Hoi An, Vietnam

April 22-25, 2006

TAKE A

Took a Grab from Da Nang to Hoi An. About 30 minutes for $$12.16. Stayed at the Roxana River Villa. Great hotel, just outside the main tourist area. Hoi An itself is nice, a bit cleaner than Da Nang, but very busy and touristy.

Roxana River Villa

Pics above: two more views of the river from the room. Fields, path and alley. This was on the way from the hotel to the local gym on goole maps. Sure figured I was lost at first, but sure enough, google maps took me on some pretty small paths between fields to get to the gym. Had some shoes and clothes made in Hoi An. Pretty much required. Quick, cheap, decent quality. Worked out at the Công Mạnh Fitness Gym Center. Had a few meals , Bun Cha Ta Hoi An, Madam Khanh - The Banh Mi Queen , two of the better locations.

Take B

Hoi An was interesting, more so outside of the main tourist district. The tourist district was overrun, crowded, and nothing but tailors, food, shoes, spas. The local gym was two walls and a roof. Cheap, $1.00 per day, crowded machinery, dirty, hot, but functional for the price. The best food was the Bahn Mi at Madam Khanh. Line of people out front for take away, packed tables inside. We got a table with a young man from Netherlands. Great conversation. Bohn Mi were a $1.00 each and great. Enjoyed the Roxana River View, clean, great location just outside the main tourist area. Nice breakfast included, pool. It was very quit when we were there.