Leisurely brekkie at our resort by the river before dropping off some washing to a Vietnamese lady across the road then catching the resort shuttle bus the approx 4 kms into town. First stop had to be a tailor for Raym to organise for a suit to be made for the wedding. The dilemma was where to go as we had a collection of recommendations - and there are literally hundreds of tailoring businesses in Hoi An (not to mention the abundance of shoes, handbags, ready made clothing, artefacts and souvenirs! )
A lovely young girl who works at the resort happened to be on our shuttle bus and directed us to her sister-in-laws business (surprise, surprise!) Hopefully all will work out ok - will see why we return tomorrow to try on! I'm getting some pants made too...! We spent probably an hour and a half with them, a very small family business, and they were particularly meticulous and caring. Pretty exhausting in the 36 degree heat!
Wandered a little around the quaint old town area though became unpleasant in the oppressive heat and were soon in need of lunch and fluids . Found a nice cafe bar after crossing An Hoi bridge to An Hoi.
Continued to walk around as much as we could after lunch. Hoi An was the international trading centre for foreign merchant ships in southern Vietnam during,the 16th & 17th centuries. Japanese, Chinese, Dutch and Indian traders set up their emporiums and quarters hence there is a unique mixture of architecture- ancient houses, pagodas, shrines, temples, bridges, markets, wharf - much of which has been preserved. Hoi An became part of the World Heritage List in 1999.
We stocked up on bottled water, beer and snacks before catching a cab back to the resort and falling into the pool (not that the water temperature was particularly invigorating!) Also collected our 4kg of washing at a cost VND120,000 - about $7.50! Not bad!
Rested up before heading back into town just as the sun was setting to see all the lanterns coming on along the riverside. Such a gorgeous sight. The area that was so quiet during the heat of the day was now a bustling hive of activity with street sellers everywhere. Children particularly wanting you to buy a candle in a folded paper holder that you launch onto the river and make a wish .....yes we got talked into it!!
Enjoyed a couple of happy hour cocktails and a meal before wandering through an evening market area over the An Hoi bridge. Much more pleasant at this time of the day! Caught the resort shuttle back to end a tiring day.