Hoi An, Vietnam

We had a multi-mode way of transporting ourselves to Hoi An. We took a mini-bus (5 hours) from Dalat to Nha Trang where we caught an overnight train (9 hours) to Danang. Danang is 1 hour from where we really wanted to go, Hoi An, which is not served by train. We looked at a map and figured a stop called Tra Kieu, about an hour shy of Danang, would put us just 20km from Hoi An. This would beat backtracking and save us about 2 hours! All train stations have taxis, I reasoned. We'll just catch one and be on our way.

When I had to jump 1 metre off the train into an overgrown patch of weeds, instead of onto a platform, I should have realised that transport options from the "station" would be limited. But, we like an adventure! There was a buzz of excitement when we got off the train as the Vietnamese people tried to figure out what we were doing there. They soon figured it out, and 2 enterprising ladies offered us rides on their motos. I was expecting a taxi? There was no road! So we took off on the motos (helmets provided, thank goodness!) with all of our gear for the 20km ride to town. It was a wonderful ride. We went down narrow roads where all manner of village life could be observed. We buzzed by families at work and play, fruit stands, rice paddies, and rivers with fishermen in shallow boats.

Our first hotel in Hoi An was really charming, but a 15 minute walk to the old town center. It is so hot and humid, the 15 walk back and forth was killing us. So, we switched to another hotel which has proved even nicer! There is a small but nice pool which is a very welcome way to cool off. They lend out bicycles too, so instead of our old 15 walk, we now have a 3 minute bike ride to all the action.

Hoi An is known for wonderful architecture, great food and the constant buzz of sewing machines. With a reluctant eye on our real lives which await us in September, we are each having a couple of suits made for work. You can bring magazine photos or examples of your own clothing to copy and they will measure you up and make what you want. The prices are not dirt cheap, but very reasonable for custom made clothes. The shop we've gone to has about 6 really cute Vietnamese women running around, bantering and trying to upsell you. They are a lot of fun, and make the numerous visits needed a pleasure. You have to go back a couple of times for fittings to get everything just right.

We will be here for another couple of days. It is a quiet little town, but a pleasant place to pass time. Most of our trip has been pretty hectic, so it's nice to have a nice place to relax for a while.