The city of Hoi An, located on the coast of the South China Sea, was owner of South-East Asia's largest harbour during the 1st century. From the 7th - 10th centuries it was a strategic port for the Spice Trade - the people of Champa City (as it was known at the time) became incredibly wealthy as they were able to control the region's spice trade through the port. At the heart of the city is the Old Town, which is a maze of winding lanes and Chinese-style shop buildings. Although now a thriving tourist destination, Hoi An has been spared from the tower-block style constructions and remains largely unspoilt.

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