Beyond the concept of a tourist destination, Hoi An ancient town is like a "living museum" where the world cultural heritage is fully preserved in every breath of life. Photo: Thanh Tung/VNA

Hoi An, which was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999, is a typical example of a traditional Asian port city that has been perfectly preserved, according to a review conference organized by the People's Committee of Da Nang City on Monday, in Hoi An.

In 2012, the Prime Minister approved the Master Investment Plan to the world heritage site and develop its tourism.

Associate Professor, Dr. Dang Van Bai, Vice Chairman of the National Council for Cultural Heritage, said: “Hoi An has made basic steps in line with the world trend of preserving the heritage urban landscape, balancing the interests of the parties involved and highly valuing the community-based approach of UNESCO. Hoi An is home to more than 1000 relics, most of which are private. Hopefully, Da Nang city, which manages this heritage site, will continue to promote the museum mechanism for the community, especially the private ownership community.”

After the new Da Nang city was formed from the merger of the old Da Nang and Quang Nam province, the master plan’s next phase is a strategic and urgent requirement.

Nguyen Thi Anh Thi, Vice Chairwoman of the Da Nang City People's Committee, suggested: “Hoi An is a living urban heritage, requiring us to be extremely careful, considerate, and scientific to ensure that we do not break the overall character of an ancient commercial port city. It’s an ecological-cultural-tourist city in the historical, cultural, architectural and natural landscape connection between the current localities. There must be connection of conservation and development space between the ancient town of Hoi An and the World Biosphere Reserve of Cu Lao Cham.”

Since 2012, Hoi An, one of Vietnam’s top tourist destinations, has achieved 82 tourism titles voted by prestigious global and domestic organizations.