Hoi An

Hoi An is a shoppers paradise, there will be many people who will be reading this thinking, my kind of place, and I know who you are!!!

There are tailors on every street, made to measure anything!! And stalls galore, I wish I could bring things home but with just a back pack, it's difficult . When I come back to Vietnam I'm bringing an empty case!

Hoi An is a protected town, a heritage town. You pay to get into the old town;you'll be looking at the stalls and shops selling leather goods, clothes and souvenirs then there will be an old house that you can visit, a glorious temple, a community meeting house or an ancient house!

It's also the home of the lantern, stunning amazing silk lanterns everywhere! Again. No room in the bag!

Also, I managed to do a great cycle trip to the countryside, felt very good as we were really giving back to the local businesses, we visited a community farm, we were put to sctisl work, how dare that happen, I'm on a career break. We cycled through rice fields, had a ride on a traditional bamboo boat and a wonderful meal at a family home.

And finally the marble mountains and the gigantic lady Buddha statue, at 67 metres, she's pretty big! The marble mountains, exactly as it's says on the tin, but inside there are loads of Buddhist temples which was very cool.

I have loved visiting Hoi An, its very touristy but I'm in awe of the Vietnamese people, always smiling and always working, a man riding a motorbike with a board of sunglasses, ladies selling a few fruits from their garden on the street & setting up a little cookery stand, from the back of a push bike for mango cake, these are just a few money making ideas!

Without wanting to repeat myself, Vietnam is a beautiful country which has surprised me. It's surpassed my expectations. I will be back.

Still a week and a bit left in Vietnam so I'm very happy with that xRead more