Over past 500 years, Hoi An still remains nearly intact with old harmonious combination of Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese architecture.

Visit Hoi An with VIETNAM TRAVEL – the hottest destination in Vietnam.

Most lyrics express the openhearted and reconciliatory nature of Vietnamese. They convey human emotions and are highly educational, differentiating bai choi from other games. The lyrics usually praise patriotism, parental and conjugal affection and good human nature and criticise social evils and outdated customs and habits.

Each bai choi comprises of 30 chess pieces with different names, assigned to 10 types of cards. On each card is written the names of three chess pieces and players will select the type of card they want to buy. After the nha cai (banker) gives out the cards, a bamboo stick, on which the name of a chess piece is written, is drawn to start the game.

Then the speaker, usually wearing ao dai and a turban, leads the game with lyrics about the piece’s name. If players hear the name of any of their pieces, they must shout “yes” and exchange the piece for a yellow flag. Whoever gains three consecutive yellow flags gets a red flag and wins.

Prizes for the winner and yellow flag holders are usually either den long (bamboo-framed lanterns coated with silk which is a specialty of Hoi An) or souvenirs from other regions.

The special bai choi song originated when players, who usually get together in the spring, shouted out their cards. Gradually their words were transformed into a musical chant. After years of making bai choi more creative and elaborate, it became an independent folk song.

Initially, the rules of bai choi were very strict. The speaker was not allowed to mention the chess piece’s name directly – players had to guess. For instance, if the name of the piece is ngheo (poor), the speaker described the condition in his songs, but could never say “poor” directly. However, the rules have been relaxed so more people could participate and win receive prizes.

No one knows exactly when bai choi appeared. It is said this game was played during every Spring Festival in Thua Thien Hue Province around 400 years ago. Then bai choi lost its popularity and was almost forgotten, until the festival was revived after the former Feudal capital Hue and the historic town Hoi An in Quang Nam Province were recognised as world cultural heritage sites.

And now, thanks to Hoi An authorities who decided to preserve and introduce Bai choi to visitors, the game is played for all to see and admire.

The Hoi An Riverside Resort and Spa was voted among the best 27 hotels and resorts around the world by travelers as well as 700 hotels and resorts, travel agencies, online booking websites, and press agencies worldwide.

To celebrate the awards, the Hoi An Riverside Resort and Spa has decided to present a candlelit dinner with a panoramic view of the Do River and the ambience of lowery colored lanterns and torches.

The offer will be applicable to any guests staying at least two consecutive nights at the resort in September.

The resort’s collection of awards now includes the “Best Resort in the World” 2006 by U.S. magazines Conde Nast Traveler & Travel Leisure, and the “Most Outstanding Restaurant & Resort” 2007 by Spain’s Travel Leader Club & Editorial.