From ruins to world-famous heritage city

Half a century ago, Hoi An was a fierce battlefield in the resistance war against the US to save the country. From the countryside to the streets, from the steadfast soldiers to the ordinary people, all created a courageous people's war. On March 28, 1975, the army and people of Hoi An rose up together, defeated the enemy's strongholds, and took back the entire city. This event was not only the pride of the people of Hoi An but also contributed to Spring 1975 victory, national reunification.

The years of resistance left behind enormous losses. Hoi An was then devastated and in ruins with thousands of wounded and fallen soldiers and the wounds of war deeply etched in the hearts of the people. However, with a resilient spirit, the cadres and people of Hoi An quickly embarked on the reconstruction work, gradually reviving their homeland from the ashes.

In the days after liberation, Hoi An people faced numerous difficulties: food shortages, scarce jobs, and destroyed infrastructure. In the early years, the government and people of Hoi An implemented a series of measures to restore production and stabilize life. Fields were reclaimed, cooperatives were gradually formed, and traditional crafts such as weaving and rattan weaving were restored to create jobs for the people.

A major turning point came to Hoi An in the 1990s when the country entered a period of renovation. Realizing the potential of the ancient town with its priceless cultural values, Hoi An chose the path of sustainable tourism development. The conservation policy associated with economic development has helped Hoi An gradually transform. In 1999, UNESCO recognized Hoi An Ancient Town is a world cultural heritage, opening a new chapter for this land.

Hoi An - a model of sustainable development

Today, Hoi An is not only a top tourist destination in Vietnam but also a model in preserving and promoting cultural values. Every year, the city welcomes nearly 5 million visitors, of which 70% are international visitors. The ancient quarters with moss-covered roofs and small alleys bearing the mark of time have become an irresistible attraction. Traditional festivals such as Tet Nguyen Tieu, Ram thang 1, Hoi An ancient town night are held regularly, helping visitors understand more deeply about local culture.

Besides tourism, Hoi An’s economy has also undergone dramatic changes. From a poor land after the war, the city’s budget revenue has now reached nearly 1,800 billion VND per year, a thousand-fold increase compared to 50 years ago. Notably, since 2017, Hoi An has no more poor households, demonstrating the comprehensive development of this land.

However, despite its remarkable achievements, Hoi An still faces many challenges. Pressure from large numbers of tourists poses the problem of conservation and sustainable development. Climate change and rising sea levels are also threatening coastal areas and the Hoai River. In this context, Hoi An is focusing on building an ecological city, minimizing environmental pollution, and promoting green tourism models.

One notable point is that Hoi An will no longer be a district-level administrative unit according to the policy of restructuring the state apparatus. However, name Hoi An and the cultural and historical values ​​of this land will forever remain, not only in the hearts of the people but also on the international tourism map.

Looking back on the 50 years since liberation, Hoi An has undergone a spectacular transformation. From a land devastated by war, to now a world-famous heritage city, Hoi An is a testament to the spirit of resilience and adaptability to the times. Today's achievements are a solid foundation for Hoi An to continue to rise, maintaining its position as the most attractive destination in Vietnam and the world.