Hoi An

I love Hoi An. The old city is absolutely magical, its hung with lanterns and filled with tailors. It use to be the trading center of southern Vietnam in the 16th and 17th centuries and the mix of international traders is reflected in the architecture. Since it is currently the off season and way too hot to be outside during the day the streets are almost deserted. But when the sun goes down and the lanterns light up tourist and locals alike pour onto the street and the city comes alive. 

After arriving this morning on the overnight train and dropping off our stuff at the hotel we walked down to the old town were we had breakfast at a lovely little caffe/bar. Then we had a short guided tour of the town ending at one of the family owned tailor shops. In the afternoon we had a bike tour of the surrounding country side. We cycled past rice patties spotted with water buffalo and farmers in conical hats eventually arriving in a village where we paddled down a river in woven bamboo basket boats. It was then back onto the bikes and more cycling until we reached another part of the river where we loaded the bikes onto a boat and sailed back to the old city. 

For dinner we had street food of grilled pork and beef skewers that you wrap in rice paper with greens and veggies and dip in a peanut butter sauce. I have had the chance to try so much new food here and have never been disappointed.