Carefree Days in Hoi An

From Hué, I took a bus to Hoi An. «Hoi An is considered one of the most enchanting cities in Vietnam,» I read in a travel guide. And it was true. If I hadn't already organized my onward journey to Nha Trang, I would have easily stayed for another week or two. Hotel La Charm, located at the edge of the old town, was a bit above my usual budget at 45 euros per night. However, it turned out to be an extremely decent place with large, luxurious rooms, a fantastic pool, and above all, remarkably friendly and professional staff.

In the evening, brightly lit restaurants and bars line the banks of the Song Thu Bon River. At one venue, I enjoyed seaweed soup, pork belly, and morning glory.

For those who prefer a more casual atmosphere, there are countless food stalls offering treats like fried frogs or braised octopus, and a mobile bar serves drinks, allowing you to sit by the riverbank. Touristy boats decorated with lanterns of all colors bob gently on the water.

Thousands of lanterns also illuminate the scene on both sides of the river, and thousands of happy people stroll along the riverside promenade and in the charming old town. Its landmark is the covered Japanese bridge from the 16th century, a decorative backdrop for selfies.

I continued my journey by train, this time during the day, to Nha Trang in almost twelve hours. The large city with an expansive beach is the favorite seaside resort of the Vietnamese and home to thousands of Russian expats who have fled Putin's war. But above all, Nha Trang is extremely budget-friendly: on the eighth floor (with elevator!) of the Yen Indochine Hotel, I got a room with air conditioning and a sea view for just ten euros per night.

To make it short: What remained for me was the Christmas decoration on the beach; otherwise, I could name countless seaside resorts where I would rather be than here. That's why I'm flying further on December 9, 2024, across the country to Phu Quoc Island.