Today we left the hectic and crazy city of Hanoi and traveled to Hoi An, Vietnam. The day started in Hanoi where we had about a half day to kill. So we wandered down to the lake and spent our time just walking around the lake and seeing the sights. Just kind of relaxing a little bit in the middle of all of the chaos. After hanging out by the lake we made our way to the hotel and checked out and waited for our taxi to the airport.
We arrived in Danang at about 4:30 this afternoon, found our ride and made our way to Hoi An. Hoi An is a little beach town, and is probably one of my most favorite places in the world that I've visited. I've been here before and it is so great to be back. The downtown is lit up with hundreds of lanterns at night and a portion is only open to pedestrians and bicycles. We are staying at a hotel a bit out of town, but decided to walk into town tonight. It was about 2 kilometers (about 1 1/4 miles). Everyone was hungry and tired. I was trying to find a restaurant I ate at last time I was here because it was delicious. But, everyone was getting a bit grumpy and tired so we stopped at a random restaurant we came across. It was ok.
After dinner we just walked around town for a while. It's such a nice change of pace from the chaos of Hanoi. We did some shopping and just walked around and saw all the lanterns and the bridge over the river. Mostly there are a lot of shops in Hoi An, and we checked some out. After that, we got a taxi and came back to the hotel. I've been here for going on two weeks so I'm adjusted, but everyone else seems a bit jet lagged so it was an early night.
Tomorrow we are going on a motorcycle adventure to My Son. Last time I was here I went on a motorcycle adventure with Hoi An Motorbikes. It was the best thing I did while I was in Vietnam. I just rode and old soviet bike with a guide through the rural areas around Hoi An. It was amazing. Tomorrow we will do the same and arrive at My Son. I'm really looking forward to this adventure!!! After that I'm going to get fitted for a suit. You can get any kind of clothing made here for super cheap, great quality, and in 24 hours.
Until tomorrow...
Hanoi traffic from my hotel balcony. Hanoi, Vietnam
Old Town Hoi An at night. Hoi An, Vietnam
Old Town Hoi An streets. Hoi An, Vietnam
Old Town Hoi An. Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An bridge. Old Town. Hoi An, Vietnam
Lanterns for sale. Old Town Hoi An, Vietnam
Happy New Year!! Old Town Hoi An, Vietnam