Hoi An

July 21- 23, 2016

The last 3 days of our summer journey in Vietnam were spent in Hoi An. 

Hội An, formerly known as Fai-Fo or Faifoo, is a city with a population of approximately 120,000 in Vietnam's Quảng Nam Province and noted since 1999 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Old Town Hội An, the city's historic district, is recognized as an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century, its buildings and street plan reflecting a unique blend of influences, indigenous and foreign. Prominent in the city's old town, is its covered "Japanese Bridge," dating to the 16th-17th century.

The town was magical, and it was surprisingly quiet during the day, as the weather was incredibly hot.  But in the early evening the streets would come alive with vendors and tourists, and the shops and alleys were lit up with beautiful colourful lanterns.   

We stayed at a really great place called the Homeland River Homestay.  It was right on the river, and sitting at breakfast we actually had a beautiful view of the water. It was very peaceful and very quiet, with just enough distance from the bustle of tourists in town. It was about a 10 minute walk into the old town, but the homestay also offered free bikes for use, which made travel really quick.

View of the river from the breakfast terrace at our homestay.

The prize fighting rooster.  He is apparently a champion.

Crossing the bridge into the old part of town.

Market with fruits, vegetables, seafood and other eats.

This is putting all your eggs in one basket...lol.

Shrimp and crab, anyone?

Entering the old part of Hoi An,  

Animals and figures made out of palm leaves.

The Japanese Covered Bridge.

Stepan and the boys decided to have suits made.  Hoi An is a dress shoppers paradise,with tailor shops lining the streets.  We received a recommendation for this shop, and as it turns out (it was later confirmed by some of our friends), that this is indeed one of the most reputable spots in town.

Choosing fabric for the suits and shirts and ties was no easy task.  So much to choose from!  But what an experienced, being measured and fitted  to perfect size...of course we did include some growing room for the boys.

Veronika checking out the fashions in the boutiques.

We bought an Old Town Pass that got us in to some of the historical buildings in the town.  It was good for several days, so we could take our time touring the Community Halls, Temples, and Traditional Houses (Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese).

So many cool little shops.

On the Japanese Covered Bridge.

One side of the bridge is guarded by a monkey, and the other is guarded by a dog.

Our favourite ice cream stop.  These were little ice cream pops on a stick.

We came across a small machine shop, which made me think of my dad.

Eva admiring the pretty dresses.

If you want it they will make it...the possibilities with the Hoi An tailors are endless.  There are many displays of crazy patterned suits around each corner.

 I have a thing for jackets...I know there is at least on in my future.

Exhausted little wanderers...

After a couple fittings the fit was perfect.

Lookin good!

Thank you to the tailors at this amazing shop.

Hands down the best Bahn Mi in town...this place was recommended to us again and again. No wonder people love it.  Fresh, hot bahn mi for 25,000VND (about 1 USD), you can't go wrong.

Our last day in Hoi An we had to check out at 12, and we planned to go back to the beach for a relaxing afternoon, because our flight wasn't until later that night.  Before checking out, David, Veronika and I went on a 5km bike ride to the pottery village just outside of Hoi An.  The Thanh Ha Pottery Village in Hoi An is a famous example in this type of establishment that aims to further tradition as well as employment. The pottery village has a long historical legacy and it used to play an important role in the  development of Hoi An ancient town. The village originated in Thanh Hoa province and it was founded at the end of the 15th century, developing vigorously in the later centuries, at the same time  as the Hoi An port. The products made by the villagers mainly serve the daily lives of the native people in domestic markets. 

This marked the end of our Vietnam summer travels, we had hoped to visit Nha Trang and Dalat along the way, but we ran out of time and were quite exhausted, so we felt it was time to head back to HCMC and start settling back in and preparing for the new school year.  We were excited to have experienced a great three weeks touring Vietnam, and were grateful that we had another year of adventure and travel ahead of us.