by Late start ( 6:40 a.m.) after a good meal at the restaurant in the grounds of the Le Liu Hue hotel ( very good ) last night, and a good night’s sleep.
Minibus for $4US from the hotel to HoiAn. On the way, we passed and stopped on an island just north of DaNang and the marble mountains and the top of the range.
The only stop that was worth it was the marble mountains, although the scenery was worthwhile (better than the train) we did not tour the marble mountains this would be worthwhile if you have the time. Also, some great marble carvings on sale but the weight prohibits us from purchasing.
HoiAn – relaxation. We found a very good room at the Pho Hoi hotel. Although not in the 1997 addition of the lonely planet, it does feature in the 98 rough guide. And for good reason. Prices in high and appear more expensive than in the north. Our room with a fan but no Aircon is US$15. However it is very clean, has towels, sheets, separate bath and toilet, two beds, double and single, TV and fridge. Plus a view and a balcony (air con is +$3usd)
Watched ABC News first Australian news for two weeks. After checking in, in significant heat, we ate peanut butter bread rolls for lunch and went for a stroll around town. Cross the bridge and walk straight into the Tailor shop we had recommended to us. We promptly ordered:
1 long evening dress US$12 with lining,
long sleeve cotton shirt US$5,
1 short sleeve silk shirt US$7,
1 long silk cashmere pants US$9,
1 dinner suit US$25,
dinner shirt US$6 and
bowties US$1.
Total of US$65 ready by 11 am tomorrow. We will see US $40 deposit.
We strolled the city purchasing the entry ticket opposite entry to one old house, one assembly hall, one museum, and the Japanese covered Bridge. We promptly wandered through the Hai Kuan Phil Kien Chinese assembly hall with the goddess Thien Hau: goddess of the sea, fisherman, and sailors
Wha Co Tan Ky house. Over 200 years old seven generations construct it from a jackfruit tree and well preserved. The wood of the jackfruit tree is very resistant to heat and humidity and white ants. Japanese covered bridge was constructed in 1593. Nice but plain:
Last the Museum of trade ceramics 16th and 17th century quite good but…??
Stroll through the fish market before a relax at the hotel
Dinner at Cafe de Amis on the waterfront. The dinner menu was a very good-set menu with spring rolls as entree, a veggie and shrimp almost pizza, but the base of fried rice paper, calamari and light veggie mix and a tuna and lemon dish eaten with a rice cracker followed by cream caramel washed down with three beers, all for 102,000 dong or around $7.40 US.
We were joined for dinner by Craig (Scottish) and Sophie (French)-who we had a great yarn with. Earlier today we also ran into Tim and Lynda-Tim who recommended the restaurant. Tim and Lynda leave tomorrow for Saigon and then for Bangkok.
