Enchanting Hoi An...Lanterns, Tea and Banh Mi

Today we are visiting the ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An, spending most of our day wandering through the pedestrian streets of Hoi An's Old Town. Walking through the alleyways, you are immediately transported back in time. The city's rich history as a bustling trading port is evident in its well-preserved architecture, a blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences, with centuries-old merchant houses adorned with intricate carvings and colorful facades. 

Although currently under construction, Phuc, our guide took us to see the Japanese Covered Bridge, which was built in the 16th century by Japanese merchants. At night Hoi An transforms into a spectacular light show of light and color where lanterns are released into the river and lit throughout the Old Town. Our visit of the city will end before sunset, but Phuc shared with us the tradition of hanging lanterns, which dates back centuries and is believed to bring good luck and prosperity. During the monthly Full Moon Lantern Festival, the city is aglow with a sea of lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere that enchants visitors and locals alike.

Similar to our other Vietnamese stops, no visit to Hoi An would be complete without indulging in its delectable cuisine. Our first stop was at a small restaurant that specialized in spring rolls. Phuc gave us a lesson in rice paper and rolling our own spring rolls. The hardest part was being patient and listening to him when all we wanted to do was EAT! 

We sampled teas (M and O insisted on having bubble tea) and tried black sesame pudding (only Baba was a fan of this one). 

However, one culinary delight stood out above the rest: the Banh Mi sandwich. Sharing one wasn't enough, and since they were priced at only $1 a sandwich, we opted to try 4 different kinds. The savory and spicy snack would have been a perfect precursor to something sweet, but the desserts Phuc had in mind, were not something that M&O could get onboard with- hot mung bean custard. 

Unlike the other stops in Vietnam, Hoi An, felt like a cultural landscape and left us enchanted as though we had stepped back in time, having stumbled into a fairytale.