Let's Go East (and Back): Hoi An, Vietnam

TGIF y'all! As promised, I wanted to share photos (lots of photos) from our time spent in Hoi An, Vietnam. Coming from Hanoi, Hoi An was a welcome contrast from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is an old, picturesque beach town with a slower way of life and the color and charm of a UNESCO World Heritage city. Our time was split between lounging at the beach, eating the most incredible banh mi sandwiches and strolling the narrow streets of Hoi An. A recap below:

Our journey to the beach from Hanoi to Da Nang (central Vietnam) was about 1.5 hours via plane. Once a major US military airbase, flying into Da Nang you can still see cement arches covering rows and rows of military helicopters and fighter jets. You can also see a row of private jets lined up right next to them, which I think is a good illustration of how much Vietnam has opened up to tourists and how incredible of a place it is to visit.

I should point out that my maternal grandpa Wise proudly served in Vietnam from '67-'71, and along with many other Americans, likely entered the country through Da Nang. Grandpa Wise passed away when I was quite young, so unfortunately I don't have any memories of him speaking about his time abroad. I can hardly imagine how different our two experiences must have been.

After a quick car journey we arrived at para-para-paradice (Coldplay voice). We stayed at the Nam Hai Resort and it was amazefest times infinity.

I kept telling Michael to pinch me. I couldn't believe that a) we were on China Beach, Vietnam and b) we got to enjoy this magical place with family and friends. Long live the Nam Hai!

One of the best parts of the resort is that it is only about a 10min taxi journey to Hoi An Ancient Town - aka the cutest, coolest, most charming former port town ever (literally). Because it is a UNESCO site, much of the original architecture and charm can be seen today. Hoi An is well known for its textiles, tailors, silks and food - and we did all of that!

Day 1 we took a walking tour with a guide to check out the good stuff. Silk lanterns, I'll take 4 please!

We had an opportunity to learn about the local silk production process, all the way from the silkworm to the finished fabric.

We learned that the silkworm eats for 3 days straight then sleeps for a full day. Fun! We also learned that raw silk only comes in white and yellow - the rest is dyed. Neat.

Ah, to the center of town. Lanterns for dayz.

Sugar doughnut? No? How about a crab patty instead?

View from inside the Japanese Covered Bridge.

Flowers of Hoi An.

Doors of Hoi An.

The ladies stopped to give an incense offering and make a new year wish. These alters are stunning and beautiful works of art. We also got fortunes for the year - mine said it was a bad year for me to sue someone. Laura making her wish below :)

Michael gets behind the lens for a change.

Michael does discrete American tourist.

More snaps around town.

I call this, Kevin does Mango Room for Lunch - my fav pic of the trip.

Banh mi me please :)

The full crew inside the Japanese Covered Bridge. Built in the 1590's(!)

Sunset serenades.

Guys day at the beach, inclusive of 70 cent beers and monster oyster platters.

One evening we had the pleasure of taking a private, sunset, BYOB booze cruise for the low, low cost of $10! (Great find team Fitz). That evening was one of my most favorite memories of the trip.