October 13, 2004 Hoi An, Vietnam
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Perhaps the easiest way of traveling in Vietnam is by “open tour,” on a tour bus you can get on and off as you please like the Kiwi Experience in New Zealand. That may be a good way to get around in New Zealand, but it's not what I like to do in Asia, so I've avoided it.
But today's three hour bus ride from Hue to Hoi An was on the open tour bus, and I'm glad I've avoided it. A crazy Kiwi guy can pull off the wacky tour guide act, but when a Vietnamese guy tries it, he is just annoying. Our “guide,” which I did not want or need, lectured us for a half an hour on where we were going, where we could go from there (using the company's transportation), where we could stay (at the company's hotel), and the weather. He even sang. When they dropped us at their hotel, they wouldn't get my bag out, so I had to retrieve it myself. I promptly fled, and found my own hotle, no problem, as usual.
Hoi An really is a charming little town. It's old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and consits of pretty, old Chinese shops, all well preserved. Unlike Hanoi's old town, there is no new development. Walking around and looking at the sites is fun, and the shops sell some nice stuff, such as beautiful artwork, pottery, Chinese lanterns, and wood carvings. I've already stocked up, and plan to buy more tomorrow. The food is also excellent, and the restaurants have pleasant ambiance.
As charming and pleasant as Hoi An is, it is sort of boring by yourself. I'll check out the beach tomorrow.