HOI AN - 27th Feb. 2015 to 5th Mar. 2015

We arrived in Hoi An with the intention of being there about 3 or 4 days, but when we speak with Mariona (a girl from Catalonia and the neighbour of Markus' grandparents who at that time was doing an exchange with a Hanoi university) told us that the next weekend will be lanterns festival coinciding with the full moon. At first we didn't give much importance, but she told us that even though they make more during the year, this was one of the most important. So, we decided to stay longer and see the event. In fact, we have time and we can do it. Mariona that weekend also moved from Hanoi to Hoi An to visit the city and see this festival, so we would have the pleasure to meet her before arriving in Hanoi, because we had talked but we never met in person.

For Vietnamese people full moon night is a night to show respect to their ancestors by burning offerings and money (fake) to have good luck and prosperity. The streets are full of tourists and locals and both, put paper lanterns to float on the river, they say that brings luck, happiness and love.

Located on the central coast of Vietnam is a good example of a traditional Asian trading port. In 1999 the historical area of ​​the city was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. Its buildings, full of influences from different cultures (mainly Chinese and Japanese) are gorgeous. One of its main attractions is the Japanese bridge, a wooden bridge with a pagoda dated from 18th century and it appears in 20,000 dongs notes. Hoi An is a photogenic place, quiet, full of shops and a daily night market to buy souvenirs. We assume you imagine it, but just in case, we confirm you: it is a very touristy place. The historic centre becomes a pedestrian zone in the evenings to be able to walk comfortably.

To enter to some historic buildings, temples and museums you must buy a ticket at the ticket office just in the beginning of the old town. We don't remember the ticket price now, but it lets you enter only to five sites. You have to choose from a list where there are museums, temples, old houses... We didn't pay it, because there are buildings and temples which aren't included in this list and they can be visited without paying, so we saved some money.

Although we have many more pictures you get an idea of the beauty of this place.

To get from Da Nang airport to Hoi An we took a taxi for 400.000 dong (about 18€). The journey takes half an hour. To get it cheaper we shared it with another backpackers couple.

In Hoi An we stayed in two different hotels, the first days in Vip Garden Homestay (105 Hùng Vu'o'ng, Hoi An. T. 05 103 916 222 / 0928 373 777) for 336.000 dong per night (a little bit more than 15€). Then we changed because we wanted to extend our stay and it was full, so we moved a bit down the street, to the Golden Leaf Homestay (124 Hung Vuong, Thanh Ha Hoi An) for 350.000 dong (a little bit less than 16€), including breakfast. Both hotels were very, very good, maybe the best accommodation we have been. Spacious, clean, with private bath, refrigerator, good internet and very nice owners.