Hội An

Arriving in Hội An

Hội An was one of our favorite places in Vietnam. It’s a small town of about 120,000 people and the whole area is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Throughout history, Hội An has been an important trade port — there are many Japanese and Chinese cultural influences still visible in the ancient town. We stayed at the Thanh Van II hotel which was a bit out of the town center, but they offered a free van service every hour. The rooms were enormous, and at 20$ a night, Hội An is a very affordable destination!

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View from Our Hotel Window
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Our Hotel, Thanh Van II
Hội An Ancient Town

Hội An’s ancient town is beautiful everywhere you look. There are tons of souvenir and craft shops, restaurants, coffee shops, and especially tailors. The buildings are all painted canary yellow with wooden signs (no neon here). Many of the shops are very old and built in the style of merchant houses.

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Boats Lined Up in the River
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Linley at the River Bridge
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Agriculture Happening Right Amidst the Town
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Japanese Bridge in the Ancient Town
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Streets of Hội An
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Chinese Meeting Hall in the Ancient Town
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Birdcage at the Chinese Meeting Hall
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Dragon Fountain at the Chinese Meeting Hall
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Incense Coils at the Chinese Meeting Hall
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Flaming Coconut Full of Curry
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Cake from the Cargo Club
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Durian from the Old Market
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Durian Didn't Smell Too Bad, Definitely a Unique Taste / Texture
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Canal in the Ancient Town
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Tofu in Banana Leaf
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Fried Mì Quảng Noodles
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Architecture of the Ancient Town
Reaching Out Tea House & Craft Shop

Reaching Out is a charitable business in Hội An that operates a tea house and a craft workshop and boutique. It became one of our favorite spots in a city full of favorites. Reaching Out employs Vietnamese artisans who have mobility impediments, hearing impairments, learning disabilities, Down Syndrome, or other disabilities. These people may otherwise not be able to earn a fair wage, but are paid and treated very well at Reaching Out. The coffee shop is staffed completely by the deaf and a sign on the wall encourages you to “enjoy the silence”. Visit their web site here: www.reachingoutvietnam.com.

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Reaching Out Craft Shop
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Inside Reaching Out Tea House
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The Staff and Founders of Reaching Out
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Iced Coffee at Reaching Out -- Frozen Coffee for Ice Cubes, Genius
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Reaching Out Tea House
Tailors of Hội An

Hội An is famous for its tailors, there are hundreds of tailor shops in the city. We opted to have some clothes made and helped design the colors, materials, and styles. The tailor takes your measurements and in less than 24 hours you can return to the shop to try on your new clothes and make any adjustments. We had several dresses and suits made since the price was right. A bespoke men’s 2-piece suit from a high-end shop was only $170. Customized dresses were often less than $15.

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Linley with Dressmaker
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James Being Measured
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Suit Blueprints
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Brand New Dress
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New Suit & Dress

2 thoughts on “Hội An

  1. Jimmy

    You guys look like movie stars in the newly tailored clothes. Hoi An is only about 20 Km from where I grew up. I can’t believe you actually tried the fresh durian. I haven’t tried it myself.

  2. Anne Watt Massey

    I can certainly see why Hoi An is one of your favorite places…it looks charming! Love the new clothes…24 hours? Really? Wow! You both look fabulous!