After a morning beachside, we were off on the 2pm shuttle to Hoi An, about 30 minutes south of Danang. The city is known for its well-preserved Ancient Town, cut through with canals. The former port city’s melting-pot history is reflected in its architecture, a mix of eras and styles from wooden Chinese shophouses and temples to colorful French colonial buildings, ornate Vietnamese tube houses and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge with its pagoda. It is one of Vietnam's most delightful and atmospheric towns.
Hoi An is also known for it's custom tailoring shops (there are hundreds of them!) . How could we resist! After one false start (went wrong way down street) directions from a travel agency steered us in the right direction (crazy numbering system for addresses) and we finally located Ms. Tam Tam (the tailor). Interesting experience with an army of about 6 shop girls all involved in the process of finding a pattern, selecting material, taking measurements. Less than an hour later, we had put in an order for 4 dresses. We were told the dresses would be ready for final fitting by 7pm (basically in 3 hours!).
So off we went to explore the UNESCO heritage town of Hoi An. Wandered the narrow streets (packed with tourists & bicycles), the river walk, Japanese covered bridge, TONS of shops, a pit stop for ice cream of course. Hoi An is also famous for its hand-made lanterns, which adorn all the main streets in the Old Town. Found in an array of colours and designs, the brighten up the street during the day but look even better at night when they are all lit up.
All very charming.
After supper, we were back at Ms. Tam Tam's for our fittings. Alyssa & my dresses were perfect, Gabrielle's needed a few adjustments. 30 minutes later we were good to go! Super fun experience. Finally, we were off to get the 9pm shuttle back to our Danang hotel. Great day!