We spent three nights in Hoi An, which is a small but beautiful old town near the coast. It still has old wooden building that have been lived in by generations of the same family. The entire city is a UNESCO site.
After arriving by bus we had a quick tour of the city. During the morning and the evening many of the streets are closed to motorized traffic, which is very nice for walking around.
Our hotel was on the small island of An Hoi, which is where the night market is. It was a short walk over to the old town. There is also a limit to how much light can shine, so most of the light comes from paper lanterns. It’s just so gorgeous.
The town does have a flooding issues, at high tide the river did over flow a bit. It wasn’t too bad today though.
Hoi An is also famous for its tailors. I ordered a few pieces, and with a couple fittings they would be ready within a couple days when we left. And they fit so perfectly.
It was mostly free time in Hoi An. We did do a noodle cooking class with a local charity that helps get disadvantaged children off the streets and teach them a skill to help them get jobs in hospitality.
But mostly it was exploring the old houses and temples and gathering areas of the city. It’s a blend of Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese cultures and buildings. An absolutely beautiful city.
One night a few of us took a boat ride down the river, small thing with one oar like a gondola, and lots of paper lanterns floating down the river. I lit one to send wishes for a friend back home that needs some positive energy right now.
Our group also enjoyed the simple things- lots of massages and watching the World Cup in the Irish pub in town- lit by green, white and orange paper lanterns.
I think Hoi An is an amazing little town to visit, I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Vietnam. For us, it was time to head south. We had a flight in the morning down to Ho Chi Man City.
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