The bed last night was more like a paving slab but we both slept well. I decided to go on a little mission around the nearby hotels to see if I could get us a better deal on a room while I didn't have my heavy bag on my back. This hotel unfortunately would not enter in negotiations with me about a cheaper rate so we decided to move on. After a few visits to some very below average ten dollar rooms I found a hotel which we visited on our search yesterday. They offered a good quality ten dollar room but unfortunately they were full but luckily someone was checking out today. I agreed to stay here and went off to retrieve Laura.

The room was little less refined and could do with a little refurbishment. The bed was a lot more comfortable but I found out the TV did not work. Also Laura practically fell off the toilet seat when she inadvertently found out it wasn't attached. On informing the problems to the owner she said none of the TVs are working at the moment. So I guess it is more for ornamental purposes then?! The matter of the toilet seat was interesting as the lady came up to check it and tested the flush. She was wondering what the issue was and I demonstrated the toilet seat detaching but she seemed to deem that normal. So in conclusion, nothing was resolved and I guess we had to make do with what we had.

Settled in finally we did our obligatory orientation walk around the old town of Hoi An. We followed the maps through small, narrow streets lined with little boutique shops selling everything from Vietnamese hats to spectacular wedding dresses. One of the first things you notice is the astonishing amount of tailors located here, they are literally everywhere. People were already getting fitted up for suits as we walked past. You had the usual cried of 'xe om' (motorbike taxis) drivers attempting to get fares and the ladies trying to lure you in for a massage. We visited the old market building which now acts as a sort of local food canteen where you can get your low price noodle and rice dishes here all for a set price. You also couldn't help to notice how upmarket it is here with an extensive range of expensive restaurants and cafes. The hotels in this area can be ridiculous and it is obvious the town is not aiming for the budget backpacker market. This is also confirmed by the fact that hostels are actually banned in Hoi An.

We made stop offs at the bars who sold 'fresh beer' for 4000 dong (15 pence) a glass which gave much welcome refreshment before we enjoyed the local street food, mainly noodles before heading back for our mid afternoon rest up.

The evening stroll gave us the chance to enjoy the Chinese lanterns once more as the riverside comes to life. The restaurants were heaving and it is obvious how popular this place is as a package holiday destination. We visited the same lady for food as we did last night and enjoyed more noodles. We also tried a local dish consisting of flat rice noodle sandwiched between two rice pancakes. They were surprisingly filling but came with a shrimp paste dip which was a little to 'fishy' for our tastes. Afterwards we enjoyed our cheap fresh beer and just people watched as he evening end by. Sitting in the bars on the riverfront we could enjoy the various boats lit up as people were aboard enjoying their luxury meals.

The day had been a relaxing one which was very welcome. We both liked the feel to Hoi An and it reminded us of the water village in China we visited way back around New Year just gone. We did miss the calmness of Da Nang however as it was refreshing not to be surrounded by tourists and Hoi An certainly did not lack for those. Our plan tomorrow was to hit the roads on our bicycles and head to the surrounding beaches to soak up some much needed sun. We needed a decent tan before the winter of Australia dawns on us!!