Tailors of Hoi An

This morning was spent on Da Nang beach before check-out. The beach was calm with a gentle breeze, few people around and some locals fishing in Vietnamese basket boats. We then packed our bags, got on our little scooter and left for the smaller city of Hoi An, a UNESCO world heritage site, about 40 minutes south of Da Nang.

This time we checked into a homestay which is an accommodation with fewer than five rooms. Being more personal, the host was extremely welcoming on arrival. Arriving early, the room was being tidied so the host sat us down and went through local activities and things to do. Soon after we walked to Hoi An Old Town which exhibited both Chinese and Japanese influence. The inner streets were pedestrianised and full of colour with bright lanterns hanging above. What really stood out were the number of tailors around; there were literally hundreds of tailors, mostly located in the old town and often filling entire streets back to back. They seem to make anything with fabric or leather; suits, dresses, trousers, shoes, bags, wallets etc. We'd shortlisted some of the highest rated tailors so went in for a chat about what they could offer. Sure enough, all could make everything we wanted so we decided to go with the tailors that offered the best service, best materials and gave us the best overall feel.

Dan went for two 3-piece full cashmere suits whilst Jess opted for a couple of tailored dresses and blazers. Each 3-piece tailored suit, tailored shirt and tie cost £115 in the end. You can't complain at at that. After getting measured up we were told to come back for the first fitting the following day.

Whilst there, we thought we'd also ask if they could repair Dan's broken sandals. They couldn't help but said if we left the sandals with them, they'd sort it with another shoe shop. This would cost £2-3 apparently.

We ended the evening with a walk over the glowing bridge and along the river which was filled with brightly lit boats and lanterns floating along in the breeze looking so picturesque. Again, the photos just don’t do it justice but it was an amazing scene while listening to live music and drinking cocktails.Okumaya devam et