NHI: The first words, please allow us to send the warmest greeting to you.

Our
group, including four members: NN, HN, TN and QP, are going to bring you
a comprehensive speech about Hội An Ancient Town – one of Vietnam’s most
significant cultural heritages, and how we should preserve it.

NHI: Let’s start with the basic: What is cultural heritage?

NHUNG: Cultural heritage is the heritage we have inherited: our legacy, our
memories, physical places, objects and intangible beliefs and practices, and so
much more. Intangible heritage can often be associated with particular tangible
cultural heritage. Our heritage – physical and non-physical – is an important part of
who we are and what we identify with, as individuals and communities.

PHƯƠNG: Moving to eight Vietnam’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites which

are scattered throughout the country, Hội An Ancient Town is an incredible
gem in central Vietnam. Located on the banks of the poetic Thu Bồn River, in the
heart of Quảng Nam province, Hội An Ancient Town is a well-preserved example
of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century.
NHÂN: The reputation of Hội An comes from many factors. However, the
three most special things may be architecture, food, and tailor. Hội An’s
architecture is a harmonious blend of Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese design. It
is a density of many pagodas, temples and ancient houses that bear its unique
mark, which makes it extremely special and unlike any other places in Vietnam.
The original street grid plan remains as it was, and over 1000 architecture
monuments was preserved. Hội An is even better in the evenings, when the faded
streets glow in the light of thousands of lanterns. Hội An is considered a living
museum of architecture and urban lifestyle.
NHI: Besides architecture, Hội An Ancient Town is also famous as a heaven of
street food. Most of the food here is sold on the streets or in small alleys. With a
variety of cuisines and rustic dishes, Hội An is one of the 25 most attractive
destinations for foodies all over the world. Furthermore, it is also well-known for
silk and tailor. In this small town, there are about 400 cloth shops and tailor shops.
NHUNG: Hội An Old Town, which has outstanding universal value, offers
some of the greatest access to tourism experiences in Vietnam. It teaches us
about history, about architecture, design, environment, social structure, and
craftsmanship, hence giving people a connection to certain social values,
beliefs, religions, and customs.

PHƯƠNG: All of us should now that management and preservation need to be

further strengthened in order to prevent the loss of this heritage. Then, what
actions should be taken?
NHÂN: To begin with, Hội An's authorities must manage to keep most of the
city's developments under control, as well as keep the old houses, the Japanese
bridge, and the Chinese pagodas in good shape without using modern
materials.
Furthermore, currently, travelers only need to purchase tickets for specific
sights in Hội An, while the rest of the old town is freely available to explore.
So, the city can attempt to collect funds from travelers for conservation.
NHI: Another noteworthy method is to prevent over-tourism - which can
cause prominent negative effects such as the exploitation of natural and
cultural resources, the destruction of historical monuments and the
degradation of Hội An’s environment.
PHƯƠNG: However, the most effective way is through raising awareness. A
nation can preserve their culture and heritage through introducing it into
education. Teaching the future generations about the importance of the
heritage should be encouraged. Also, improving the responsibility of people
and authorities in preserving and promoting the values of the heritage is of
great significant.
NHI: We should all begin to take urgent action in conserving our tangible and
intangible cultural heritages. If we don’t stop to consider the importance of
cultural preservation, all these time-honored traditions and heritages will
start to disappear, and we will lose our identities. And that’s all, thank you so
much for your attention.