Hoi An, A little more laid back than Saigon

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Hey All,

Well it's day 11 and it's feels like we have already been out Australia for a month. We have traveled some distance, and seen some great new sites.

Yesterday we arrived in Hoi An, about 1000km north of Saigon. A 16 hour trian journey brought us here. The train was great, I'm glad we purchased the first class tickets as we had an airconditioned sleeper carridge, with a room shared by only 2 other people.

The trains are about 3 times the price of a bus in Vietnam, but they are safer and much more comfortable. (yes I know, Die hard backpackers here !!)

After leaving Saigon at 10.30pm, and a bit of yelling from a train guard (Which we had no idea what he was saying). I think Cam was in my bed and I was in his, but we didn't know what he was on about. After fairly restful night. A nice few hours sleep in while waiting for the train to arrive in Danang, we shared a cab with people in our train cabin to Hoi An.

These gals were staying at Hotel Hoi An, so we thought we would check it out. after a bit of haggeling we managed a price of 35 US a night for the room. Now we have been paying about 15 US a night, so this was a little more expensive, but we thought bugger it, it's only 20 bucks each.

L8r we find out that its a 4 star hotel and one of the biggest in Vietnam. Oh Yeah.

This little town was once a main port for the Japanese, portuguse, French etc. but was the rivers have silted up over 500 years of history and now other ports are used.

This town has pretty much is about one thing...... Tailors. I have had 5 Trousers, 3 shirts, 1 Winter coat and a summer coat all tailored for 100 bucks. Not a bad days shopping if I do say so myself.

Well, tomorrow we are heading to Hué. I have no idea whats there, I havn't really checked the bible, AKA Lonely Planet... But heaps of people have reccomended it so thats usually a good sign..

Anyways, keep the comments comming..

Luv to all,

Rohan

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Comments

[Megz]

U aint missin nothin
Hey Rohan, Glad to hear you are havin a great time. I have to say though that Cammo's entries are pretty good too. U guys r such tourists, Air con buses and trains???What the hell is goin on there hey? Good on ya anyway 'cause it's not about how you get there it's about you being there full stop. Enjoy and keep it up!!!! Megz

[Mum]

Hi from home
Nan and I have been spending Sat afternoon reading the blogss...very entertaining. Love the shirt..I want one. Has been raining over past few days but fined up this morning, but now looks like rain again. Glad you are travelling well.CU Soon P>S Nan wants to know how you tummy is?

[Anthony & Vanessa]

Hi mate, looks like you guys are having a great time! Wish we were there - maybe one day soon! Nothing too exciting happening back home but we're getting some rain at least and Sasha seems to be enjoying her holiday too! Take care and have fun!