A very early arrival into Danang on the night train was followed by a short bus ride to the town of Hoi An where we were able to check straight in a our very nice golf hotel. This was to become our favourite place to visit on our trip to Vietnam.
Hoi An was the main trading port of Vietnam in the 15th to 19th centuries and evidence can be seen in the area around the river. Traditional boats still travel up and down the river carrying all sorts of cargo but the larger ships now go further north. The town is now a Unesco world heritage site.
Cherin took us to a nearby local restaurant for brunch where we were able to try some of the local specialities - Hoi An spring rolls which were delicious and so different to those elsewhere. We also had white rose which were small steam wonton like starters filled with pork and vegetables with a lovely little sauce made from lemongrass.
We then went on a walk around the old town which was fascinating - like a vietnamese York with tiny little streets and passages lined with shops selling all sorts. Hoi An is well known for its tailor shops - where you can have anything handmade overnight at excellent prices. As neither of us were in need of a pair of leather shoes, a new suit or winter coat we opted to have a pair of baggy pants made each to wear on the beaches in Thailand! Our walk included visiting a japanese covered bridge and quan Cong temple. In the area of the river bridge were hundreds of coloured lanterns hanging everywhere and the whole town was bright and cheerful.
In the evening we returned to the river area for supper at a traditional street cafe where former street vendors have now come together in a covered area and each have their own cooking station and two tables where you can try all the different dishes for next to nothing. More noodles, rice, spring rolls and seafood washed down with locally made fresh beer - dinner for 2 for less than a fiver!
We then took a walk around the riverside area which was now alight with all the coloured lanterns. It was magical and we sat in one of the riverside bars and had a drink.
While wandering back to the hotel we saw a delightful little boy selling candle lanterns "to bring good luck" so we bought and floated them down the river in memory of Aunty Muriel.
The next day we wandered the pretty streets again before joining some of the others in our group for a vietnamese cooking class! It started with a walk to the local food market where our guide showed us all the herbs, fruit and vegetables and explained what they were all for. While wandering about he was filling his basket with assorted items which we would use in our cooking class. It was so interesting to taste and smell the various strange looking things and we learnt so much about local produce which we had seen for sale but not been brave enough to barter for and try. We then went to the cooking school and had a great couple of hours with a very funny local lady who taught us how to make local spring rolls, chicken noodle soup, green papaya salad and freshly caught fish cooked with chilli in banana leaves. We so enjoyed the afternoon and at the end of the class we all sat down and enjoyed a dinner of all the things we had made then left armed with the recipes to make them all at home - assuming we can find banana leaves growing in the garden!!
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