A poignant New Year's Eve in Hoi An

Japanese Bridge (Hoi An) on New Year's Eve. Photo: QT

Recently, the American digital publication islands.com ranked Vietnam among the top 5 best countries in Asia for experiencing Lunar New Year travel . The publication also stated that Hoi An is one of the most ideal destinations in Vietnam to experience the New Year's Eve celebrations.

Hoi An's New Year's Eve is truly captivating for those who want to experience the nostalgic flavor of Tet. As is customary, the Bài Chòi singing area near An Hoi Bridge quickly attracts a large number of locals and tourists from the very first performances.

The space for Bài Chòi singing attracts a large number of locals and tourists to experience it on New Year's Eve. Photo: QT

Both a traditional Tet (Lunar New Year) game and a distinctive cultural feature, Bài Chòi in Central Vietnam, of which Hoi An is a prime example, has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The unique melodies, infused with a touch of wit, elicited hearty laughter from everyone, instantly transporting the street's atmosphere back to the Tet celebrations of yesteryear.

The joy of domestic and international tourists when winning and receiving gifts from the Bài Chòi game. Photo: QT

Experiencing the traditional Lunar New Year in Hoi An for the first time during his trip to Vietnam, David (from the United Kingdom) shared: “My family and I celebrated New Year's Eve in Hoi An after traveling in Ha Giang , Sapa, and Hanoi. The New Year's Eve atmosphere in Hoi An was wonderful, a blend of excitement and tranquility. A memorable moment on New Year's Eve in Hoi An was winning the Bài Chòi game on our very first try.”

International tourists are delighted by the shimmering lanterns in a restaurant. Photo: QT

On the Hoai River, the light from hundreds of boats blends with the glow of floating lanterns, creating a magical and enchanting scene that captivates the hearts of visitors.

Strangely enough, these same spring-themed songs, when sung from somewhere in an old house, evoke in the listener not only joy but also a touch of poignant longing.

Hoi An ancient town is dazzling and magical on New Year's Eve. Photo: QT

Could this be one of the most precious moments that has led many international travel websites to describe Hoi An as a destination possessing timeless beauty – "where time stands still"?!

As the clock ticked towards midnight, celebratory glasses clinked together in countless homes, and the scent of Tet permeated every corner of the streets.

A father and son release floating lanterns on the Hoai River, wishing for good fortune and happiness in the new year. Photo: QT

At this moment, all worries and anxieties are temporarily set aside, so that everyone, in every home, can sow the seeds of hope, "May happiness be everywhere / May the fragrance of peace fill the air," as the concluding lines of the song "A Toast to Happiness" by composer Pham Dinh Chuong suggest.

Source: https://baoquangnam.vn/phut-giao-thua-sau-lang-o-pho-hoi-3148342.html