Strolling through the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An is like walking into a fairy tale, a quiet and friendly place reminiscent of a colourful era. Hoi An was one of South-East Asia's main commercial ports from the 17th to the 19th century and an important centre of East–West cultural exchange. Its ancient past is superbly preserved in fascinating temples, pagodas, shop houses and homes which make up the town’s old quarter. This UNESCO World Heritage listed site is one of Vietnam’s major historical treasures and just a five minute drive from the Swiss-Belhotel Golden Sand Resort.

The centre of Vietnam was historically the Cham Kingdom, before becoming the ancient empire of Annam. This heritage can be explored in the town of Hoi An, the site of My Son and the city of Hue, all UNESCO-listed World Heritage Sites and three of the architectural gems of the country. It is a distinctive region, a narrow band of beautiful highlands and coast, rich in cultural history.

My Son Valley was the spiritual centre of the ancient Cham civilisation, in the same way as Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Borobudur in Indonesia and Pagan in Myanmar.
A religious sanctuary since the 4th century, its history is reflected in the temples and towers that remain. It is also the home of the Museum of Cham Sculpture, which records the development of the culture and history of the Cham people through their elaborate sculptures and carvings. My Son Valley is 35 miles (60km) northwest of Hoi An.

Hue was once the national capital and is today one of Vietnam’s most important historical attractions. The Imperial City was home to 13 emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. The Royal Citadel, constructed in 1805, is equalled only by the spectacular Forbidden City in Beijing. The charm of this timeless city lies not only in its historical and architectural value, but also the natural beauty of its location on the banks of the Perfume River. Hue is 62 miles (110km) north of Da Nang and 90 miles (140km) north of Hoi An.