VIETNAM: Hoi An's Ship to Shore Life

Central Vietnamese culture is strongly linked to the sea.

Hoi An was an international port of Vietnam and an important place on the Silk Road of the world.

For local fishermen, the boat is seen as the most precious property. Many fisher families still live in their own boat as a house.

They paint eyes at the bow because they think that the boat needs eyes to see things clearly in the front, to navigate well and avoid dangers.

Bach Dang, in the historic quay of Hoi An trading town, used to dock and transfer goods from merchant’s boats from 15^th to 19^th century.

Today, each morning, fisherman boats still moor here to offload their merchandise.

It is a bustling market where vendors sell the fish catches of the day.

Produce can also be found at the market.

And various assorted other items.

A future vendor?

A tourist who got tricked by a vendor?

These ladies wander around and offer to let you take their picture "for free". Then they hand you the baskets so you can be in a picture "for free". Then offer to take your camera and take your picture together, "for free". (That's where I said "NO!") Then they grab a small bag, throw in a couple pieces of fruit, their choice, and ask for money. WTF just happened!?!?

Along the dock tourists can catch a boat to go on a boat cruise.

Before the sun sets merchants sell paper boats with candles.

At night the Hoai River comes alive with twinkling paper lanterns and paper boats sailing on the canal.

This has earned Hoi An recognition as a romantic destination.