Day 7 - Hoi An

Our ‘rest’ day began at about 9am this morning, after the ritual morning swim and breakfast in the Hotel. We started with a trip to Hoi An and decided to do a little sightseeing. This ended up as a 3 hour walk circumnavigating the main town area and visiting a few of the main attractions along the way. We found the Japanese covered bridge with it’s built in temple and discovered the Cam Pho Communal House along the tree lined streets of the ancient town passing wood carving and lantern making workshops and stores. We also managed to pick up a few bargains on our way around the town including several t-shirts and polos, some weird and wondrous kitchen items and a traditional lampshade.

The small temple inside the Japanese bridge in Hoi An

 The tree lined streets of the Ancient Town

One of the old faces of Hoi An

Lantern heaven...only a few hundred to choose from

Incense burning at the shrine in the Cam Pho Communal House

After an exhausting walk, we ended up lunching at the Dingo Deli Café about 100 metres from the Hotel, where an enterprising aussie couple have set up shop serving western style meals and good old Lavazza coffee for those wanting a ‘break’ from Vietnam.

The rest of the afternoon was dedicated to laying, lazing and snoring before we decided to head back to Hoi An tonight to witness the town and river light up as it does on most evenings. 

Pushbikes for the adventurous at the Resort 

The ancient Japanese Bridge at night

 Restaurants lit up along the Thu Bon River 

One of the many Chinese style figurines illuminated on the river at night

Whilst in the town, Murray was fitted out for a pair of ‘Vans’ casual shoes for the princely sum of $15US (number 1 authentic john!). A late dinner of Hoi An pancakes (Banh Xeo) at Mermaid Restaurant ensued before heading back to the Resort to retire. I’m not sure it was a rest day in the true sense of the word, more an afternoon off….