'Heavenly' Hoi An

Hoi An is an ancient town recogninsed as a world heritage site by UNESCO.  It's a good example of a 15th to 19th Southeast Asian trading port.  The buildings reflect both local and foreign styles and remarkably escaped much damage in the wars with France and the United States.  As well as this it is famous for its handcrafted lanterns.

On our second morning we went their to have a look around, but the weather was so hot we weren't able to stay for more than an hour.  Although what we did see was very impressive.

       

Therefore we decided to do a trip there in the late afternoon, especially as we discovered that when it gets dark they light all of the lanterns hanging in the streets and you can even float lanterns on the water.  It was much cooler and after a wander we headed to, the interestingly named, Morning Glory for supper.  

                                  

                                  

                                 

As we left the restaurant it had got dark and we set off for the river with all sorts of romantic notions of lanterns and heavenly peace and quiet.  I'm sure that a few hundred years ago it was, however, the introduction of motorbikes and tourists has put paid to that. 

                                  

 William, Oliver and I managed to put flaming lanterns on the river without being run over. 

       

      

We also had a brief look at the lit up lanterns, but as soon as we saw a taxi we grabbed it. Soon we were leaving the chaos behind and heading back to our own heaven.