Our first day and a half in Hội An was very relaxing (well deserved after our cave tour). We arrived in Hội An on Monday afternoon by taking a 6-hour train from Đồng Hới to Da Nang, and then a taxi to Hội An. We checked into the Hội An Historic Hotel located in the heart of town, and enjoyed a few cocktails at the hotel’s Western Bar (typical, of course).

As Hội An is the fashion capital, we headed to Tuòng Tailor to have our clothes tailored (by recommendation). I won’t tell you how much I spent, but 8 suits and 3 dresses later… I won’t need any more clothes for the year. Pat had 2 beautiful suits and 1 shirt tailored… watch out! We can’t wait to receive the final products. Also, the ladies at Tuòng are so lovely, especially Nana and Kim Kim – thank you.

We enjoyed dinner overlooking the lake at Cargo Club Cafè and Restaurant (as recommended by Lee Lee, again). We selected sizzling beef and vegetables with rice, spring rolls with noodles and crab wontons (to die for), along with passion fruit and mango daiquiris and a bottle of French red wine. The vibe of Hội An is incomparable to that of any other Vietnam city we’ve been to – it is so calm, relaxing and vibrant. We are in love, so far.

After dinner, the two-for-one cocktails had us hooked at Sky Bar Hội An for a few hours, where we played jenga and sang along to the music… until I got a little sick. Oops.

Anyway, we had a slow start yesterday morning and indulged in the buffet breakfast at the hotel before we strolled through the beautiful streets, filled with lanterns, coffee, fashion and art. We took a laneway seat at Artbook Cafè and I had to buy an egg coffee again – I’ve been craving it since Hanoi. Pat selected a peach tea served hot (you get to choose whether your tea is served hot or cold in Vietnam). We then purchased a gift for you, Mum and Loretta (which we’re sure you will both love)! I also purchased a beautiful painting of Hội An for my room – Dad, you will need to help me hang it (please).

After a very light lunch and a beer on tap (in preparation of our food tour in the evening), we treated ourselves to a massage at the hotel and returned to the tailor confirm our measurements. We then met Hui, our food guru from his own Momo Tours, for an incredible food tour around the streets of Hội An.

For the tour, we joined a group of 7 other people from the UK, Germany and Norway – we ate so much food, again. Hui took us to try bánh mì from the famous Phuong’s, which utilises bread from the shop next door, being Hội An’s oldest bakery (opened on 30 April 1975 – the day the Vietnam War ended). As Anthony Bourdain claims, “the best bành mì is in Hội An” – we are going back tomorrow. We then enjoyed bánh ướt (grilled marinated pork and salad rolled in rice paper with peanut sauce), trúng nướng phô mai (fried quail egg with garlic, chives and cheese), Chinese black sesame soup, French passionfruit profiteroles, cao lầu (pork rice noodle), and Vietnamese smoothie and fruit salad. *Chef’s kiss!*

After our food tour, which concluded at about 7:00pm, Pat bought himself some beautiful ties (to match his suits), and I ordered a tailored leather bag and shoes… I think I’m done with shopping, now. Pat has SO much patience (thanks, honey). We strolled the streets and soaked up the nightlife of Hội An, sitting and people-watching at Tiger Tiger Bar (the tourist hot spot), before heading back to the hotel for bed.

Today, we are hopping on a motorbike for a tour around Hội An with Mr T, and we can’t wait to tell you about it.

Lots of love from the Ancient City,

Cass & Pat x