Hoi An, getting warmer now

8 - 10 March

After a one night stop over back in Hanoi we flew to Danang, Vietnam's third city and near to our next destination Hoi An, which has turned out to be the best yet.

Hoi An is best known for its historic "old town" district, a well preserved example of a trading port dating from the 15th century. Hoi An was an important centre for trade until the 19th century, then declined and was no longer used as a major port. It was somewhat forgotten and as a result remains largely in its historic form today.

Hoi An was also our first taste of proper heat, 32 degrees and very sticky (but with even more degrees still to come as we move further south.) We are staying at a "resorty" place and have the luxury of a swimming pool and a beach to cool off, so we are very lucky! Except that Janet is not supposed to swim due to her leg infection - she doesn't mind too much. But swimming bans nothwithstanding, it was just too tempting to dangle ones feet in the pool, and then one thing led to another... Getting in and out of the pool was a bit awkward at times and the life guard, who didn't have much else to do, was very solicitious. Janet got to know him well.

The beach - known in Vietnam as the East Sea, but more usually by NZ'rs as the South China Sea.

The pool!

Hoi An old town is a small area 3 blocks wide full of markets, shops, street stalls, temples, houses, and shaped by the historic mix of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences. During peak tourist times vehicles and motorbikes are not allowed in the old town which is a pleasant change from having to dodge them all the time. We wandered the streets, seeing the sights, and visiting the markets and a few of the old houses and museums. 

The market wares being explained by Mimi, a local guide.

Hoi An from the Thu Bon river.

Ba Mu temple gate.

Dragon!

Not a dragon, but pretty scary.

Graham Greene's best seller book "The Quiet American", which is set in Saigon, was made for a second time into a movie (in 2002) and filmed partly in Hoi An. The building that was used for many of the house and bar scenes is now a tourist attraction.
  

The Quiet American.

Hoi An is also known for its tailors and for making garments more or less instantly. There are tailors everywhere. Phil tried it on for size and came away with a new linen blazer. Asian blazer fittings are quite snug, so no putting on weight from now on. To make keeping the weight off more difficult we boated up river to a cooking school and learned to make (and eat) even more delicious Vietnamese dishes.

Being instructed in Vietnamese cooking - no nonsense, the knives are sharp and the chilis are hot..

Master of the spring roll (and artful presentation!?)

Hoi An is a favourite so far, with its history, mix of cultures, art, flowers, building architecture, foodie scene, and general bustle and crowded busyness making it just a fun place to be. Even when you're sweating through your shirt and think you might never be cool again! 

To finish our stay on a high note we dined at Mango Mango, having been given a recommendation by G & S. It was awesome! Fantastic food, good craft beer, and they have taken the spring roll to another level!

Hoi An nightmarket near Mango Mango. Lanterns everywhere.

Stayed at Intercontinental Westlake, Hanoi, 1night, and Palm Garden resort, Hoi An, 3 nights.