Day 60 Ancient Town

We spend the day at the beach as this will be the last sun we see for 4 or 5 days!

We sit at La Plage again… same drill. Book. Food.

We take a grab after 5pm to Hoi An.

The Homestay Sunny Pool Hoi An is nice but whilst we have a big indoor / outdoor bathroom… only a cold shower and not enough hot to fill the bath!

And it’s getting cooler outside. Temp now 23 degs. Brrr.

It’s evening before we head out.

Hoi An comes alive at night. Lights and lanterns everywhere.

The tourist centre is walkable and surrounded by 3 main roads.. with lots of noisey traffic.

In Vietnam they honk. All the time. FOR NOTHING.

So we stay in the ‘walking and cycling streets’ – the signage means nothing to the local bikers.

In Hoi An old town every spot is selling something or offering classes.

We walk to the river front to sit and watch the wonders of Hoi An.

Hawkers. Lanterns. Matchy matchy Koreans (couples with same clothes/ fabric).

We sit on the typical Vietnamese tiny plastic seats to have a beer at Amy’s cafe. Knees at chin level.

Amy stops for a chat, she looks tired of trying to drag farang in. But is very smiley and chatty about her life.

Then we go to last year’s favorite Vegan.. Chickpea Restaurant.

Again another example.. of don’t go back to a place!

Day 61 Staying local

It’s cloudy today.

We head out to get some steps in, walking to do our laundry at the only self service one we can find.

Pete’s tired of badly folded clothes and ‘curious’ new stains.

His clothes seem to have always been trampled.

Some rude Germans inform us they have 3 loads to do before us (4 machines – all full).

We end up leaving the washing with a 9 year old.

Hoi An is busy, its a Sunday. The market is on.

Selling loads of fresh food and tat.

Its hard to move for motor bikes.. even on walking street!

But just a few steps from the main streets the scooters and motorbikes calm down…a bit.. and there are some beautiful spots.

Down a back street, we opt for a massage. Both have one that is more relaxing than painful.

We smell fabulous.

We head back to the river and the famous Japanese Bridge.

At night over the bridge is chaos..pubs and bars and loud music and the night market. It’s nicer during the day.

The Ancient Town has a few ancient temples but we don’t venture in.

It’s thirsty work, so go and sit and have a teapot of wakeup tea and Cau Lau at the Poison cafe.

Literally just sit and watch the world for 2 hours.

At night we discover a local restaurant on the edge of town.

Its on the island where we are staying so a lot quieter and less fabricated touristy.

It seems to have genuine reviews!!!

8k (25p) for a fresh ice cold beer in a frosty glass! The best baked aubergine.

We play cards and drink beer – why not!

Day 62 Hoi An Coffee

It’s cloudy today. AGAIN.

I manage to drag myself into the pool.. it’s warmer in the pool than being out the pool.

We think the town might be quieter as it’s Monday. It’s not.

The traffic is the worst thing in Vietnam – we need to buy masks

The market is on again.

It’s a day for finding coffee spots. But we need to get in some steps in around the town first.

The Ancient Town is basically painted yellow. No idea if this is original or to help tourists not stray.

The river is actually cleanish..with little fish. Given the number of burning paper lanterns they release at night, its surprising..

We had spotted a good-looking coffee shop the first night but cant find it! 12k steps.

After a few miss steps we finally find it.

.

I try a new one. Banana coffee..cold and very sweet. NOT A FAV.

I’m reading a new book. Beneath a Rising Sun by Peter Watt.

May be a slow burner.

Later we take in a few night sights.

But end up in our local again for food.

1 beer and cards. I win. AGAIN.