Peaceful and ancient, Hoi An is one of the most famous tourist destinations in all of Central Vietnam, one that attracts not only domestic tourists but also tourists all over the world. For many centuries, Hoi An was an obligatory stop-over for all the merchant ships From Europe and Asia passing through the region, much like Macao and Malacca. Hoi An thus experienced and soaked up multiple Chinese, Japanese and French architectural influences. Today, the town boasts over 800 listed historical buildings, and its town center is closed to traffic having been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.