Friday, August 18, 2006

Hoi An, Vietnam - 30-31 July 2006

It's easy to see why Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a favorite destination for many backpackers and frequent 'du lichs' (visitors) of Vietnam.  She is a charming, old-world town with interesting architecture; however, caveat emptor - many locals seemed to have sold-out to tourism and have lost their small-town charm, sincerity and generosity, so many would not hesitate to fleece you the du lich. For example, a coconut drink for 50,000 dong (about US$3.15)? "Are you serious, lady?!" (Market price was 7,000 dong, about US$0.45). Several times too, I had to negotiate the exchange rate with the hotel or restaurant staff - exchange rates could fluctuate for no rhyme or reason! 

Still, despite the downside of being harassed as a 'du lich', the food was amazing in Hoi An - I have yet to find "Mi Quang" noodles, "Cao Lau" noodles or "White Roses" dumplings outside of Hoi An. I also enjoyed riding my rented bicyle (for 10,000 dong or about US$0.65) to the beach. Though extremely hot and sunny, the clean beach was a nice place to chill.

(click on any image for a(n) enlarged / gallery view)

Above: "Mi Quang" noodles (10,000 dong = about US$0.65)

Above left: "White Rose" dumplings (30,000 dong = about US$1.90); Above right: "Cao Lau" noodles (10,000 dong = about US$0.65)

Above: The famous Japanese Bridge of Hoi An


Above left: Fresh spring rolls with pork and shrimp (22,000 dong = about US$1.45); Above right: Fried wontons, a Hoi An specialty (20,000 dong = about US$1.30)


Above: Hotel breakfast

Vietnam Itinerary: Ho Chi Minh City / Saigon - Dalat - Nha Trang - Hoi An - Hue - Hanoi

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