Global Treasures: Hoi An - Vietnam is an intricate and captivating documentary that provides viewers with a remarkable insight into the beauty, culture and history of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hoi An, Vietnam. The documentary is one of the many exceptional Global Treasures documentaries that have been created, highlighting the world's most treasured locations and giving viewers the chance to explore and discover these incredible locations for themselves.
Hoi An is a port city situated in central Vietnam that dates back over 2,000 years. The city thrived as a trading hub for over 500 years and has been influenced by a number of different cultures, which is evident in its diverse architectural styles. The documentary starts by showcasing the unique and picturesque architecture found throughout the city.
Viewers get to explore Hoi An's ancient temples, houses and assembly halls that have been constructed in a variety of stunning styles, ranging from Japanese and Chinese to European. The way the documentary highlights the architectural diversity is fascinating, and the attention to detail in the structures is admirable. It's not difficult to understand why tourism thrives in Hoi An, as the city perfectly blends together these different cultures into an impressive collective.
The documentary takes viewers on a tour of the many murals that decorate the alleyways of Hoi An, providing an insightful look into the city's rich history. These murals tell the story of how Hoi An rose to the heights of a thriving trading hub before being buried in sand for centuries, and then ultimately being rediscovered by French archaeologists.
The documentary then moves onto the historical significance of Hoi An's Thu Bon River, with a tour of a nearby shipyard that was once responsible for producing the ships used for trading expeditions. The shipyard is still in operation today and we see an incredible depiction of the extensive work that goes into constructing a traditional wooden Vietnamese ship using traditional techniques.
The documentary highlights Hoi An's history on the Silk Road, and viewers learn how the city was once responsible for flower-shaped ceramic crockery that was highly sought after in China. The city was not only known for its ceramics but also for its textiles, shoes and silk, and the documentary provides a unique glimpse into this aspect of Hoi An's past.
One of the most exciting parts of the documentary is the exploration of the Hoi An Night Market, which is a bustling and vibrant street market that comes alive at night. The market is awash with stalls selling street food, souvenirs and clothing, providing viewers with a mesmerizing look at the market culture in Vietnam.
Perhaps one of the most mesmerizing experiences of the documentary is the depiction of the Hoi An Full Moon Festival. This is a traditional festival in which people light candles and let them float down the Thu Bon River, and the documentary provides a breathtaking look into the beauty and cultural significance of this event.
The documentary concludes with a tour of the traditional herb garden, offering viewers insight into how traditional medicine has been used throughout Vietnam for centuries. It's fascinating to see how the traditional methods are still being used today and how visitors can learn about the medicinal properties of different plants.
Global Treasures: Hoi An - Vietnam is a truly eye-opening and engaging documentary that highlights the beauty of this small but vitally important city. The documentary is a true gem in the Global Treasures series, giving viewers the chance to explore Hoi An and all its wonders without ever having to leave home.
