It was a 24 hour travel stretch ahead of us and so we just relaxed and recharged our batteries (literally) in the morning. We weren’t too concerned about the length of time it was all going to take instead we were quite excited about the upcoming train trip.
We had an uneventful bus trip back to Ho Chi Minh and then sat about in a restaurant waiting for the time for the train to depart. We had booked two berths in a 4 berth cabin for $40 each…not bad value for an overnight train.
The usual practice we have found in other countries is that everyone shares the downstairs berths while not asleep so that everyone can enjoy the views and comfort. The other normal practice is to buy a berth for each child. Not on his occasion though.
Just as we were waiting for our co habitants to arrive we noticed that families were squeezing into the cabins with far more than just four people for the four berths. Sure enough our family arrived and quickly spread out on the bottom bunks forcing us to shift up top. Not exactly the kind of sharing we are used to.
Thinking it was just that family we were excited when they got off and we quickly jumped down to get some seats only for the next family to do exactly the same. Boo.
So we didn’t get to relax and watch the scenery of Vietnam go by but at least we got some rest and will know better for next time.
The last leg of our trip was an hour bus trip on the local bus and by the time we had walked the last 1.5km to the hotel in the heat we were definitely ready for a shower! Then it was off into the Old Town of Hoi An to see what was on offer.
The centre of the Old Town is pedestrianised which was a lovely change. The buildings were mostly mustard yellow and every single shop was either a tailors, a trinket shop or a restaurant. The streets were packed full of tourists from all over the world and we were amazed as to how busy it was even in the supposed low season!
In amongst all the shops were a few temples and Chinese inspired ancient houses. The temples had fantastic dragon sculptures everywhere and were quite fascinating. The buildings around the town were actually quite interesting too it was just a shame that they had all been turned into shops.
We had read before we arrived that Hoi An was famous for its food which considering how good the food had been so far in Vietnam had us positively salivating. Our first find of a backstreet food stall selling locally made noodles in a dish called Cao Lau was delicious. After that we weren’t overly impressed with what was offer but did sample some banh vac. Which were shrimp dumplings…usually a favourite but in this case they didn’t quite come up to the mark. Shame.
The town of Hoi An really came alive after dark came and the thousands of lanterns hanging over the streets were lit. It gave the whole place a fantastic atmosphere and the thousand tourists all milling wandering around enjoying a walk really filled the place up! There were night markets and a few food stalls to eat at. We enjoyed ourselves wandering the streets taking in all the sights and sounds and between the buildings and the tourists there was plenty to look at! T
The ladies lining the trackside just ready to sell you just about anything! Just coffees and bread for breakfast for us.
The Japanese Covered Bridge at Hoi An. Quite a pretty bridge and one of the main attractions at Hoi An.
A typical street in the pedestrianised area of Hoi An. Tailors, tailors and more restaurants and trinket shops.
The architecture of the buildings was very different and we enjoyed looking at all the old buildings.
Within some of the buildings the decorations of the pillars were spectacular and quite unusual.
I think we have seen more dragons here in Hoi An’s temples than anywhere else so far.
The town sits on a river and there are plenty of boaters waiting to give you a ride up and down the river.
BBQ chicken, fresh leaves wrapped in rice paper and dipped in sauce. Just delicious as usual.
The streets come alive at night when the temperature drops and the lights turn on.
Some absolutely beautiful lanterns around the town. It really gives the place a fantastic vibe.
Lovely Hoi An by night