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Hoi An: Part 2

Vietnamese women in cone hats

As a novice blogger, I’ve quickly learned that writing from the road isn’t as easy as it seems, ESPECIALLY when you have a month jam-packed with non-stop travel and adventures. I’ve also learned that if ever Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs should be revamped, modified, made anew, it should be NOW! I mean, right now…at this very moment, and the first level of need should be Wi-fi this is not up for debate. For about a week and a half it was a pain in the arse luxury to be able to even check my email, let alone upload large-file photos. Nope! Wasn’t happening. Now, that I’m back to working Wi-fi, and have caught up on some rest, let me catch you up on the rest of my journey through Southeast Asia.

Ok, so, if you can’t already tell from Hoi An: Part 1 and Off the Beaten Path, I am slightly obsessed with Hoi An. I was there for a total of 4 nights and 5 days, which was the perfect amount of time to enjoy all the amazingness this charming town had to offer.

Each day I would get an early start. It’s rainy season in Vietnam and I knew the rain would be coming in the afternoons. Plus, I wanted the town to myself, void of swarms of other tourists. So every morning I was up and at ‘em and out the door before 7:30. There were never many tourists out at this time, but by local time standards, I was always late to the party. The town would already be bustling with shop and restaurant owners preparing for the day, and side walks lined local patrons feasting on their morning Caolau, sitting on tiny stools that look as though they might have stolen them from a Kindergarten classroom.

Vietnamese patrons having their morning breakfast outside Vietnamese man and woman conversing while preparing to open up shop Vietnamese woman in cone hat at the local open marketWoman buying fresh vegetables from Hoi An Central market Elderly hands bagging vegetables

My second morning in Hoi An I opted to take a cyclo, and my wonderful driver, Dean, (I was so surprised when he told me his name, as it is also my family name. Though, I’m certain he doesn’t spell his this way) pedaled his way through town giving me a brief synopsis of different places along the way, and made some wonderful recommendations.

Cyclo ride through Hoi An

The remainder of my trip I spent my time between wandering aimlessly through Ancient Town, basking on the beach (when weather permitted), and eating.

Lots and lots and LOTS of eating. Vietnam has hands down become my favorite international food.

I met some wonderful people along the way. One of my favorites being a Vietnamese woman that goes by the name Flower. The name fit her perfectly. She was a spunky woman with a beaming personality. And to top it off, her grandmother lives in Atlanta. It truly is a small world!

Bamboo basket boats and lounge chairs under thatched umbrellas Bamboo basket boat on peaceful An Bang Beach Yellow flowers and burning incense as offerings line the beach Blue skies, palm trees, beach Mountains and beach

 

Here are some more of my favorite photos from Hoi An. This place is totally a photographer’s paradise.

Traditional vietnamese conical hatFresh herbs from the market Vietnamese woman in cone hat shopping at open marketColorful and fresh fruits Vietnamese woman eating Vietnamese local Hoi An alleyway adorned with hanging flower baskets  Hoi An food cart Hoi An Cao Lau food cart with girl on bicycle in backgroundElderly Vietnamese man Friends, live music  Vietnamese woman rowing down Phuoc An River Vietnamese women in cone hats talking on boat deck and boats Vietnamese men sitting and talking on the sidewalk Vietnamese waitress waiting at the door to welcome guestsVietnamese woman on bicycle Money is nothing, but you need something, you need to have money Traditional shoulder bamboo baskets hanging on wall Palm trees and lanterns 3 Vietnamese women in traditional cone hats selling fruitVietnamese woman in traditional conical hat Hoi An Ancient TownHoi An Ancient Town along Phuoc An River

 

Despite, being somewhat overrun by tourist, Hoi An is truly a magical place. It makes my heart smile. I think it’s all the yellow…it’s such a happy color :). Wouldn’t you agree?

  • Christine Maguire

    I absolutely loved Hoi An too, it’s so beautiful! I’ve loved revisiting through your photos. It also reminds me I really need to go through my photos from Hoi An. 🙂

    February 17, 2016 at 3:22 pm Reply
  • Amanda connolly

    Great post, beautiful pictures! I’ve been dying to go and this has definitely pushed me to plan a trip!

    February 17, 2016 at 3:40 pm Reply
  • Jennifer St Louis

    Wonderful post. I love your photos! You really captured the beauty of Hoi An.

    February 17, 2016 at 5:50 pm Reply
  • Travel Pockets (Crystal)

    Gorgeous pictures! I dream of taking pictures like this. Great post!

    February 17, 2016 at 7:18 pm Reply
  • Johna

    Beautiful photos! Adding this place to my bucketlist ? looks amazing especially the beaches!

    February 17, 2016 at 11:03 pm Reply
  • marie

    From one newbie to another – you are doing a great job!

    February 17, 2016 at 11:21 pm Reply
  • Eva Casey

    I can’t wait to visit Vietnam! These photos are spectacular. And I totally have the exact same scarf! I am wearing it right now, and I saw your photo and looked down and was like-wait, what? It’s one well-traveled scarf! 😛

    February 17, 2016 at 11:49 pm Reply
  • Perrisha

    Love love love your pictures!

    February 18, 2016 at 3:00 am Reply
  • Kimberly Erin @ Walkaboot.ca

    That market looks amazing! so does the beach, the smiles of all the people and all the colours. looks awesome

    February 18, 2016 at 4:27 am Reply
  • Laura

    I cannot WAIT to visit Hoi An! I’ve heard such wonderful things about it. I’m leaving next month to backpack SEA and will be looking forward to this city for sure! Thanks for sharing. Also, I love your style!

    February 18, 2016 at 3:32 pm Reply
  • Taylor Lorenz

    Hoi An is definitely on my bucket list. Your pictures are beautiful, makes me want to get my DSLR out again! I take most of my pictures on my GoPro now 🙂

    February 18, 2016 at 3:50 pm Reply
  • Prianka

    These are really great pics of Hoi An. I’ve been to Hanoi and Saigon, but nothing in the middle of Vietnam so far. Definitely on the bucket list!

    March 22, 2016 at 1:43 pm Reply

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