Day 7 — The Magic and Madness of Hội An!

It felt amazing to actually have a good nights sleep for a change last night. This really hasn't been a holiday for resting if I am honest. My body has become so used to getting up early in the UK, it just continues very much in the same vein here.

While Darrell went to the beach, I spent a relaxing few hours in front of the TV, watching 'Bake Off' of all things and catching up with some writing. After watching 'Bake Off' for two hours, I was in the mood for cake and there was only one place to go, The Bread and Butter Café,

There were a few hours left before our departure to Hội An, so when Darrell got back, we finished packing our cases and popped outside. We walked the short distance to what is probably the best café in Da Nang. We were here last night, buying their famous; Cake in a Box, and here we were today, buying exactly the same thing, that's how good it was — it is absolutely delicious. If you are ever in Da Nang, pay a visit to the Bread and Butter Café, you won't regret it!

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We took a taxi from The Alani Hotel to Hội An. The lady at the desk kindly arranged it for us. Let me just say how wonderful the staff are at this friendly hotel, nothing was too much for them, and they looked after us remarkably well. I would stay there again in a heart beat.

The taxi took 45 minutes to get to Hội An, and nothing can really prepare you for the spectacular site, of this truly beautiful ancient town. Driving along the streets, you don't even realise what the beating heart of this destination is like. When we pulled up to The Silkotel, our residence for the next three nights, we just had no idea how close the centre of Hội An was.

We had an interesting chat with one of the reps, who explained the layout of the hotel and its numerous facilities, and then she showed us how to get into Hội An. It was literally just around the corner. The location of the Silkotel is just perfect, central to everything and at a very reasonable price; once again it comes highly recommended.

It was 12.30 and with check in at 2pm, as it is everywhere in Vietnam, we made our way outside to explore. As we both walked through the gates to this amazing place, I was actually awe struck. I had no idea, just how fantastic, historic and extraordinary Hội An was — it was out of this World, from a different place in time, and I instantly fell in love.

As I walked around the streets, mouth open wide, there were souvenir shops, objet d'art, pictures, restaurants, local handicrafts, temples and ancient ruins — you name it, it was there in abundance, and I just couldn't get enough of it. This was what I had been waiting for, this was my dream destination, on a par with the best that Thailand has to offer and strangely, a reminder of our time spent in Sorrento, southern Italy.

Of course, looks can be deceiving, and if I had a criticism, it is the amount of souvenir shops and tourists everywhere you look. It is impossible walking any distance without someone trying to sell you something. This is in complete contrast to Saigon and Da Nang, where you are left relatively to your own devices.  This is a problem for unsuspecting tourists the World over, but it is especially true of developing countries. Everyone is trying to make money somehow, and I can't blame them, but it does become rather tiresome saying no to everyone who harasses you — it is an absolute must though; if you give an inch, if they think they are breaking you down, you will not get rid of them. Politely but firmly refuse, and send them on their way.

We sat down in a local restaurant at the side of the river and had a quick bite to eat. It was pleasant enough but a little expensive, which I expected if I am honest. Darrell had a few cocktails and I had a few beers. Immediately, people swarmed around our table trying to sell us cheap tat, as Darrell would call it!. This ruined what should have been a relaxing hour. However, after saying NO, we weren't particularly hassled again. The food was also rather mediocre, so I would suggest walking further into the town and find somewhere a little more shaded, and quiet, with better quality food.

Walking around Hội An was in the main a joy. There were plenty of mopeds to avoid and even more tourists, but when you travel to a hotspot such as this, it's what you expect. There was a wonderful Buddhist temple, that we briefly had a look around, and immediately I was transported back to Thailand. This is the reason I go on holiday, to experience different cultures; I don't like sitting around doing nothing, I always have to be active, visiting one attraction or another.

Hội An does offer something for everyone, and there is so much to do and see here that I really don't think I could get board. In many respects my senses were overloaded; so far Vietnam has been more retrained and communistic in feel, Hội An has certainly changed all that.

Well, this evening really didn't go to plan — Not only have I just got blood all over the bed, but there is also a bloody amphibian hiding behind the television. As I was laying in bed, a rather large lizard ran across the wall, and now we literally can't find the thing. Not that we'd know what to do with it, if we did. Still, if it crawls on me tonight, you just watch me scream the place down.

Earlier this evening, after a relaxing bath, we went into Hội An to see the lanterns in the river. Boats row up and down the waterway with tourists onboard, and visitors are encouraged to light candles and float them across the water, for a price of course! Now I have heard about this nightly ritual before, and it did look rather spectacular in books. However, I was unaware of just how many tourists would be out and about — there were actually thousands of them. In every direction there was someone invading your personal space; you were crammed, shoulder to shoulder, along the river banks on either side.

We had planned to have dinner in the old town, but with so many people there, it was an impossible task. After a quick wander around the night market, we left. Both Darrell and I preferred being there during the day; it may well have been warmer, but with fewer people about, it certainly felt more relaxed. It was such a shame we had to leave earlier, but nether of us could stomach the hoards of onlookers. I guess we may well be showing our age. I am less tolerant of everyone and there are not enough hours in the day to spend with people I don't know, pushing and shoving their way around, without a thought for anyone else.

Instead of eating out, we made our way back to the hotel and had something to eat there. Now we know just how busy Hội An is at night, it may, be somewhere to avoid and just go there during the day, hot or not. That's fine by me, since I'm happy in the heat anyway — I'm not sure Darrell will agree. Tomorrow is another day, however, and I'm hoping we have learnt our lesson and will do things a little different tomorrow. Today, we just need to put down to experience… Things can only get better!

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