The Old Quarter, a World Heritage Site in Hoi An city, is set to come alive with its Week of Culture and Tourism 2008, beginning on March 27.

During this time, travellers to Hoi An will have a chance to join in on many cultural events and activities.

With the theme: Hoi An – The World Heritage, a photography exhibition will be held at the old square beside the Hoai river. Artistic photographs capturing Hoi An’s people and its landscape will be showcased at the exhibit. Viewers can also join in many competitions, composing sculptures and photographs representing and hailing Hoi An city.

During the seven-day festival, many musical shows will be organised throughout the city, including an exchange between artistic generations, a student musical festival and a performance of Hoi An’s music spanning 33 years.

One event will focus its attention on the centre of ancient Hoi An city. An installation exhibition entitled Night in the Old Town at the beginning of the 20th Century will recreate the city’s historical atmosphere. There will be performances of Hoi An’s traditional dresses, green moss, old roofs and candle light, with flower garlands and coloured lanterns floating along the Hoai river.

Foreigners will learn about ancient Hoi An’s everyday life through scenes of rickshaws and tea shops under ancient trees and peddlers on the streets.

The cheerful festival will be held at Cua Dai Beach with sporting activities, such as tug-of-war, a regatta and a fishing net weaving competition.

For the occasion, the People’s Committee has arranged Days at the Old Quarter Without Traffic for Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. On these days, Hoi An will be quiet and peaceful, and visitors will be able to enjoy the silent atmosphere undisturbed.

Various travelling tours have been launched and tourists will have many chances to discover Hoi An through visits to the Old Quarter and traditional trade villages. Travellers can also dive into the sea and join tours on the sea.

All activities aim to present cheerful and traditional festivals in Hoi An, already recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. (VNA)