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 Few visitors fail to be charmed by the tiny, teeming streets and crooked houses of Hoi An, 35km from Danang. Indeed, almost everyone rates the town among their favorite stops in Vietnam. Originally a harbor for the Cham city at My Son, the town became a trading port for Chinese, Japanese and European traders, reaching its peak during the 17th century. The different influences on this riverside town over the centuries have resulted in an eclectic mix of architectural styles, ranging from Chinese assembly halls to grand merchants' houses and French colonial villas.
Though many of the houses have been restored, they maintain their original beauty. Most are characterized by polished wooden floors, intricately carved doors and shutters and antique furniture.
In recent years, Hoi An's traders have dedicated themselves to the arts, and the town is home to dozens of art galleries, textile houses and museums. Transportation around Hoi An is by cyclo, on foot or by hired bicycle. A half-hour pedal at a leisurely pace brings visitors to Hoi An's popular Cua Dai beach. Alternatively, one can rent a local sampan and enjoy a peaceful boat ride down the river to the beach.
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The Japanese covered bridge was built over a small canal in 1593 to link the Japanese quarter to the Chinese quarter. Designed and built by the Japanese community, the wooden structure has remained intact. On one side of the bridge are carvings of dogs, and on the other, carvings of monkeys. This is because construction began during a year of the dog, and ended during a year of the monkey. On the northern side of the bridge there is a Japanese pagoda dedicated to protecting sailors.