10th and 11th February 2014 - Hoi An, Vietnam

After a long and delayed overnight train, we arrived in Da Nang where we got a bus transfer to Hoi An.  Hoi An is one of the oldest original towns still left in Vietnam and has been acknowledged as a world heritage site. In the old town, most of it has been cordoned off for walking and cycling which is nice as it means there isn't much traffic and no motorbikes which makes a welcome change. 

We arrived here early on Sunday and had a nice stroll to the riverside where we had breakfast and wondered around the old town. Here in Hoi An it has been the first place that hasn't been sweltering hot, but is actually a little overcast but we are embracing the milder weather. In the afternoon we went on a bicycle tour of the town and the surroundings which took us into the countryside where we saw a lot of farm workers in their rice paddies and in their vegetable patches. Our guide took us to a farmer who has water buffaloes and Katrien had a little trip on one - although a little scared and pinching the farmer - it was a lot of fun! Rob and Katrien did sit on the Buffalo for a nice picture! After our very long bike ride we got on a boat and returned to the docks near the old town. By this time our bums were well and truly sore! That evening we rode back into the town for dinner at a very local street food restaurant where we had some typical Hoi An wontons, BBQ beef and a noodle soup, it was a little unusual sitting on stools the size of a child's seat!

11th,
We woke up nice and early to get the day started and our first stop was in one of the many tailors to get Rob's shorts fixed. The tailors here are amazing! Big shops where you can choose material, design and even stitching options to make your garment and it will be ready the following day! It was fascinating to see all the tailors! After that we went on a tourist trip to different areas of the old town, old traditional houses, Arts and Crafts 'workshops', assembly halls and museums! It was nice to see the traditions of this part of Vietnam and it has been the prettiest town we've been to, all the streets are decorated with lanterns and at night it is spectacular. Tonight we are going to cross over to the lantern markets opposite the old town river!! Rob is going to go and enjoy some local bonding time playing football with the boys in the group and some locals while Katrien makes use of the cheap beauty spa in the hotel for a nice manicure and pedicure... BLISS!

We are off early tomorrow morning to Hue, a 4 hour bus journey, where we will post again what we are up to! 

Love to all


Katrien and Rob xxx