Bit of an overcast day but we're off to do touristy things! Hoi An was a bustling trading port in the 15th to 19th century, welcoming merchants from all over Asia and Europe. As a result, there's quite a lot of different influences in the architecture here. We ride to the centre of the old city to check it out.  These yellow-painted shop houses are everywhere in Hoi An and one of the many symbols of the city Just like the white-washed houses of Andalucia and the blue-painted buildings in Chefchaouen, golden-yellow is the primary colour for the shop houses in town. Just like the aforementioned examples, no one knows why these buildings were painted this hue, some say it's the colour of royalty, others say that it helps keep the buildings cool in the heat of the summer.  Royal or cool? Hoi An has been designated a UNESCO site, which pretty much guarantees its place on the Gringo Trail. The streets of the old town are bustling with tourists from all over the world.  The lady in the silk ao dai dress wearing a conical straw hat and riding a bicycle is one of the iconic images of Hoi An It's prominently portrayed in paintings, posters, mugs and fridge magnets in all of the souvenir shops lining the streets of the old town.  Tourists can rent a dress, hat and bicycle for the day for a fun photoshoot around town  Some are more authentic than others. Probably not a tourist...  More tourists These ladies were having a great time hamming it up for the camera. They changed into multiple outfits including their sports uniform for a photo session in front of this Chinese temple. From their uniform, it looked like they were a softball team?  I didn't have a silk dress or softball uniform. But I have a snazzy KTM shirt?  This Japanese covered bridge is one of Hoi An's most popular tourist attractions It was built by Japanese and Chinese immigrants in the 17th century before Japan recalled all its citizens back and ceased trade relations with Vietnam in 1633.  Neda thinks we should give up the motorcycles and explore Vietnam by rickshaw. That is, as long as I'm driving...  Ao dai shop. Neda bought two dresses!  The town of Hoi An is situated on the Hoia River  More tourists in Ao Dai dresses and conical hats  Another thing the city is known for are paper lanterns, adorning the front of shops and strung up over all the streets  Handmade embroidery  New favorite food! I think I just discovered my favorite food: Bahn Xeo, crispy rice stuffed pancake. It's deep fried and tastes a bit like hash browns. You cut it with scissors, put it inside a rice paper roll with all sorts of other ingredients alongside of it. Almost all Vietnamese food is super-healthy. That's nice and all, but I do really miss deep fried food!  This lady on the street offered me a job. One of the perks is that I get to eat all the fruit I want!  Hoi An during the day is pretty, but the town comes alive at night! The streets are lit up with all kinds of paper lanterns of different colours, shapes and sizes. There are more tourists out at night than during the day.  River by lantern light The main attraction of Hoi An at night is seeing the lights of the town reflected on the Hoai river. You can take a romantic boat ride by lantern light.  Enjoying the lights of Hoi An by the river side.  Streetside charity There are a lot of stray dogs in Vietnam. This very kind storekeeper brings a bowl of food every night for the dogs outside of her shop.  Hoi An at night is bristling with live music and art on the streets  And no matter where you go, you are always bathed in lantern light Today was a nice break from the motorcycles. Tomorrow, back on the bikes! There are more Gringo Towns to explore!
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