Rock-Awn arrived to Hoi An with great anticipation. Both of us have read glowing reviews about this sea and riverside town. As we wander along it seems to be an underwhelming mass of scooters, tourists, and tailor shops, until we get into Old Town. Though it is a very touristy area, I can understand the charm. There are lanterns everywhere, historic Vietnamese buildings, and great street food (including a surprisingly delicious ‘Vietnamese pizza’).
As we’re checking into our hotel, the receptionist gives us some helpful tips for visiting the city, including this gem:
Receptionist: When you’re in the market area, watch out for these old ladies. They will try to get you to follow them.
Us: Okay.
Receptionist: They will be these old ladies, and once they’ve taken you to a different area of the market they’ll distract you and steal your bag.
Us: Okay.
Receptionist: You’ll know when you see them because they look really old, probably like 40 years old or so.
Us (sad faces): Okay… thanks.
Old Town is at it’s best at night when the lanterns are lit. They hang like jewelry in the streets and shops.
We enjoy some relax time in local coffee shops (hello avocado coffee!), one of which has a beautiful, frequently photographed patio area. After the 8th or 10th time of being photographed it was hard to resist the occasional photo bomb. Picture this (plus one other) zany face in a tourist’s vacation slideshow.
We make good use of our hotel bicycles to explore the rice fields and beach.
One morning we rise before the crack of dawn to take a bus trip to Mÿ Són, the ancient ruins nearby. Our early departure was not to see the sunrise as it is often foggy with humidity, but to avoid the crowds. It pays off as our group is the first to arrive. The ruins are not extensive like those that I visited in Cambodia, but it was nice to see them in the process of excavation.
Next stop is the city of Hue (pronounced ‘Hway’).
Beautiful lanterns and flowers! What’s on the pizza?