought my own child here, too, to sink deep into experiencing the Hội An I last visited more

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from International Traveller

International Traveller3 min read
The Good life
The first thing you will notice on the terrace outside The Woolshed at Ayrburn are the groups of people laughing and clinking cocktail glasses. There's music drifting across the manicured lawn as a couple dance and sway to Where We Belong by Purple D
International Traveller2 min read
Creative Direction
Farah Zeb Khalid, also known as Farah X, says her dream as a director is to provide a platform for other women of colour to feel seen and heard. e Pakistani-American director is a former model who worked in Paris, London and Los Angeles before steppi
International Traveller2 min read
A Journey Through Western Canada & Alaska
Encounters with wildlife, the majestic beauty of mountains and glaciers and the warm hospitality of the people of western Canada and Alaska are just some of the highlights of a 15-day Canadian Rockies and Alaska's Inside Passage tour with Collette. W

Related Books & Audiobooks