| Vietnam offers an intoxicating blend of incredible | | | | river system and see the real countryside around Loi |
| scenery, idyllic coastline, vibrant cities and fascinating | | | | An. Bicycle hire is even cheaper, and a visit to the |
| history and culture. Add to that some great cuisine and | | | | ruined temple complex at My Son is a gentle |
| Vietnam surely makes an ideal destination for travelers | | | | one-hour's pedaling away, or head for the Marble |
| seeking something a little different, off the usual | | | | Mountains towards Da Nang. The nearby islands south |
| tourist's well-trodden path. | | | | of the town, An Hoi and Cam Nam across the Thu |
| The ancient port city of Hoi An oozes charm and | | | | Bon River, are reachable from Hai Ba Trung and |
| history and miraculously escaped largely unscathed | | | | Hoang Dieu. Alternatively, organized tours of the area |
| from the Vietnam War. Whilst very obviously carrying | | | | are available through hotels and travel agents. |
| on its traditional life, it caters wonderfully to western | | | | On the 14th and 15th of each month the streets of the |
| visitors with smart hotels, restaurants, bars, tailor's | | | | Old Town are completely closed to traffic and out |
| shops and souvenir stalls all packed into the old town | | | | come all the traditional street games. Bai choi, trong |
| center. Thanks to the local People's Committee who | | | | quan, dap nieu and other cultural pastimes can be seen |
| clamp down from time to time on touts, a stroll down | | | | all over the town and spectators are welcome. |
| the street is relatively hassle-free. The Old Town is | | | | The rich historical sites in Hoi An include the Japanese |
| closed to cars, although not to motorbikes, and most | | | | Covered Bridge which dates back to the early 1600s |
| hotels are within easy walking distance of the main | | | | and is guarded at either end by a pig statue and a dog |
| attractions. If you want to go really native, then hire a | | | | statue. There are four museums in Hoi An: the |
| bicycle to explore the area at a gentle pace. | | | | Museum of Folk Culture, the Museum of Trade |
| Although no longer a port of any significance, the | | | | Ceramics in a traditional Hoi An home; the Museum of |
| foreign influences can still be evidenced around the city. | | | | History and Culture with some interesting 20th century |
| The Old Town is full of winding streets and | | | | photographs among the local exhibits, and the Museum |
| Chinese-style shophouses. As tourism has only just | | | | of Say Huynh Culture which also incorporates the |
| begun to discover Hoi An, the area has been largely | | | | Museum of the Revolution, complete with grenade |
| preserved and renovations are slow, carefully avoiding | | | | launchers and machine guns. |
| high-rise concrete blocks and karaoke bars. | | | | There are three old houses which are open to the |
| Hoi An is easy to reach by air. The local airport at | | | | public, the best of which is the Tan Ky House with its |
| Danang has frequent connections to Hanoi, Ho Chi Min | | | | crab shell-shaped ceiling and poems written on |
| City. A local minibus will transport you to your chosen | | | | mother-of-pearl. More local culture is offered at the |
| hotel for around $5, and private taxis charge a little | | | | Traditional Theater and at the Handicraft Workshop. |
| more. | | | | For those with a keen philanthropic interest there is a |
| Things to Do in Hoi An | | | | local orphanage next to the Catholic Church run by the |
| Everything in Hoi An is very affordable. Rent a | | | | Kianh Foundation which can be visited. |
| motorbike for around $5 a day but don't expect it to | | | | One final unique experience is the Eco Tour which |
| have any gas in it. You will have to fill up immediately! | | | | shows you how to row a basket boat, and how to |
| Take a trip through the local countryside and paddy | | | | catch fish. It is a wonderful cultural trip with plenty of |
| fields to Cua Di Beach. Rent a deckchair and enjoy a | | | | local interaction which really sums up the whole of Hoi |
| snack and drinks at one of the beach restaurants and | | | | An - wonderful culture and plenty of opportunity to |
| enjoy the day out. Boat hire, a rip-off elsewhere, can | | | | interact with the friendly locals. |
| be enjoyed from $1 an hour. Enjoy exploring the local | | | | |