Vietnam’s Hoi An old town taps into folk game, art to draw tourists

Hoi An is an ancient town in central Vietnam recognized by UNESCO due to its traditional setting and art forms preserved through time to the modern day. In order to attract tourists from around the world to this beautiful mystic city, Hoi An recently tapped into a folk game called “bai choi” which is a form of art used in 11 other provinces in the central region. “Bai choi” is currently being considered for UNESCO recognition as an intangible world heritage. It encompasses folk card playing and impromptu, sharp responses by the hosts. The players take their seats in nine to 11 small sheds, where they listen attentively to host shouting out the name of the card each person has drawn. To create suspense and thrill and get them engaged in the game intensely, the host will recite a line of a poem or a folk song which contains the name of the card.

“Bai choi” is a major highlight at the “Dem Pho Co Hoi An” (Hoi An ancient town night) program which is a key tourist attractions in this ancient town. It is revealed that local hotels see a rise in reservations beyond 200 percent on the 15th or the full moon day of the lunar calendar of every month and the days before it, when Hoi An ancient town night event is held. Anantara Hoi An Resort is a convenient Hoi An spa resort equipped with comfort and convenience sought after by many visitors during this eventful period every month.