To get to Hoi An we had to fly to Denang and get a taxi from there. The drive between these two destinations once took you through lush forrest, and past pristine beaches. These days you can relate Denang to a Joondalup type development city. The land has been completely cleared and housing, slums and resorts have been plonked sporadically around the place.
It's actually very upsetting seeing luxurious resorts housing greedy westerners next door to slums housing poverty and desperation.
Hoi An tells a different story, while you still have quite a low standard of living here, the people are happier, healthier and take pride in what ever it is that they do.
This didn't stop me from feeling like a terrible person for staying in a resort. We made sure to over tip waiters, tour guides and cleaners, and Nick and I could often not bring ourselves to barter with locals, instead accepting that what ever we pay is less than we pay at home, and the Vietnamese are kind people. They deserve better from tourists.
It's actually very upsetting seeing luxurious resorts housing greedy westerners next door to slums housing poverty and desperation.
Hoi An tells a different story, while you still have quite a low standard of living here, the people are happier, healthier and take pride in what ever it is that they do.
This didn't stop me from feeling like a terrible person for staying in a resort. We made sure to over tip waiters, tour guides and cleaners, and Nick and I could often not bring ourselves to barter with locals, instead accepting that what ever we pay is less than we pay at home, and the Vietnamese are kind people. They deserve better from tourists.
After finally arriving in Hoi An, it was time to get out and experience the eventing sans camera.
Hoi An is a beautiful city, we spent most of our time in the old city which was founded as a trading port around 1535.
The streets are lined with tailors, and aromas of tasty treats engulf you.
1. View of Thu Bon River from our Hotel (Hoi An Beach Resort)
2. Japanese Bridge (Chua Cau) built early 17th century by Japanese migrants. We made a donation into what we thought was going towards maintenance of the bridge, and later discovered that donated money is actually used for burning, which is a cultural tradition we saw happening all over Vietnam. They believe that the act of burning money, will transfer it to their loved ones in heaven.
3. Houses along the canals. The Thu Bon river breaks off into thousands of canals around the old city of Hoi An. Best to avoid them during low tide as they get a bit smelly at this time.
4. Houses along Thu Bon river.
5. Restaurants in the old city of Hoi An. The streets are very clean and safe at night, and much of the old city is closed off to any vehicles between 6pm and 10pm, making it a great time to get out and do some shopping. All shops are open very late.
6. Cocktails at Q Bar. This place made the most amazing drinks. This was where we met Minh, the bar manager, he makes amazing ginger martini's
If you're in Hoi An definitely check out Q Bar and say hi to Minh
More photos of our outings in Hoi An soon!
Hayley Jane
xx
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