Hoi An in central Viet Nam has been recommended by the world-known travel guide Rough Guides as one of the destinations that offer the most interesting night activities.

In 20 unforgettable things to do at night on your travels, Rough Guides features Hoi An's full moon festival alongside the "white nights" in Russia, "twilight ballooning" in New Mexico, "early risers" at a London market, "a night Safari" in Singapore Zoo, "light show" in Hong Kong and "to feed Hyenas in Ethiopia," among others.

"Banish the thoughts of glow paint ravers on crowded Thai beaches; Hoi An's full moon festival is a much more sophisticated affair," the guide recommended.

Rough Guides is a leading publisher of travel and reference information known for its "tell it like it is" attitude, accurate, up-to-date content and informed contemporary writing.

"Every month on the fourteenth day of the lunar calendar, the town switches off its street lights as glowing silk lanterns, performers and food stalls fill the cobbled streets and the Thu Bon River is lit up with beautiful floats," Rough Guides has stated on its website.

Stubbornly traditional and jam-packed with attractions, the small city of Hoi An also exudes a laidback, almost dreamy atmosphere that makes it an essential destination on any tour of the country.

The Hoi An Ancient Town of the central Quang Nam Province was recognised as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1999.

In accordance with UNESCO's world cultural heritage criteria, the Hoi An Ancient Town is an outstanding material manifestation of the fusion of cultures over time in an international commercial port; and an exceptionally well-preserved example of a traditional Asian port. Besides diversified architectural relics, Hoi An still retains intangible cultural activities with cultural festivals, traditional crafts and cuisine styles.

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