We decided to stay 2 nights in the town part and 3 days on the beach (see later). The town is quite incredible, old buildings line the streets where only people and mopeds are allowed. There is a river running through the town and we took an hour boat ride wich took us into a more rural part of town and could witness some of the 'real' vietnam.
The streets in Hoi An are lined with tailors, making anything from dresses (of which emma got 2) to suits (Sam got three) to shirts (Sam got 5 (one free dad!! see I did well!!!) to shoes (of which Emma got none!!!!! - she has had a bit of an upset stomach). The quality of the clothing is incredible, and after being measured up, we had our first fitting the next day, and 2 further fittings to make sure we were happy with everything they made - they are on their way back to London now - we hope!!!
The hotel we stayed in was a little bit further out of the town than we had hoped for, and after walking in the 34 degree heat twice, we decided to cab it from then on. It was quite an open hotel, with lizards everywhere and was the first time in which they gave us mosquito nets to sleep in (this didn't stop emma getting bitten on the bum - at least she thinks it was the mozzi).
There are loads of small cafes and pattiseries all over the town, and the food we ate was miles better than that in Hanoi. We went to the "expensive" restaurant which has a view over the main town area. I think the bill came to 10quid for the two us including drinks.
The people in the town were all friendly, something which we weren't entirely expecting whilst travelling through vietnam, but from the hotel staff to random people on the street, it was a very nice town. We were there during a full moon festival, where all the street lights are turned off at night and everywhere is lit with lanterns and candles, there were even floating laterns on the river. It was a really amazing experience. People lit incese and left offerings of fruit and drink on their doorsteps, and we also visited the temple that night which was incredible.
After trying to find a place to stay on the beach, we came across a nice little hotel called the Palm Gardens Resort. Since Emma had been suffereing with an upset stomach we decided (she decided) that a cure better than medicine would be to check out of our sweet little hotel and check in to a quaint, small, intimate - oh who are we kiddin - 5* deluxe hotel, with a massive pool, private beach and not the sort of place two 23 year old students should really be spending a few nights, but hey, its Emma and Sam!!! Emma felt better immediately - what a miraculous recovery!!!
The beaches in Hoi An have golden sands and beautiful sea - you wouldn't be mistaken for thinking you were on an idylic carribean island. We spent our days lounging in the sun and eating lovely food both in the town and on the beach.
Emma was a little distressed to leave her hotel but all things come to an end and we were off to our new destination - Nha Trang - another beach town, but this time more of a city. We have been told that Nha Trang is a party town - and Sam is a little excited that there is a water park close by! After another bumpy flight, where Emma thought we were going to land in the sea we arrived. We will update you soon (now that we have a computer that works wahoo!!)
Lov to you all
Sam and Emxx
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