City of lights: Hoi An old town

We arrived in Hoi An hot, tired and a little grumpy after getting off the train from Ho Chi Minh city.

Checking into our hotel Ving Hung 3 we found though that we were in the thick-of-things and after a short relaxation went for a walk to explore. 

The centre of the old town is not very big so easy to navigate around, and to my delight we were soon in a maze of tailors, silk, leather and handicraft shops. 

Now we had been warned by Toria, Adam, Gary and Lucy to give ourselves ample time in Hoi An to get some clothes and shoes made so first stop was sussing out the best shops and putting in our first orders. The next few days were to follow a distinct pattern, morning appointment at the tailor, evening appointment with the shoemaker. Not that I'm complaining, these craftsmen and women are miracle workers. With only a photo to go by they created identical items to what we were asking for at a fraction of the price. 

There is a lot more to Hoi An, however than its tailors. Most notably is the river, Japanese bridge and lanterns that lights up the skyline at night. It is truly breathtaking and our favourite pastime became enjoying a drink or dinner overlooking the river as the sun went down and the lights were turned on. It is a great place to people watch, spying all the local selling their wares on the river front. There are little girls and boys who sell you lanterns to make a wish with and send down the river as well which was did on our last night.

There are hundreds of restaurants to choose from as this town becomes more and more of a tourist mecca. We had a heads up though on a street food stall near the river, where Ms. Lien Thao cooks the most delicious Vietnamese food and local specialities for next to nothing. The beer was only 4000 VND (12 pence) too! As a result we ate their most nights sampling delicacies including Cao Lao, Wontons, Morning Glory to name a few.

We also ate at Morning Glory and infamous restaurant in the town but a bit pricey if you are on a budget.

 One of our best meals came from Ganesh, an Indian restaurant that we had been recommended by Toria & Adam. So good was it that we went back twice. Best Saag Aloo I have ever tasted.

Aside from shopping and eating and as we had more time than most and the weather was roasting we also hired a couple of bikes and headed to Hoi An beach. There are two beaches in Hoi An: the tourist beach Cua Dai and the local beach: An Bang. We went to An Bang for a day of sunbathing and it was absolutely stunning and well worth a visit if you have time. You can also get to see the local fisherman out in their round tubs.

We loved our time in Hoi An and were sad to say goodbye to a truly magical place but it was time to move onto Hue, the old imperial capital of the Nguyen dynasty.