Monthly Photos　February 2011

Photos taken by ILCAA staff and associates are posted here once a month; most of them are taken during their field research in Asia and Africa.

(The copyright belongs to the photographers.)

Tet in present-day Hoi An

Hoi An, situated near Thu Bon river estuary, became one of the most famous sightseeing place in central Vietnam since its ancient town was nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999. In 2009 Hoi An was promoted to a provincial city with higher status than a town it used to be. Hotel area extends to suburbs, and several resort hotels targeting foreigners are constructed. Riverside buildings found in the picture were built within the ten years.

With its prosperity as a sightseeing city, its festivity is also escalated year by year. With the streets decorated by colourful lanterns, famous product of Hoi An, in Tet (lunar New Year) season has already been well-established. But setting up lanterns in the shapes of carp (as in the picture), dragon and tiger in the middle of Thu Bon river as well as putting on a stage show at the riverside are phenomena in a few years. One may not object to the necessity for regional development, but one cannot help feeling that Tet in present-day Hoi An has somehow `kicked up her heels'.

13 FEB 2010 (the day before Tet)
From a boat on Thu Bon river, Hoi An, Quang Nam province, Vietnam
Photograph by Hideo Sawada

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