Where can you relax on the beach and get a little fine tailoring, while sipping the most aromatic coffee in the world?
The answer is, the seaside town of Hoi An, Vietnam!
With its own special charm, it’s a one-stop-shop for the easy-going.
Sure, you could find a million ways to occupy your time that might be categorized as ‘productive’, but we sure-as-hell didn’t—unless you include contemplating the lining of a new three-piece suit while slurping up a second bowl of Cao Lâo?
And then there was riding a water buffalo…
That wasn’t productive either.
Yes, it’s safe to say, productivity was not the aim. We left the busyness behind and settled into the Vietnamese chill zone.
That is, as chill as Hoi An can be during Tét—Vietnam’s Lunar New Year (and largest celebration on the calendar), which we somehow found ourselves in the middle of.
And being in Hoi An during Tét means that what is already a magical town, becomes even more magical, as colored lanterns multiply and food offerings are ceremoniously placed in doorways and windows.
…oh, and small orange trees are carted everywhere as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
Yes, flickering papered lights were everywhere: They were strung across streets, tied to rooflines, hung beneath bridges, and lazily sent adrift on the Thu Bon River.
And at night, the whole of ‘Old Town’ became a wondrous dream—a glowing maze of narrow streets on the north bank of a river filled with small, lantern-laden boats (that are very cheap to hire for an evening cruise).
The beach, which is only two kilometres from the Old Town, is easy to get to by scooter or bicycle (both of which are also cheap to hire) and provides a plethora of options for both wining and dining.
A couple of our favorite watering-holes were the “Beachside Bar” and “Eight Days a Week”.
And if you’re keen on an excursion, there are several sights within a few hours by car—but perhaps none as awe-inspiring as the six-kilometre cablecar accent to the “Golden Bridge” of Ba Na Hills (with its giant hands that look like something out of The Lord of the Rings).
Yes, we left Vietnam being able to say that the small city of Hoi An had everything we were after (and so much more)!
Everyday we were astounded by the lure of the landscape, the beauty of the culture, the kindness of the people, and the complete and utter disregard for the lines on the road.
And like we said earlier: because of Tét celebration, orange trees… EVERYWHERE.
It’s one of the coolest places we have every been!
