Once we arrived and found a hotel to book ourselves in, we set off for a walk and some food.
Hoi An has a completely different feel to it. Different to other places in Vietnam. From a history point if view it used to be one the biggest ports and traiding places in Vietnam - the former harbour town of the Cham but it got forgotten for some centuries and lost all the privliges to Danang.
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| Colonial style present in almost every building... |
It became popular again in recent times, famous for crafts such as textiles and ceramics. I did not believe that it could be nice for shopping for clothes, as it is famous for over a 500 of tailors offering their services and very good quality materials (silk and cotton), but once walked through the little streets with all the shops around I totally soaked in. I had to really resisit a lot not to spend all my travel budget for tailored made clothes. It was a challenge :).
Apart from good shopping opportunities Hoi An is also famous for cooking classes. Most of hotels and restaurants are offering the cooking courses which are said to be one of the best experiences if you like cooking. I didn't try it, prefering eating the food rather than making it. It was in Hoi An where I tried one of the best fresh spring rolls and banana pancakes!
In the evening the French style Hoi An curort is changing its face again.
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French style floating restaurant - too fancy for me!
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During the day I was admiring old buildings and the river shore with beautiful restaurants and coffee places on both sides. With little bridges wide enough for two carts to pass and with all the boats parked on the sides waiting both for tourists and for next fishing time. I have never expected that it can get even more beautiful in the evening. The lights go on, there is music playing from the speakers all over the place, the whole setting seems unreal :). And there is this old Japanese bridge, real beauty - a must see!
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| The Japanese bridge from across the river |
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| Inside the bridge |
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| Closer look at the bridge... look at all the details... pity it is not in better shape..it is screaming for a decent renovation... |
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| Monkey statue |
I could walk aroung for hours and hours and never have enough of it. But once you get tired you can always rest in one of many bars and restaurants. Actually we did that and it was most enjoyable, a bit of Western touch, with big screen with football on and posh drinks. Well it is good to have all sorts of good fun, isn't it?
If you ever get a chance of travelling in Vietnam, Hoi An is the place to be. I love absolutely everything, from the town layout, to the riverfront which is amazing and with a great atmosphere.
How can anyone feel different about this place, want to see more? Here you are, again thanks to my travelling companion from that time.
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| Hoi An riverside - very romantic especially in the evening |
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| Fisher nets - twice a day the net goes down into the water and you can watch what is being caught. |
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| You can take a river crouse of course - anything for the tourists! |
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| Making new friends is always good! |
Something different for a change, a local school performance with lots of singing and performing :)
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| Boys will be boys :) |
Is this the same lady who travelled Warsaw to Heathrow on 17th October seat 5? What a great experience, you certainly are a most fascinating and inquiring person! Krzys
ReplyDeleteps Czy ci schudnac po podrozy?
What a spot Krzsztof! Sure is the same lady. And I did not lose much weight, I wasn't keeping track to start with, I think I am just more fit then before.
ReplyDeleteOK maybe occasional 2-3 KGs less ;)