October 4: Hoi An, Vietnam

October 4: We arrive in Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An is a thriving town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a well-preserved historic section seated on canals. 

Shops and canal in old Hoi An, Vietnam

Boats on canal in Hoi An

Local woman on boat.

Restaurant in Hoi An

Old Hoi An, Vietnam - street scene

Hoi An was a major international port in the 16th and 17th centuries, and this foreign influence is still visible in the Chinese architecture of some shops and houses, as well as the presence of Chinese Buddhist temples.

Dragon statue in front of Chinese Temple, Hoi An

Big horse statue and temple interior.

Incense sticks, Chinese Temple, Hoi An, Vietnam

Dozens of these enormous incense cones hung from the temple ceiling.

The cones were bigger than Diana.

Joe was invited to beat the temple drum.

After a long day of sightseeing, we were hungry and thirsty.  We were quite pleased to find out that the price of beer in Hoi An hasn't changed much since the ol' shipping days. Icy brews on tap were a great way to cool off, and for 4000 Dong (20 cents!) a piece, they're cheaper than water.

Cheers to 20 cent beers!

It rained so much rain while we were in Hoi An, that we had to stick around for a few days until the rails and roads were up and running. Did we mind? Nope!

Enjoying the cheapest beer in the world!

Hoi An by night is just as beautiful. Wandering through town after dinner and drinks, our path was lit by hundreds of colorful lanterns.

Lanterns over bridge in Hoi An.

Old Hoi An by night.